Jackie Kennedy’s style and grace epitomized Loudoun County’s horse country and its capital, Middleburg. Today marks the 16th anniversary of her death, so in memoriam, I thought I’d share a little bit about her time in Loudoun, a place she visited on and off for nearly 40 years. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy and his family used Middleburg as a retreat...
We are excited to tell you that a new, updated third edition of The Touring Guide to Loudoun, Virginia: DC’s Wine Country® has been published. We’ve made this third edition better than ever, and much more easier to use. It features itinerary-based information on wineries, destination restaurants, and local favorite dining suggestions. With more than 20 wineries spread among five distinct clusters, and several...
The weather is great here in Loudoun at this time of year: warm days, sunshine, cool nights. It’s a perfect time for a getaway, and this month there’s lots of special events to make your visit even more memorable. Mother’s Day Events On May 8, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards is having a Mother’s Day event that includes lunch, a tasting of wine, and Mimosas. Reservations...
Whew! What a weekend! The DrinkLocalWine.com’s Conference, which took place here in Loudoun at Lansdowne Resort, brought bloggers and journalists together, and sent hundreds of tweets, postings, and other electronic communications fast and furious into the twittersphere, blogosphere, and social media-rama. Who knows how many tweets, re-tweets, and three-tweets ultimately will occur as a result of this event? I, dear readers, do not. One...
Check out these Loudoun tourism related blogs. If you have a Loudoun tourism blog you follow, feel free to post it here. Lansdowne Resort – 45 holes of golf, 12,000 sq ft luxurious spa, 4-diamond accommodations, great dining and events…all in one blog. Corcoran Vineyards – Straight from the winemaker herself, Lori Corcoran. VIP Baseball – “Play ball” will be heard in Loudoun in...
Love local wine? Then head to Loudoun this weekend for the DrinkLocalWine.com conference. Loudoun’s reputation as a culinary and wine destination continues to grow by serving as host to the second annual conference. Several Loudoun wineries will be featured as part of conference, to be held this coming weekend on Sunday, April 25, at Lansdowne Resort outside Leesburg. Jennifer McCloud of Chrysalis Vineyards, Jennifer...
For local flavor, plan a visit to these establishments As we posted in our last update, Visit Loudoun was completing the process to name our new Loudoun Destination Restaurants (see here). We’re excited to announce the results for 2010 which were named at a press conference today at the Wine Kitchen in Leesburg. Destination Restaurants are defined by the International Culinary Tourism Association as...
Travelers today strive for unique experiences. They want something they can’t find where they live – whether it’s an attraction, event, retail shops, or accommodations. More and more, travelers are seeking unique dining as well. In essence, they are looking for destination restaurants – establishments that showcase local character, produce, and wine. The International Culinary Tourism Association defines a destination restaurant as “a restaurant...
“Player’s Prison” may sound like an awful place to end up on a golf course, and at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, it is. It’s one of the course’s pot bunkers. The hazards, which are signatures of Scottish courses, were added to enhance Raspberry Falls’ links-style design, which also features dramatic rolling terrain, meandering streams and spectacular scenery. A Gary Player Design, Raspberry...
An international dining itinerary Did you know Leesburg was home to one of the most influential Americans of the 20th century? During his long, illustrious career he was a five-star general, general in chief of the Army, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense. He authored a program known informally as the “Marshall Plan” to revitalize Europe after World War II, considered by many...
Our photo of the day today is an image of four men posing in front of the Loudoun County Courthouse in historic Leesburg. From the Library of Congress digital collections, the estimated date of the photo is 1920. I like this photo as it shows the historic courthouse building in the background that still stands near the intersections of Market and King streets in...
This spring, the owners of Virginia’s finest private homes and gardens will open their doors and garden gates for the 77th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Known as “America’s largest open house,” Virginia Garden Week is the oldest and largest statewide program of its kind in the nation. Presented by the Garden Club of Virginia, it showcases fine Virginia homes and gardens in...
Periodically, we’ll take one of our FAQs and answer here on the blog. When we take Loudoun “on the road” to travel shows and wine festivals, we usually are asked one question more than any other: Where is Loudoun? It’s a good question. Technically, Loudoun is a county and unless you’re in, say, Ireland, counties generally aren’t thought of as travel destinations. People know...
