from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres
SPRING GLADE
MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA
French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres
Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930
FARM
SALEM HILL
MARSHALL, VIRGINIA
Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres
$3,690,000
203 acres in River frontage 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d
HEDGEWOOD
A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful
RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA
ISAAC EATON
GRACE HILL
PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com
COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT
Susan Stark
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER
Vicky Mashaw vmashaw@middleburglife.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com
Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com
ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR
Joanne Maisano
DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Nicky Marshok
ON THE COVER
Graham Watters on Roma Redemption winning the Maiden Starter Hurdle at the Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point. We also caught up with Watters at the Middleburg Spring Races. For more on his performance there, turn to page 6.
Photo by Joanne Maisano.
ON THIS PAGE
Remnant Farm Store in Warrenton is overflowing with flowers outside, fresh produce, delicious sourdough, and its own brand of kombucha in the shop. For Lia Hobel’s interview with owner Stephanie Taylor, turn to page 18.
Photo by Callie Broaddus.
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Greenhill Media, LLC
P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg, VA 20118-0328
540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com
All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Boyce, Centreville, Delaplane, Front Royal, Great Falls, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Tysons, Upperville, Vint Hill, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.
Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com
Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, “Harry Potter” trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.
Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.
Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!
Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun Magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.
Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.
Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.
Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.
Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film
“Everest: A Climb for Peace.”
Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.
Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including The Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.
Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.
Also in this issue: Liz Callar and Sherri Holdridge.
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, a crowd of observers and a collection of competitors, both horse and human, gathered at Glenwood Park for the oldest steeplechase in Virginia: the Middleburg Spring Races. Donning elaborate hats and circling around impressive tailgates, onlookers were treated to mild weather but intense competition.
“We definitely had one of the largest crowds we’ve ever had,” Doug Fout, president of the Middleburg Spring Races Association, says. “The people just kept pouring in. I’ve never seen so many cars.”
Of the conditions, he shares, “The thing I was worried about the most was the temperature. But the clouds saved us, and we had a nice breeze, too.” He continues, “We were at 110 compaction, which is good to firm, and we had plenty of turf on it.” He credits Brian Pope with the course’s upkeep, saying, “He takes pride in what he does.”
The racing was clean until a fall during the
MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES RECAP
Written by Kaitlin Hill
Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle. “We got the jockey medevaced out and he ended up being fine. Fractured cheekbone, a little fracture in the wrist, and a broken nose. It is one of those things that
can happen.”
of the day, the Warrior-Canine Allowance Hurdle. “The reason we started that [race] is to make people realize how important these canines are for wounded warriors,” he explains. This year,
He continues, “Other than that, the racing was amazing.” The horse to watch was Snap Decision. Owned by Bruton Street-US, trained by Jack Fisher, and ridden by Graham Watters, Snap Decision won the G2 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes for the fourth time in a row. “Graham won the timber race too, before that. It made for a delightful day.” Fout adds, “That race was exceptional.”
Also of note, Fout mentions the second race
John Bobrowiecki, a U.S. Marine captain who served in heavy artillery in Afghanistan, attended the races alongside Fout and his wife. “He gave a speech after the races… It was so special.”
While reflecting on the April 19 event, Fout’s final shoutout is to the Virginia Equine Alliance. He shares, “We’ve been very fortunate. The VEA has stepped up for all the Virginia race meets in the last three years, and they give money for infrastructure and for purses. They have
Races | Page 7
Top left: Court Ruler in the lead with Jamie Bargary up in the 20k Alfred M. Hunt Steeplethon. The winner was Fashion Line, with Gerard Galligan up, trained by Katherine Neilson and owned by Armata Stables. Photo by Camden Littleton. Middle left: Viviane Warren, cosponsor of the Eighth Race, Steeplethon. Photo by Liz Callar. Middle right: Beautiful hats are a staple for all horse racing events. Bottom left: Happy tailgaters at the Middleburg Spring Races. Photos by Camden Littleton.
Races | From page 6
made a big difference for all of us to keep our purse structure up, to have money to make it better for the riders, owners, and trainers, and to put on a beautiful show. They have been key … in keeping steeplechase in Virginia alive.”
Fout, who took over the Middleburg Spring Races after his father passed, says “he would have been tickled” by the turnout of the 2025 races.
Looking ahead to the fall races and further in the future, he concludes, “It’s a boutique meet, it’s picturesque, and it’s very special. The biggest thing is that everybody comes and enjoys it — everyone can walk around, have picnic parking, tailgate parking — and no matter where you sit or stand, you can see every part of the race. That’s what my dad always wanted, and that’s the way I’ll keep it.” ML
Left: Graham Watters and Snap Decision win the $100,000 Temple Gwathmey Sport of Kings Hurdle Stakes for the fourth time, trained by Jack Fisher and owned by Bruton Street-US. Photo by Camden Littleton. Top right: Graham Watters and Snap Decision in action. Photo by Liz Callar. Bottom right: Representatives from the Warrior Canine Connection. From left to right: David Wilder, Katherine Kane, Jennifer Wilder, and Rick Yount with WCC’s Eli, Herre, Cooper, and Smith. Photo by Camden Littleton.
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Scenes from the 2025 Blue Ridge Hunt & Old Dominion Hunt Point-to-Points
Photos by Joanne Maisano
Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle at the BRH Point-to-Point
Gerard Galligan on Bellarmine Hall at the BRH Point-to-Point
Jockeys and trainers in the paddock before the race at the BRH Point-to-Point
Riverdee Stables celebrates Stephen Mulqueen on Penicillin Success at the BRH Point-to-Point
Sam Cockburn on Straw into Gold at the ODH Point-to-Point
Conor Tierney on Bet the Pot at the ODH Point-to-Point
Ziggy Wiggy wins the Maiden Hurdle at the ODH Point-to-Point
Dream North and Selassie, first and second at the ODH Point-to-Point
For a half-century, luthiers Peter and Wendela Moes have been in pursuit of the perfect violin, viola, and cello.
“We give each instrument as much time as it requires,” Peter says. They are currently finishing a cello in the workshop of their Warrenton home.
