Established in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman, Leven Powell Middleburg, VA is the middle point between Alexandria and Winchester on the Ashby Gap trading route (now Route 50). With just a short one-hour drive from Washington D.C Middleburg, Virginia is perfect for a weekend getaway vacation for the family or adventurous couple. As an equestrian, the famous Upperville Colt and Classic Horse Show is the best time of year to go to Middleburg, VA.
From the 1900s, Middleburg began welcoming visitors who participated in fox hunting and steeplechasing. The village quickly earned a reputation as the “Nations Horse and Hunt Capital” attracting prominent visitors across the United State. Home of the National Sporting Library research center for horse and field sports, the town exudes equestrian style from all angles.
Where To Stay:
The Salamander Resort ~ It is the best luxury equestrian resort on the east coast. We absolutely fell in love with the service, design, and peacefulness of this posh pony-inspired palace.
We chose the Salamander Resort given the great reviews and equestrian inspired decor to really experience horse country in Middleburg. “The Salamander Resort & Spa is a breath of fresh air, literally. Traveling from the Charleston lowcountry, I felt like I had stumbled upon an oasis perfectly situated in the lush Virginia countryside. The equestrian-styled lodging and amenities appeals to both the horse lover and the layman alike. I truly appreciated the attention to detail at every turn. Salamander will be staple on my summer schedule every year,” explained Nathan Guthrie president of Matthias Kaupermann.
The seafoam green color and rich old-world looking style encompass this entire resort making you feel right at home in the king rooms. The details consist of modern chic equestrian style perfection.
When I walked into the room, the details of the welcome screen on the TV made my jaw drop… Even the image of the horse in the pasture! Priceless. Set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid the horse country of vintage Virginia and lush vineyard, and just 35 minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport.
Stirrup and horse bit details add the soft touch of equestrian style throughout the rooms. The linens and light fixtures were tastefully chosen with equestrian details and soft pale blue and neutral color. The Salamander Resort really makes visiting Middleburg, VA a very romantic plush experience.
All 168 rooms and suites of this equestrian inspired hotel are spacious at a minimum size of 545 square-feet, and also include a separate casual relaxation corner, dining table, full-size desk, and outdoor patio or balcony with dining options. The luxurious bathroom includes a marble shower with body jets, pedestal tub, dual sinks and enclosed water closet.
Where To Dine: Middleburg, Virginia is full of quaint little gems of restaurants, but below are some of our favorite eateries you won’t want to miss.
Juliens Cafe: A traditional french cafe and restaurant. When I say traditional, I mean it! The Croque Monsier (French ham and cheese sandwich) is just like they make it in Paris. Stop here for a heavenly lunch rendezvous.
Cuppa Giddy Up: A great coffee shop for a quick morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s decorated with leather plush chairs and vintage horse decor. If you need to send a quick e-mail and use the wifi, it has a great working atmosphere. Go ahead, giddy up!
Upper Crust: The ultimate bakery. Don’t miss it! From the grab and go breakfast, fresh homemade pies, cookies and more… Below you’ll see the sugar cookies I couldn’t resist (especially for Belmont Stakes / Triple Crown day!)
Salamander Resort: the in-room dining is top notch. Nathan and I tried it out on an evening we just wanted to relax at the hotel. The filet was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended.
The Red Fox Inn: Built in 1728 by Joseph Chinn, Middleburg’s oldest building in the town is known as the oldest continually operating inn in the United States, the Red Fox Inn. This is a must-see neighborhood gem that offers hearty and delicious meals in a historic tavern setting, comfortable and romantic guest rooms adorned with traditional Piedmont decor.
What To Do: If you visit Middleburg, VA you must be inclined to see some history, visit horses, and of course do some shopping.
Shop Downtown Middleburg, VA: Walking up and down Washington Street will keep you entertained, but be sure to pick up a shopping and dining guide while you’re in town. Don’t miss some of our favorite stores including: J. McLaughlin, The Tack Box, and STITCH.
National Sporting Library Museum: Founded in 1954, The National Sporting Library & Museum is dedicated to pereserving, sharing and promoting the literature, art and culture of horse and field sports. For a list of current exhibitions, please go here.
