Leesburg, Virginia is about as compact a town as one can find, unless looking down on a train garden. Here, Colonial charm seeps from public buildings, businesses and private homes, even as the once sleepy burg has now become a thriving bedroom community to those residents who work in Washington D.C.
Established in 1758 by the Virginia Grand Assembly on 60-acres of farmland, the Loudoun County town was named after Thomas Lee, great grand uncle of Robert E. Lee.
If visitors are taken aback by the beautifully restored homes and historical markers here, it is probably due to the fact that Leesburg claims 21 entries on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available at many of these sites, including Dodona Manor, the restored home of George C. Marshall and Morven Park, home to the late Virginia Governor, Westmorland Davis.
Many will say, however, that exploration and enjoyment of the town centers on the grapes.
“Leesburg is centrally located in the heart of DC’s Wine Country,” said Jeremy Harvey, Marketing Manager for Loudoun County Visitors Center. “Enjoy wine tasting at any of the 23 wineries, 7 of which are located in or near Leesburg.”
These wineries include Casanel, Dry Mill, Fabbioli, Lost Creek, Hidden Brook, Willowcroft and Tarara.
If wine is not on the itinerary, visitors are invited to tour Loudoun Museum with its 1767 log cabin used for groups and special programs, or the Winmill Carriage Museum with its collection of horse-drawn vehicles dating from the mid 1800s.
Galleries and quaint shops line the streets for purchasing that one-of-a-kind memento.
Dining options in Leesburg offer a variety of fine foods and impeccable service. Lightfoot and Tuscarora Mill are two of the four restaurants in town just listed on Northern Virginia Magazine’s “Top 50 Restaurants.” The Norris House is a romantic B&B located in the heart of town. Lansdowne Resort boasts a spa, great dining and romantic packages.
Jeremy Harvey is not at a loss for words when outlining a perfect getaway in Loudoun County Virginia.
“I would recommend shopping, touring and dining in one of the historic towns and villages, including downtown Leesburg. I would include a visit or two to our historic sites such as Morven Park and Oatlands Plantation. The second day I would take a driving tour of the scenic countryside and enjoy wine tasting and tours at one of the many wineries.”