“And we don’t make copies,” insists Wendela. “Many violin makers will do that. To us, a copy is like making furniture. It’s antithetical to why we make instruments.”
The couple strives to make an instrument that sounds equally full and strong at all registers, without favoring any specific strings. The instrument should sound beautiful when young and only get better with age.
In Search of the Perfect InStrument
Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Shannon Ayres
Wendela goes on to say that “our instruments must be easy to play. By ‘easy,’ I mean they must be able to do anything and everything the musician wants to do.”
Have they succeeded?
“We like to think we’ve come close,” Peter says. “Each one brings us closer.”
For 43 years, Moes & Moes have made violins, violas, and cellos for globally renowned musicians. They also lease instruments to students, host informal string quartets in their music room, and repair and restore instruments.
When Dorie Peters retired as retail manager of The Inn at Little Washington, she wanted to play her great-grandfather’s 110-year-old vio -
lin again. Then she found a hairline crack in the century-old instrument. On her first visit to their house, Peters says the Moeses reminded her “of my wise college professors, so full of knowledge but sharing their wisdom in a very humble way.” They took her into their workshop, with its shelves of hand tools and windows with views of the surrounding woodland. On a worktable was a nearly completed violin. “I saw that the product of all their hard work made their eyes sparkle,” Peters remembers.
To restore Peters’ violin to playable condition required more than just mending a crack. The Moeses told Peters that they work from 200- to
Instrument | Page 11
“We give each instrument as much time as it requires.” – Peter Moes
Peter
Moes in the workshop.
Instrument | From page 10
300-year-old alpine spruce and 40- to 50-year-old maple.
The Moeses replaned the fingerboard and added a new bridge, new bushings in the string pegs, and a new nut, the grooved bar at the top of the fingerboard over which the strings pass. They also adjusted the soundpost and replaced the undersized tailpiece with one of the correct size.
When Peters put the bow to her great-grandfather’s instrument, she was delighted. “We are so fortunate there is such an abundance of talent living amongst us,” Peters says. “I feel very lucky
They met while attending violin-making school in Mittenwald, Germany. Wendela was looking for a cellist to play in an informal string quartet. Peter agreed and they were soon married.
They did repairs and restoration, beginning in Los Angeles with fellow alumnus Hans Weisshaar. They developed a reputation for being able to fix anything, “even the ones the other shops turned away,” Wendela says. They then moved to London. “We bought, restored, and sold the finest old Italian instruments,” she continues. “They were still affordable back then.”
drea Amati, and Antonio Stradivari, known by the Latinized version of his last name as Stradivarius.
Ultimately, “We did not stay in Cremona because we thought there were enough violin makers there already,” Peter grins.
In his lifetime, Stradivari made some 1,100 instruments. The Moeses estimate that they’ve made less than 200.
Two of their cellos belong to Yo-Yo Ma, perhaps the world’s most celebrated classical cellist. “I love the Moes & Moes,” Ma told Strings Magazine of his first Moes & Moes cello, built in 2003.
“All these years, we only made a handful of instruments, on the side, for fun.” – Wendela Moes
and privileged to have world-class luthiers in our backyard.”
Peter and Wendela have scholars, scientists, musicians, and motorheads in their family. Peter’s father was a Dutch physician and professor; Wendela’s mother was a physicist and her father was a Harvard professor. Everyone learned to play an instrument.
Wendela and Peter also used to race vintage sports cars and are restoring one now. Additionally, Wendela is writing a children’s book about bees, and Peter is building a boat.
“The common thread in our backgrounds is that we are fascinated with how things are put together,” Peter says. “We also love music.”
In 1981, they opened Moes & Moes Violin Makers in New York City, close to Carnegie Hall.
“All these years, we only made a handful of instruments, on the side, for fun,” she recalls. “It was about 1985 when old instruments started getting very expensive — even mediocre-sounding ones — and we thought we could do better and started making new ones seriously.”
They soon had so many orders that it didn’t matter where they lived; musicians came to their workshop, be it in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Bavaria, or now Warrenton.
While searching for a place to settle, they visited the Italian town of Cremona, home of such storied violin makers as Giuseppe Guarneri, An-
“I think it’s extraordinary. It’s their own model; they collaborated on the instrument, and it’s like the child of both of them.”
In 2017, the Baltimore-born, three-time Grammy Award winner Hilary Hahn was about to play an encore in Munich when her violin’s bridge fell over. The Moeses were in the audience and repaired the violin well enough for Hahn to play it.
In “Evolution of an Artist,” a 2020 documentary about Hahn, Wendela is shown giving Hahn a Moes & Moes violin. Hahn praises it as nearly perfect.
following their daughter Phoebe. “She has horses,” Peter says. Their other daughter, artist Saskia, also lives nearby. They chose their house “for its peaceful setting and perfect layout for our work,” Wendela shares.
“We did not stay in Cremona because we thought there were enough violin makers there already.” – Peter Moes
Every weekday morning begins with Peter and Wendela driving their grandchildren to school. Then they are in their workshop. ML
Top left: Peter Moes. Bottom left: A work in progress. Right: The Moeses’ models lined up.
House wing overlooking an amazing, idyllic courtyard with heated pool and brilliant gardens. Amenities include 3 fireplaces, 11’ high ceilings, a chef’s kitchen, HW floors, flagstone terraces with a beautiful stone fountain, all in pristine condition. A huge fenced paddock and run-in shed are ideal for equestrians!
NEWLISTING–COMINGSOON
34321 Foxwood Lane, Bluemont | $3,495,000
Seven years old, this custom built colonial includes over 35+ acres with extraordinary mountain views and a glistening pond stocked with Koi. The main residence boasts 6,000+ SF of extremely charming living space, custom architectural windows (13’ high) capturing the spectacular views, beamed and vaulted ceilings, front and rear porches for outdoor entertaining. Walk-up lower level is partially finished with high ceilings, tack room, pool room and exercise room. A huge run-in for horses, storage or ready for stalls. A whole house generator and a regulation size croquet court awaits the enthusiast! *An adjacent 34 acre parcel is available as well.
