Though its size and bucolic surroundings might be considered quaint by Washington, D.C., standards (it’s about an hour’s drive west from the capital city), Middleburg is a robust destination for shopping, dining, visiting wineries, and exploring the land of fox hunts and steeplechases.

“Many liken it to the English countryside, with its gently rolling hills, stone walls, and deep-rooted equestrian culture,” says Dayle Wood, who visited Middleburg six times over the last year to develop de Gournay’s new Bunny Mellon Collection, a collaboration between the renowned British wallpaper brand, where Wood is the director of editorial and U.S. marketing, and Oak Spring Garden Foundation, which oversees Mrs. Mellon’s extraordinary garden and library in nearby Upperville.

Where to Shop In Middleburg Proper, Shopping Worth a Short Drive , Where to Stay , Where to Eat, While You're There, Getting Around

garden arbor with flowers

A highlight of Wood’s visits to Middleburg was the impressive array of antique shops throughout town and the surrounding area. “Shopping in Middleburg feels wonderfully personal,” she says. “There’s a slower rhythm—shops are independently owned, often by people who have been part of the community for years. There’s an old-world charm and character that feels increasingly rare these days, and it makes even the simplest purchase feel more meaningful.”

Ahead, the shops worth perusing on your next visit to charming Middleburg, Virginia, plus where to stay, eat, and play.

Where to Shop In Middleburg Proper

shops in middleburgs downtown historic district decorated their storefronts for the holidays. virginia tourism corporation, www.virginia.org

Thistlethwaite Americana

A haven for 18th- to 20th-century Americana furniture and the decorative arts, Thistlethwaite is owned and operated by Taylor Thistlethwaite, who purchased his first antique in his early teens and never looked back, obtaining a master's in historic preservation from the University of Kentucky and opening his storefront in Middleburg. Here, there is a find for everyone, from the novice treasure hunter to the seasoned collector. 116 West Washington Street

Crème de la Crème

The flagship of four locations in Virginia and Maryland, this well-curated boutique is brimming with French- and Italian-inspired tabletop, accessories, garden finds, jewelry, and antique furnishings. The scent of their hand-poured candles in small ceramic urns greets you as you step inside, and you might not be able to resist one of the signature French Guinea hens, made with Provincial French clay and hand-painted in Lussan, to amp up the whimsy in your garden. 23 East Washington Street

Middleburg Tack Exchange

The local authority on English tack and apparel, Middleburg Tack Exchange boasts walls of new and consigned saddles, handmade English bridles, jackets, breeches, boots, and more. Stop in to soak up the horse country heritage on display—antique sandwich cases, hunt flasks, crops, and accessories—or consult with one of the in-house experts on the intricacies of hunt etiquette and dress. 103 West Federal Street

The Accidental Peacock

Launched by Middleburg real estate agent Beckwith Bolle when she needed a place to house a client’s collection of antiques, including two brass peacocks, the aptly named Accidental Peacock is a trove of antique and vintage finds from Bolle’s clients who are downsizing and need to rehome their treasures. 18 South Madison Street

The Shaggy Ram

Interior designer Joanne Swift’s shop is part European antique showroom, part American art salon, and part charming children’s boutique. Most of the furniture inside comes from her regular shopping trips to England and France, and the art is sourced from her favorite creatives in Virginia and beyond. And then there’s Swift’s workroom, where sewing machines whir and fabric swatches inspire creative magic for clients near and far. 3 East Washington Street

Middleburg Antique Gallery

With finds ranging from formal English, European, and American furniture to Staffordshire figurines, fine art, silver, rugs, and books, a stop into this pretty stone building on Middleburg’s main thoroughfare is worth your while. Owner Linda Mason was raised on antiques by her parents, who were proprietors of the gallery before she took the reins. 107 West Washington Street

The Paradise Antiques

Argentinian-born interior designer Ariane Carles has transformed a barn on her family’s horse farm into a light-filled boutique brimming with an inspired mix of French,

Argentine, Italian, and Belgian antiques, as well as decorative objects, Murano glass chandeliers, colorful serving ware, and contemporary art. Her design studio is also on site. 1769 Zulla Road

Les Jardins de Bagatelle

Located in the heart of downtown Middleburg, this alluring gift and accessories shop features finds hand-selected by the owner on buying trips to France. From jewelry and scarves to candles and cookware, Les Jardins de Bagatelle deserves a spot on a ramble down East Washington Street. 12 East Washington Street

Shopping Worth a Short Drive

Mercer Tavern Antiques, Aldie

Built in 1939, this little white cottage and former tavern, just a 10-minute drive from Middleburg, is a treasure trove of a destination. “It’s the kind of shop that’s cluttered just enough to make a new find feel like you’ve stumbled upon something really special,” Wood says. “The shelves are brimming with antique English transferware, wooden tea caddies, vintage baskets, and framed prints.” 39359 Little River Turnpike, Aldie, VA

