This past weekend, Adam and I escaped to one of our favorite getaways in the area – Middleburg, Virginia. We’d spent most of the fall staying in DC as we prepared for a busy end to November and beginning of December, but we couldn’t resist the opportunity to spend just a bit of time away together one last time as an engaged couple.
GETAWAY FOR 24 HOURS AT THE RED FOX INN IN MIDDLEBURG
There are so many reasons we love Middleburg, but staying at the Red Fox Inn has to be at the top. Y’all know I love a great boutique inn, and the historic Red Fox Inn doesn’t miss a detail. Built in 1728, the inn has lived to see both the Revolutionary and Civil Wards, it has served presidents and celebrities, and been a home to travelers in the Hunt Country of Virginia for generations. You’re stepping back in time when you set foot inside the Red Fox Inn (and all of Middleburg, for that matter!), yet it has been impeccably restored and renovated throughout the years, so you’re not missing a single modern amenity (seriously, the bathroom in the Martha Washington suite is one that I’d like to transport back to my house, please).
AN EASY GETAWAY OUTSIDE OF WASHINGTON, DC
Another reason we love Middleburg and the Red Fox Inn is that it’s the easiest getaway outside of Washington, DC. Just an hour west of the District on 66, it’s a quick escape – even if you have less than 24 hours. You feel like you’re a world away with nothing on the agenda, yet when you need to return to DC, just hop in the car and you’re back in no time. Pro tip: make sure you have an EZPass and just take the tolls. It’s worth it to bypass the traffic, particularly if you’re headed out on a Friday evening like we were.
INDULGE AT THE RED FOX TAVERN
If you follow along with me on Insta stories, you’ll know that we had dinner at the Red Fox Tavern on Friday night. Last time we were at the Red Fox Inn, we had a light dinner out on the garden terrace, but this time around, we had a cozy and intimate fireside dinner in the tavern. We decided this would be our splurge night before the wedding and I went the butternut squash route (it IS fall, after all!) with both the butternut squash bisque, as well as the butternut squash and hazelnut ravioli. Adam got the short ribs and gave them a thumbs up. The Tavern is a wonderful place for a celebratory dinner with friends or a romantic evening with your significant other.
You can also grab a drink before or after dinner at the Night Fox Pub, located right above the Tavern. It has a joyous, lively atmosphere that’s perfect for a post-dinner aperitif or whiskey.
In the morning, breakfast is included in your stay, and I would advise you not to miss the fried green tomato benedict. I love all eggs benedict, but adding a fried green tomato – that’s a game changer.
SPEND A RELAXING EVENING IN ONE OF THE HISTORIC ROOMS
On this Friday evening, we stayed in the Martha Washington Suite, a large suite located in the main building. Recently renovated, the Martha Washington Suite has all the charms of a historic home, but with a perfectly renovated (and huge!) bathroom. The king bed is like falling into a cloud, and there’s ample space throughout the two rooms to spread out and relax.
The town of Middleburg shuts down early, so we came back to our room after dinner to unwind. There were two fresh baked cookies waiting on our bedside, which I’ll obviously never turn down, and I’m always a sucker for a comfy robe to lounge in.
STROLL AROUND THE QUAINT TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG
The next morning, we woke up early to grab breakfast at the inn and then stroll around Middleburg a bit. There are clothing boutiques, antique stores (my favorite!), and coffee shops to pop into, and the whole town has a festive vibe as the holiday season approaches. You can find all my Middleburg recommendations in my Middleburg travel guide here.
STOP BY A VINEYARD ON THE WAY BACK INTO TOWN
It should be no surprise that my last recommendation for a Red Fox Inn in Middleburg getaway is to stop by a vineyard on the way back into DC. While we’ve been to many of the vineyards in the area, on this particular trip we decided to stop by Fleetwood Farm Winery where two friends of ours work on the weekend. A relative newcomer to the Virginia vineyard scene, Fleetwood Farm was bustling on this chilly but sunny November Saturday. The gorgeous tasting room was busy with xenophiles enjoying their wine, while the garden tasting room was packed with those ready to take in some live music and good wine.
A FEW FINAL NOTES
If you’re planning a getaway to the Red Fox Inn in Middleburg or looking for inspiration for a getaway on the East Coast, or particularly in the mid-Atlantic, definitely let me know! I’m always happy to give my suggestions – and hear suggestions from you!
I really need to take advantage of Middleburg more often! It’s so close, but such a great giveaway! Looks like you both had the best time.
xx katie // a touch of teal