— Middleburg’s picturesque downtown is the perfect spot to hunt for all your holiday gifts this season. From local wine and craft beverages to one-of-a-kind gifts at our local boutiques and art galleries, Middleburg has something for everyone on your list this holiday season.
Here’s our guide to our favorite finds this holiday season.
For Him
Brick & Mortar Mercantile is the place to find something quirky, whether you’re looking for something American-made, different, unique or naughty. Everything they sell has something you can talk about. The shop features everything from board games, coffee mugs, and men’s soaps to cocktail-inspired candles, irreverent books, and custom signs.
If the man in your life is a cocktail connoisseur, head to Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery. They carry everything you need to make your favorite cocktails at home! Swing by the distillery, grab your favorite bottle and be sure to check out their selection of bitters, syrups and more. Or book him a tasting — enjoy a flight of mini-cocktails, try their spirits neat, or sip one of their constantly rotating specialty cocktails. In their cider tasting room, you can sample three of their most popular ciders and purchase bottles or growler fills.
For the fashion-conscious man, you’ll want to stop at Highcliffe Clothiers, purveyors of fine custom and tailored clothing for discerning men. Highcliffe specializes in clothing made in the USA and Europe that embodies both eclectic and traditional styles, using the finest fabrics to create clothing that is elegant, functional and comfortable. You’ll find everything from feathered hats to shaving kits and decanters.
Know a collector? Check out David Condon for an ever-changing and very large inventory of antique firearms, edged weapons and accoutrements. They place special emphasis in historic arms and U.S. military weapons from the Colonial era through the Civil War and even up to World War II.
For Her
Middleburg is the perfect place to shop for the stylish woman in your life. Pop into the home goods boutique Crème de la Crème for a curated collection of French- and Italian-inspired objects, tableware and gifts, including Panier des Sens liquid hand soap and lotion, Trudon holiday candles, and Vietri tableware.
If you love French products, you have to stop in Les Jardins de Bagatelle. This cozy little shop features a variety of products imported from France, including tableware, gifts and home accessories.
For fashion, stop at Country Classics for impeccable, traditional clothing made from exclusive fabrics from the finest weavers in the British Isles. Their garments are made in the UK and Europe by the very best craftsmen, handpicked to create individual items with limited sizes and numbers available. (They carry men’s clothing, too!)
Also worth a visit: Tully Rector, which has been one of Middleburg’s premier boutique destinations for women’s fashions since it opened its doors in March 1990, with a representation offering the “best of the best” and a compelling mix of established and emerging designers. You’ll also want to stop at Chloe’s of Middleburg, a women’s apparel and gift store run by former Bergdorf Goodman buyer Wendy Osborn, you’ll find classic and fashion-forward apparel, accessories and gifts at affordable prices.
If you’re looking for jewelry, a handbag or some other accessory to complete your look, you’ll want to stop in at Lou Lou, family-owned and operated since 2004. Be sure to stop at their sister store, Zest, too! And don’t forget Mystique Jewelers, which is known for unique, one-of-a-kind engagement rings and jewelry not seen in most other jewelry stores.
For the Person Who Has Everything
Do you have someone on your list who’s notoriously hard to shop for year after year? Why not give them the gift of original art or treat them to a night out at one of Middleburg’s famous farm-to-table restaurants?
If you have an art lover on your list, you’ll want to stop at Middleburg’s art galleries. Our picks are The Byrne Gallery, which is currently hosting a jewelry show featuring local artists as well as an exhibit by internationally acclaimed artist Yuri Gorbachev, and The Artists in Middleburg, whose “GASP” (Great Art Small Prices) exhibition is true to its name.
Also be sure to stop at Middleburg’s local eateries while you’re out doing your shopping. For fresh-brewed coffee and quick bites, try Cuppa Giddy Up or Middleburg Common Grounds for . For lunch, our picks include Market Salamander, Gold Cup Wine Bar, Knead Wine for pizza (and wine!), and Hunter’s Head Tavern for organic, local and non-GMO meals. For fine dining, head to Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill for a local bounty of bold and flavorful dishes celebrating the rich resources and history of Virginia’s most fertile region or Goodstone Inn & Restaurant for state-of-the-art, seasonally-inspired cuisine with a farm-to-table emphasis.
A gift card to a local restaurant is a great gift for just about anyone. Our picks: Salamander Resort & Spa for innovative, local foods (gift card includes room accommodations, spa, and gift shop as well), Fields of Athenry for farm-fresh favorites and The Red Fox Inn & Tavern for seasonal Virginia cuisine. Check out our full list of dining options here.
For the Kids
For a kid with a sweet tooth, be sure to stop at The Upper Crust bakery for homemade goodies including cookies, pies, pastries and more. You won’t want to miss their famous “cow puddle” cookie!
For the little ones on your list, you’ll also want to stop at The Fun Shop, hunt country’s department store since 1956. Warning: you may get tempted by the home decor and kitchen essentials on the first floor! If you make your way to the second story, you will find a selection of children’s clothes, books, and toys perfect for your little explorer.
Also be sure to stop at Middleburg’s newest toy store, Playroom. Their collection of STEM, art, and music toys, games, classic favorites, and just plain FUN stuff is sure to captivate the little kid in everyone!
For Your Friends
For the equestrians in your life, you’ll want to stop at Journeymen Saddlers, which offers all types of equestrian and leather goods, and The Tack Box, which carries a curated selection of top riding fashions from your favorite brands.
If you’re up for a drive, head to Tri-County Feeds, Fashions, Finds in nearby Marshall for riding and sporting apparel, tack, fashionable town and country ready-to-wear styles, boots, shoes, hats, accessories, pet food, unique gifts from around the world and so much more.
Of course, no holiday shopping trip to Middleburg would be complete without a stop at The Christmas Sleigh! Not only has The Christmas Sleigh been recognized as one of the best Christmas shops in the United States, it also offers a wide selection of handmade European wares, antiques, gifts and art. Be sure to check out all the special Christmas ornaments and their incredible selection of German incense smokers.
When in doubt, we always go for a consumable gift! Luckily, with a host of local wineries and breweries at our doorstep, you can find the perfect fit right here in Middleburg.
For the wine aficionado on your list, head to Boxwood Estate Winery for premium red and white wines in the Bordeaux tradition, but with their own, distinct Virginia expression, or Greenhill Winery & Vineyards for 100% Virginia wines (also drop by their farm store for Charolais beef and honey from their apiaries!).
For the beer lover, a great option is Old Ox Brewery on S. Madison St. While you’re relaxing in their Dickens-themed pub (new for this holiday season!), you’re certain to find something to suit even the most discerning costumer, from stouts to ales.
If you’re not sure what to get, why not opt for a little bit of everything? Lost Barrel Brewing features high-quality beers, wine and hard seltzers, all in a gorgeous rural setting just outside of town.