Red Schoolhouse Antiques, Millwood

From their home in Scotland, Virginia-raised Lorraine Murray and her husband Robin, who grew up on his family’s farm in Galloway, hunt down antique furniture, decor, and art from across the British Isles and Europe, to stock their 8,000-square-foot former school house just outside of Middleburg. 1014 Bishop Meade Road, Millwood, VA 22646

Malcolm Magruder Antiques, Millwood

For an intimate experience with one of Bunny Mellon’s favorite dealers, request an appointment with Malcolm Magruder in nearby Millwood. Peruse his collection of American antique furniture, early English pottery, 18th and early 19th-century decorative objects and paintings, and Georgian jewelry. By appointment, call 540-837-2438

Where to Stay

set on 340 acres in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains, the resort features 168 luxurious rooms, a lavish spa, a full service equestrian center and practice room, wine bar, cooking studio, and a unique array of conference and banquet facilities. virginia tourism corporation, www.virginia.org

Salamander Resort & Spa

This luxury resort is set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features a spa, restaurants, horseback riding, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and more.

Red Fox Inn & Tavern

“It is a cherished institution, beloved by both locals and visitors,” Wood says of the historic inn, which offers updated, spacious, and luxurious suites and cottages with high ceilings and natural light. “Its location, right in the heart of town, couldn’t be more perfect.”

Goodstone Inn

A country inn nestled in the woods near Middleburg, Goodstone Inn offers six boutique cottages as well as fine dining. Bike around the 265-acre property, hike the three-mile trail, take a garden tour, or luxuriate by the saltwater pool.

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

Twenty minutes west of Middleburg, this bed and breakfast dates back to 1829 and features a variety of rooms furnished with 19th century furniture. The on-site farm-to-table restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and guests are treated to a two-course country breakfast each morning.

Where to Eat

a restaurant in downtown middleburg. virginia tourism corporation, www.virginia.org

Middleburg Common Grounds

Gear up for a day of antiquing with a dose of caffeine from this locally-owned shop on Washington Street. 114 West Washington Street, Middleburg

The Tavern and Night Fox Pub at the Red Fox Inn

“It has a timeless, cozy charm—think wood panelling, crackling fireplaces, and hearty, comforting fare,” Wood says. Choose from two-, three-, and four-course seasonal menus at the historic Tavern, then sidle up to the bar at the Night Fox Pub for a night cap. 2 East Washington Street, Middleburg

The Hunter’s Head Tavern

“It feels like exactly the kind of place you want to settle into after a day exploring horse country,” Wood says. The restaurant sources its ingredients from Ayrshire Farm up the road, Virginia’s first Certified Humane and Organic farm. 9408 John S. Mosby Highway, Upperville

The Black Market

Set in a former general store in the village of Aldie, Virginia, this farm-to-table restaurant also features gourmet grocery items and an inviting front patio. 39285 Little River Turnpike, Aldie

Knead Wine

Founded by master sommelier and Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Jarad Slipp, this bottle and takeout pizza shop was the perfect addition to downtown Middleburg when it launched in 2020 and is still going strong with the addition of a dine-in location in nearby Purcellville. 5 West Washington Street, Middleburg

King St Oyster Bar

One of five locations in Virginia and DC, Middleburg’s King St Oyster Bar location is housed in a neoclassical building that was once home to Middleburg National Bank. Freshly shucked oysters, crab cake sandwiches, and creative cocktails are a rich addition to Washington Street. 1 E Washington St, Middleburg

While You're There

De Gournay�s stunning new wallpaper collection reimagines Bunny Mellon�s Virginia home and garden

Visit Oak Springs Garden Foundation

The foundation manages the estate and gardens of Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon. Although not typically open to the public, Oak Spring does host occasional Open Days. Click here for more information, and to find out how you can tour with VERANDA, click here.

Cana Vineyards & Winery

Go Wine Tasting

With 50 wineries in Loudon county alone, it's clear that Virginia is for wine lovers. There is no shortage of tasting opportunities close to Middleburg, from Boxwood Winery and Greenhill Vineyards to Cana Vineyards and Chrysalis Vineyards. The area is also home to breweries, cideries, and distilleries.

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Horse Around

Chances are that here in the nation’s horse and hunt capital, your visit might coincide with one of many equestrian events that take place throughout the year. From polo matches and steeplechases—Middleburg hosts spring and fall races—to the National Sporting Library and Museum and even the Middleburg Horse & Hounds Review Christmas parade where riders and their mounts trot down Washington Street, a closer look at the rich equestrian heritage of Middleburg is a worthy endeavor.