From boutique shopping in Leesburg, to the trendy stores and galleries of Middleburg and the craft beverages, produce and artisanal goods in more rural parts of the county, we’re spoiled for holiday gift choices in Loudoun. But sometimes we all need a little help to get the right gift.

 

A couple of weeks ago, friends from Washington, DC, visited my wife and me in Loudoun for the weekend and gave us a parting gift at the end of their stay. It was a bottle of semi-sweet artisanal Vermouth made by Clever Beast Botanicals. I confess to a flush of embarrassment. Not only because our friends had clearly noticed my fondness for a Martini, but because the Vermouth, purchased at the amazing Corner Store in Waterford, my home village, was made in Loudoun and I had never heard of the brand before.

 

 

It turns out Clever Beast is the company of Leesburg-based couple Carlene and Chris Thomas who use laboratory techniques to delicately extract a variety of plant and herbal botanicals to make everything from Sweet and Semi-Sweet Vermouth to a Tomato Vine Spritz and even perfume. You can purchase their products (as well as associated merch) at the Corner Store (along with other local, handmade and vintage items) and at quirky local health food store Neighbors in Leesburg.

 

We live in a special place. Why visit a chain or box store for beverages, produce and gifts this season when you can buy locally made items at Loudoun shops? There is even a campaign to promote it: Take Loudoun Home. Brainchild of Loudoun Economic Development and Visit Loudoun, the campaign promotes some 1,200+ farms and businesses in Loudoun, reminding customers that while Loudoun is wonderful to visit, they can also take a piece of it home.

 

So, where else to “Take Loudoun Home” this holiday season?

For starters, why not cater your Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey from a Loudoun farm? At Dawson Gap Farm in Hillsboro, the Morrison family produces grass-fed, non-GMO, chemical-free eggs, chicken, pork, beef and Thanksgiving turkeys for local markets. Pro-tip: order your birds early because they go fast!

 

We all know Loudoun is DC's Wine Country®, so to toast that turkey dinner this holiday season I’d recommend a bottle of the 40th Anniversary Loudoun Red Blend, a collaboration vintage made by 12 Loudoun wineries to celebrate this year’s 40th anniversary of Loudoun wine. 

 

 

Of course, not everyone needs alcohol to toast. If you prefer a healthy beverage why not stock up on some Loudoun-made herbal teas or coffee? Yarrow Remedy is the Leesburg-based business of Cree Catlett who creates a range of natural teas and powders that can be used to make lattes and matcha. Order them at coffee shops Second Nature in Leesburg and Doppio Bunny in Purcellville. She also makes lip balm and a hydrating eucalyptus botanical water, which are both great for gifts.

 

 

Talking of which, you will need a tree to put your gifts under as Christmas nears. Instead of buying a regular parking lot spruce, take the kids on a trip to Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm in Brambleton, a family-run operation with a range of conifers from White Pines to Norway Spruce to Red Cedars of different sizes. In Purcellville, Loudoun Nursery has been growing Christmas trees at various farms in the county since the early 1970s. Make an appointment and drive out to pick up a Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir or other varietals on Thanksgiving Friday or weekends until mid-December. 

 

We can all toast to that. Happy Holidays!