Vicky Moon - Middleburg, Virginia, Loudoun County

Village of 650 residents noted for its local color and way of life

MIDDLEBURG, Va.— Vicky Moon, author and equestrienne, invites you to journey down the hidden dirt lanes surrounding the historic horse country hamlet of Middleburg, Virginia just 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. “To the passerby this looks like another pretty country town, with rolling fields and a quaint downtown,” Moon says.

Her popular book THE MIDDLEBURG MYSTIQUE: A Peek Inside the Gates of Middleburg, Virginia, chronicled the cast of colorful characters including celebs Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Duvall along with the more distinguished Kennedys, Mellons, Firestones and Harrimans.

THE MIDDLEBURG MYSTIQUE VISIT is a three-hour/walk-drive peek at the people, places and mystique that surround this horse-crazy Virginia village. “I often tell people that I have my finger on the pulse of Middleburg,” Moon says. “From my second floor office on West Washington Street, I can see the brick post office and the bank out my front window. From the side window, I can see the liquor store. This is the heartbeat of this town.”

Moon relates tales of this rural community, which was permanently put on the map with the arrival of President John F. Kennedy and his horse-loving wife, Jackie in February 1961. She includes some of the more scandalous stories of divorce, such as when actor Robert Duvall’s wife ran off with the “hunky” pool man; and murders among the rich, like when arms heiress Susan Cummings shot her Argentinean polo-playing lover.

THE MIDDLEBURG MYSTIQUE VISIT includes the tender stories of other less notorious, but still fascinating residents, such as 77-year-old Anna Beavers, who spent her life collecting clothing for poor children, namely the employees of wealthy farm owners. Then there’s the freelance bartender who drinks his own mistakes—and often needs a ride home. And the sage of the party hostess who refused to call the rescue squad when her butler died just as the guests were arriving—the poor soul couldn't be helped anyway, so why ruin the festivities?

Her collection of stories is not just about the wealthy and their quirks. There are recipes for dishes served at traditional Middleburg events, such as the annual Hunt Breakfast- as well as TV personality Willard Scott’s famous Strawberry Pie. “You never know whom you may see walking down the brick side walks here,” says Moon, who has written about Middleburg for People Magazine, The Washington Post, Town and Country, Millionaire and Southern Accents magazines. “Maybe you’ll want to visit Linda Tripp’s new Christmas shop?"

One visitor once asked, ‘What is it about you people out there in Middleburg? Is there something in the well water?’ To which I say, "come find out what it’s all about.”

THE MIDDLEBURG MYSTIQUE VISIT three- hour/walk drive visit includes refreshments, goodie bag and copy of Vicky Moon’s book THE MIDDLEBURG MYSTIQUE. The cost is $68 per person. Overnight lodging can also be arranged. Contact info@vickymoon.com or 540 687-6325. Also ask about; MIDDLEBURG ON HORSEBACK with the publication of THE PRIVATE PASSION OF JACKIE KENNEDY ONASSIS: PORTRAIT OF A RIDER