Middleburg Part 2

Saturday morning I helped Rachel with some barn chores before breakfast, and then we went to Belle Grey farm to watch a driving horse demonstration.  Belle Grey was also pristine, but had more to look at.  The owner makes jumps so there were a bunch of gorgeous handmade jumps everywhere.  We watched the owners drive miniature horses around, walked around the grounds a little, and were about to leave when they said they were going to also demonstrate the mini's jumping.   It was hilarious!! These children run around at full tilt and the mini runs beside them and jump the jumps.  That is if the mini feels so inclined - sometimes the mini would push the kid over to avoid the jumps.  They also showed us the minis in at "at liberty" class in which they let the mini free, it has to trot and canter in both directions, the more attitude the higher the score, and at the end of 2 minutes, the kid has to try to catch the horse.  It was ridiculously funny.  We couldn't believe it was a real thing!

From Belle Grey we went down the road to Caliburn, which was probably the nicest barn on the tour. The interior was completely varnished wood, it had a lounge with easy chairs and kitchen (granite and stainless steel appliances), handmade mosaics everywhere, multiple chandeliers, a suite above the aisles, and of course, 12 perfect horses in the stalls.  It seemed surreal because it was SO nice and SO fancy.

Looking up into the cupola

Yes, that's a tile mosaic on the ground

We grabbed a quick bite to eat, checked on the horses at Rachel's barn, and then ended our tour at Poplar Grange.  It was the group favorite.  It was stone and wood (also all varnished), canvas prints of the owner and his daughter as barn decor, a perfectly decorated lounge with countless trophies (the owner also has steeplechasers) and awards.  I'm pretty sure we drooled all over the aisle.  I later looked this one up and it cost 10 mil - casual.

We had some time to kill before dinner, so we went to the nearby Greenhill Winery and Vineyards.  The service left something to be desired, but the wine and the view were stellar.  I tell you what, I LOVE Virginia wines.  Every one I've had was out of this world.  Greenhill was pretty expensive, but their Philosophy red blend was one of the best red wines I've had in the states (sorry to be a wine snob).  Ugh, I'm drooling just thinking about it.  We sat out on their patio and enjoyed 2 glasses while watching the sun slowly sink in the sky.

From Greenhill, we went to Salamander Resort for drinks and dinner.  I had the best cocktail there - all my favorites in one! Gin, ginger, jalapeno, cilantro - yum!  It was busy busy at the resort, but the view was amazing, the decor is so swanky, and the company, again, could not be beat.

Sunday we didn't do a lot, just coffee on the deck, watching Ruby herd airplanes and chase bunnies.  We also went to see Rachel's 2 baby horses, Teddy and Beau.  Total cutie pies!  Lunch and then on the road.  I hate leaving Middleburg because we always have such a great time.  Hopefully going back at the end of July for WEG selection trials, more drinking, Rachel, and fun!