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Thursday, June 26, 2025

An Idyllic Day Journey Or Weekend Escape From DC


I lived in Washington, DC for years, YEARS, and by no means explored Loudoun County. What a waste. As I’m now studying Loudoun County, which is only a quick drive Northwest of DC, has a number of outside actions, cute historic downtowns, wineries, and extra to discover. The city of Leesburg, the seat of the county, makes an idyllic escape from DC. If you wish to plan an informal ladies’ getaway, a romantic weekend, or perhaps a fast day journey from DC, it is best to think about visiting Leesburg.

Anela with cocktail flight at Catoctin Creek in Purcellville

How To Get to Leesburg

Positioned only a 45-minute drive from Washington, DC, Leesburg is simple to get to and discover. You’ll probably want a automobile to go to, because it’s simpler to get round and discover Leesburg with a automobile if you wish to depart the historic downtown space. Although in the event you’re a powerful and assured bicycle owner, you possibly can additionally plan to discover Leesburg for a weekend by bike. The Washington and Previous Dominion Path goes all the best way from Arlington to Purcellville, proper by means of Leesburg. It’s paved all the means, over 45 miles, and is sort of widespread with locals. A assured bicycle owner may journey out to Leesburg and likewise discover the realm by bike as there are many beautiful nation roads and you may simply keep away from highways when visiting most native locations.

What To Do In Leesburg

I spent a weekend in Leesburg exploring with a buddy and we had a lot enjoyable! I believe the realm is ideal for a day journey from DC. There’s additionally a lot to do regionally that would simply fill a weekend journey with buddies or a protracted romantic weekend with a accomplice.

A single hand holds up a paper bag stamped with the logo from The Global Local in front of a doorway
Discover outlets just like the World Native in historic downtown Leesburg

Discover The Historic Downtown

Downtown Leesburg presents a LOT to discover. The downtown space could be very walkable and lined with outlets, eating places, historic websites, and extra. Take your decide of the quite a few breweries (and cocktail and wine bars!), snag goodies from native makers, and even decide up a brand new favourite ebook or two.

Don’t Miss

The World Native – This vibrant store presents a curated number of native goodies in addition to merchandise from sustainable makers around the globe. For those who like vibrant prints and connoisseur meals objects, that is the store for you.

Muz & Rose – This boutique has all the pieces from ethically made jewellery to cute journey luggage and classic finds! I beloved the number of gold jewellery within the store! Suppose minimal and trendy however with simply the correct amount of shine.

Birch Tree Bookstore – This native impartial bookstore has a wonderful choice and is a superb place to browse on your subsequent trip learn. For those who’re undecided what you need to learn subsequent, ask! I acquired some unimaginable ebook solutions that I actually loved after I visited Birch Tree.

That’s only a sampling. Try Go to Downtown Leesburg to seek out extra to discover in downtown Leesburg and verify to see if there are any native occasions that overlap together with your go to!

Go to Native Wineries, Distilleries, and Breweries

Loudoun County isn’t referred to as DC’s Wine NationĀ® for nothing. The county is residence to over 50 wineries and tasting rooms, in addition to quite a lot of breweries and distilleries. There may be lots to discover, sip, and style when you’re there!

Do not Miss:

Stone Tower Vineyard – This family-owned and operated vineyard is one the most important within the area! Cease by for a tasting and soak within the beautiful grounds. For teams smaller than eight folks, you don’t have to make a reservation prematurely. Although you must also think about reserving a tour prematurely to get a way of the historical past behind this unimaginable operation!

Catoctin Creek – Positioned in Purcellville, a fast drive from Leesburg, Catoctin Creek is the primary family-owned distillery in Loudoun since earlier than prohibition. The Roundstone Rye is essentially the most awarded Virginia whiskey and is taken into account Catoctin’s flagship product. Guests can store for spirits and different items in addition to pattern through the tasting menu. I like that Catoctin Creek presents a cocktail flight on the tasting menu. It’s an important choice for somebody who may not be within the temper to sip straight spirits.

Take pleasure in The Open air

Loudoun County additionally presents a plethora of outside actions. From parks to {golfing} to horseback driving, there’s a mess of how to benefit from the outside. I acquired some solar trying out the Washington and Previous Dominion Path, which connects to Leesburg simply south of the historic downtown space. Try Go to Loudoun for extra data on the plethora of outside actions in and round Leesburg.

a hot chicken biscuit sandwich from Buford's in Leesville, held up on a round silver plate
Do not miss the Nashville biscuit sandwich from Buford’s Biscuits

The place To Eat And Drink

Leesburg correct has lots to supply within the culinary house for a city of its measurement, particularly downtown. While you increase your radius to think about close by areas, you will not lack for meals choices. Beneath are just some to get you began, all in Leesburg near outlets, breweries, and extra!

Don’t Miss:

Bkd Bagels – Open each day in historic downtown Leesburg till 2 pm, Bkd is a superb cease for breakfast or lunch! Snag hand-rolled, small-batch, contemporary bagels, or select from their menu of excellent bagel sandwiches.

Buford’s Biscuits – I might drive from DC to Leesburg simply to go to Buford’s Biscuits. Buford’s makes all the pieces from scratch, makes use of native substances, and actually has the biscuit perfected. Snag any of the biscuit sandwiches, all served on cathead biscuits, and check out the seasonal jams and the house-made gravy flight!

Dolce & Ciabatta – The pastry case catches your eye instantly whenever you stroll into this Black-owned bakery in Leesburg, for good cause! The danishes, croissants, and different pastries are all made contemporary each morning. Dolce & Ciabatta additionally has a menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches and an espresso bar in the event you want one thing extra substantive than pastries.

Goosecup – Downtown Leesburg has quite a few espresso outlets with very completely different vibes, however Goosecup is an efficient place to begin. This espresso store and cafe is superbly designed. It has indoor and outside seating, cocktails, and wine, in addition to a meals menu.

King Avenue Oyster Bar – Positioned proper in downtown Leesburg, King Avenue Oyster Bar is an informal spot with a wonderful oyster choice. You possibly can attempt quite a few kinds of uncooked oysters and even snag just a few grilled oysters whereas sipping a cocktail or glass of wine and people-watching downtown at this spot. King Avenue Oyster Bar additionally presents a contented hour each day from 3 pm to six:30 pm that features $1 oysters, cocktails, wine, beer, and a restricted meals menu!

The place To Keep In Leesburg

I beloved my keep at Stone Gables Mattress & Breakfast in Leesburg! This family-operated mattress and breakfast is near downtown however makes you are feeling such as you’re in a quiet countryside getaway with lush greenery, a pool, and plentiful outside areas on the grounds. The homeowners are a wealth of native data and there are such a lot of considerate touches and facilities to make your keep really feel like residence. You’ll discover a espresso and tea bar with takeaway cups and breakfast served each day with a number of choices to select from that might be cooked to order. I’m already plotting on how I could make it again to Stone Gables with my husband!

For a lot of DC of us, town can virtually persuade you that the encircling areas don’t exist. Whereas I personally understand how straightforward that may be, there may be a lot occurring in close by areas value exploring! Loudoun County presents a number of cities with vibrant native scenes. From nice native wine to good meals you’re lacking out in the event you don’t discover past DC correct. While you do, add Leesburg to your listing!

In case you have any questions on Leesburg or the encircling space, drop them under within the feedback!

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