22915 Cobb House Road,
| $2,895,000
Just East of historic Middleburg, this exquisite custom built colonial presides over 18+ acres of sweeping lawns, lush woodlands, and beautiful gardens. A long winding drive marks the entrance to this fabulous estate of over 10,000 SF of luxurious living space. Features include 7 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths, high ceilings, wood and tiled floors, 3 fireplaces, crown moldings, premium appliances, on 3 finished levels. A whole house generator and a gorgeous heated pool are part of the idyllic estate.
Prestigious “Barron Acres” is the ideal location for this fantastic contemporary all brick residence, which is in pristine, turn-key condition. Parklike grounds and a storybook setting, find this ideal property surrounded by luxurious homes and manicured grounds. Open and airy, the rooms are flooded with natural light and the floor plan is great for large or small families, artists, and home businesses or equestrians. There is a brand new 2 stall barn, perfect for multiple uses, a picturesque pond, and brilliant perennial gardens. Three levels of stunning living space, it must be seen to appreciate all the amenities.
Middleburg
Barron Acres
18291 Calumet Lane, Bluemont | $2,540,000
At first, there was panic. Marcy Harris had announced her upcoming retirement. Her shop, STITCH, would close. No longer would sewing enthusiasts be able to buy their colorful needlepoint canvases, soft yarns, and other supplies from the store. Even worse, no longer would they gather twice a month in fellowship for needlepoint after-hours.
However, four of Harris’ customers rose to the challenge, deciding to join forces and take the helm at STITCH. The four — Suzanne AbuSharr, Lee McKeel, Rose Rogers, and Haven Ward — had totally succumbed to the joy of needlepoint. Rogers and McKeel were local women, established in the community, but Abu-Sharr and Ward were newcomers. Wednesday nights at STITCH had not only offered the chance to share camaraderie and stitching tips, but had eased
Meet Your Neighbors: Suzanne
Abu-Sharr, Lee McKeel, Rose Rogers, and Haven Ward Stitch Together a Community
Written by Diane Helentjaris |
their transition to their new lives in Middleburg. This March, Abu-Sharr, McKeel, Rogers, and Ward oversaw a soft opening of the shop. In April, STITCH officially reopened under their management. They each have their own contribution and capitalize on their varied skills. McKeel is an accountant. Abu-Sharr, a former middle school counselor, describes her stitching style as “quite slow” and finds the needlework therapeutic and calming. Ward is a newly retired lawyer and a former cross-stitcher. She bought her first canvas from STITCH during a visit to Middleburg and “really got into it.” Rogers jokes, “I am a farmer.” She had worked part-time for Marcy Harris and particularly enjoys helping customers put together their projects, choosing the perfect hand-painted canvas, picking out colors of yarn, and looking for possible embellishments. “Many
Michael Butcher
hands make light work,” she believes. The women split the workload and come together on decisions.
Needlepoint has been around as long as the pyramids, if not longer. The practice involves using yarn to embroider a stiff, open-weave canvas until the entire surface is covered. Patterns are created with varying types of stitches and thread colors. On occasion, pieces can be embellished with specialty threads and yarn, charms, or beads. Stitching can be freehanded on a blank canvas or done with a printed guide. Most of the time, though, stitchers follow a design painted directly onto the canvas. Popular uses for completed canvases include wall hangings, pillows, upholstery, and small items like eyeglass cases.
Stitch | Page 15
Photos by
Left: Haven Ward, Rose Rogers, Suzanne Abu-Sharr, and Lee McKeel. Right: The sleeping STITCH fox welcomes visitors into the cozy shop.
Stitch | From page 14
At STITCH, customers can purchase all necessary supplies. A plethora of yarns, threads, and canvases are on hand. The storefront even goes well beyond the basics by selling sparkly, variegated, alpaca, and fur threads or yarn along with silk ribbons, silk straw, beads, and more. So-called self-finishing pieces are available as well. These kits combine the materials and canvas needed to create a completed item. Examples might be a purse with a needlepoint panel or a wooden box with an inset canvas. The shop also offers finishing services, transforming completed canvases into framed pieces, pillows, and more. Though needlepoint is the shop’s focus, other needlework fans are attracted by its selection of unique threads and embellishments.
The team is buoyed by the resurgence of interest in needlepoint. Folks who are seeking productive ways to relax and unwind find one answer with a canvas, a needle, and thread. Doing needlework by hand is also being recognized for its meditative qualities. “It’s called ‘yoga for the mind,’” Ward says. She adds, “It’s good for kids, as it’s repetitive and keeps them off screens.”
This March, McKeel and Ward traveled to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, for the national Spring Needlepoint Show. Over 200 exhibitors, buyers, designers, and teachers spent several days sharing the latest in the world of needlepoint. McKeel and Ward, energized by the offerings, are thrilled with the merchandise they brought back to the shop.
STITCH has been updated to reflect the change in ownership. A new green and cream color scheme unites the décor. Rather than storing items in files or cupboards, the hand-painted canvases are out and visible on a large cork wall. A big table and comfy chairs promote sociability. The Wednesday night get-togethers continue, along with classes and community outreach.
As Ward says, the shop has “a new and fresh feel. We are very [much] wanting to keep and foster the same community that drew us together, [and to] carry on the legacy with a little fresh on top.” ML
For more scenes from the grand (re)opening, visit MiddleburgLife.com.
STITCH
103 W. Federal Street, Suite 130 Middleburg, VA 20117
Top: A rainbow array of threads. Middle: Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton presents the STITCH team with a certificate to mark the ribbon-cutting. Bottom: A wall of patterns.
Remnant Farm Plants New Roots in Warrenton
Written by Lia Hobel
“Something just lit up inside of me,” Stephanie Taylor remembers of pitching her family’s farm-grown kombucha to local markets last year. “When I went to my first farm market, I was like, ‘Here is my audience. They get it.’ From there, I started to reach out to different farm stores and sell our kombucha directly to them.”
