In the midst of winter and its attendant colds, germs, and cabin fever, having a mini vacay on the calendar is always a smart idea. A recent weekend trip to Middleburg, Virginia, aka the nation’s horse and hunt capital, was just what the doctor ordered.
Named because of its location as the midway point on a popular trading route, Middleburg has been a popular stopping point since it was established in 1787. There’s never been a better time to soak in the town’s history, eat at fabulous restaurants, visit nearby vineyards, and watch (or participate in) equestrian events.
We found these amazing silhouette at a local antique shop!
With the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, we spent the weekend perusing through the town’s many charming antique shops, finding treasures including paintings, silhouette portraits, and furniture.
Simply walking around town is a history lesson: Middleburg has over 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places including The Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Now a boutique hotel with delicious, locally sourced and inspired dining offerings, The Red Fox was established in 1728 and has since hosted famous names like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Paul Newman.
We would have happily stayed much longer at the Salamander Resort and Spa: they offer trail rides and riding lessons, ziplining, art classes, hiking, even archery and axe throwing among their many activities. And, of course, we would have liked to move in to the spacious spa with its varied treatments including seasonal rituals that incorporate aromatherapy and massage and a special Riders’ Relief Massage.
The Spa at The Salamander Resort
One of our favorite activities at the Salamander: spending time with the resort’s resident celebrity, a miniature horse named Cupcake! In addition to holding court at the stables, Cupcake also welcomes visitors to the Salamander a few times a week in The Living Room, a popular gathering space.
Cupcake! What a cutie!