IN THE NEWS

The nation’s capital is an incredibly family-oriented destination that’s filled with many historic monuments, memorials, interactive museums, and kid-friendly hotels. 

During the past month, Loudoun Now asked readers to share their recommendations about their favorite places, people and businesses. 

Middleburg’s elegant Salamander Resort & Spa is more than an upscale equestrian resort; it welcomes doggos with “open paws.” Terrace rooms with easy access to the grounds have been designated pet-friendly. Not to mention the various in-room amenities including a comfy bed, food and water bowls, organic treats, a special chewing toy and waste bags. The expansive grounds of Salamander are perfect for those daily walks… you are just asked to please keep Fido on a leash and not enter public spaces.

Vacation doesn’t always mean booking a flight and traveling internationally. Vacations also include road trips and domestic flights. When you want to stay stateside, but still have a good time in a city that welcomes you, here are the nominees for Favorite Stateside City Vacay for Black Travelers.

The Market Salamander at the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg also sources meat from Ovoka. It partners with the farm for special events such as the Local Wagyu Wine Dinner.

Once summer (and all of its humidity) officially descends on DC, along with a beach day, what’s also very necessary is a total escape from the District. And luckily, our region is filled with underrated cities and sleepy hamlets that make for a perfect getaway.

Despite only accounting for two percent of hotels in the country, Black-owned hotels and resorts are some of the best accommodations in the US. From top-notch hospitality to simple comforts, Black-owned hotels provide a level of care big-box brands seem to have forgotten about. Now more than ever, these hotels are setting fresh notions on what it means to thrive in the hospitality industry. 

Salamander Middleburg Resort: A timeless getaway in historic Middleburg that's steeped in equestrian roots, this upscale resort sits among the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and is easily accessible by way of Washington, D.C.

The Capital Region is handily placed for an abundance of fresh seafood due to the proximity to an array of rivers and bays and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. King Street Oyster Bar in Middleburg, Virginia is a great place to indulge in a variety of local oysters.