In early January 2025, my family and I headed to Washington, D.C. I had always wanted to see the small town of Middleburg which is known in these parts for hunting and horses. Lo and behold, as we made our way along windy country roads, a red fox watched us from a snow-covered field in the middle of the afternoon. We strolled past whimsical storefronts and realized that this town was exceptionally quiet. Too quiet. It turned out that - in anticipation of heavy snow that night - most stores had closed after lunch leaving downtown eerily quiet. “We joke all the time that we live in Stars Hollow, with the delightfully quirky cast of characters straight out of Gilmore Girls. Living in a small town is a new delight for me, and we adore our customers.“ Leave it to the only local independent bookshop to stay open! The owner had stayed open to ensure that locals and tourists alike had the chance to stock up on their reading before the snow hit. Mary Beth Manion, one of the founders of Middleburg Books, is a former librarian. When she and her husband Michael relocated to Middleburg, VA, she missed independent bookshops and set her mind to opening one herself. She told me, “The local shop Second Chapter books had recently closed; as a former school librarian, my husband and I realized that opening a bookstore would be the perfect next move. In a historic building dating to the 1790s, I saw the opportunity to create a magical, story-filled space where book lovers of all ages could gather, explore, and connect. I teamed up with fellow librarian Christina Duffy, and together we created a yummy jewel box space painted a deep teal, and sprinkled in enchanting details from our favorite stories—think constellation ceilings and secret garden vibes—to make the shop a true destination. Our dream was not just to open a bookstore, but build a community hub with fabulous events where readers always feel welcome.” Middleburg Books truly felt like stepping into an enchanted world: Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined each wall, the light was soft, the decor detailed and charming. My daughter and her cousin settled on a comfy sofa in the kid’s section while I marveled at the great selection of fiction, current affairs and cookbooks. Mary Beth told me, “I like to think stepping into Middleburg Books feels like walking into a literary dreamland—every corner is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and delight book lovers of all ages. The ceiling twinkles with a constellation-inspired wallpaper while wooden bookshelves painted in deep teal blue stretch from floor to ceiling, packed with a carefully curated selection of stories waiting to be discovered. Several rail display shelves provide a constantly rotating selection of our favorites. A sense of magic and nostalgia fills the air, from cozy nooks perfect for curling up with a book to charming little details inspired by classic tales. The children's section is an absolute wonderland, designed to ignite young imaginations, while the main space invites readers to linger, chat, and explore. Whether you're drawn in by the warm glow of reading lamps, or the possibility of stumbling upon your next favorite book, Middleburg Books is a space that instantly feels like home for every book lover!”  With a population of under 700, Middleburg does not only cater to locals. And only an hour west of the nation’s capital, it is a destination for tourists that want to escape the big city and stay in dreamy sounding places like the Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Yet, building community and bringing people together is close to Mary Beth’s and Christina’ hearts. And if food is involved, even better! Mary Beth explained, “My favorite event is the Supper Club. Middleburg Books' supper club is a cozy feast where food lovers and literary enthusiasts come together to cook, share, and connect over a featured cookbook. Each month, participants prepare a dish from the selected book and gather around a beautifully set communal table in the bookstore to enjoy a night of great conversation, delicious food, and a warm sense of community. With a mix of locals, visitors, and passionate home chefs, the supper club has quickly become the most sought-after ticket in town, proving that books and good food are the perfect pairing!” "I love curating a selection of amazing books, and I live for the joy of matching people with their perfect title, whether it’s a skeptical tiny human’s first favorite or a lifelong bookworm’s next obsession.” Mary Beth’s Book Recommendation What I bought at Middleburg Books
Comments are closed.
|
Company |
Sign up for Impact Curator
|
Legalese
|
© COPYRIGHT 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|