Important Information to Loudoun County, Virginia

Virginia comprises mountains, vineyards, small cities, luxurious accommodations, inventive hubs, and a number of the most inspiring culinary scenes on the East Coast. Whilst you might actually traverse the Commonwealth to witness its multiplicity, you could possibly additionally stick to at least one area—specifically, Loudoun County.

Usually referred to easily as “Loudoun,” Loudoun County is made up of a handful of cities and communities: Leesburg (the county seat), Middleburg, Purcellville, Waterford, Sterling, Spherical Hill, Lucketts, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Hamilton, Ashburn, and Bluemont. “As a enterprise proprietor in Loudoun, I actually admire the range. Every metropolis or city has its personal vibe and tradition. I additionally like how every metropolis has its personal native aptitude and occasions that the group can assist,” says Silas Redd, proprietor of Nostalgia Boutique and Mister on Predominant in Purcellville.

“Some individuals ‘pit’ jap Loudoun versus western Loudoun,” Jody Brady, founder and director of the Loudoun Appalachian Path Competition, tells Journey + Leisure, explaining how jap Loudoun is understood for its suburban developments and purchasing facilities whereas western Loudoun has extra farms and wineries. “However I feel Loudoun works as a result of east and west combine all this up and make the county the dynamic, thriving place it’s,” she says. And as Reagan Walker, proprietor of Waterford Reservations, shares, “Whether or not you might be into out of doors actions or culinary experiences, otherwise you’re a wine or beer lover, there may be really one thing for everybody.”

Learn on for our complete information to Loudoun County, Virginia.

Finest Motels

Lodge Burg

“Charming bed-and-breakfasts abound in Loudoun, and an array of accommodations line the roads close to Dulles Worldwide Airport, however the latest discuss of the city is the brand new, elegant Lodge Burg within the coronary heart of Leesburg’s historic district,” says Brady. Set to open to visitors this summer season, the posh boutique lodge could have a restaurant, The Huntōn, a cocktail bar, The Diana Lounge, and a rooftop bar.

Lansdowne Resort

“I’ve additionally beloved visiting Lansdowne Resort. It’s expansive, and the meals is top-notch,” says Redd. The five hundred-acre, family-friendly property is situated in Leesburg, and its facilities embrace three golf programs, a spa with 12 remedy rooms, and three out of doors swimming pools.

Salamander Middleburg

“In fact, five-star Salamander Resort in Middleburg stays the top-tier keep in Loudoun,” says Brady. The resort is good for these vacationers who take pleasure in balancing actions with rest. There’s horseback using, golf, tennis, and a pool, plus a full-service spa to retreat to if you’re prepared for some downtime.

Finest Issues to Do

Go for a hike.

It’s not exhausting to discover a method to keep lively in Loudoun County, and probably the greatest methods to get in your steps and see the realm is to hike. “Stroll a stretch of the Appalachian Path and picnic on the Bears Den Overlook, or discover the paths at Candy Run State Park, Virginia’s latest state park,” says Brady.

Discover some reside music.

“We’ve got so many gifted native musicians, and you may’t beat the free summer season music sequence in Hillsboro and Leesburg,” says Brady, who additionally recommends listening to music at Monk’s BBQ or Wheatland Spring. “Tarara Summer time Live performance Collection is one other favourite in the course of the summer season and early fall,” says Walker, describing “one of the crucial stunning live performance venues” she’s been to. “Invite your family and friends and revel in a wide range of nice bands all through the season.”

Go to a neighborhood vineyard, brewery, cidery, or distillery.

Locations to seize a domestically made drink abound in Loudoun County. Redd prefers Walsh Household Wine—and recommends a glass of their viognier—and Catoctin Creek Distillery, “for one in every of their extremely curated ‘Dinner on the Distillery’ occasions.” Walker suggests testing Breaux Vineyards, the place you’re “surrounded by beautiful views of the winery,” and 8 Chains North. The latter, she notes, is dog-friendly and a “positive spot to cease if bringing your pup alongside.” Brady additionally has a number of favourite spots, together with Black Hoof Brewing Co. in Leesburg and Henway Exhausting Cider in Bluemont.

“As well as, most wineries and breweries have reside native music and nice meals choices on the weekends. Hold an eye fixed out on their occasion calendars as most locations host particular occasions—festivals, wine dinners, and extra,” says Walker.

Attend a famend tag sale.

Yearly, hundreds of consumers make their method to Loudoun County to attend the Purcellville VA Tag Sale. “One of many largest occasions in Purcellville, this one-day occasion is a purchasing and collectors’ dream! Our native boutiques have particular reductions, and there are over 150 distributors promoting antiques, handmade gadgets, and so on,” says Redd.

Cities to Go to

Purcellville

“Purcellville might be my favourite. It feels prefer it is likely one of the final small cities in Loudoun that hasn’t been overdeveloped. The group is basically supportive of the eating places, boutiques, and occasions,” says Redd.

Leesburg

“Downtown Leesburg has turn into such a enjoyable place over time, with so many fantastic eating places, historic websites, retailers, and reside music,” says Walker. “The city additionally celebrates First Friday; the downtown is buzzing with individuals having fun with reside music, artwork reveals, open storefronts, meals, and drink.”

Spherical Hill, Hillsboro, and Bluemont

“Spherical Hill, Hillsboro, and Bluemont are Loudoun’s three ‘A.T. Communities,’ a designation every city earned from the Appalachian Path Conservancy for his or her dedication to the safety and promotion of the Appalachian Path,” says Brady. “These three communities work collectively to placed on the annual Loudoun A.T. Competition in June with a full day of Americana music, path talks, nature crafts, and an artwork present.”

