There is something undeniably magical about the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia. Nestled in the heart of hunt country, this charming estate captures the essence of Virginia’s countryside elegance. With its classic style, warm wooden interiors, and picturesque surroundings, Goodstone Inn is the perfect blend of refined luxury and rustic charm. It was the ideal setting for their "Last Sips of Summer" dinner event, a night dedicated to celebrating the vibrant flavors of rosé wine and the summer's bounty of tomatoes.

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Linden, Virginia, Crimson Lane Vineyards offers a serene and sophisticated escape for wine lovers. Our recent visit to this exquisite estate was a true celebration of the senses, a perfect blend of elegance, refined ambiance, and the natural beauty of the countryside.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's wine country, Barboursville Vineyards offers an enchanting blend of Italian sophistication and Virginian charm. My recent visit to this illustrious estate was nothing short of extraordinary, a symphony of senses that began with a stroll through their delightful herb gardens. The fragrant embrace of basil and rosemary welcomed us, setting the tone for a day of refined pleasures.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Haymarket, Virginia, The Winery at La Grange offers a romantic escape into a world where history and viticulture blend seamlessly. As you arrive, you are greeted by picturesque vineyards that stretch across the landscape, their rows of grapevines creating a serene, pastoral tableau. The historic house, a beautifully preserved 18th-century manor, stands proudly amidst the greenery, its classic architecture evoking a sense of timeless Virginian elegance. Stepping inside, you are welcomed by the inviting warmth of an incredibly knowledgeable team who can walk you through a guided tasting while sharing some of the house’s fascinating history. And, don’t forget to check out the manor’s stone cellar downstairs, where rustic charm meets modern comforts.

Nestled in the heart of Prince William County, Nokesville, Virginia, is a picturesque town where the serenity of the countryside meets historic charm. This quaint locale is renowned for its rolling pastures dotted with horses and its idyllic landscapes that capture the essence of rural Virginia. Whether you're a local looking for a day of relaxation or a visitor seeking a peaceful retreat, Nokesville offers an array of delightful experiences. From invigorating hikes and artisanal breweries to delectable pastries and elegant wineries, here’s how to spend an idyllic day in Nokesville.

Venturing out to local wineries is one of our favorite pastimes, especially in the picturesque wine and hunt country of Virginia — it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine, supporting a local business, and unwinding/recharging for after a long week at work. My husband and I cherish these outings not only for the exceptional views and exquisite wines, but also because we can bring our two standard poodles, Otto and Adler, along for the adventure. Finding dog-friendly wineries that offer both a welcoming atmosphere for our furry companions and a delightful tasting experience is paramount. With that in mind, here are the four (in no particular order) best dog-friendly wineries in and around hunt country that have captured our hearts.

There's something magical about a summertime dress that effortlessly transforms ordinary moments into scenes straight out of a storybook. Picture yourself in a flowing sundress, twirling amidst a garden of blooming flowers, or sipping on a chilled glass of rosé on your sun-dappled deck. Whether you're strolling through the park or dressing up for a dreamy date night, the perfect summer dress can make you feel like the leading lady in your own enchanting tale. This season, let your wardrobe set the stage for romanticizing every moment, with chic and affordable styles that leave you feeling as glamorous as a Bond girl.

Sharing my transformative journey towards embracing clean beauty. Motivated by a desire for a holistic approach to wellness, I began to question the ingredients in my beauty products, inspired by online communities and my commitment to a mindful lifestyle. With newfound awareness, I delved into the world of clean beauty, prioritizing natural, non-toxic ingredients that nourish and support my skin. While the transition hasn’t been without its challenges, I'm excited to align my beauty routine with my broader ethos of self-care, embracing a balanced yet intentional approach to skincare.

In 2024, I set out on a literary adventure with a simple yet ambitious goal: to diversify my reading palate beyond the comforting confines of my beloved historical fiction bubble. While historical tales have long held a cherished place on my bookshelf (OK, let’s be honest, Aley… historical fiction makes up my entire bookshelf!), variety truly is the spice of life. As the year unfolds, I have found myself pleasantly surprised by the treasures I've unearthed within the pages of novels spanning a multitude of genres. From heartwarming contemporary stories and thought-provoking non-fiction (and yes, more historical fiction), my reading journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I reflect on the books that have captured my imagination and stirred my soul thus far, I am thrilled to share my favorite reads of 2024 with you. So, without further ado, let's dive into the literary delights that have illuminated my year thus far.

I'm excited to share a personal update with you all—I'm diving back into the world of horseback riding, with a focus on dressage! Horses have always held a special place in my heart, their grace and strength captivating me since childhood. After a hiatus of several years, I've rediscovered the joy of being in the saddle, reconnecting with these magnificent animals and the sport I love.

As a Virginia native, one question I often field from friends and family visiting the state is, "What should I wear?" I have several other style guides worth checking out on this blog for inspiration about nailing the ‘hunt country chic’ aesthetic; however, I haven’t focused much yet on practical dressing as it relates to the lovely seasonal weather that Virginia offers us. My mom is one of the most prepared ladies I know, and so naturally, I receive the “What should I wear?” question from her every time she graces this lovely state with a visit. Being much the same as my mom and always wanting to be as prepared as possible, I've realized it’s time to compile my definitive guide to dressing for success in each of Virginia’s seasons.

