Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
The Small Town Of Middleburg, Virginia Just Might Be The Unofficial Antiques Capital Of America, not the Cutest!
Who doesn’t love antique shopping in Virginia? Walking into a local store, you truly never know what treasures you’ll find. From the everyday essentials to the perfect hand-picked gifts and items of incredible value – be it sentimental value or monetary value – there’s always a fascinating inventory to explore. If you agree, then you’ll want to plan a little excursion to Middleburg. This beautiful and quaint town in Virginia’s Hunt Country offers several antique shops to peruse.
Welcome to beautiful Middleburg! Known as the nation’s horse and hunt capital, it’s a breathtaking place to spend time in the great outdoors.
Of course, the moment you set foot downtown, you’ll quickly discover that Middleburg might just be America’s antique capital. There are easily half a dozen shops that specialize in home goods, rare gifts, and antique treasures galore. Whether you’re stopping by with something specific in mind or simply in the mood to browse, you’ll be delighted by each shop’s attention to detail, inventory, and knowledge.
Antiques are fun to shop for because, by nature, they’re one-of-a-kind. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself bringing a few treasures home with you! If you’re traveling with the family, you’ll be glad to hear there are all kinds of stores that will entertain even the littlest shoppers.
So the next time you’re looking to redecorate or perhaps just explore a new part of the state, you’ll be glad you paid a visit to Middleburg.
What are some of your favorite places to go antique shopping in Virginia? America’s horse and hunt country capital, home to the Forbes 5 Star Salamander Resort & Spa, is a gorgeous settlement dating back to 1728 when a fieldstone tavern was established on an old Native American trail by a cousin of George Washington. That tavern became the Red Fox Inn, still going strong today. The historic downtown is lined with chic boutiques, raffish men’s stores, and superb café and restaurants, while the surrounding countryside has roads lined with stone walls and thoroughbred horses frolicking in the fields.
Scores of wineries and breweries have recently sprung up, as well as a craft distillery, and 2013 saw the opening of the luxe equine-themed Salamander, and the first Middleburg Film Festival, now a major stop on the Oscar trail. Find out why Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor called Middleburg home.
While you’re in Middleburg, you might consider booking a stay at the Red Fox Inn & Tavern. It’s the oldest of its kind in Virginia and rumored to be haunted!
History
Middleburg was established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia Statesman Levin Powell, who purchased the land that constitutes the town for $2.50 an acre from Joseph Chinn, first cousin to George Washington. Previously called “Chinn’s Crossroads,” Powell chose the name “Middleburg” because of the town’s location midway between Alexandria and Winchester on the Ashby Gap trading route (now known as Route 50). Since the 1730s, Middleburg had been a staging point for weary travelers along the Ashby Gap Road.
Accommodations
Red Fox Inn and Tavern
The Red Fox Inn and Tavern is billed as the “oldest original inn in America”. It was a meeting spot for Confederate Colonel John Mosby and his Rangers. A century later, President Kennedy’s press secretary, Pierre Salinger, held press conferences at the Red Fox in the Jeb Stuart Room.
Salamander Resort & Spa
If you prefer the refined sophistication of a luxurious country estate, book a stay at the Salamander Resort and Spa, which was recently awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide. In 2013, The charismatic resort features 168 guestrooms and suites, all with scenic views of the countryside.
The 23,000-square-foot spa presents 14 treatment rooms and a private outdoor courtyard with heated pool. In addition, Salamander has one of the finest equestrian facilities and programs in the country, with 25 on-site acres dedicated to riding and a 14,000-square-foot stable. The culinary program also does not disappoint with the rustic Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, a multi-experience cooking studio, well-appointed wine bar and jovial billiards room. Salamander also offers:
Archery
Nature hikes
Tennis
Zip lining
An abundant amount of other outdoor activities
The adventures are endless.
Attractions
On Washington Street is another gracious reminder of the past – the Windsor House Inn, circa 1824. During the Civil War, it was known as the Colonial Inn; and, was run by Catherine Broun. Although Catherine sympathized with the South, she generously served meals to Union troops at the inn as well when they occupied Middleburg in 1862.
After the turn of the century, Middleburg began welcoming a new wave of visitors that descended on the town for foxhunting and steeple chasing. The charming village soon earned a reputation as the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital,” attracting prominent visitors from across the United States.
Serving as a host community for more than 250 years, it is no surprise that Middleburg has developed such a high concentration of fine inns, shops and restaurants.
Historic Preservation
Middleburg was recognized in 2008 for its historic preservation efforts by being designated a Preserve America Community by then-First Lady Laura Bush.