Walker additionally provides that Hillsboro has an annual Independence Day celebration, which she describes as a “hometown expertise energetic,” with “fireworks, reside music, meals, wine, beer, and children’ enjoyable.”

Waterford

“I could be biased as a result of I grew up within the city and now reside two miles exterior of it, however there’s something magical about Waterford,” says Walker. “It’s stuffed with historical past, stunning historic properties, and hosts the Waterford Truthful yearly. There’s a beautiful strolling path referred to as the Phillips Farm Path, which is a stroll alongside the Catoctin Creek adjoining to the city.”

Middleburg

There’s no scarcity of attraction in Middleburg, a small city the place equestrian heritage and storied historical past are on show round each nook. It’s additionally dwelling to a number of luxe accommodations and inns; together with Salamander Middleburg, there’s The Purple Fox Inn & Tavern in addition to Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.

Finest Eating places

Purcellville

“Magnolias on the Mill has at all times been a best choice of mine. Whether or not I’m celebrating an important day, assembly my girlfriends for brunch, or just stopping in for a pleasant lunch or dinner, the expertise is at all times top-notch,” says Walker. For what Redd calls the “greatest BLT sandwich ever,” head to Market Burger Fries & Shakes. In order for you a “nice home-cooked breakfast,” he suggests Purcellville Household Restaurant.

Leesburg

Walker calls EagleTree Farm Vineyard & Eating places a “hidden gem.” “Situated exterior of Leesburg, they provide a scrumptious seasonal menu with wonderful service,” she says. Whereas in Leesburg, cease by any one in every of Brady’s favorites: Tuscarora Mill, SideBar, Shoe’s Cup and Cork, or The Conche.

Hillsboro

“I’m a pizza lover, so one in every of my favourite stops is within the city of Hillsboro at Market in The Hole,” says Walker. She shares it “has wonderful wood-fired pizza made proper in entrance of you,” a “smaller cozy environment inside,” and “an out of doors space for seating in hotter climate.”

Middleburg

If you end up in Middleburg, there are two iconic eating places that come really useful by Brady. For the extra conventional route, make a reservation on the Purple Fox Inn & Tavern. Within the temper for one thing extra informal? King St. Oyster Bar, with its seafood entrees and comfortable hour specials, ought to do the trick.

Finest Procuring

Leesburg

“I’m very into design and decor, so I completely love going to the Lucketts Retailer. They’ve so many wonderful finds. I might actually spend all day there and can at all times discover one thing to take dwelling,” says Walker. “Leesburg boutiques make for a beautiful afternoon of purchasing, together with Muz & Roz, wldwst, Misguided Angels, Birch Tree Bookstore, Brick & Mortar Mercantile, and Madisonbelle,” provides Brady.

Waterford

“I like The Nook Retailer in Waterford. Pop in and discover wonderful classic furnishings and domestically produced and handmade items,” says Walker. “The shop additionally has a wonderful small menu created by Chef Estelle Richer-Legault. The freshness of the menu and expertise are distinctive.”

Purcellville

“I like to attain second-hand treasures in Purcellville at Nostalgia, Twigs, It is Bazaar, and Re-Love It,” says Brady. Redd can also be a fan of Twigs. “This place is the queen of distinctive presents! All the things from jewellery and candles and soaps to tabletop books and womens put on,” he says, including that Twin Flame Classic, a “kitschy boutique specializing in classic clothes, housewares, dwelling decor, and ephemera,” is one other one which vacationers ought to have on their record. If it’s menswear you’re after, take a peek at Redd’s Mister on Predominant boutique housed inside its sibling retailer, Nostalgia.

Spherical Hill

“Elsass in Spherical Hill is one in every of my favorites,” says Redd. “It’s a former mechanic store transformed into an vintage retailer specializing in French antiquities.” Elsass is open from Friday by means of Sunday or by appointment.

Lovettsville

In keeping with Walker, the “greatest goat cheese round” will be discovered at Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese in Lovettsville. Lengthy Stone Farm can also be on her shortlist; carry a cooler so you may preserve the pork, eggs, and different perishable merchandise you choose up chilly. 

Finest Time to Go to

“Fall is hands-down one of the best time to go to,” says Redd. “There’s nothing higher than having fun with a neighborhood glass of wine and seeing the seasons change from the leaves on the bushes and native crops.” Alternatively, says Brady, should you discover Loudoun within the spring, you could get to see the wildflowers at Balls Bluff or attend Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Spring Native Plant Sale and the Leesburg Flower & Backyard Competition in April. Walker, however, recommends planning your go to for late summer season: “The backdrop is so stunning this time of yr. In case you go to wineries, the vines are so lush and exquisite,” she says.

How one can Get There

In case you plan on flying to Loudoun, you’ll wish to select Dulles Worldwide Airport (IAD) as your vacation spot. From there, you may both lease a automobile or e book a taxi or rideshare service. IAD is just a couple of 20-to-40-minute drive away from Loudoun, relying on the place you’re going inside the county. There’s additionally the choice to come back by prepare from D.C. There are three Metrorail Silver Line stations that serve Loudoun: Dulles Worldwide Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn Station.

How one can Get Round

Probably the most handy method to discover Loudoun County is by automobile. This enables you the liberty to go to the totally different cities that make up the county, popping into totally different eating places, retailers, and wineries. Simply you’ll want to assign a delegated driver forward of time should you plan on indulging in any wine or different alcoholic drinks.