Loudoun is not only known for its scenic beauty, but also for being a perfect destination for lovebirds; embodying the "Virginia is for Lovers" tagline. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are 10 date night ideas to share with your special someone, offering a perfect blend of romance and adventure amidst Loudoun's picturesque landscapes and exciting attractions.
Compete for the Heart
Face off at Pev’s Paintball south of Leesburg, which is a 48-acre paintball park with 14 themed fields. If you don’t fancy taking your date on a Mr. and Mrs. Smith-combat style experience, team up and take on rivals in multi-member team events. There’s nothing like bonding under fire while hiding in a prison guard tower or behind a log in a Wild West borderland.
Speedway Racing
A great date is one that gets the heart racing and there’s no better way to do that than in a racing car. Or should we say, racing kart? Surprise your date with a trip to K1 Speed in Sterling, a 40,000-square- foot European-style indoor go-karting facility, the largest of its kind in Virginia. The high-speed electric Italian pro-karts are inspired by Formula One racing cars and can reach speeds of up to 50mph.
Take in a Game
Loudoun – or specifically Segra Field in Leesburg – is becoming a Mid-Atlantic sports mecca. If your date is athletically minded – and who doesn’t like sports? – take in a soccer game at the 5,000-seat stadium. Local soccer stars Loudoun United play Detroit City FC on May 4 at Segra Field - wear your best Star Wars themed outfit to cheer them on!
Polo in the Park
Morven Park is known for its historic mansion and gorgeous landscaped gardens – perfect for a late afternoon romantic stroll. By the time evening – date night – rolls around, however, you will want to have a picnic blanket out and wine and cheese ready on the grass slopes of the polo arena at the Morven Park International Equestrian Center. Polo matches take place every Saturday from June 8 through July 27, with socialites, hunt country gentry and glam couples in seersucker suits and designer hats cheering on leading national and international players. The perfect glamor date.
Ride Horses Together
Polo is just one of Loudoun’s crowd-pleasing equestrian events, and while it’s exciting to watch horses in competition, it’s more romantic to ride one. Make your way out to Chase Run Stables in Hamilton where you and your date can lease horses for a “Trail Ride” on the scenic W&OD Trail, which runs along the southern boundary of the property. Demand is high, so make sure you book your horses a week in advance. When done, you’re just yards away from Firefly Cellars, a boutique winery where you can enjoy a glass of delectable sparkling Blanc de Blancs in the gardens, lush fields all around.
Sip Wine With a View
Wine and a good date go together like strawberries and cream, and while there’s no shortage of wineries to try in Loudoun, why not combine a unique vintage with a spectacularly romantic setting? Tucked away on aptly named Tranquility Road just outside Purcellville, Otium Cellars is a boutique winery specializing in complex Austrian and German varietals such as Grüner Veltliner, Grauburgunder and Blaufränkisch, as well as classic Chardonnay, Merlot and Malbec. There are multiple settings on property to try them in, including a chic wood paneled tasting room, but we like the new gazebo out front overlooking the vines, Blue Ridge Hills and neighboring farm. Pair a glass of the 2015 Blaufränkisch Reserve with cheese and charcuterie as the sun sets and you won’t go wrong.
Dinner Above the River
On some dates you just have to splurge. Call well in advance to reserve a table at world-famous Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, the fine dining, foraging-to-fork restaurant of Beverly Morton Billand located on her land overlooking the Potomac River. Everything on the menu from ramps and mushrooms to beets, beef and even catfish come either from her farm, local farms, surrounding hills or the Potomac River itself. On a recent visit the nine-course Progression Menu included fresh sea shrimp and snow crab, on a soft roll with kewpie mayonnaise; braised, farm grown pork belly with french toast made from in house brioche and Misty Meadows mushrooms with spinach benedict and hollandaise. The views of the river from the hushed gazebo-style dining room are sublime, as is the service.
Enjoy Live Music
Everything goes better with music and there’s no shortage of live bands, concerts and even festivals to show off your moves. Local breweries host live music every weekend - on May 4 Lillian Hackett, emerging singer-songwriter & American Idol contestant, will be performing at Flying Ace Distillery & Brewery in Lovettsville. Wineries are not left behind when talking about the live music scene, 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcellville hosts live music annually including at the Cancer Can Rock NoVA Musicfest on May 26. The popular Tarara Summer Concert Series returns May 25. Taking place ever Saturday evening through September, enjoy a variety of rock, 80s, country music and more while sipping Loudoun wine and beer.
Sample Craft Cocktails
Loudoun may be best known for wine and beer, but we’re fast becoming a craft whiskey and cocktail county, too. Catoctin Creek Distilling Company in Purcellville offers tours and tastings – a perfect date night for couples into distilled goods. Enjoy a whiskey or brandy flight around the horseshoe shaped bar after you tour, or ask for one of the signature cocktails, best made with their award-winning Roundstone Rye or Watershed Gin. Impress your partner by buying them a bottle of the good stuff when you leave.
