Road Trips

Loudoun's Countryside in a Day (1-day)

If you are interested in Civil War history you might want to pick up a Mosby Heritage Area driving tour brochure, audiotape, or CD at the Loudoun County Visitors Center in Leesburg since much of this tour follows these same routes.

Begin the morning in the village of Aldie with coffee and a pastry at the Little Apple Pastry Shop. Walk next door and tour Aldie Mill, Virginia's only remaining gristmill powered by twin-overshot water wheels. Afterward, check out the many great craft, antique, and home accent shops.

After leaving Aldie, travel west for a short distance and take Snickersville Turnpike (Route 734) north. This is a famous 19th century road that was used by both Union and Confederate troops. Don't miss the Philomont General Store along the way. Snickersville Turnpike ends in Bluemont, Loudoun's westernmost village, featuring a pre-Civil War era country store and Great Country Farms, a 200 acre working farm offering pick-your-own produce, fishing ponds, a picnic area, friendly animals, open skies, and plenty of hospitality.

If you decide not to travel all the way to Bluemont, turn left onto Route 611 and head south toward Middleburg, the "heart of horse country". Upon entering the town, you will immediately see evidence of the horse culture reflected in the names of the many shops and restaurants. Stop at the Pink Box Information Center for a copy of the "Destination Middleburg" guidebook and admire the adjacent garden and gazebo dedicated to famous Middleburg resident, Jackie Kennedy. End the day with an enjoyable dinner at the famous Red Fox Inn and Tavern.