With sunnier, warmer days now here in Virginia, I have been focusing heavily on cultivating what I think will be summer to remember in terms of the herbs grown in my kitchen garden. As a novice gardener nestled in Zone 7, I've discovered the joy of cultivating a kitchen garden bursting with an array of aromatic herbs — cooking with herbs is not just a culinary delight but also a therapeutic pastime, offering a sensory experience like no other. What I adore most about herb gardening is the forgiving nature of these plants, making them perfect companions for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Picture this: on a sweltering summer's day, there's nothing quite like tending to my herb pots with a glass of rosé in hand, surrounded by the intoxicating scents of basil, lavender, mint, and more.

In the heart of Virginia's countryside, amidst the quaint towns of Hume and Marshall, our day unfolded with a blend of rustic charm and refined delights. Starting with a savory stop at The Whole Ox in Marshall, we savored their renowned burgers before setting off for the sprawling trails of Marriott Ranch. There, beneath the vast sky and rolling hills, we found solace in the company of Jess and Ranger, our trusty steeds for the day. As the sun dipped low, we ventured to Rappahannock Cellars, where the vineyard's sparkling wines and panoramic views provided the perfect finale to our day of adventure.

This spring, I have been wearing this perfectly curated (in my humble opinion…) ensemble that seamlessly blends classic elegance with Virginia's rustic charm. Crafted from quality fabrics by impeccable British brands, this outfit exudes sophistication and timeless appeal. Here, I’ve paired a waxed field coat from a heritage brand with a flowy, pleated midi skirt for a harmonious fusion of refined style and feminine allure, capturing the essence of classic Virginian country fashion. I’ve completed the look with leather boots and a fun baseball cap for a touch of practicality and polish, epitomizing the perfect balance between country charm and chic sophistication.

Photographs taken at the Manassas Battlefield National Park by Savana Ashley Photography.

I’m very excited to announce that my new and improved shopping page has finally launched! This long overdue improvement should hopefully be a more functional and easy way to navigate my current and seasonal favorites in the wardrobe, around the home, and on my vanity. I’d love to know your thoughts on the new page down below! And, as always, if there are any items or categories not featured that you’d like to see, feel free to pop a comment down below or submit a note on my contact page.

Craftmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance… words that, to me, evoke the essence of British brand Fairfax & Favor. With a rich history rooted in traditional English style, Fairfax & Favor has mastered the art of creating pieces that exude both sophistication and refinement. A few of my favorite wardrobe staples are the Regina boots and the lovely Sennowe belts — each accessory is meticulously crafted and showcases the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail. These pieces effortlessly elevate any ensemble, offering a tailored and polished aesthetic reminiscent of the equestrian lifestyle. Whether paired with casual attire or formal wear, Fairfax and Favor's leather accessories add a touch of timeless charm to every look, embodying the essence of classic English style with a modern twist.

I’ll start by acknowledging that this post is definitely out of my normal “hunt country chic” content. However, I have been mulling over my thoughts about social media and comparison for a few weeks now and, even if nobody else reads this, this blog post serves as a gentle albeit important reminder for myself. In full transparency, I’ve been struggling with social media over the past few months — whether it’s simply due to the time of the year, the stress of a house remodel and career, general burn-out, or something else — and this mental turmoil has left me feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and frankly, quite ‘blah’. And, while what I’m writing is neither ground-breaking nor shocking, it’s important to stop and think about every now and then, especially when so much of our daily life is spent consuming content either consciously or unconsciously.

As the days begin to get brighter and warmer, now is the perfect time to plan a weekend trip through the picturesque landscapes of hunt country to gather inspiration from the charm and beauty of this region. From the quaint streets of Middleburg to the rolling hills of Charlottesville, there's no shortage of delightful destinations waiting to be discovered. Join me in this post as I embark on a whirlwind dreamy day trip tour of some of the area's most beloved locales, each offering its own unique blend of seasonal delights and irresistible allure.

Step into the rejuvenating embrace of early spring with my comprehensive guide to refreshing your home for the season ahead. As the days lengthen and the air grows warmer, it's the perfect time to breathe new life into your living space and embrace the vibrant energy of springtime. Follow along as I share my favorite tips and tricks for welcoming the season into your home with open arms. With these simple yet effective steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a home that radiates with the warmth and vitality of spring.

The enchanting realm of springtime in Virginia, where nature awakens from its wintry slumber, painting the landscape with vibrant hues and breathing new life into the air… As the days grow longer and the sun's warmth graces us once more, there's an undeniable sense of renewal and possibility that permeates the air. In this blog post, I invite you to join me on a journey through seven of my favorite activities to celebrate the arrival of spring in the Old Dominion. From leisurely strolls amidst blooming fields to quaint picnics in picturesque vineyards, each experience promises to immerse you in the beauty and charm of this magical season. So, let us embark together on this adventure, as we embrace the joys of springtime in Virginia and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

I stepped outside with the dogs this morning and was greeted by the tell-tale scent of early spring. Excited by the early buds on my hydrangeas, the impending display of daffodils and tulips erupting from the ground, and sunnier, longer, and warmer days ahead, I am celebrating the arrival of spring with ten delightful everyday dresses that perfectly blend comfort, classic style, and femininity. As the season blossoms around us, there's no better time to embrace effortlessly chic attire that effortlessly transitions from morning strolls to afternoon picnics.