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Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve: Hit the Trails

August 6, 2013 by riverstone

In a fast paced world, Banshee Reeks Nature Reserver invites visitors to this Leesburg nature reserve to leave their stress behind and get back to nature. The reserve sprawls over 695 acres of former farmland along The Woods Road. Visitors can enjoy over 20 miles of trails through hardwood oak and hickory forest, open fields, and alongside Goose Creek. The abundant and varied wildlife and habitats will delight nature lovers of all ages, while the 1830s log cabin and bank barn will thrill history buffs. Banshee Reeks is open to the public on weekends, though regular visitors caution that staff and volunteers are only on site two weekends each month, so first-timers should check the website before planning a trip. The site is host to many events, guided walkabouts and nature walks, wildlife watching activities, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Treat yourself to a few hours of quiet solitude while hiking one of Leesburg’s most beautiful open spaces!

Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
The Woods Road
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 669-0316

By Gorkaazk (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Leesburg Attractions, Parks, Things to Do in Leesburg

Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine: As Good As Its Name

July 30, 2013 by riverstone

Yummy, flavorful fare served in a modern, upscale setting is what’s up at Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine. Their lunch buffet is a great option, giving you the chance to sample a kaleidoscope of regional dishes, including Vegetable Curry, Curried Chicken, Garlic Naan, Mint Chutney and Basamati Rice. Signature entrees include Tandoori Lamb Chops, Paneer Makhani – cheese simmered in creamy tomato sauce, Chana Masala – chick pea curry, Keema Naan – stuffed minced lamb with spices and Goan Shrimp Curry. Be sure to save room for an exotic Indian dessert like Kheer – rice pudding, or Gulab Jamun – milk dumplings in sugar syrup with cardamom. A tasty kids menu provides options for the tykes. Beer, wine and cocktails are served. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine
43170 Southern Walk Plaza, Suite 108
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 729-7700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/saffron-fine-indian-cuisine-ashburn

By Aaron Gustafson (originally posted to Flickr as Indian Vegetables) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Ashburn Dining, Restaurants in Ashburn, Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine

Summer Staycation Ideas

July 25, 2013 by riverstone

If money’s tight and you can’t swing airfare to a beautiful beach or other tropical destination, why not consider a staycation? These at-home holidays are more and more popular in recent years, and here are some fun ideas for your own.

Research Your Town
Chances are your town has an interesting history, but it may not be something you've ever really considered! Why not take some time this summer to learn about its past history, its buildings, and what your neighborhood was like years ago?

International Cuisine Potluck
Spend some time reasearching the food of another country, then have a potluck where guests each bring a unique dish. Indian cuisine, Thai cuisine, and other national cuisines offer some enjoyable new tastes to experience together.

Game Tournament
Each night, play a different board or card game with your family members. Record the winner every night and have an awards ceremony at the end of the “season” giving prizes for various things.

Geocaching
This popular hobby can be enjoyed just about anywhere. People hide waterproof containers with logbooks in various locations all over the world, and anybody with a GPS and a sense of adventure can follow clues to find them.

By Cjbvii (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Seasonal, Staycation, Summer, Travel

The Wine Kitchen: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

July 23, 2013 by riverstone

Wine and food lovers in Leesburg can count on The Wine Kitchen to satisfy their taste buds. This cozy, rustic wine bar was selected as one of the best new restaurants in 2009 by Northern Virginia magazine, and has continued to earn good marks from critics and diners alike. The menu changes seasonally, but regular standouts like farm-raised quail and cornmeal-herb waffles, homemade gnocchi, and duck confit — all keeping patrons coming back for more. Located in the heart of downtown Leesburg, The Wine Kitchen is a very popular dinner destination, though it also offers a lunch menu. Regular diners warn of long waits for tables, and suggest that visitors plan to take advantage of the extensive wine list by having a leisurely meal. Wine-lovers suggest asking the knowledgeable staff for wine recommendations or choosing one of the wine-sampler flights available each night. The Wine Kitchen is a perfect choice for a special evening with friends or family, good conversation, laughter, and great food and drink!

The Wine Kitchen
7 S. King Street
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-9463

By Rick Audet (originally posted to Flickr as chianti) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Leesburg Dining, Restaurants in Leesburg, The Wine Kitchen, Wine Bars

Guapo’s: A Herndon Spot for Big Flavors

July 18, 2013 by riverstone

Looking for tasty Tex-Mex food in Herndon? Check out Guapo’s Restaurant. The rotisserie chicken is the signature dish and the chicken is perfectly seasoned and juicy. The combo includes a choice of rotisserie (most customers are satisfied with a quarter chicken), a salad, Guapo’s sauce, and your choice of fried potatoes, corn tortillas, or for an additional charge, fried yucca. Everyone who dines at Guapo’s loves the fried yucca with its crispy exterior and airy interior that pairs well with Guapo’s sauces, especially the green sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick. Be sure to cherish every bite of fried yucca though, because an order only comes with five. Guapo’s makes you feel welcome as soon as you step in the door with its inviting, lively atmosphere. It can be busy during lunch and dinnertime, so the wait might have you thinking about ordering a larger portion of rotisserie chicken.

Guapo's
1042 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-8887

By Dtarazona (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Guapo's Mexican Food, Herndon Dining, Restaurants in Herndon

Mangino’s Pizza: Eat Up!

July 17, 2013 by riverstone

Mangino’s Pizza is an Ashburn classic just moments from BLVD l Loudoun Station. Gourmet pizzas with red and white sauce are on the menu, with tasty combos to suit just every appetite. Try the New York Supreme for a classic melding of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions & mozzarella. Calzones are also an option, as are sub sandwiches. If you’ve gotta have some pasta, they’ve got that, too. Choose from Meat Lasagna, Baked Ziti with Cheese, Chicken Parmesan Ziti, Eggplant Parmesan Ziti and Penne with Alfredo Sauce.

Open every day.

Mangino's Pizza
21760 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 130
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 209-5300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/manginos-pizza-ashburn-2

By Scott Bauer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Ashburn Dining, Mangino's Pizza, Restaurants in Ashburn

Mali Thai Cuisine: Fresh & Flavorful

July 11, 2013 by riverstone

Head to Mali Thai Cuisine and you can feast on some yummy dishes served in an open, modern setting with cheerful saffron-colored walls. Start your repast with a sumptuous starter like Crispy Wontons in sweet & sour sauce, Satay Skewers with peanut sauce or a bowl of Tom Kha Gai with chicken & mushrooms in a lemongrass broth. Entrees feature taste pleasers like Honey Roasted Duck, Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Green Curry, Drunken Noodles in spicy basil sauce and Pad Thai with spicy peanut sauce. A nice kid’s menu makes this a great spot for a family meal. Open every day.

Mali Thai Cuisine
43150 Broadland Center Plaza, Suite 180
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 726-8833
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mali-thai-cuisine-ashburn

By Terence Ong (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Ashburn Dining, Mali Thai Cuisine, Restaurants in Ashburn

Robeks: Smooth Smoothies

July 9, 2013 by riverstone

Robeks has a delectable selection of delicious, healthy smoothies. Bursting with freshness, these babies are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, giving you that glow of health that makes you want to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Order up a freshly squeezed juice or a yummy smoothie made with yogurt and fruit. Try the Hummingbird with a tangy blend of mango, strawberry & banana, or the Polar Pineapple with pineapple & strawberry. Performance smoothies have the added benefit of whey protein for extra energy and muscle building properties. They even have special smoothies for the kids. Open every day.

Robeks
43145 Broadlands Center Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 729-2806
http://www.yelp.com/biz/robeks-ashburn

By Ctguitardude (http://www.bestsmoothierecipes.org/) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Robeks, Smoothies, Things to Do in Ashburn

Herndon Historical Society: Local History

July 2, 2013 by riverstone

Chances are you haven't noticed the Herndon Historical Society. An unassuming train depot in the middle of the downtown area, the building actually houses a collection of artifacts about the city’s history. Founded in 1971, its aim is to bring together those interested in history and those who want to find out more about the Herndon area. In it, you’ll find glassware and furniture displays, dress and hat collections, U.S.S. Central America ship artifacts, and many train collectibles. In addition to housing invaluable items, the museum is a part of the Historic Homes Registry, which invites Herndon residents to tour historic houses and buildings. The museum holds five meetings a year, free and open to the public, in January, May, and September beginning at 7:30 p.m. These meetings feature guest speakers, including authors, journalists, and historians. The museum is open every Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. Check the website for details.

Herndon Historical Society
717 Lynn Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 437-6366

By Daderot (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Herndon Attractions, Herndon Historical Society, Museums, Things to Do in Herndon

Aiyara Thai Restaurant: Fantastic Atmosphere Paired with Delightful Flavors

June 27, 2013 by riverstone

Upon entering Aiyara Thai Restaurant, guests are struck by the simple yet elegant décor, as well as the scent of aromatic dishes infused with authentic Thai flavor. A family-owned restaurant, Aiyara means “elephant,” which is a symbol of loyalty and friendship. These are values that the owners strive to share with their patrons. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor seating area as well as a gorgeous bar, highlighted by warm and vibrant red and orange hues. Favorite dishes include the traditional drunken noodles along with more modern fare like spicy beef salad and Larb Gai tofu with veggies. Another standout is the crisp fried flounder, paired with a chili garlic basil sauce to complement to the fish’s flavor. The lunch buffet will definitely fill you up without emptying your wallet – it’s only $9.99! Attentive service and quality dishes recommend Aiyara Thai Restaurant for a gathering with friends or a romantic evening.

Aiyara Thai Cuisine
5 Catoctin Circle SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 771-1131

I, Terence Ong [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Aiyara Thai Restaurant, Leesburg Dining, Restaurants in Leesburg, Thai Cuisine