For the certified nutritionist and personal trainer, as well as CEO of the Remnant Farm Kombucha brand, this realization came at the perfect time. She was selling the kombucha at “The Stand” in Warrenton when owner Al Henry offered her the opportunity to take over. Taylor remembers, “He was like, ‘I’m so glad you called me, because I’m getting to an age where I need to slow down a little bit and I was wondering if you want to take over this farm stand.’”
Photos by Callie Broaddus
Roots | From page 18
In January, Taylor and her husband, Adam, officially took over the Waterloo Street market and renamed it Remnant Farm Store. “This is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” Taylor shares. “Having a product is one thing, but having a way to sell it and support other local bakers, farmers, and artisans feels amazing. Truly the best decision.”
The name comes from the Taylors’ family farm in Orlean, Virginia, which they purchased in 2019. Remnant Farm practices regenerative agriculture, which focuses on restoring natural processes while growing food. Their passion for nutrition and wholesome living was born after they discovered their children were having negative reactions to different foods in their diet.
Adam came from a culinary background and began experimenting with kombucha recipes, eventually creating the product that led to a viable business venture. He perfected soft and later hard kombucha, with Powers Farm Brewery being the first to include the Remnant Kombucha on its menu.
In conversations with the previous owner of the farmstand, Taylor knew there was a dedicated customer base that was sensitive to change.
She recalls moving a shelf in the early days and a customer asking why she had moved it. With her food philosophy rooted in regenerative agriculture and nutrition, Stephanie has carefully integrated new products based on customer feedback while maintaining the beloved aspects of the original store. “All the things that you love, I am not taking away, but … I’m going to add some of these things for the customers that have specifically asked for it,” she explains of her product strategy. Some of the new items include more options for uncured meat and products with no nitrate or MSG ingredients.
The Remnant Farm Store continues to offer locally sourced products, with the addition of the Taylors’ kombucha and Remnant Farm duck
eggs. Tallow soap, raw honey, meats, and sourdough are in stock, with the store now focusing on growing its network. Central Coffee Roasters in Sperryville, Windsong Apiaries in Castleton, Green Acres Popcorn from Dayton, and Fool’s Gold Farm in Bealeton are among the dozen of local producers that Rem-
nant Farm partners with. “If I see a customer five or six times asking for the same thing, I will go out and get it. I trust they’re going to continue to shop here,” Taylor says.
The farm and store are a family operation. Their children, 19-year-old Cate and 14-year-old Levi, are involved, and Taylor’s aunt Charlene, who lives on the farm with them, also contributes in the daily farm activities. The name “Remnant” holds special significance for the Taylors. Inspired by a biblical reference to a smaller group of people set apart, Taylor envisioned her family as part of this remnant, passionate about regenerating soil and teaching their children where food comes from. “One of the things I had on my mind
and in my heart over the years is that I really wanted to create something that I could pass on to my children,” she shares, adding that the farm store offers a sense of permanency. “I’m working really hard to pass on a legacy that, even if it’s not for my children, is potentially for my grandchildren. That’s my mindset right now.”
As the Taylors continue to expand their kombucha production and bring their unique flavors to a broader market, Remnant Farm Store stands as a testament to their continued dedication to wholesome living, regenerative agriculture, and the community of local purveyors. ML
Remnant Farm Store
355 Waterloo Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
Top left: Local baked goods and flowers make the perfect spring gift. Bottom left: Beyond great products, the shop offers a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. Right: Taylor shares a smile while arranging produce.
Boyce – The estate features a federal style manor house (circa 1839) which has been beautifully refinished, updated and expanded. Also: charming guest house and 8-stall barn.
John Coles | 540-270-0094
The Plains – With frontage on Zulla Rd. & Burrland Rd. the estate features an elegant one level main residence, pool, guest house, 2 tenant houses, 2 stables–w/total 26 stalls and a 4 acre pond.
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The Plains – A premier estate within the OCH Territory and surrounded by protected land/farms. Exceptional ride-out potential. Many upgrades and improvements. Mountain views. Will Driskill | 540-454-7522
Marshall – Stretching from 5 Points Rd in the Plains, to Rectortown and Frogtown Roads in Marshall. Protected by
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The moment you visit, you’ll feel a sense of belonging that makes you want to put down roots. In business since 1967, Thomas & Talbot’s number-one ranking in Horse Country comes as no surprise based on our long-standing relationships in the community. In addition to locating your perfect home, we introduce you and those you love to a most desirable way of life. Visit our website today and if you’re interested in seeing a particular property, please contact us.
BACK IN THE SADDLE
wIth chrIStIna mangano-mackenzIe
Written by Kaitlin Hill
The idiom “to get back in the saddle” is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “doing something that you stopped doing for a period of time.” For many in Hunt Country, though, the literal meaning of getting back on the horse is more applicable. For Ohio-born but Upperville-raised Christina Mangano-Mackenzie, both interpretations apply.
to an adolescent ambition, and now returning to the sport after time away, the journey back to the saddle for Mangano-Mackenzie has been a labor of love supported by old friends and shared with the next generation of riders, her children.
“My dad rode,” shares Mangano-Mackenzie of how she inherited the equestrian bug during her childhood in Ohio. “He loved riding, trail riding.
As idioms go, Mangano-Mackenzie takes it one step further, offering that riding a horse is in many ways “like riding a bike. You can stop for a while and then it’ll still be there when you are ready to go again.”
From a childhood pastime with her parents
I had a teeny, little pony named Prince. We would go for two to three hours and pack a lunch, and that is how it started. I just fell in love with horses, riding, and trail riding.”
Mangano-Mackenzie would move to Sunridge Farm in Upperville in 1994. “My parents
bought the farm from the Mellons,” she recalls. “Unfortunately, my father passed away right before we moved in.” However, her father’s love of equestrian sports carried on and Mangano-Mackenzie continued to ride when she arrived in Hunt Country. She says, “When I came here, everyone rode English and jumped. I quickly started taking lessons and did pony club.” She
“I had a teeny, little pony named Prince. We would go for two to three hours and pack a lunch, and that is how it started. I just fell in love with horses, riding, and trail riding.”
