The History of Loudoun County Is on Display at Loudoun Museum

The rich history of Loudoun County is celebrated at Loudoun Museum, a private, non-profit corporation in Leesburg. Housed in buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the museum is the only of its kind in the county, home to 8,000 artifacts that paint a picture of the county's storied past and its inhabitants.

Exhibits rotate but consistently promise something interesting for kids and grown-ups alike. Adults will enjoy taking a peek at Civil War-era artifacts, old manuscripts, historic textiles, and much more. The museum's Discovery Room offers kids a chance to dress up in period clothing and play make-believe in the 19th-century period kitchen.

Loudoun Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and free for members and kids four and under. Don't skip the museum's popular Hauntings Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of downtown Leesburg's haunted establishments that takes place every October. It's a spooky good time!

Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun Street SW
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
(703) 777-7427
http://www.loudounmuseum.org/

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Polish Your Look With a Manicure at Beauty Bar and Spa

Look better and feel better after visiting Ashburn’s Beauty Bar and Spa. A salon and spa at the Goose Creek Village shopping center, Beauty Bar is a full-service salon that's run by friendly professionals. It doesn’t matter how many times you come in for nails or other services, the folks who work here always seem to remember your name.

Here, the gel manicure is a big favorite, and the reflexology foot massage is also very popular. Whether you need your eyebrows thinned or getting ready for the beach, the waxing services are always on point. Cleansing and exfoliating facial treatments are also on the menu.

Beauty Bar and Spa is open Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beauty Bar and Spa
21040 Sycolin Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 918-4460
http://www.beautybarspava.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/beauty-bar-and-spa-ashburn

Worldgate Centre: A Convenient One-Stop-Shop for Entertainment and Fun

Conveniently located near Dulles International Airport and with a Marriott Suites hotel on-site, Worldgate Centre is an excellent option for out-of-town visitors, as well as a convenient all-in-one entertainment destintaion for locals. Perfect for a night out or a much-needed stop just off the bustling Dulles Toll Road, guests may wish to take in a film at Worldgate’s AMC cinema and follow it up with a meal at one of the many on-site restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine options from around the world, as well as classic all-American fare.

If you’ve had your fill of on-site eats, consider breaking a sweat at the Worldgate Sport and Health Club, where members can take advantage of a sprawling array of fitness equipment, join a team sport, register for personal or small group training or drop in on one of their many fitness classes, including aerobics, yoga and pilates. To reach a more relaxed state of mind, unwind with a visit to the Serenity Day Spa. Other convenient services at Worldgate include a cleaners, barber, florist and FedEx office.

Worldgate Centre
13025 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(571) 382-1200
http://www.worldgatecentre.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/worldgate-centre-herndon

Family Friendly Fun in Ashburn at Chibis Indoor Playground

Looking for some indoor fun for the kids? Head for Chibis Indoor Playground, where little ones can play indoors, no matter what the weather's like outdoors.

This popular spot off the Loudon County Parkway gives kids the opportunity to run and jump in a totally safe environment. If you have a toddler, you’ll like the 400-square-foot playground just for little tikes under the age of three. It’s separated from the "big kid" area, so you know your child can play safely. The big kids’ playground has a climbing structure that every kid will love, as well as many other interactive features. (This is a socks-only zone, so it’s also safe.)

Open Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Chibis Indoor Playground is also a great place for birthday parties.

Chibis Indoor Playground
44675 Cape Court
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 918-0310
http://www.chibisindoorplayground.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chibis-indoor-playground-ashburn

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The Boutique Bakeshop: Fresh-Baked Treats in Herndon

With no shortage of bakeries and cupcake dealers in Northern Virginia, The Boutique Bakeshop serves up a warm and inviting take on small-batch baked goods in Herndon. Tasty treats are available fresh from the oven include the moist, cream cheese-frosted red velvet cupcakes and the “Triple Threat” – a cookie, cheesecake and brownie hybrid – for the most serious of sweet fanatics. Enjoy the shabby chic styling of the seating area and take in the delicious smells from the bustling kitchen located just behind the counter. If you’re part of the nine-to-five crowd in need of a boost to office morale, place an order for one of their “Bakeshop Boxes” and deliver an assortment of fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, including house-made pop tarts, seasonal fruit scones, buttery croissants and donut twists perfect for dunking.

Always certain to include a little bit of TLC in all they do, the friendly staff of The Boutique Bakeshop add plenty of this special ingredient to all of their custom cakes, available by request. Check out their website for additional information on seasonal offerings, Bakeshop Box ordering and more.

The Boutique Bakeshop
336 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 835-4179
http://www.theboutiquebakeshop.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-boutique-bakeshop-herndon

Lace Up Your Skates, Take to the Ice at Ashburn Ice House

Lace up your skates and have some fun at the Ashburn Ice House. This indoor ice rink has something for everyone, whatever your interests.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to skate, there are U.S. Figure Skating certified classes for children and adults. Small class sizes ensure that much of the instruction is one on one. Perhaps you’ve always had a desire to play hockey. This is the place to not only take hockey lessons, but to also join hockey leagues. Adults appreciate the “pick up” hockey games at night and during lunch hour, and little ones enjoy Ashburn Ice House's summer camps.

The fun at Ashburn Ice House really picks up when the free skate hours take place. Bring your own skates or rent a pair here, then hit the ice with your friends. Open seven days a week, Ashburn Ice House is also popular spot for birthday parties.

Ashburn Ice House
21595 Smith Switch Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 858-0300
http://ashburnice.pointstreaksites.com/view/ashburnice/home-page#.UshONPRDv08
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ashburn-ice-house-ashburn

Break a Sweat at the Washington and Old Dominion Trail

From the site of an old railroad in Ashburn, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail now gives you a whole new way to move. This 45-mile trail actually takes you through three counties and many towns in the area. It’s perfect for runners, bikers, skaters, or those wanting to take a leisurely stroll. There’s also a gravel path for horseback riders, but be prepared: This is a very popular spot for families on the weekends.

To ensure safety, the parks department offers a list of guidelines, such as having the right equipment, respecting others on the trail, and carrying a map of the entire trail. Knowing the guidelines can only make your experience more enjoyable.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail is open year-round, from dawn to dusk.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail
21293 Smiths Switch Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 729-0596
http://www.nvrpa.org/park/w_od_railroad
http://www.yelp.com/biz/washington-and-old-dominion-trail-ashburn

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Hit the Ground Running With Help From Potomac River Running

Whether you’re a competitive runner or just looking to get into shape, equip yourself for success at Potomac River Running in Ashburn. Probably the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is shoes. At Potomac, you’ll find one of the largest selections of walking and running shoes in the area, all from top manufacturers.

Why put on a worn pair of sweatpants when you can look your best in one of the many different running suits for sale here? You will also really like the service, as knowledgeable sales associates will be glad to help you get just what you need to get on the road or the track.

Potomac River Running is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Potomac River Running
20630 Ashburn Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 729-0133
http://www.potomacriverrunning.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/potomac-river-running-ashburn

 

Broadlands Sports Bar & Grill: A Friendly Ashburn Restaurant

Broadlands Sports Bar & Grill offers visitors a chance to chill out in a friendly environment. Wall-to-wall high definition TVs means you can watch just about any sports event imaginable while you sip a beer and chow down on a tasty bite to eat. Fried Pickles, Jalapeno Poppers, Homemade Chili and Crispy Calamari are some of the appetizer options to whet your appetite. Quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches and wraps are also on the menu, as are full entrees like Blackened Grilled Chicken, Fettuccini Meatball Marinara, New York Strip Steak, Fish & Chips, New York Strip & Wings and Chicken Veggie Stir Fry. The Little Leaguers menu provides some tasty $5 meals for the kids. Open every day.

Broadlands Sports Bar & Grill
42882 Truro Parish Drive
Ashburn, VA 20148
(703) 729-7119
http://www.yelp.com/biz/broadlands-sports-bar-and-grill-ashburn

Greater Reston Arts Center: Discover Your Inner Art Lover

The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) brings a wealth of contemporary visual art to Northern Virginia. The Center hosts rotating exhibitions in its spacious gallery, featuring artists from across the mid-Atlantic region. Receptions, artist’s talks, lectures, workshops, readings, and other programs regularly provide the public an opportunity to further engage the arts. GRACE’s signature Fine Arts Festival brings together over 200 artists, performers, and crafters for two days each spring. The Center also offers a range of educational programming for children, teens, and adults in both visual and performing arts. Popular programs like “Explore More Buckets” and “Free Fridays” offer drop-in opportunities for young children and families to discover the arts at no charge. Visitors to the Center say it provides a welcoming, playful environment in which to create, learn about, or take in the arts. Whatever your preference, GRACE makes it easy to fit the arts into your life.

Greater Reston Arts Center
12001 Market Street, Suite #103
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 471-9242

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