📸: @justinbras
Okay, so… it’s true that the word “tourist” may bring flowery button-downs and cargo shorts to mind. But, this #NationalTourismWeek, we’re ready to shatter this stereotype and celebrate the awesomeness of tourists far and wide! Because as far as we’re concerned, anyone adventurous enough to go somewhere they’ve never been and seek out new experiences is the coolest. Honestly! Let’s take a minute to appreciate all the tourists out there for getting out, seizing the day and saying “Yes” to seeing more of the world 👏👏👏
In light of this national celebration of all things tourism, now is the perfect time to grab your favorite travel buddy and come explore some of our favorite rising-star destinations in Loudoun County! While we here at Visit Loudoun love it all from the crowd-bringers to the local secrets, what we’re sharing today fits right in the middle: that sweet spot of places that have generated lots of buzz here in our county and are on the brink of blowing up among non-Loudouners.
So, keep reading to learn more about these under-the-radar gems, and happy tourist season Loudoun lovers!
P.S., Thank goodness fanny packs are cool now.
📸: Fieldstone Farm, A Country Retreat
For the Homebodies
If you’re a creature of comfort who’s looking to expand your horizons, one of Loudoun’s charming bed & breakfasts is for you! In particular, Fieldstone Farm is a destination in itself. Built in 1770, this Quaker built stone manor house is now a country spot perfect for your next escape from the city. Outdoors, guests enjoy a heated swimming pool with commanding views of the mountains, strolling through native plant, herb and vegetable gardens, a wildflower meadow and hiking the paths in the woodland area. Inside, enjoy the timeworn beauty of the antiques and time-honored treasures of this country retreat.
For the Kids at Heart
You know what they say… Friends that play together, stay together! So, hop down the road to Rebounderz and jump, jump, jump, jump around 🤸♂️ Situated in a 26,000 square foot indoor facility, both children and adults can enjoy an exhilarating jumping experience in this state-of-the-art arena designed to provide fun and entertainment for all ages. The freedom to let yourself go at Rebounderz will make your trip a fond memory for sure!
For the Foodies
If you live by the motto, “Will travel for food,” Shoe’s Cup and Cork is the destination for you! This quirky café, located in an old shoe shop, wanted to stay true to its roots and has shoes hanging from the ceiling and photos lining the walls that document the buildings rich history. The café features a Secret Garden patio with bocce courts and numerous board games. Serving up imaginative items like Avocado & Chimichurri Benedict and Crispy Basil & Curry Fries, the menu here is phenomenal. (Professional brunchers, take note!) Shoe’s welcomes everyone to make their place your new hangout, lunch-break getaway or bocce ball kingdom — whichever suits you!
For the Shopaholics
If you just can’t visit a new place without buying a unique souvenir, don’t miss out on the offerings at The Fun Shop! This boutique has been Hunt Country's premier gift shop/department store for over 50 years! Explore and enjoy three buildings and two floors of delightful enchantment ✨ Find everything for you, your children, home, parties and pets!
For the History Lovers
Take a step back in time at Mount Defiance Historic Park, the latest addition along the Civil War Trail! The five-acre property houses late 18th- and early 19th- century structures, including a blacksmith shop, barn and stable. The park played a role in the 1863 Battle of Middleburg, and the fighting that occurred on this site is included in the prelude to Gettysburg as Union troops tried to determine the movements of Confederate troops in the Shenandoah Valley. Contrary to popular belief, Mt. Defiance earned its name not because of its military history, but because of a property conflict between two prominent Virginia Piedmont families, the Chinn’s and the Powell’s! They argued over ownership of this and adjacent lands until a Loudoun County Court decided in 1814 that the Powell family had rightful ownership. They promptly – and defiantly – named the property and the two-story stone house “Mt. Defiance.”
For the Tree Huggers
Enjoy an equal mix of pristine nature and local history at Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg! Walk 68 acres of wooded trails through unspoiled meadows and forests in this nature sanctuary, which exists as a partnership of the Audubon Naturalist Society and NOVA Parks. The perfect place to learn about local ecosystems, flora and fauna, the sanctuary also features the gorgeous Rust Manor House and a beautiful garden with majestic trees. Go ahead, hug it out!
For the Beer Crowd
If you’ve got a thirst for craft beer and good tunes, venture out for a visit to B Chord Brewing Company! This 66-acre farm brewery is located on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain in gorgeous Round Hill. Dogs are welcome outside, too, if man’s best friend is also your favorite travel partner! Plus, as the brewery’s name alludes, the team at B Chord is super dedicated to featuring a constant stream of excellent live music acts. The professional sound system and thoughtfully-designed space make for excellent acoustics that, paired with the stunning natural surroundings, make for a venue with the perfect atmosphere.
In fact, mark your calendars now, because we’ll be at B Chord for our Summer of Love Finale Festival on August 17th — and we’d love to see you there!
For the Vintage Hunters
Talk about a hidden gem where you’re bound to uncover treasures on treasures! Discover antique, artisan heaven at It’s Bazaar on 21st Street. Located in charming historic downtown Purcellville, It’s Bazaar’s eclectic group of vendors and consignors are dedicated to bringing unique and familiar items as well as the bazaar to 21st Street. Man-tiques, Chick-tiques and plain old Fun-tiques fill the 8,000 square foot building, which seems to manifest even the strangest request! Local artist and artisans offer a wide variety of arts and crafts for sale including pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, glass, ceramics, handmade soaps, artisan foods, reclaimed, up-cycled, recycled items and much more. It only takes one visit to 21st Street to see that this is not your everyday antique and collectible store!
📸: @justinbras
For the Wine Tasters
Now, let’s get to the other “vintage” 🍇🍷💜 We are DC’s Wine Country, after all! Otium Cellars is a world traveler’s dream come true, as the native German owner, Gerhard Bauer, has brought a taste of home to Loudoun with the introduction of Dornfelder and Blaufränkisch varietals. Luckily for all you camera-carrying tourists, this boutique winery’s lovely log-cabin style tasting room is set on a picturesque country hillside. With a name that translates to “leisure, ease, peace, tranquility,” you’re sure to find all this and more at Otium.
Top tourist tip: don’t miss a great photo op in Otium’s sunroom by the vines!
For the Artiste
Draw inspiration from Loudoun’s handcrafted wines when you get to some crafting of your own at one of the many Paint & Sips happening around the county! The lovely folks at Creative Mankind regularly put on such events at wineries like Chrysalis Vineyards, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 50 West Vineyards and Breaux Vineyards. (The perfect places to get those creative juices flowing! 🍷👩🎨😉) Spend a relaxing afternoon laughing, listening to music and creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece — the perfect memento from your trip to Loudoun.