– Mangano-Mackenzie
quickly made local connections, too, riding with Frannie Kansteiner, founder of Gum Tree Farm, and Denice Derisio-Perry of Skyland Farm. She adds, “I just became obsessed with ponies.”
The obsession would lead to participation in competitions. Mangano-Mackenzie remembers, “I competed what seemed like almost every weekend. Then we would go to Wellington to show, and when the National Horse Show was still in New York, I took my junior hunter, Bucky Dent, up there.”
Saddle | Page 25
Christina Mangano-Mackenzie with her kids, William, Penelope, and Caroline, and their pony. Photo by Caroline Gray.
“When we all get out there together, it is that much more special. It is fun to share my sport and my love of horses with them.” – Mangano-Mackenzie
| From page 24
Then came the break. “I went to college at Elon, and I didn’t ride much except for when I came home.” She adds, “Then my horses got older and retired, and then I just took a pause. I worked on Capitol Hill, got married, and had three kids. I just did not make time for riding.”
After settling down, Mangano-Mackenzie lived in Arlington until 2023, when she made the move back home. Like her initial move to Upperville, this return to Hunt Country would coincide with a loss as well. “My mother passed away in 2022,” Mangano-Mackenzie shares. “She was my biggest champion when I was riding. She drove me everywhere to show and would replay the rounds again and again on the car ride home.”
As though passing a torch, the move back to Upperville would start a new chapter in Mangano-Mackenzie’s life where, instead of sharing her love of riding with her parents, she would share it with her kids and reconnect with old friends. “The kids were old enough to start dabbling with ponies, but I had been out of the horse world for so long, I didn’t know where to start,” she admits. She continues, “So I reconnected with Christine Fiore … and we picked right back up where we left off when we competed as juniors together.” Beyond the friendship, Fiore showed Mangano-Mackenzie’s kids the ropes around the
barn. “She has taught Caroline, my oldest daughter, from lunge line to jumping ... and then my younger two, as well,” she says. “William is 6 and he loves to trail ride Western and go through the mud and go fast. And my youngest, Penelope, just turned 4 and is the lead line queen. She loves a good lead line class.”
Through seeing her kids progress, Mangano-Mackenzie “got the itch again,” but with some stipulations. She asked Fiore to help her find a horse with a laundry list of nonnegotiable traits. “I gave her every criteria: no prep, no spook... He had to be a good mover, a good jumper, quiet. I thought there was no way she was going to find it,” she adds. “She made one call to Chad Keenum, it was the only horse I sat on, and now I have Good To Go.
“He’s fabulous. He is such a sweet guy… He is a beautiful mover and a great jumper,” Mangano-Mackenzie says of the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Rotspon. “And he is warm blood, so he is quiet by nature.” She says, “We joke that there are no bad days with him. Even if I make a mistake, we’re still smiling. He is a pleasure to ride.”
Now back in the saddle, Mangano-Mackenzie also looked to Fiore and Keenum for help returning to the ring, specifically at the 66th Washington International Horse Show last October. “I
decided on Sunday that I was going. Christine and Chad helped me pull it all together and we showed on Monday.” For Mangano-Mackenzie, it was a return to the show ring, and for Good To Go it was his first time indoors. “There were a lot of nerves, but Christine and Chad set me up perfectly to go in there. It was a surreal moment,” she remembers. “Good To Go got an 86. It was a magical night.” The duo won the Regional Hunter Finals.
Of Good To Go’s performance, Mangano-Mackenzie says, “He was so brave. It is one of his best qualities.”
With a successful show under her belt and confidence renewed, she is looking forward to competing more. “We are right around the corner from Upperville, which has long been my favorite show. To do well at Upperville is what I have my sights set on next,” she shares.
But more broadly, Mangano-Mackenzie is just enjoying the ride. She says, “It’s funny, doing it as a mom now. It takes a lot of effort to get the kids going on the ponies and tacked up. When we all get out there together, it is that much more special. It is fun to share my sport and my love of horses with them.” She concludes, “Horses will always have a special place in my heart, and it is so nice to come back to it. I had forgotten how much I love it.” ML
Left: Mangano-Mackenzie and Good To Go. Photo by Caroline Gray. Right: Mangano-Mackenzie and Good To Go at the Washington International Horse Show last October.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.
Saddle
Hastening
Hastening
French
French
the muSeum of houndS & huntIng celebrateS 40 YearS
Written by Shayda Windle
On May 24, the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, located in the historic mansion at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The museum was founded in 1985 by Erskine L. Bedford, Master of Foxhounds (MFH) of the Piedmont Fox Hounds; Dr. Joseph M. Rogers, MFH of the Loudoun Hunt; Alexander McKay Smith; and Sherman P. Haight. These founding trustees of the Westmoreland Davis Foundation were not only passionate historians, but also all foxhunters, deeply devoted to the traditions of the sport. Together, they created a space where art, artifacts, and memorabilia of the sport could be safeguarded for generations to come.
Morven Park was once the country estate of
Westmoreland and Marguerite Davis, who purchased it in 1903. A New York lawyer turned Virginia farmer, Davis served as governor of Virginia from 1918 to 1922 and was a dedicated foxhunter. He and his wife built Morven Park into a thriving agricultural hub, home to over a thousand animals, and founded the Loudoun Hunt, where Davis served as MFH — cementing the estate’s place in equestrian history.
“It’s a true honor to help preserve the tradition of foxhunting,” says Daphne Flowers Wood, MHHNA board member and MFH of Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, Florida. Her husband, C. Martin Wood III, carried the horn for 31 seasons and was inducted into the Huntsmen’s Hall of Fame at Morven Park in 2017.
The museum owes much of its charming preservation to the Women’s Committee, which transformed unused rooms of the mansion into inviting galleries. “We had this beautiful setting and a passion to preserve the legacy of hunting with hounds,” shares Nancy Bedford, museum chairman. Today, the museum operates independently of the Westmoreland Davis Foundation and has become a nationally recognized destination for those who appreciate the culture and history of foxhunting. The wives of the founders — Peggy Haight, Donna T. Rogers, and Nancy G. Bedford — assisted their husbands in creating the museum.
