Staycation: Middleburg

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Have you heard of Middleburg, Virginia? If so, have you visited? This charming, quaint town is only an hour from DC but it is a whole nother world. Best part about it — a Black woman owns the main attraction.

Stay

Middleburg is full of adorable bed and breakfast inns like the Red Fox Inn or the Goodstone Inn. The main attraction is the Salamander Resort and Spa. This luxurious 5-star hotel is owned by the legendary hotelier, Sheila Johnson. She is the co-founder of BET, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, the first African American woman to attain a net worth of at least one billion dollars, and the only African American woman to have a principal shareholder stake in three professional sports teams: Wizards, Capitals and the Mystics. If you can, stay or at least visit the property to see Black excellence exemplified.

Eat

  • Market Salamander — Johnson’s cafe features fluffy country biscuits, local wines, and pastries

  • Common Grounds — imagine the Luke’s Diner but in real life, the quaint coffee shop of your dreams

  • Gold Cup Wine Bar — you must try the fried chicken (sandwich or tenders)

  • Harriman’s — if you are looking for a fine dining experience, this is the place for you

  • King Street Oyster Bar — visit for fresh seafood and your brunch favorites

Drink

Wine drinkers, rejoice! Middleburg has vineyard galore and even has a cider distillery. I visited 50 West Winery because I wanted to try white and sweeter wines. If you prefer red wine, I recommend visiting Greenhill or Chrysalis Vineyard. Interested in cider instead? Visit Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery. Yes — there is also something for the beer lovers, too! Old Ox Brewery is the place for you.

Go

This is the kind of town that you need to walk around and take in. It is a small community full of friendly people and local stores that you should explore. After you have visited the town, I recommend going to a winery for a few hours and doing a tasting. The wines are good and the view of the Blue Ridge mountains makes the experience unforgettable. If adventure is your thing, there is Pev’s Paintball Park. On the flip-side, the spa at the Salamander Resort is one of the best spa’s in the DMV area.

$$$

Small towns like this can get pretty pricey. Remember, you are paying for the experience and the charm. I recommend splurging on new experiences and saving where you can. For example, splurge at the vineyard but try to save on breakfast and lunch. If you can’t afford to stay in town, definitely take a day trip and soak in as much as you can.

The Overall Tea

Middleburg is truly a hidden gem. This town is so close to DC but once you enter, you are transported to a completely different world. Try to stay for the full experience but if you can’t at least make it a day trip. This is (of course) a cute couples getaway but a squad trip to the vineyards is also a great reason to come. No matter why you are in town, be sure to drive to the Salamander Resort property just to experience a piece of the empire that Sheila Johnson has built.

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