Banbury Cross Polo: May 1- September 30. Enjoy the exciting game of polo in the heart of horse country in Middleburg, Virginia. To learn more, go here.
The Upperville Colt & Classic: Upperville is the oldest horse show in the United States. Steeped in tradition, it extends a full seven days, and involves over two thousand horse and rider combinations from young children on ponies to leading Olympic and World Cup riders and horses.
The hunter ring at Upperville Colt & Classic Horse Show is one of the most gorgeous rings across the nation. It’s spacious, shaded, and a great experience for the horses, riders and spectators.
The kids even have lots of activities to enjoy on site! I can’t get over this “selfie” Thellwell Pony life size poster. HOW cute, right?!
The shopping is always pretty dangerous. I totally fell in love with these leather bracelets from Caracol Silver. Do you love ’em too? Go Here to take a look…
Brightly colored stackable bangle bracelets are still in-style for summer. Stock up on some of your favorite colors- the horse bit style is not going away anytime soon 😉
What to wear: if you’re not riding, at least be aware of the grounds… It usually rains in the springtime in VA, so boots are pretty necessary. Waterproof boots are even more necessary when it’s super mucky around the grounds. If you are just watching the event, jeans and a printed top is appropriate. Now, if you are presenting in lead line be prepared to get VERY dressed up (hats and bowties and all!)
Be sure to bring the boyfriend, husband, or dad along for the fun! This is a horse show that is anything but boring… Plus, the beer on site is always an extra bonus 😉
A view of the Grand Prix Ring is breathtaking. The plush grass hill overlooks the arena with the mountains as the backdrop. Now you can see why Upperville Colt and Classic is one of our favorite horse shows.
Divisions to watch: The Family class, Leadline, Grand Prix, and Breeding classes.
What was cuter: the baby foals in the breeding classes or the tiny tots on ponies in the lead line? You decide.
The pony breeding classes always make me smile. When you watch the broodmares with foals by their side both with braided mane and tails, the handlers all dressed up, it’s simply too cute for words. The face on this welsh pony foal- priceless. 
Just when you thought you have seen the “cutest of all” check out the lead line classes. the 3-and-under division has got to be my favorite at the Upperville Colt & Classic.
I really wasn’t kidding when I said that you had better get REALLY dressed up for the lead line class. Usually the Mom, Dad, and child who coordinate colors and outfits win (along with the best equitation of course… *wink* it’s all about fashion, lets be honest…)
The family class is also another highly watched event at the Upperville Horse Show. This family of six received the much deserved blue ribbon for first place. All in hunter green jackets and completely in sync side-by-side with every stride.
The scenes at the in gates are always exciting. Moms, dads, grooms, trainers, everyone lines up ringside to cheer on the competitors.
There’s just something inspiring about watching the children compete on their ponies. It brings me back to reminisce on “the good ole days” when growing up seemed so far away…
Pretty much sums up the day at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show…
Trailering in for Middleburg is great with all of the space the facility offers. Many choose to stay on-site during the week for convenience, but you can also bring your horse to stay with you at the Salamander resort if you would like a spa experience for your equine as well.
You can have the best of both worlds from the spa to the stable. Psst… They even offer Yoga on horseback at the Salamander Resort!
The barn is immaculate outfitted with 22 large stalls featuring large windows, rubber mats, and plush grass pasture for your favorite equine.
The hunter green and white sliding barn doors are the perfect accent to this southern style barn. Sheila C. Johnson’s vision for the former horse farm of renowned Washington D.C. socialite Pamela Harriman was to create a country estate that incorporates uncompromising quality, sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles to benefit resort guests and the Middleburg community alike. In support of sustainability and environmental sensitivity, our Middleburg resort is registered to become one of the nation’s first new luxury resorts to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Beautiful four board fencing surrounds the property with open grass pastures for horses to run and play in the morning or evening. The grounds at the Salamander resort are immaculate for both equine and equestrian alike. The Equestrian Center at the Salamander Resort offers boarding for both resort and non-resort guests. For more information go here.
Believe me when I say this, when you stay even just for a short visit, you won’t want to leave…
Until next time, xoxo!