Visitors to the Leesburg location, and to its
Celebrate | Page 29
“It’s a true honor to help preserve the tradition of foxhunting.”
– Daphne Flowers Wood
Morven Park in Leesburg, home of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America. Photo by Callie Broaddus.
Celebrate | From page 28
more recent Middleburg branch, can explore a collection of fine art, bronzes, books, diaries, foxhunting artifacts, attire, horse tack, china, silver trophies, and more.
“Both museums are vital, where we collect and preserve the legends of foxhunting — both the individuals who shaped it and the significant works of art connected to the sport,” longtime board member John J. Head says.
The anniversary festivities will commence on May 24, with guided tours of the museum and mansion from 3 to 7 p.m., and continue on May 25. MHHNA will showcase rare artifacts, fine artwork, and special items from the sport’s long history. A gallery and art exhibition featuring sporting art from local crafters will be open, including a stunning exhibition of bronze sculptures — some for sale — by renowned sculptor Charles C. Rumsey (1879-1922), exclusively on loan from New York. One of Rumsey’s works, “The Old Virginian,” is permanently housed in the Huntsmen’s Hall of Fame at Morven Park.
This year’s celebration coincides with one of the estate’s most anticipated annual traditions:
“Both museums are vital, where we collect and preserve the legends of foxhunting — both the individuals who shaped it and the significant works of art connected to the sport.” – John J. Head
the Virginia Foxhound Club Show, held on the Sunday before Memorial Day, which this year falls on May 25. The show brings together 30 to 40 hunts from across the United States, with kennels full of hounds and representatives from each hunt’s territory. Morven Park itself lies within the registered hunting territory of the Loudoun County Foxhounds, but at the show, staff and spectators from all over the country gather to admire hounds, swap stories, and enjoy a weekend filled with tradition.
One of the highlights of the weekend, the museum’s Huntsmen’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Held every few years, the ceremony honors noteworthy foxhunters who have dedicated at least 20 years to the sport and led with distinction. Inductees, if living, or their families are invited to attend, and each is celebrated with a tribute from a guest speaker sharing their life story. Many of these individuals have hunted in multiple regions. From Virginia to Massachusetts and New York to Ottawa and beyond, their stories reflect the widespread impact of the foxhunting tradition in North America.
Guests are invited to enjoy an exhibition of paintings and bronzes followed by a reception, spending an afternoon mingling with fellow foxhunting enthusiasts and friends of the museum. “Despite all that has changed over the past 40 years, especially with advancements in technology, the world of foxhunting remains the same,” Head says. “The attire, the accessories, the customary stirrup cup, the hunt breakfast, among other traditions, have not changed. Foxhunting is a sport that is open to everyone — young people passionate about horses and horse riding, people riding to hounds, people who are hunt subscribers, or people who have retired from hunting and are interested in this rich tradition.”
As the museum marks four decades of education, preservation, and celebration, it invites everyone — riders, historians, and curious visitors alike — to join in recognizing the people and animals who make this tradition so remarkable. ML
For information on becoming a museum member or donating, visit mhhna.org. And for more images from Morven Park’s 40 years, visit MiddleburgLife.com.
Left: A display of hunting books and bronzes at the Middleburg location. Right: “The Scurry” by Jean Bowman on display at MHHNA in Middleburg. It depicts several foxhunting legends like Melvin Poe, Bruce Sundlun, Ambassador Charles Whitehouse, Senator John Warner, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Photos by Kaitlin Hill.
Belong to the Moment
At
ENHANCED BEAUTY & WELLNESS: Making Aesthetic Medicine Accessible
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Sherri Holdridge
With its quaint downtown area, historic buildings, and welcoming atmosphere, Purcellville offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. In this idyllic setting, Enhanced Beauty & Wellness opened in a renovated century-old building on Main Street to accommodate its growing customer base, bringing a new level of aesthetic care and wellness to the community.
Founded by Purcellville resident Amanda Dayton, a seasoned nurse practitioner with nearly two decades of experience, Enhanced Beauty & Wellness is dedicated to helping individuals look and feel their best. Dayton’s journey into aesthetic medicine began unexpectedly. After finishing graduate school and moving from Georgia to Virginia, she was looking for a job while pregnant. She was offered a position in a medical spa and recalls thinking to herself, “This will work until I find a real job.” She admits, “Six weeks later, I was hooked and
never left.” She founded Enhanced Beauty & Wellness in 2020, spending five years in town before moving to the new location in April.
Dayton’s background in emergency medicine and long-term care, combined with her expertise in aesthetic and wellness medicine, has quickly shaped the clinic into a destination for those seeking comprehensive, personalized care. “People come to us for many reasons, but often it spawns out of a time of transition,” Dayton explains. “I love that my job is to help those people go into those transitions with confidence and grace. We also have many clients that are looking to anti-age gracefully, and again, we get to be stewards of that journey.”
The specialists are there to help patients feel and look their best. “All of our clinicians carry that same ethos. We are medical providers first and always,” she says. With this, Dayton says they make recommendations without ever pushing or
hurrying clients into making decisions that they aren’t ready to make. “We try to make every patient comfortable, whether they are looking for a full facial rejuvenation experience or are just dipping their toe in the pond to see what everything is about.”
Dayton emphasizes that wellness and beauty go hand in hand. The skin reflects what’s going on inside the body. For instance, smokers often experience significant collagen breakdown earlier in life due to free radicals released from smoke that sit on their skin. By working with patients on improved wellness, Enhanced Beauty & Wellness can slow the aging process. They offer weight and nutrition management, hormone balancing, and recovery therapies including cryotherapy, a salt float, a sauna, and a salt room. They’re also looking to add additional services such as peptide
new treatments before the providers do.
Injectables continue to be extremely popular at Enhanced Beauty & Wellness, as a result of the quick and nonpermanent results they can achieve. Botox and other neurotoxins have almost become like dental cleanings for many people, who visit regularly for maintenance. The use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications has also become more mainstream. Dayton says, “We are one of the few practices that work with both name-brand and compounded medications but also maintain certain medical requirements, including labs and dietary counseling.”
therapy and have recently introduced IV therapy, including vitamin infusions, glutathione, and NAD treatments.
