Realistic New Year’s Resolutions
We are just a few days into 2017, which means everyone is still fully committed to their New Year’s resolutions. But, if you are like me, those goals to get to the gym daily, call my family more often and spend time curled up with good books will quickly fade away as I get wrapped up in the daily grind of life. Statistics show that most people struggle to stick with their resolutions so at Visit Loudoun, we wanted to create realistic ones that will be easy to follow.
Here are five New Year’s resolutions to accomplish in Loudoun in 2017.
Master the Art of Time Travel
Hop in the Delorean and come to Loudoun where historic homes and Ball’s Bluff Battlefield will transport you back in time. Start by learning about one of the earliest battles of the Civil War that unfolded along the Potomac River then continue to Morven Park’s Winmill Carriage Museum to see a collection of horse-drawn carriages. After, visit Oatlands Historic House & Gardens to see plants that are more than two centuries old. Finish your time travel in the year 1942 with a visit to George C. Marshall’s home in Leesburg.
Become a Sommelier
With 40 wineries offering dozens of varietals, surprising blends and unique dessert wines, you can easily be on your way to becoming a wine connoisseur in Loudoun. Learn about food and wine pairings at Fabbioli Cellars, try your hand at blending during special events at Sunset Hills Vineyard or discover how grapes get from the vine to your glass with special tours at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards. Or, delve right in with Stone Tower Winery’s first Wine Retreat the weekend of Feb. 24 at Lansdowne Resort & Spa. The three-day event includes workshops on pairing, vineyard management, production and more.
Qualify for the Masters
What better place to brush up on your golf skills than in Loudoun, where the 2017 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will take place at Trump National Golf Club. Loudoun’s scenic beauty alone creates an ideal setting for the solitude and focus required for golf. Now throw in professionally designed golf courses and its game on. Test your skills on a links course designed by Gary Player or enjoy 45 holes of championship golf at Lansdowne Resort & Spa. For a new twist on the classic game, try Topgolf where guests hit microchipped golf balls onto a 240-yard outfield with multicolored targets that challenge any skill level.
Find a cure for being hangry
It happens to the best of us. There is still an hour to go before the next meal, but your stomach is growling, your ability to focus is fading and you just have to eat- now. Luckily there are plenty of places to satisfy your cravings in Loudoun where the diverse mix of culinary delights is as eclectic as the restaurants that serve them. Dine in a glass atrium on a farm or in a circa 1905 restored mill. Visit a trendy café that was once a shoe shop or enjoy fried green tomatoes in a turn-of-the century national bank building. The food is as exceptional as the settings as chefs focus on fresh cuisine where ingredients are sourced from Loudoun’s farms and transformed into culinary masterpieces.
Conquer Virginia’s Largest Trail
With 20 breweries offering 200+ beers, craft your beer experience here in 2017. Home to the LoCo Ale Trail- the largest beer trail for any Virginia county- Loudoun blends rural farm breweries with industrial-style tasting rooms. Experience breweries on farms where brewers are growing hops, cherries and other products to go into their beers or play corn hole and chat with a brewmaster at an urban brewery just minutes from Dulles International Airport. From traditional sours and IPAs to beers brewed with peaches, pumpkins, fruit loops and more, there is perfect brew for anyone’s palate.
2017 is just underway, so there is plenty of time to achieve one of these New Year’s goals in Loudoun. Grab a friend to help with the quest and share your journey using #LoveLoudoun. Good luck!
