Middleburg

From the beginning of our time in Virginia, we liked to ask the locals where they like to go.  We have gotten a lot of good ideas for places to visit of the beaten path.  One such place is Middleburg, Virginia, a small town about 20 miles northwest from our house.  A couple of weeks ago we finally took the opportunity to make the trip "upcountry" to Middleburg.  What we found was beautiful country roads of rolling hills and lush forests, with horse stables pastures and old country homes. 

Middleburg itself was founded about 1730.  It got its name as a mid-way point for travellers between Alexandria and Winchester.  It has since evolved into a center for horse breeders, steeplechase, and other equestrian activities.  Today, many of the old buildings are preserved as historic landmarks.

Old buildings line the mains street making for a quaint, small-town feeling.

 The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is the signature dining destination in Middleburg.  Housed in a building that was constructed around 1728, it is an historic place on its own.

Outside Middleburg is the old Goose Creek stone bridge.  Built in 1802 during the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson,  this bridge is one of the last four arch-stone bridges in Virginia.It was  was the scene of a cavalry and artillery duel during the Civil War on June 21, 1863. It is now preserved as an historic landmark.

Hand-laid stone walls can be found lining properties and roads for miles and miles.  Oh the labor it must have taken to do this.  We are trying to learn more about when these stone walls were constructed, but don't have the whole story yet.

A little further up the road we stopped for dinner at the Blackthorne Inn.  The original building dates back to 1763.  In 1775, Lord Fairfax deeded the land over to George Washington for survey work and the deed hangs prominently in that portion of the building.  We ate in the Irish Tavern downstairs (we weren't dressed for the dining room!).

Although this bit of Virginia history isn't as prominent or significant as others, it is still interesting to discover the rich history of the area.  We also love the countryside around here - it is beautiful!