Over the past 13 years, Dayton has witnessed several shifts in the industry. The most impactful change has been the normalization of self-care. This openness has led to the development of more natural approaches to anti-aging and improved training and education for both patients and providers. “With the rise of social media, patients are also much more educated,” she says. “This has led to a more collaborative treatment approach between providers and patients.” Additionally, “the last two years have really seen an increase in natural treatments and whole-body wellness approaches.” Enhanced Beauty & Wellness stays up to date by participating in several professional organizations and attending trainings and conferences. Dayton also listens to feedback from patients, who sometimes know about
Dayton says the goal at Enhanced Beauty & Wellness is to make clients feel good when they leave, whether through treatment or just a friendly face to confide in.
“We’ve celebrated with our patients and mourned with our patients. They become family to us,” she shares. The front desk staff takes time to learn about patients and often remembers little details that make their experience even more enjoyable, she says. The warmth of the staff is coupled with the building’s beautifully restored historic setting, where many clients are happy to sit and chat.
“I really love that Purcellville has welcomed us with open arms and that our local patients appreciate our more relaxed and conservative approach,” Dayton concludes. ML
151 W. Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
Enhanced Beauty & Wellness
Top left: The historic building. Top right: A peek inside the salt room. Bottom left: A guest floats inside the salt tank.
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$3800 per month
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Oakendale | 2227 Penny Lane, The Plains SOLD | $10,750,000 | Represented Buyer
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Village Hamlet | 1 Chinn Lane, Middleburg Offered at $1,250,000
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Stillpoint Farm | 315 Piedmont Avenue, Little Washington Offered at $2,900,000
When it comes to aromatherapy, there’s a reason why “therapy” is embedded in the word. It’s about transformation, and that’s exactly the driving force behind Kimberly Lane’s new business: Just K.A.D.E. Aromatherapy & Artisan Boutique in Middleburg.
Using premium essential oils and organic ingredients, Lane discovered the secret of transforming everyday rituals into mood-enhancing moments. Crafting luscious face and body products, soy candles, diffusers, and more, she’s in the business of delivering serenity one sniff at a time.
THE STORY BEHIND JUST K.A.D.E.
“A few years ago, I started making handmade soaps for my family,” Lane shares. Her business takes its name from the initials of her family’s first names: Kimberly (herself), Anthony (her son), Dennis (her husband), and Eleanor (her daughter). Each bar was a labor of love, designed to provide not just cleansing, but an experience that uplifts.
As her creativity evolved, she expanded to candles. “The warm glow and soothing scents transformed our spaces and we knew we found a way to bring joy and comfort to our community,” she says. Every candle is made with soy wax and infused with essential oils, resulting
JuSt k.a.d.e. Aromatherapy & Artisan Boutique in Middleburg
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos by Kaitlin Hill
in a clean burn.
Before opening the Middleburg outpost, Lane first started selling products from a shop in Fairfax County. In addition to her boutique, she takes her products on the road, setting up at events, wineries, and special shows. Products like body and facial creams, cleansers, oils, butters, gels, lip balms, whipped organic grass-fed tallow butter, salves, soy candles, diffusers, and hydrosols resulted in repeat customers.
Her first show was in April 2024 at the Middleburg Spring Fling, which proved to be a hit. In September 2024, she became a certified aromatherapist, which required the completion of a
150-hour accredited course by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
This March, a ribbon-cutting celebrated the opening of Just K.A.D.E. in the heart of downtown Middleburg. “I’ve always loved Middleburg,” Lane says. “We stumbled across this space we’re now in and are thrilled to be here. Everyone’s been super helpful.”
PRODUCTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
“A lot of care and consideration go into each product,” Lane explains. She focuses on “using [fewer] chemicals and more natural and organic
Boutique | Page 37
Top: Kimberly Lane. Bottom: Dry skin gel.
Boutique | From page 36
ingredients. I also make the wicks.” Each essential oil has its own unique set of therapeutic benefits related to relaxation, healing, skin care, or stress relief.
“I love so many of the products, but my favorite is the Headache & Migraine Gel,” says customer Jane Gallant. “I have suffered migraines for years and have taken every medication under the sun. I love using the migraine gel because it smells wonderful and does help. This product, along with the soaps and candles, is wonderful. I can’t wait to stop by the new store to get more!”
Specialties for men include beard oil and beard butter, with aftershaves coming soon. Kyle Zilberfarb shares, “The Mountain Mist soap reminds me of a cozy cabin trip. The Grapefruit Bergamot candle is definitely my favorite.” He adds, “The little soap racks and jars of matches are also a great touch... I highly recommend their products, and the owners are super friendly and helpful.”
Diffusers and hydrosols, a water-based prod-
uct with a more subtle scent, are also perfect for every room in the house, office, car — or barn! “If you have an anxious pet or horse, first spray your hand and let your pet smell it,” Lane advises. Care must also be taken with essential oils and children, but some can be kid-safe with proper dilution. Lane recommends lavender hydrosol if a baby has a rash or eczema, and other scents can be tested once they reach 2 years or older.
The shop carries two types of diffusers: an electric option that uses water and essential oils to produce a mist, and a passive variety that requires no water. With passive diffusers, just place a few drops of essential oil onto materials like reeds, clay, or a lava rock to absorb the oils and gradually release them into the air.
UNIQUE SCENT NAMES
Lane’s husband, Dennis, works at the shop during the week and when Lane is away at a show. They develop the scents together, and Dennis helps with the clever product names. “We have a soap and candle called Groovy that he named, which has scents of patchouli, vanilla, and pine,” Lane says. “I used to hate patchouli, but when mixed with other scents, it’s great.”
Other customer favorites include Hummingbird, a summery scent of honeysuckle and lemon; Petals, a blend of jasmine, lavender, and rose; Sap Happens, filled with frankincense and myrrh; and No Pulp, a curated mix of grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, and orange. “My husband also came up with that name,” Lane adds.
