Nestled on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bluemont, founded as Snickersville in 1824, was once a fancy mountain retreat for D.C. residents, last stop on the Washington & Old Dominion railway line. Today, its wineries, breweries, family-focused farm tours, hiking trails, annual fall fair and B&Bs draw discerning tourists and creative new residents.
Must Do:
The Wineries
Bluemont Vineyard, a mountain-side winery and tasting room of the pioneering Zurschmeide family, makes award-winning, Burgundy-style vintages in a breathtaking setting with views of the Virginia countryside. Also, be sure to check out Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery - enjoy the bounty of their farm brewery and winery, dine and lounge with friends, get cozy around a fire pit and take in the sounds from musical talents.
Beer Gardens
Bluemont is home to arguably the two most scenic breweries in the Mid Atlantic. Bear Chase Brewing Co. on the crest of the Blue Ridge is a wildly popular tap room near the Appalachian Trail (AT), with acres of lawn dotted with firepits and Adirondack chairs. Try the aptly named AT Hefeweizen. Equally beautiful, Dirt Farm Brewing has a tap room in a restored stone hunting lodge. Try a cold glass of the Farm Use pale ale and soak in those stunning views.
Farm Fun
With its wagon rides, fruit and pumpkin picking, putt-putt, corn maze, mining sluice, farm store and ‘roosteraunt’, Great Country Farms at the foot of the Blue Ridge, immerses the whole family into Loudoun’s rich agricultural roots.
Cidery
Opened in 2019, Henway Hard Cider is the artisanal cidery of the Zurschmeide family, using apples from neighboring Great Country Farms. Order a glass of the crisp, semi-sweet The Coop cider, take a seat on the banks of the pond out front and soak up the country scene.
Hike
Take in spectacular, west-facing views of the Shenandoah Valley and river from the rocky outcrops of Bears Den Overlook, alongside the Appalachian Trail.
The Shop
Bluemont General Store is a classic, small town grocery in the heart of town serving coffee, ice cream and good gossip. Take a seat on the porch deck and watch village life go by.
Not to Miss Events
Bluemont Shamrock 5K/10K, March
Now in its 8th year, this fun run fundraiser organized by the Bluemont Community Center volunteers raises money for scholarships and other educational support programs. Taking place around St. Patrick’s Day, the course meanders around the town and nearby farm fields, the runners often dressed in green.
The Bluemont Fair, September
The main event on the Bluemont social calendar, this lively fall festival, now in its 50th year, has taken place in Loudoun since 1970. Adults enjoy the live music, arts, crafts and beer and wine garden; kids love the Children’s Fair, pony rides and petting zoo.
Lighting of the Vines, December
In November, Bluemont Vineyard strings 15,000 holiday lights through 10,000 grapevines on the slopes of the property, carpeting the hillside in a glorious glow. No better way to get in the mood for the holidays.