Calling all bloggers! The next meet up of “Bloggers for Good,” a group of local and regional bloggers and social media enthusiasts, will be on Wednesday, March 10 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Dulles near Wegman’s from 5-7pm. This month’s event will benefit the Loudoun Museum, a great local resource that has suffered lately due to a series of challenges including structural issues. They will...
Take it in on our First Fridays in Leesburg. Wine tasting and Art are the quintessential cornerstone of the Loudoun County Experience. Stop by the Visitors Center at Market Station during Leesburg’s First Friday event to enjoy a wine tasting from a Loudoun winery, refreshments, and a local art show. Held the first Friday of every month, except January, Leesburg’s First Friday lets you...
We love to offer our fans great getaway packages that will help make their visit to Loduoun County, VA special. We offer a variety of packages that accommodate your needs and help you save a little more on your visit. Take that drive or flight to Loudoun and make your vacation memorable. For a complete list of Getaway Package Specials in Loudoun, VA, visit...
This week, on Friday February 26, one of Loudoun’s signature music events returns: the Bluegrass and Folk Music Jam. Now in its seventh year, the Jam is an organic, must-see, multi-generational event where people can play their instruments (or just listen) to all styles of acoustic music from bluegrass to blues, and folk to Celtic – a family-friendly mix of music and fun. Held...
Dulles Blue Heron – The ballpark and the overall Kincora project sits adjacent to a very important blue heron rookery. This popular name reflects the group’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the rookery and being in complete partnership with the amazing environment that surrounds the ballpark. Virginia Silver Stars – The Silver Star is one of the nation’s highest military honors and this name...
With all this snow coming down on us, most of us will need a back up plan for Valentines Day or just need to leave the house for a couple of hours to clear away the snow blues. Several businesses and offices here in Loudoun County, VA are closed again today, which hopefully will give those of us who have the extra time to...
VisitLoudoun is proud to annouce that we have been nominated for TWO Trippy Awards from TripFilms.com for two of our online videos. It is always exciting to accept nominations on our videos. But we need you to help us win these awards. Please visit Trippy Awards and cast your vote in the following categories: ARE WE THERE YET: Best Family Travel Video & NOT...
Want the perfect Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaway? Nothing says romance like a weekend getaway to the charming vistas of Loudoun County! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and spending some quality time in DC’s Wine Country is the perfect way to make this celebration unforgettable. Loudoun Country businesses are rolling out the red carpet for you and your loved one, offering a whole...
There is nothing better than hopping into the car with the sun shining on your face and the wind combing your hair and taking a scenic drive through Loudoun County, VA. The Loudoun County CVA has put together three, day itineraries to help you get the full Loudoun experience. Uniquely Loudoun (3-day) Day 1 – Loudoun’s Suburban Experiences Begin the day with a visit...
Valentines Day is upon us and it is time to get an early start on planning your romantic day. Make this Valentines Day special for your loved one. In Loudoun, we have everything you need to make sure this Valentines Day is one that your loved one will not forget. Loudoun Wine County Savor the moment with a glass of wine from one of...
A magical place to hold the wedding of your dreams does exist! Located within easy driving distance from Washington, DC, Loudoun County is an oasis of rolling hills and southern charm. Our villages are nestled in the heart of horse country and at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We offer you, your wedding party and your guest an abundance of history and...
The weekend is upon us and we all need to recuperate from a long work week! What better way to unwind than to take a weekend trip to Loudoun, VA, the Perfect Getaway. Take advantage of some of our Loudoun special packages. With Valentines Day just around the corner, it would be a great idea to surprise your loved one with a romantic getway!...
It’s a new year and with that, comes new resolutions! If you are looking to add to your new year’s resolution, let us recommend one for you. Travel to Loudoun County, VA and Take It In! Loudoun County has so much to offer it’s visitors. From our guided food and wine tours to our farms and farmers markets, you will find something for everyone...
The festivities are not over yet! Hope your Christmas holidays and celebrations were delightful. But, we still have a lot more celebrating to do! New Years is upon us and with that come new resolutions, new starts and new events! Come celebrate the new year in Loudoun, VA and let us help you ring in the new year! Check out what you can expect...
I love this time of year! The weather is perfect, the decorations surround us, the smell of fresh baked goods, crisp wine and our annual events in Loudoun County, Virginia. Loudoun County, VA celebrates the holidays with great annual events. Two of my favorites: Christmas at Oatlands This year’s Christmas celebration at Oatlands will focus on the tradition of weddings at the mansion. During...