Quintessential Middleburg: Where the Road Slows Down

Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Gracie Savage

Walk down nearly any long farm drive or garden path in Hunt Country and you will likely hear the unmistakable crunch of pea gravel beneath your feet. Named for its resemblance to garden peas, pea gravel has long been valued for its natural beauty, versatility, and practical use in landscaping. 

From drainage projects and garden paths to patios and driveways, the material has remained a staple in rural communities for generations. Part of its appeal lies in its soft, earthy palette, with shades of gray, brown, beige, white, and rust that blend seamlessly into the authentic farms and historic homes of Hunt Country.

“Just think about what this town looked like a hundred years ago,” explains Mackie Jenkins, owner of Omega Landscape Construction. “Driveways were covered in gravel. Asphalt did not become mainstream until the mid-1900s, and even today it remains more common in urban areas than rural communities.”

Based in Middleburg, with an office above Common Grounds, Omega Landscape Construction has become a well-known presence throughout Hunt Country, celebrating 15 years in business this past February.

Over the years, Omega has worked on everything from small garden enhancements to large-scale property transformations. One of the company’s earliest full-property landscape projects was at 503 Stonewall Avenue, at the time a rare newly constructed home in Middleburg. Jenkins says the project included a complete master landscape plan designed to complement the architecture of the home while preserving the traditional aesthetic that defines the town.

Today, much of the demand for pea gravel extends beyond Middleburg into the surrounding estates and farms west of Route 15 and throughout The Plains and nearby countryside. Jenkins says many new landowners are intentionally trying to preserve the natural beauty and historic character of the region by installing it.

“There are always going to be things people are looking for in this area,” he says. “What we see is a lot of owners buying land and properties with these long driveways, and they’re trying to preserve the views, preserve the land, and respect the traditional materials that fit the landscape.”

Often referred to as the “quintessential Middleburg driveway,” pea gravel has maintained its popularity throughout Hunt Country not only because of its timeless appearance and affordability, but also due to the warm, welcoming feel it creates for visitors arriving at a home or business. Jenkins says even the Town of Middleburg has embraced pea gravel throughout public spaces because of the way it softens the look and feel of the streetscape.

“It takes out that cold blue tone you get from asphalt and concrete,” he explains. “You will see it sporadically used throughout the town more and more.”

For years, Omega Landscape Construction has been a trusted source for pea gravel landscaping throughout downtown Middleburg, and demand continues to grow. As new residents move into Hunt Country and longtime homeowners refresh their properties, many are seeking the same classic aesthetic, particularly for their driveways.

Pea gravel also appeals to homeowners because it is relatively low-maintenance. Unlike paved driveways, which often require resurfacing or repairs over time, pea gravel can typically be refreshed with simple upkeep to maintain the surface and prevent sinking or soil mixing.

Beyond driveways, pea gravel can be used in a wide range of landscaping projects. It can create a charming patio, a serene garden walkway, or a cozy firepit area. It’s also commonly used as decorative mulch in flower beds or as a weed-suppressing layer beneath larger stones.

Jenkins believes pea gravel’s appeal is as sensory as it is visual. “When you’re driving on asphalt or concrete, you just keep moving,” he says. “But when your tires hit gravel, there’s a sound and texture to it that naturally slows you down and brings you in. It changes the experience of arriving somewhere.”

Last fall, Patty Callahan, a resident of Middleburg, decided to incorporate pea gravel into her own driveway renovation. She initially contacted Omega after admiring stonework the company had completed for a friend’s property, and asked Jenkins if he could install stone aprons at the front of her driveway, where years of rain had caused erosion.

“I ended up having him do much more work than anticipated,” she says. “I cannot tell you how happy I am.”

After living in her home for 22 years, Callahan says heavy rain had taken a toll on the long, sloped driveway leading to the back of her property. What began as a request to help stabilize the entrance eventually evolved into a larger renovation project after Jenkins recommended resurfacing part of the drive with pea gravel.

She says she was especially impressed by the crew’s attention to detail throughout the installation process. “They excavated, laid a base, compacted it with machinery, steamrolled it, and did such a thorough job,” she says. “Now, when I cut my grass, I blow the clippings off the driveway so it still looks beautiful. My old driveway always had weeds.”

For homeowners looking to preserve the rural elegance and timeless character that define Middleburg, the enduring appeal of pea gravel may be as much about atmosphere as it is about practicality. The familiar crunch beneath your feet is more than just a sound; it is part of the landscape itself. ML

Published in the June 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.