Loudoun County, Virginia: Town of Leesburg

Town of Leesburg

Discover the charm that is Leesburg, Virginia. Stroll through Leesburg's historic district and you'll discover quaint shops situated in stately buildings. Home furnishings and fashion clothing stores, art and antique galleries, gourmet food and wine boutiques, and more are waiting to be explored. Nearby is the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, featuring over 110 outlet stores including Restoration Hardware Furniture, and Burberry. Originally known as "George Town," in honor of King George II, the town became Leesburg in 1758 when the plan for the town was approved. It was named after the influential Lee family of Virginia. It was here that Colonial farmers and city dwellers gathered during court sessions to discuss taxes and the King.

Visitors wishing to learn more about the town's and county's history can visit the Loudoun Museum. Dodona Manor, the home of General George C. Marshall, who served as the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and Secretary of State is here too. Nearby, the areas only Civil War engagement can be explored at Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, which includes interpretive markers, wooded trails, and guided history tours on seasonal weekends.

Two historic estates are located nearby, too. Oatlands Plantation is a 330-acre property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and offers tours of the mansion in addition to home and garden tours. Historic Morven Park is the former home of Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and also features the Winmill Carriage Collection and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. The Thomas Balch Library houses a rich genealogy library and Loudoun history section.

To explore the history and architecture of the town, pick up a copy of "Exploring Leesburg: Guide to History and Architecture," a self-guided walking tour booklet at the Loudoun County Visitors Center or at the Loudoun Museum.

Popular Leesburg events include the festive Leesburg’s First Friday, the first Friday evening of every month except January, when the many art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores in the historic district extend their evening hours. During the Flower & Garden Festival in April the streets are transformed into a botanical paradise. Vendors offer award-winning landscape displays with designers on hand, fresh cut flowers, trees and shrubs, garden sculptures, arts and crafts, fountain displays, and much more.

Visitors can savor a "taste" of Loudoun in Leesburg, at one of many fine and casual restaurants including the Leesburg Restaurant, a local favorite diner, to finer dining featuring fresh local produce including Tuscarora Mill and Lightfoot.