Leesburg, Loudoun’s county seat is a picturesque little burg with a historic downtown bustling with restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries, boutiques and chic home décor stores. Dine on oysters, tacos and farm-to-table fare on King Street (our restaurant row), and soak up the storied ambience of a town that’s been home to icons such as President James Monroe and General George C. Marshall.
Browse the many antique stores, visit an art gallery or two, grab some goodies at Mom’s Apple Pie to take home or relax with a cup of coffee at one of several boutique cafes.
Head west to Purcellville where lunch will be at Magnolias at the Mill. Built in 1905, it operated as both a seed and flour mill until 2004 when it was transformed into a restaurant. With a diverse menu and a farm-to-table focus, guests are sure to enjoy the meal.
Enjoy a tour of “Everybody’s home town,” Purcellville. Settled in 1764 and named Purcellville in 1853 after Valentine Purcell established the town’s first post office, this bustling Blue Ridge foothills settlement still has something of a frontier feel to it. The low-slung buildings of downtown are reminiscent of a western film set, while the handsome Victorian homes in surrounding neighborhoods give it a well-to-do all-American ambience. Explore the unique and inviting storefronts and be sure to stop at Old Dominion Tea for locally made teas or Catoctin Creek Distillery for a bottle of whiskey.
Head south to America’s horse and hunt country capital, and Loudoun’s second largest town, Middleburg. Named for being the halfway point between Winchester and Alexandria, this town was established in 1787 . Today, its historic downtown is lined with chic boutiques sand superb café and restaurants, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with handsome mansions and thoroughbred horses frolicking in the fields.
Dinner this evening will be at The Red Fox Inn and Tavern, which has offered uninterrupted hospitality to travelers for more than 275 years. As history unfolded, the Red Fox remained a steady Middleburg venue and has welcomed everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elizabeth Taylor. Highlighting local ingredients, the Red Fox boasts delicious meals, including a famous peanut soup, and an ambiance to match.
Region
Last Updated: 08/10/2020
