Middleburg, Virginia is also known as the Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital and is famous for its beautiful landscape, the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and stunning preserved history. Middleburg is home to award-winning wineries, vineyards, amazing horse country, scenic country roads, a nationally recognized museum, and top-notch culinary experiences. If you would like to learn more about the History of Middleburg, you can read my previous article about it here.
Are you looking for things to do and places to visit while in Middleburg? We’re here to talk about our must-see’s and do’s and some local favorites.
Where to Stay
-The Salamander Resort and Spa
The Salamander Resort and Spa is a Forbes 5-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort dedicated to health and wellness. This resort features 168 guest rooms and suites all with scenic views of the countryside and a 23,000-square-foot spa with 14 treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard with a heated pool. Salamander has also built one of the finest equestrian facilities and programs in the country with 25 acres dedicated to riding and a 14,000-square-foot stable. There is plenty to eat and drink at Salamander with the rustic Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, a multi-experience cooking studio, a well-appointed wine bar, and even a jovial billiards room. The resort has numerous activities and things to do like zip lining, tennis, nature hikes, archery, and many other outdoor activities that will assure you will never be bored.
Visit SalamanderResort.com
Wining and Dining
-The Middleburg AVA
The history of Virginia’s winemaking can be traced back to 1609 and the Jamestown Settlement. Later, both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington made attempts to establish a viable crop but were met with failure. In 1873, a crop of Native American grapes had their first taste of success at the Vienna World’s Fair but it wasn’t until Chateau Morrisette and five other wineries opened in the 1970s that Virginia truly began producing and marketing wines. Chateau Morrisette is the one of the oldest wineries in Virginia and is a third-generation family business located in the heart of the Middleburg AVA.
In 2006, the executive Vice President of Boxwood Estate Winery, Rachel E. Martin, began the process to establish the Middleburg AVA. In 2012, the Middleburg AVA was finally granted as a 198-square mile region with wineries located in both Loudoun and Fauquier counties. The boundaries stretch from the Potomac River to the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Bull Run and Catoctin Mountains. Today, there are 24 wineries and 229 acres of commercial vineyards within the AVA. This area is a must see not only for the quality of wine being produced at all of the wineries, but the sheer beauty of the area.
You can find a list of a few of the Middleburg AVA wineries here.
-Red Horse Tavern
The Red Horse Tavern is one of our favorites as well as the locals and is a destination for day-trippers with a little something for everyone. With a warm and cozy tavern feel, this is sure to be somewhere you have to check out. The Red Horse Tavern is known for its burgers and sandwiches accompanied by live music, you can find their menu here.
Visit Red Horse Tavern
Must Do/See’s
-Red Fox Inn & Tavern
The Red Fox Inn and Tavern is a must-see, do, stay, eat and drink, Virginia landmark that offers hearty meals in a historic tavern setting, beautiful guest rooms featuring Piedmont furnishings, and unique wedding and social event spaces that will create lasting memories for everyone who visits. There is a lot of history behind the walls of this fieldstone building as it was established in 1728, 59 years before the town of Middleburg, as a halfway point between Alexandria and Winchester. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in Virginia and the United States and has hosted many notable politicians, authors, musicians, athletes, and celebrities including Presidents George Washington and John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, U.S. Senator John Warner, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Woodward, Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, and Robert Duvall, just to name a few. With more than 290 years of history, there is still a lot more to learn when you go visit.
Visit Red Fox Inn & Tavern
-National Sporting Library & Museum
Founded in 1954, this renowned research library and fine art museum highlights the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year. They are open to the general public where you can explore more than 26,000 works and books featuring subjects like angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, fox hunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, wildlife, and so much more.
Visit National Sporting Library & Museum
-Historic District
Middleburg’s historic district is less than a mile long but is filled with a variety of unique stores including equestrian shops, high-end clothing boutiques, fine art galleries, and so much more. Take a stroll down Washington Street and you’ll be sure to find something to take home with you. The historic district also features four churches and a large Federal-style house known as “Chestnut Hill” or “The Hill” which sits on more than 37 acres of lush pastures, brilliant perennial gardens, and breathtaking towering trees.
Visit Chestnut Hill
Our Favorite Picks
-Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor
Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor is a hidden little gem and is one of our favorite places to go, as well as the locals. Scruffy’s opened its doors on Christmas Parade Day in 1988 thanks to Hilleary Bogley. Bogley is a highly respected animal rescuer who founded Middleburg Humane in 1994. Scruffy’s is known for offering 24 different Hershey’s ice cream flavors, and a full espresso menu. They’re also known for the often bulging donation jar where proceeds benefit Middleburg Humane, a spay and neuter clinic supporting feral cat efforts; and towards purchasing supplies for monthly visits to the families on the Chained Dog Assistance Program, which Bogley instituted to educate owners and improve conditions for tethered dogs. They will stay open through the holidays, then close for winter. This is sure to be a sweet treat that will leave you feeling good about helping the local animals.
Visit Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor
-Lost Barrel Brewery
Lost Barrel Brewery is a favorite among our 21+ staff and is known for its fresh, hand-crafted beer and hard seltzers that is unlike anything you can find in a store. Their Bale House is a restored two-story barn that offers two event spaces and the second floor, known as the Loft, is a one-of-a-kind private event location with a vast view of the brew room. Lost Barrel Brewery offers artisanal menu selections through their Loco Kitchen that are created to complement their beverages using fresh seasonal, high-quality ingredients and welcome guests not only to dine inside the tap house or picturesque porch but also on the grounds of the stunning countryside.
Visit LostBarrel.com
-Empower Adventures
We had to save the best for last, a clear and obvious favorite is Empower Adventures at Salamander Resort and Spa. Empower Adventures is a beautiful 20-acre eco course located on the Salamander Resort and Spa property and offers unique outdoor adventures like zip lining, rappelling, survival courses, and team-building facilitation. Empower’s signature adventure, the Tree Top Zip Tour, is a fan favorite as this adventure will take you across five zip lines ranging in length from 275ft to 670ft and cross two suspension bridges. This is a must-do family excursion in Middleburg that will be sure to create lasting memories you can cherish forever.
