- Middleburg, Virginia, a picturesque rural village about an hour from Washington, D.C.
- This hidden gem is full of old world charm with rolling hills, independent stores, and more. small vineyardsCountry inns and hotels.
- Middleburg’s unique elements were attractive to icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor who lived there for a while.
It’s not necessary to be a Jane Austen enthusiast to dream of the English countryside by 2025. The 250th anniversary is this year. Pride and Prejudice Author’s birth, and the idea that an idyllic, rose scented, not too hot English countryside is permeating imaginations, bucket list, and social media feeds has seemingly spread around the world. We may not be able to make it to Austen’s home country in the summer but we can still enjoy the idea. Can you imagine? visit somewhere a little closer to home—especially if your home is on the East Coast.
Middleburg, Virginia, an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., offers a state-side version of the Cotswolds. There has never been a more perfect time to visit.
Middleburg, with its sprawling horses farms, rolling vineyards and historic country inns as well as independently owned boutiques is reminiscent of Austen’s books. Middleburg has remained under the radar despite its location in Loudoun county, the richest county in America. It is also a favorite of many Hollywood and political icons.
Elizabeth Taylor lived in Middleburg during her marriage with Senator John Warner. The Kennedys also owned a 166 acre farm, which they used for weekends during their tenure at the White House. Jackie Kennedy, who was an avid visitor to Middleburg even though JFK disliked it, remained a fixture in the town after her husband’s death and was a frequent at The Red Fox Inn and Tavern.
“The unassuming lifestyle of the Virginia PiedmontMatilda Reuter Engle runs Red Fox, and her family has lived in Middleburg seven generations. That lifestyle—with its tony pursuits of fox hunting, horse racing, and polo playing—adds to what Engle points out is Middleburg’s “old-world charm.”
Antique shops and boutiques are scattered throughout the postcard-sized town. Crème de la CrèmeThe shop sells an extremely well-curated collection of European homewares. Tara Wegdam, and Ben Wegdam founded the shop in 1993 after running a successful business in Holland. Middleburg was a natural choice for them to start their business once they left Europe. Tara Wegdam believes that Middleburg is a place where “European charm meets daily living”. This has been the reason for its success. The shop has a membership of over 100,000 customers and operates several locations in Virginia and Maryland. However, Middleburg remains their most popular destination.
Many shops have followed in Crème de la Crème’s footsteps and have thrived in the town, whose population is just 700. Middleburg BooksThe success of the, opened by a local library in 2023, is largely attributed to those who come here. Owner Mary Beth Morell says that 75 percent of her customers come from outside the city. It has been a pleasure to watch this charming jewel-box become a destination of its own.
Other small shops include Highcliffe ClothiersElegant country wear is available at. Federal and BlackThe company offers a wide range of home products and gifts. KneadA devoted following exists for a company that bakes pizzas and peanut cookies from Virginia, as well as sells wines selected by sommeliers.
Middleburg has also become a popular destination thanks to its wineries. The wine is beautiful, even if it’s not truly old-world. Virginia’s wine industry The number of local producers has increased in recent years. Greenhill, Boxwood. Cana Here are some of the best spots to enjoy it all.
Visitors will find two inns outside the city: Salamander The following are some examples of how to get started: Goodstone. Both hotels are situated on vast parcels and far from the city. You can easily imagine Jane Austen’s heroines wandering through their grounds.
