— Good news on the COVID-19 battlefront has the Middleburg Business and Professional Association aiming to resume its in-person networking meetings this summer.
MBPA President Punkin Lee said the in-person Biz Buzzes could resume as early as July, with the initial in-person networking events expected to be held outside. “When we do return to our usual format, we have plans for at least four to five to be outside, lots of space, so we can get used to being all together again and comfortable,” Lee said at the May 11 virtual Biz Buzz, hosted by English Country Classics. (You can watch a recording of the meeting here.)
The announcement falls on the heels of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s decision last week to reduce restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Northam indicated that he expects to lift all capacity and social distancing measures on June 15, if COVID-19 cases continue to fall and vaccinations increase.
Roddy Rigden of Country Classics noted that he has seen an uptick in customer traffic as more people have gotten vaccinations. “As soon as people [are] getting vaccinated, they’re more interested in actually coming into town, staying in town,” he said.
In other good news, Middleburg continues to see more businesses popping up. Thistlethwaite Americana opened its doors to the public on May 9, and more newcomers are on the way, including Raymer’s Homemade Candies, Play Room and Brick & Mortar Mercantile. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Play Room is scheduled for Friday, May 28, at 2 p.m.
Several existing Middleburg businesses were also recently recognized for excellence via the Loudoun Times-Mirror “Best of Loudoun” Awards. Winning businesses included Climatic, Salamander Resort & Spa, Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, and The Hill School. Finalists included Bank of Charles Town, King Street Oyster Bar, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Pastry Chef Jason Reaves at Salamander Resort & Spa, and Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.
Additionally, Lee announced the success of the recent Foxes on the Fence fundraiser, which raised more than $32,000 that will be used for promoting the arts and beautification projects in Middleburg, including the purchase of new benches and trees in town, as well as the maintenance of existing trees.
The meeting also highlighted several events of note including:
- Art in the Burg (May 15 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.): Join us for a celebration of the arts! Look for activities, food, fun and shopping throughout the town. Event includes 25 artists throughout town and live music on S. Madison St. and at the Middleburg Community Center.
- “Spring is in the Air!” at The Artists in Middleburg (Through May 16): Stop by The Artists in Middleburg to enjoy this juried art exhibit. Or, view it online at theartistsinmiddleburg.org.
- Hunt Country Market at Buchanan Hall (Wednesdays | 4-8 p.m.): Shop a collective of the best farm and artisan products curated in the heart of hunt country every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Buchanan Hall in Upperville. Featuring a seasonal savory menu by The Market at Bluewater Kitchen, live music, garden seating, 20+ farms and artisan vendors, dedicated parking, beer and wine, and other sweet and savory vendors.
- Art of the Piedmont at Slater Run Vineyards (May 21 | 6-8 p.m.): This year, AOTP will be held at Slater Run Vineyard on May 21 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are required for entry and at $100 each. You can purchase a ticket and/or get more information at artofthepiedmont.org or calling at 540-687-5210.
- Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow (May 29): Join us in the beautiful countryside of Fauquier County for the 96th running of the Virginia Gold Cup! Tickets are now on sale! Spaces will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis for the spring 2021 race by calling 540-347-2612.
- “Awakening!” at The Byrne Gallery (Through June 1): This show celebrates the arrival of warm weather and clear skies with a selection of vibrant landscape and still life oil paintings by artists Lida Matheson Stifel and Marietje Chamberlain. Stop by to enjoy the masterful way that these two en plein air artists bring the beauty of the outdoors into the gallery.
- Pool Open at the Middleburg Community Center (May 29-Sept. 6): The Middleburg Community Center’s pool will be open weekends starting May 29-31 through the weekend of June 12 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. From June 12-Sept. 6, the pool will remain open daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Twilight Polo at Great Meadow (June 5-Sept. 18): Bring your family, friends, and coworkers out for an evening in Virginia horse country at the Greenhill Stadium in The Plains. Experience an authentic sunset watching three polo matches, picnicking, drinking wine, watching the kids play giant tug o’ war, and dancing the night away! One pass admits an entire car load of family and friends. Tickets available at twilightpolo.com.
- Upperville Colt & Horse Show (June 7-13): General admission spectators will be welcome! General admission and parking are free. Please visit upperville.com for more info. Volunteers are still needed, too! Please contact Punkin Lee at Journeymen Saddlers at 540-687-5888 for more info.
- “Tucker Smith: A Celebration of Nature” at the National Sporting Library & Museum (Through Aug. 22): Featuring more than 75 original oils, this exhibition is a true survey of the painter’s life’s work, with pieces ranging from his early years as a professional artist to his most recent paintings. This exhibit will present the breadth of subject matter he has tackled, including western wildlife, camp and cowboy scenes, as well as stunning landscapes. Please visit nationalsporting.org to reserve tickets. Ticketed access to the museum is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
MBPA is also still seeking member submissions for the association’s cookbook, as well as participants in the “Shop Middleburg” gift card program. Business participation in the gift card program allows visitors to use the “Shop Middleburg” gift card at that establishment, and participation is included in MBPA membership. For more information, please contact info@visitmiddleburgva.com.