CUSTOM ORDERS
For special occasions, seasonal events, or
business functions, Lane offers custom orders with personalized labels for soaps and candles in a variety of sizes and scents. Soaps can also be ordered in unique shapes like flowers or animals. Last fall, Lane created specialized candles for a wedding and crafted labels including the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date, and a favorite quote. She worked with the bride’s mom and supplied samples. “It was a fall wedding, so they wanted a fall scent,” Lane remembers. “As a certified aromatherapist, if someone has a specific need, I would definitely work with them to ensure I’m crafting the product they want. If someone is pregnant or a customer wants to target a specific problem, such as anxiety or stress, I can work with them on that.”
Lane concludes, “I never thought I’d have a shop; the ribbon-cutting this past March was surreal. I often ask my husband, ‘Can you believe we have a store?’”
For those looking to add a sense of serenity to their day, Just K.A.D.E. might be the perfect prescription, delivering therapy for all. ML
Just K.A.D.E.
116 W. Washington Street, Suite 202 Middleburg, VA 20117
justkade.store
Top left: Essential oils. Top right: Natural lip balm. Bottom: A lovely painting hangs in Lane’s shop.
Our Favorite Local Gifts for Mother’s Day
Photos by Callie Broaddus
Beaded Sea Turtle Purse, $34, Available at The Lucky Knot
Genuine Panama Hat, $399,
Hand-Tied Bouquets, from $50, Available at Nature Composed
Jane Austen Napkin Set, $58, Available at Federal & Black
Personalized “Alice in Wonderland” Print, $350, Available at Hastening Antiques
Leather Trim Gardening Gloves, $30, Available at Every Little Something
Designer Spring Silk Blouse, $1,130, Available at Tully Rector
Wrendale Hot Water Bottle, $25, Available at Warrenton Jewelers & Gifts
Lemon Earrings, $32, Available at Zest Clothing & Co.
Ciara Slides, $98, Available at J.McLaughlin
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“The Happiness of Color II” at The Byrne Gallery
May 1 - June 1 | thebyrnegallery.com
Don’t miss The Byrne Gallery’s May exhibit, “The Happiness of Color II.” The show will feature work from local artists Richard Binder, Joe LaMattina, Sharon Pierce McCullough, Carolyn Marshall Wright, and Susan Yennerell in a variety of mediums. The Byrnes will host a reception to celebrate on May 10 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Art in the Burg
May 10 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | artintheburgva.com
Middleburg’s annual celebration of the arts returns on Saturday, May 10, featuring Hunt Country’s best painting, pottery, photography, jewelry, sculpture, woodworking, leather goods, candles, soaps, and much more. All products are handcrafted by local artisans. Stroll South Madison Street and Federal Street and enjoy
live music, delicious street food, beer, cider, and wine!
Mother’s Day at Goodstone Inn
May 11 | 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | goodstone.com
Treat mom to a fine dining brunch experience in the tranquility of Goodstone Inn’s Conservatory. The multicourse menu will feature lobster bisque, spring terrine, an herb-crusted rack of lamb, and decadent dark chocolate desserts. Reservations are required and can be made through Goodstone Inn’s website.
Whimsical Wildflower Wine Glasses
May 11 | 1 to 3 p.m. | goodspiritfarmva.com
Join Dawn of DBD Art Studio for an afternoon of crafting. Participants will learn to make spring-inspired wine glasses while enjoying a drink and relaxing at Good Spirit Farm. Tickets are $45 per person and can be booked through Eventbrite.
Speed Jigsaw Puzzling at Bear Chase Brewing
May 12 | 6:30 to 9 p.m. | bearchasebrew.com
Stop by Bear Chase Brewing in Bluemont for a night of puzzles, prizes, and pints! This is a team event where teams of four will race against other teams to put together a jigsaw puzzle for a prize. Reservations are required and can be booked through Eventbrite.
Monthly Painting Workshop with Kim T. Richards at AiM
May 13 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org
Celebrate spring with a “Spring Flowers”-themed class at the Artists in Middleburg. Instructor Kim T. Richards will lead the class through oil or acrylic painting techniques while helping build skills and offering tips and tricks. Participants may bring their own inspiration photos or use the photos and still life objects provided. This
Calendar | Page 43
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Calendar | From page 42
class is perfect for beginner or intermediate artists. Tickets are $110 and can be booked through AiM’s website.
Foraging for Tea at JK Community Farm
May 15 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | jkcommunityfarm.org
Learn how to use common weeds to make tea and first aid salves on a guided tour of JK Community Farm. Following the tour, there will be tea drinking and a discussion session where participants will learn the medicinal properties of each plant. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase on Eventbrite.
White Wine Blending & Bottling Class
May 16 | 5 to 6 p.m. | chrysaliswine.com
Join Chrysalis Vineyards’ winemaker Jake Blodinger for an evening of wine blending and bottling. Participants will experience a guided
wine tasting, hands-on corking and labeling, and instruction from experts. Tickets are $75 per person and include all supplies. They are available through the Chrysalis website.
An Exploration of Landscape and History
May 17 | 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | osgf.org
Explore the rich and hidden history of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s landscape of trees, rocks, stone walls, forest, and fields. The fourmile property walk will cover tree identification, stories of Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon, and the connection between history and contemporary ecology. Tickets are $50 and lunch is included.
Hunt Country Stable Tour
May 24 - 25 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour Experience the quintessential Hunt Country tour with access to the area’s most beautiful
farms! This year will feature 17 spots in total, eight of which are completely new to the tour. Proceeds from the tour support the community and outreach programs of Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville. There is a range of ticket options, from general admission to VIP experiences.
A Fest Less Ordinary
May 31 | 3 to 9 p.m. | afarmlessordinary.org
Enjoy the musical stylings of Justin Trawick and The Common Good, Gabrielle Zwi, Personal Moose, ilyAIMY, Griefcat, and Karen Jonas as they perform at A Farm Less Ordinary in Purcellville. The live music will be accompanied by local craft beer, wine, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Tickets are $40 until May 30 or $50 at the door.
For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:
