Find Things to Do in Loudoun County VA-Plan a day trip, Family Fun, Romantic Getaways, Museums and more » Highlights

Thomas Balch Library

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:20:37 +0000

Thomas Balch Library is a history and genealogy library owned and operated by the Town of Leesburg. Collections focus on Loudoun County, regional and Virginia history, genealogy, military history with special emphasis on the American Civil War, and ethnic history. It is designated as an Underground Railroad research site.

The library was established and dedicated May 13, 1922 as a memorial tribute to Thomas Balch (1821-1877), a native of Leesburg. The library operated with money from an endowment established by Thomas Willing Balch and Edwin Swift Balch, sons of Thomas Balch. In the late 1960’s it became a branch of the Loudoun County Public Library system serving the community as a full service public library. In 1994-1995 the county transferred ownership of the library to the Town of Leesburg to be operated as a history and genealogy library. The original building was designed by noted Washington DC architect Waddy B. Wood. In 2000 renovations and a sympathetic two floor addition, designed by Bowie Gridley doubled the library’s size. Interior enhancements include murals depicting local history, portraits of distinguished local figures and Thomas Moser furniture.

208 W. Market St.
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 737-7195

http://www.leesburgva.gov/services/Library

Oatlands Plantation

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:13:15 +0000

A stately mansion, beautiful rolling farmland, exquisite gardens, a repository of more than 200 years of American history and culture – all of these can be found at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens near Leesburg, Virginia.

Established in the early 19th century by George Carter, Oatlands was a thriving wheat plantation and base for numerous business enterprises until the time of the Civil War. During most of the 20th century Oatlands served as the country estate of Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran Eustis, affluent Washingtonians with strong ties to the American political arena.

Now a National Trust Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, Oatlands is flourishing with four full seasons of activities. Come visit this beautiful part of Virginia with its important historic landscape, hear the stories Oatlands has to tell, discover the history of the place and its personalities, and enjoy the many programs and events at Oatlands.

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Leesburg, VA 20175
Telephone: 703.777.3174

http://www.oatlands.org/

Loudoun Museum

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:57:39 +0000

When was the last time you visited a museum that made history fun? And really interesting? And had a special place for kids?

That’s what the Loudoun Museum is all about. Loudoun is growing and changing so fast (we’re one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States!) that it’s easy to lose sight of its rich history and character. That’s our job—to bring Loudoun’s history to life, right before your eyes.

Where and When

The Museum is conveniently located on Loudoun Street in historic downtown Leesburg. You’ll find plenty of parking around the Museum, and in the public parking lot right next door. We’re open Mondays, Wednesdays–Saturdays 10-5, Sundays 1-5, and by appointment on Tuesdays.

16 Loudoun Street Leesburg, Virginia 20175

http://www.loudounmuseum.org/

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:54:27 +0000

The Heritage Farm Museum is Loudoun County’s museum of agriculture. We preserve, promote and bring to life Loudoun’s rich agricultural heritage and the history of rural life. Owned by the County of Loudoun, the Museum is supported by the 501(c)3 advisory board Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, Inc.

Our permanent exhibit, It’s Just a Way of Life, chronicles 250 years of agricultural history or the ten generations of people who have lived and worked in this area. At the Claude Moore Children’s Farm, your child can be a farmer for a day in the safety of an indoor interactive play area. Meet Milkie the Cow, collect eggs from the play chickens and ride the Kentucky Derby on Loudoun’s most famous horse, Genuine Risk. Step back in time at the Waxpool General Store to learn about life 100 years ago using authentic objects and records from the original store.

The Museum specializes in programs that support the Standards-of-Learning for Virginia schools. We offer programs for scouts and host special events year-round.

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling, Virginia 20164

http://www.heritagefarmmuseum.org/

Tarara Vineyard and Winery

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:09:55 +0000

Nestled on the bluffs of the Potomac River, Tarara Winery has the perfect backdrop for enjoying world-class wines. Our wines are a true reflection of this very special place with a relaxed, classic beauty that is timeless. Unwind with us, whether that means sipping great wine at a summer concert, enjoying views from the deck or soaking in the warm breeze off of the river.

Tarara invites you to experience our wines and discover a lifestyle that anyone will love. Bring a picnic and make a day of it enjoying seasonal u-pick fruits or time your visit to include a summer concert by the lake.

13648 Tarara Ln.
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-771-7100

http://www.tarara.com

Doukenie Winery

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:34:34 +0000

Doukénie Winery is nestled at the base of Short Hill Mountain in scenic Loudoun County, Virginia. Located west of Leesburg, we are just over an hour’s drive from Washington D.C., and a short distance from Frederick Maryland. Our 500-acre property features rolling hills of vegetation, horse pastures, grazing cattle, and of course our treasured vineyard.

Upon arrival, you enter our converted barn, where our tasting room leads to the vineyard vista seen from our covered porch. Amongst the book-lined shelves, and cozy fireplace (in the cooler months), you can sample from the variety of wines that make Doukénie so unique.

14727 Mountain Rd
Hillsboro, VA 20132
540-668-6464

http://www.DoukenieWinery.com

Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:01:49 +0000

The Ball’s Bluff preserves the site of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, Loudoun County’s largest Civil War engagement. The battle was a result of a faulty report and bad judgement. The park has hiking trails and interpretive signs to explore the area and its history. At the center of the park lies the Ball’s Bluff National Cemetery.

Directions: To reach Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, take Route 7 west toward Leesburg, then Route 15 Bypass north. Turn right on Battlefield Parkway and left on Ball’s Bluff Road. The park is located at the end of the street.

Smithsonian Naturalist Center

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:42:12 +0000

Maximize your students’ engagement in hands-on research with the Naturalist Center’s 36,000 object hands-on collection of natural history objects, 6,500 books, and scientific equipment.

Students explore collections to do scientific investigations similar to those done by Museum scientists. Through individual investigation, students can become true scientists, uncovering exciting natural history secrets. By working first-hand with animals, rocks, minerals, bones, and other objects in the collections prepared specifically for scientific study, students expand their curiosity and their skills in conducting investigations.

741 Miller Dr., SE, Suite G2
Leesburg, VA 20175

http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/fieldtrip/planned_programs/naturalist_center/

George C. Marshall International Center at Dodona Manor

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:55:44 +0000

Dodona Manor is the former home of General George C. Marshall, one of the most significant and influential individuals of the 20th century. Dodona Manor has been restored to document how the Secretary of State, head of the American Red Cross, author of the Marshall Plan, and receiver of the Nobel Prize lived.

George C. Marshall International Center at Dodona Manor
217 Edwards Ferry Road
Leesburg, VA 20176
Telephone: (703) 777-1880

http://www.georgecmarshall.org

Winmill Carriage Museum

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:54:15 +0000

Take a trip into the past by visiting the Winmill Carriage Collection at Morven Park. You will see a wide variety of antique vehicles used between the mid 1800’s and the early 1900’s. See how suburbanites commuted to the city in Dennett and Stanhope Gigs. These vehicles were donated by the late Voila Townsend Winmill of Warrenton, Virginia in 1967 and include many of the 120 carriages she collected over a period of forty years.

17263 Southern Planter Ln
Leesburg, VA 20176

http://www.morvenpark.org/