A Visit to Middleburg

I bang on about this quite a bit, but one of my absolute favorite things to do on a weekend (or any day of the week) is to hop in the car and get out of Dodge for the day. In areas like this, where the sprawl of the suburbs can feel a bit suffocating, it's incredibly freeing to get out into some open spaces and take in a quieter atmosphere.

This past weekend afforded the opportunity for a visit to Middleburg, an absolutely charming little Virginia town in Loudon County, just about an hour's drive from home. It is, however, worlds away in just about every category you could think of. It had been several years since my last jaunt to the burg, and I'm sad to say that time has been used by property developers to impose on otherwise beautiful land with enclave after enclave of soulless McMansions and sterile townhomes. Still, once one reaches the lovely hamlet of Aldie, things are as they ought to be. Quiet.

Middleburg is located in Virginia's horse, and hunt, country, and as such there's plenty of horse-related happenings in the town. Foxes, as well, are renowned here, and you'll see foxes on anything from business names (see: The Red Fox) to the police department's crest to signage and artwork in and around town. Shops, too, offer an assortment of foxy paraphernalia for purchase to suit any buyer. Papier mache fox heads, tasteful fox plates and mugs, fox artwork, fox sweaters for the kids...you get the gist.  

The town dates from the late 18th century, and has plenty of well-preserved Federal homes (the stone homes I find particularly appealing). Middleburg has quite an array of interesting shops and places to grab a bite to eat. My first stop was brunch at one of my favorite places, the Red Fox Tavern (part of the historic Red Fox Inn, established in 1728). The prix fixe Sunday brunch is not to be missed. I treated myself to sensational duck wontons, and followed up with the delectable Hunt Country Breakfast (trout! scrambled eggs! bacon! home fries!). This feast was washed down with one of the Red Fox's signature cocktails, The Vixen (champagne and elderflower liqueur). Gorgeous food, made impeccably, with friendly service. Oh, and in a rather historic setting. A special treat to end all special treats. The Red Fox is a must for any Middleburg outing. 

Strolling and some shopping was up next, and I struggled to keep my wallet in check while perusing The White Elephant and Creme de la Creme among others. I left town with several bags filled with goodies of the vintage and newer varieties. It's hard to say no to the charm of the Middleburg shops. 

Two new stops were added to my rota on this particular visit, and they're sure to be regulars whenever I come to town. First, the fantastic Mt. Defiance cidery. I loved it immediately, the converted gas station and garage converted into a tasting room and sales space. Our host was engaged and was happy to answer question after question as we tucked into samples of current craft ciders. I ended up leaving with a growler of the spiced cider, the flavors both indicative of and perfect for colder climes. Flavors change often, which means many trips to the cidery are necessary. Warmed by the cider, we headed across the street to the National Sporting Library and Museum, located in a grand former home and beautiful addition. The main gallery space was filled with wonderful paintings by Edward Troye, a man who was quite gifted at the art of capturing horses on canvas. To me, it was the eyes that got them to feel so wonderfully life-like. His 19th century works could hold up against any of today's photographs. The regular gallery collection was housed in the older portion of the museum, and covered primarily equestrian art, with some other animal life included as well. An adorable painting of a trio of baby grouses was probably my favorite piece of the day. A visit to the library is probably in order next time.

After a bit more retail activity, and a visit to one of the town's lovely old churches, it was time to head home before the winter weather rolled in. A pleasant day without question. Middleburg is a true Virginia gem, and is well worth a trip for anyone with an interest in history, getting away from it all, and of course, foxes. More photos below.

   










Photos copyright Megan Petty

Door Of The Day #5

Seen on a walk through Old Town, Alexandria, November 2014.
















Photo copyright Megan Petty

A Visit to Mobile

It's been so cold here this week that I'm finding myself, to my horror, longing for hot weather. It doesn't get much hotter than the Gulf Coast, so here's hoping thoughts of this next city warm the bones a bit. 

I went to college in Alabama, and it always felt like I was a million miles away from home (on many levels) when I was in the Heart of Dixie. Which, I should clarify, isn't a bad thing at all. Quite the opposite as far as I'm concerned. You see, unlike many of my peers, I up and left Virginia right after graduation, dying to see a different part of the world and experience life outside of the metropolitan DC bubble. It's a decision I've never once regretted.  Instead, I regret not having seen more of my adopted state while I was there.

I try to make it back to Alabama when I can, and 2013 afforded me several visits back to my state away from home. One of these jaunts saw me driving down from Tuscaloosa all the way down long, solitary stretches of country to the tip of the state to Mobile. I'd been to the city once or twice before, but I'd never really spent quality time wandering around the city and taking things in. I learned that there's a good reason for that, during certain times of the year anyway. 

I don't know that I've ever encountered humidity quite as stifling as that in Mobile in June. Sultry doesn't even begin to cover it. Being so far south, in addition to being right there on the Gulf of Mexico, means that late June can feel like walking through solid swaths of water vapor. It's not the most pleasant sensation, truth be told, but I braved the sweat to take an early morning stroll the morning after the show I had gone to see at the Alabama Music Box. 

The section of the city I had stayed in has wrought-iron whispers of New Orleans, which always leads to the Mardi Gras line of thought. As with many things in history, the prevailing myth isn't historically accurate, and Mobile-ians were celebrating Mardi Gras even before the folks in New Orleans. I couldn't help but smile when I saw Mardi Gras beads hanging from tree limbs as I sauntered around. Parts of the city are exceedingly lovely, and offer architecture afficianados a wide variety of eras to admire. 

All in all, I wish I had had more time to spend in Mobile. I shal definitely need to visit once again, though perhaps in a slightly less tropical month. 

More photos below. 

  
















Photos copyright Megan Petty