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Preserving Equestrian Tradition in Middleburg | The Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital
Virginia, Local Guides Aley Virginia, Local Guides Aley

Preserving Equestrian Tradition in Middleburg | The Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s picturesque countryside lies Middleburg, a charming town renowned for its rich equestrian heritage. For centuries, this quaint community has embraced the equestrian lifestyle, making it a haven for equestrians and enthusiasts alike. The equestrian culture in Middleburg dates back to the 18th century when settlers first established the town. From the beginning, horses were integral to the local way of life, helping with farming, transportation, and leisure. As the years passed, Middleburg became synonymous with thoroughbred breeding, fox hunting, and equestrian competitions, gaining a reputation as the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital.”

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Lunch at Keswick Hall

Lunch at Keswick Hall

To kick off my birthday celebration over the past weekend, we popped over to Keswick Hall which is located just twenty minutes outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. During our visit, we had the opportunity to walk around the resort, enjoy a cocktail in the library adjoining one of the pools, and soak in the lovely golf course views as we enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Marigold by Jean-Georges.

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Quarterly Trip to Effingham Manor Winery

Quarterly Trip to Effingham Manor Winery

Although our visits are often more frequent than quarterly, we stop by Effingham Manor Winery, nestled in the quaint countryside of Nokesville, Virginia, to pick up our Wine Club bottles every three months. This quarter’s wine club, which we picked up over this past weekend, featured a King’s Ransom (a personal favorite), Cabernet Franc, and Petit Manseng. We also took the opportunity to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with a bottle of Effingham’s Sparkling Wine and the lovely views next to the koi pond on the property.

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Visiting Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville

Visiting Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville

Just down the road from the beautiful town of Middleburg is Upperville, a small town in Fauquier County notable for its horse farms and beautiful country estates. Nestled in the town is Hunter’s Head Tavern, a lovely historic tavern serving some of the best organic and locally-sourced meals in the area. Everything from the lovely cork menus to the hunt country-inspired foliage is carefully considered, thus creating an inviting, cozy and elegant English country-style ambience.

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Sunday at Salamander Resort and Spa
Virginia, Local Guides Aley Virginia, Local Guides Aley

Sunday at Salamander Resort and Spa

One of my favorite things about Virginia’s hunt country is the combination of equestrian-inspired decor, rolling hills and pastures filled with horses and cattle, old-world cobbled streets and lovely brick homes, and history-filled small towns. It’s probably no surprise at this point, but one of my favorite towns in hunt country is Middleburg. This past weekend, we popped over to Salamander Resort and Spa for a cocktail and walk around their lovely equestrian center and gardens.

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