How to spend a day in Leesburg, Virginia’s arty, indie and historic hangout

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Our microguides collection is impressed by the gradual journey motion, encouraging travellers to chill out their tempo and take a deep dive into one specific neighbourhood in a well-loved metropolis. Rather than a whirlwind itinerary which goals to hit up each must-see attraction, these compact, close-up guides encourage you to zone in, take your time and actually discover like a native.

Though it was established in 1758, and is usually cited as among the best preserved and most picturesque downtowns in the US state of Virginia, Loudon’s county seat of Leesburg continues to fly a little underneath the radar.

Hugging the Maryland border, and with the well-known, part-recreational Potomac River snaking round its japanese edge, this petite burg homes a cute downtown space full of quaint unbiased shops, historic buildings and extra artwork than you possibly can shake a selfie stick at. And given its measurement, with a modest inhabitants of lower than 50,000, it’s one in all Virginia’s most walkable cities, too.

From the freedom-fighting Leesburg Stockade girls commemorated on an intriguing artwork tour, to the taprooms, breweries and espresso retailers price spending a fairly dime at, right here’s the very best of what to do in Leesburg, Virginia.

Do

Visit a manor

The solely man to function each secretary of state and secretary of defence, George C Marshall led the US to victory in World War Two, later devising the blueprint for the financial restoration of a devastated western Europe, generally known as the Marshall Plan. After a fruitful profession the place he was the primary American Army common to be promoted to the five-star General of the Army, and the place he was named as Time’s Man of the Year twice, he retired to Leesburg’s Dodona Manor and gardens. Guided excursions of the gorgeous Nineteenth-century manor and gardens provide fascinating insights into the person behind all of it.

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Take a tour

Led by Amy Bobchek, the Loudoun Art Tour digs into the city’s notable commerce, music, locomotives and girls’s civil rights historical past by means of an informative downtown saunter round its public artwork installations and murals. Highlights on the tour embrace the King Street Bridge Mural, a steam prepare mural on the positioning of its former energetic railroad, now Washington and Old Dominion leisure path; and the Lassiter Way Murals, which spotlight three of Leesburg’s unsung historic residents.

Catch a present

The Tally Ho Theatre is the stuff of native legend. The historic theatre opened in 1931, and till 2000, it was one in all America’s greatest small film homes. Fast ahead 13 years, and after a few modifications of arms, the Art Deco-inspired Tally Ho constructing would change into a performing arts centre the place bands, tribute acts and comedians grace its historic stage every week.

Eat

King Street Oyster Bar

King Street has oyster joints throughout Virginia, Maryland and DC, however that is the unique. Housed in a saloon-style constructing (you gained’t miss it), King Street is understood for its uncooked bar, the place east coast oysters are the order of the day… however you may simply sit there and work your approach down the listing. Try the grilled oysters Rockefeller and the Peruvian-style ceviche with sea bass, shrimp and scallops.

AspectBar

The brainchild of German-born Loudoun restaurant impresario Nils Schnibbe, AspectBar is a rustic downtown spot for small plates, ‘New American’ delicacies and ingenious drinks. The Docket, Schnibbe’s further enterprise in an historic carriage home throughout the courtyard, additionally presents a cosy house identified for its craft cocktails with its full meals menu out there right here, too – it’s the proper measurement for barely bigger events or personal bookings. Start with the firecracker shrimp and transfer on to the zingy tacos, or simply take the charcuterie board over a leisurely lunch.

Shoe’s Cup & Cork

This scratch kitchen focuses on serving domestically produced items – from seasonal greens by means of to Virginian craft wines – throughout its versatile areas, which embrace a secret backyard, bocce court docket and cabanas. Shoe’s Cup & Cork’s dishes are ‘New American’ with continental European influences, whereas brunch (don’t skip the biscuit basket) comes extremely really useful.

Drink

Black Hoof Brewing Company

It looks like a new brewery is opening each day in Virginia – there’s effectively over 200 now – however Black Hoof is likely one of the state’s easiest small brewers. This family-owned microbrewery, which focuses on European ales and lagers, presents a vary of beers spanning oatmeal stouts and wheat beer to pilsners and radlers, highlighting its versatility in a aggressive area.

Wild Hare Cider

It’s not usually you discover a cider-only taproom in the US, however the hyper-local Wild Hare Cider brewery has Virginia coated with 4 areas. Its rustic cabin in Leesburg actually feels extra Swiss Alps than American, and presents a rotating listing of pure ciders, with fruit from its personal Shenandoah Valley orchard, the place heritage apples are pressed and aged for a yr. The end result? Crisp, refreshing ciders not like something you’ve most likely tried earlier than.

Goosecup

If small-batch roasted espresso is your factor, attempt Goosecup. It’s most likely most identified for its floral coffees (lavender latte, anybody?) however in the night it turns into a hip bar with a stable completely satisfied hour between 2–6pm. If you’re taking the Leesburg Public Art Tour, you possibly can cease off right here when visiting the King Street Bridge Mural – it’s correct native’s hangout.

Shop

Blossom & Bloom Thrift Shop

Blossom & Bloom has been a a part of the Leesburg neighborhood for effectively over three a long time, so you’re onto a good factor when swinging by. You’ll discover garments, trinkets, homewares and extra, and all earnings are given again to local people charities that help kids and adults with disabilities.

DIG Records & Vintage

No music fan ought to go to Leesburg with out spending time at DIG Record & Vintage. This small document store specialises in rarities from bygone eras (preserve a watch out for early-press authentic Beatles LPs) and there’s additionally a classic nook with garments, equipment and house items to browse.

Birch Tree Bookstore

Birch Tree is an unbiased, women-owned neighborhood bookstore, which helps nonprofits by means of its gross sales, membership programme and buzzy neighborhood occasions. It largely specialises in new releases, and its sister plant retailer, Foliage Plant Shop, can be situated inside.

Stay

The Leesburg Colonial Inn

Historic Leesburg’s solely full-service inn is effectively price a keep, not least for its location in the guts of all of it. As the title suggests, Leesburg Colonial Inn’s rooms provide a romantic look again at 18th-century USA by means of vintage furnishings, Persian rugs and rustic farm dressers, whereas its adjoining restaurant, the Georgetown Cafe, presents hearty breakfasts included in the speed. Book effectively forward as there are simply 10 rooms.

Getting there

British Airways operates every day flights from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles International Airport, from the place it’s simply an 18-minute drive to Leesburg.

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