City Mouse in Country House Weekend (Middleburg, VA)

I couldn’t leave The LC for long. For those of you who aren’t up on your television pop culture of the early- to mid-aughts, “The O.C.” was a FOX network coming of age melodramatic show that made all its viewers (no doubt many found in the mid-west) 1) feel bad about themselves because they didn’t reside where all the “beautiful people live” 2) feel good about themselves because those families and kids were screwed up c) now makes us wistful for the Good Old Mischa Barton Days.

That said, last summer, when Visit Loudoun (Virginia’s Wine Country) invited the Punch and friends to scan Loudoun County at a bird’s eye view as the crow flies then dive down to imbibe on the nectar of the land’s grapes, as well as local produce, and pay a visit boutiques, businesses, spas, and more, well…I couldn’t help but nickname DC’s Backyard, “The LC”.  It may not be Cali and the people may live more low key lives on and off the land, but it was what I found and still find to be a beautiful treasure.

Amer Ahmed and Heather Guay and me at Goodstone Inn

This past weekend, a group of us headed west for one of this season’s more gorgeous weekends in the sun .  We had an opportunity to spend some time at Middleburg’s Goodstone Inn, which is known for its retreats, dining, private group events, wedding functions, stunning views, and memorable bed and breakfast stays.  It’s tucked back in the woods, up a windy rocky road, but when you come upon it, it’s a site to behold.  Boasting 265 unspoiled acres, this property has various cottage setups for sleeping and resting, but if you are the outdoorsy type, you have your choice of horseback riding, hiking, biking, kayaking, strolling and of course, a spa and serene pool.  http://www.goodstone.com/home.html

The back of Middleburg Country Inn

We stayed in historic Middleburg at the Middleburg Country Inn (we affectionately named “MCI”), found right at the entrance of the town.  This quaint B&B has a history that goes back to 1818.  The current building was converted to the Middleburg Country Inn in 1990 after a series of purchases prior.  It is now owned by Kevin and Jo-Ann Hazard, who bought the Inn in 2005 and were the most gracious of hosts.  The elegant suites and rooms (set for double or single occupancy) are named after all things Virginia from Montpelier to Monticello and Belgrove (where we stayed) and every detail has been paid attention to.  Guests are served breakfast in the morning in the dining room and ice cream at other times.  There plush robes in which to lounge, some rooms have Jacuzzis, and all have broadband internet and a TV/video library.  The best part of this sweet little nook is the back of the building, which holds multi-level decks to sit and sun on while overlooking the gardens and the old cemetery across the street.

Sit a spell outdoors or indoors at the Middleburg Country Inn

If you are hankering for some shopping, wine, and a bite to eat (not necessarily in the order), all are just a block or three away.  The Tasting Room, Red Fox Inn, Tully Rector (great collection of designer attire), Lu Lu Too, and Market Salamander are all within walking distance.

The breakfast room; a hallway at Middleburg Country Inn

Another lovely place in Middleburg I recommend considering is Lowelands Farm.  Proprietor Karen Lowe makes honey with herbs, fruits and spices, beeswax candles and herbal wine vinegars and fruited wine vinegars.  You’ll find savory sauces, seasonal mulling spices, gift baskets and of course Christmas trees during that cold time of the year. We tasted her homemade version of the German May Wine, infused with her own sweet woodruff and fat juicy strawberries.

Entrance to Lowelands Farm

If you are ready to get away from the hustle and bustle but don’t have the desire to drive more than an hour, The LC’s Middleburg may be your best bet.  To learn more, click on the link…and enjoy: http://www.middleburg.org/

The backgarden at Middleburg Country Inn

More photos from Middleburg VA