Located just one hour from Washington, D.C., Virginia Hunt Country is one of the most iconic destinations for hunting and equestrian expeditions, known for its rural romance and rich heritage. Plus, its unique small towns have some of the best restaurants, hotels, and vineyards. Read on for our must-do’s, from delectable bakeries to scenic hikes.
The Virginia Hunt Country Bucket List
Sip on Virginia wines at a local vineyard, then go to dinner at the Red Fox Inn.
Attend a horse race or learn about Virginia’s rich equestrian heritage at the National Sporting Museum and Library.
Go antiquing and add some charm to your home.
Hike Sky Meadows State Park and end with a picnic.
Where to Stay
Red Fox Inn
This is an iconic Middleburg spot, and the oldest Inn in America. If you don’t stay there, you must try their restaurant! Order the signature parmesan popcorn at the bar.
Goodstone Inn
This is only about ten minutes out of town, is a very romantic option, and offers lots of activities.
Salamander Resort
This fabulous option is complete with a sought-after spa and an easy walk to town. Go to the Salamander Market for breakfast or lunch, and their Restaurant for light bites and dinner. Tuckernuck tip: Get a fire pit and s’more kit and stargaze with friends!
Ashby Inn
Located in Paris, VA, this is a super-cute spot with well-decorated rooms. It has an amazing restaurant for brunch or dinner, and is close to the Sky Meadow State Park, a great hiking spot! Tuckernuck tip: The Inn will pack you picnics if you order ahead, which you can take with you to the park!
Breweries and Vineyards to Visit
RdV Vineyards
This is the best wine in Virginia! You have to call and make a reservation. Tuckernuck tip: The private tour is worth it.
Mount Defiance Cidery and Distillery
With two locations, The Cider Barn and The Distillery offer lofty settings, ciders on tap, craft cocktails, flights, live music, and food trucks!
Lost Barrel Brewing
This is a new spot to try right outside of town. It’s great for groups and very kid-friendly! Tuckernuck tip: Reserve an outdoor fire pit!
Dirt Firm Brewing
About twenty minutes outside of Middleburg in Bluemont, VA, this spot has beautiful views and great beer! Tuckernuck tip: Stop here post-hiking!
Greenhill Vineyards
Grab your friends to experience a serene setting and high-quality wine here.
Slater Run Vineyards
Be sure to check out the newer tasting room!
Three Fox Vineyard
A more casual spot with great wood-fired pizza, this is one of our favorite places to visit after hiking at Sky Meadows.
Boxwood Winery
This is definitely a late afternoon spot since it closes at 6 pm, but go for the $10 tastings!
Activities to Do
Visit the National Sporting Museum
Learn about equestrian, angling and field sports by exploring the museum’s exhibitions with literature, art, and more.
Go Hiking
The best route is to hiking at Sky Meadows all the way to Piedmont Overlook, but even just strolling along the pastures will give you beautiful views. Another great option is walking through The State Arboretum in Boyce.
Visit Pick-Your-Own at Hollin Farms
Open from late May to October, Hollin Farms’ family-run farm features 40 acres of fruits and vegetables, from tart cherries to crisp apples. It’s the perfect family activity!
Attend a Horse Race
Middleburg is one of the most well-known horse and hunting destinations in the country, so be sure to catch a race and tailgate in style.
Where to Eat
Breakfast & Lunch
Common Grounds
Fuel up here before a hike with coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They also offer gluten-free wraps!
The Locke Store
This is a “modern country” store and deli that offers delicious to-go meals to grab after hiking at Sky Meadows. Plus, they have complimentary wine, beer and cider tastings on the weekends!
Upper Crust Bakery
The best bakery ever! Like, in the world, in our opinion. Tuckernuck tip: Order the- ham and cheese croissant, the rooster sandwich, iced cookies, cow pies, peanut butter cookies with chocolate kisses...can you tell we are obsessed with this place?
Knead Wine & Pizza
This wine shop serves amazing takeout pizza in downtown Middleburg. Their sommelier has worked in many Michelin starred restaurants, plus isone of the less than 280 Master Sommeliers worldwide.
Red Truck Bakery
Priding itself as “America’s favorite rural bakery,” Red Truck is a sought-out destination for pies, cakes, booze cakes, coffee, and sandwiches.Their main and larger location that offers seating is located in Marshall, VA.
The Whole Ox
The Whole Ox is an old-fashioned, full-service butcher shop serving whole foods from neighboring farms. Definitely order the fried chicken sandwich! Get the fried chicken sandwich!
Market Salamander
This gourmet market is great for breakfast or lunch! Whether you sit in the café, outdoor patio, or get a picnic to-go, you’ll love their made-from-scratch bread and local preserves.
Bluewater Cocina
Set in the backyard gardens of Nature Composed, this casual taqueria is “the taco of the town.” You’ll love the delicious tacos, chip platters, and tequila drinks.
Dinner
Red Fox Inn
A historic landmark, this restaurant has an intimate setting and offers delicious tavern dining.
King Street Oyster Bar
This is a fun, more casual dining option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Salamander Restaurant or Bar
Located in a luxury hotel, this is a fun and yummy spot for light bites. Tuckernuck Tip: Get a fire pit and s’more kit and stargaze with friends.
The Front Porch
A favorite spot if you venture to The Plains, The Front Porch has great sandwiches, a delicious menu, and a cozy atmosphere.
Hunter’s Head Tavern
Located in Upperville, this farm-owned gastropub serves traditional, local, organic food. Tuckernuck tip: If you go for brunch on Sunday morning, get the sweet potato biscuits!
Field & Main
If you venture to Marshall, VA (about twenty minutes from Middleburg), Field & Main offers a rustic-chic setting, southern-inspired fare, and fine wine.
Tremolo Bar
Describing itself as serving “elevated but unpretentious drinks and small bites,” this modern wine bar is a go-to for impeccable beverages and internationally-inspired small plates.
The Buttery
Part of The Locke Store in Millwood, this is ideal for a delicious dinner in a classic cabin setting after a day of hiking.
Where to Shop
Marshall Curated
Built around 1947 as the original Marshall Hardware Store, Marshall Curated still features the original oak store counter and the glass cutting station. It’s a unique antiques shop offering curated collections of vintage and new items, home decor, jewelry, and artisan creations.
Creme De La Creme
Here you will find beautiful, charming housewarming gifts, or treasures for your own home.
Tully Rector
All fashion girls must shop here for contemporary women’s brands and chic styles.
Little Lambkins
A favorite spot for quality and classic clothing for your or your friends' little ones!
Nature Composed
This fun plant and flower shop, with great boxwood topiaries, candles and other natural home goods.
The Play Room
Definitely take your kiddos here! It’s a toy store with a bonus–lots of games and activities.
Go Antiquing
Virginia Hunt Country is an A+ antique and art destination. Some of our favorite spots are The Shaggy Ram, Middleburg Antique Emporium, Another Blue Moon, Vilnis Antiques, and Baileywick Antiques. Thistlethwaite Americana is a new addition, close to the community center.
The Woolley Fox
Pam Woolley and Natalie Fox created Woolley Fox to highlight local artisans within Hunt Country, providing space to showcase and shop them all under one roof.
What to Pack
Tuckernuck Tip: For more ideas, check out “Visit Middleburg” before you go to see if there are upcoming events. You’ll find news of horse races, art shows, and more!