Zinga: Fabulous Frozen Yogurt

What’s not to love about a guilt-free frozen confection that has a lot less calories than ice cream? Zinga welcomes your adoration with a flavorful selection of frozen yogurt along with more than 50 tasty toppings. The list of rotating flavors at the store might include taste tempters like Café Au Lait, Cookies & Cream, Bayou Praline, Birthday Cake, Peaches & Cream, German Chocolate Cake, Mango Tango, Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Bun, Valencia Orange, Island Coconut and New York Cheesecake. Order the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bath Sundae and you’ve got a sinfully delicious layering of brownie, peanut butter yogurt and your choice of toppings. Choose from cookie dough, berries, nuts, chocolate chips, granola, peanut butter cups, granola and sprinkles. Yum! Open every day.

Zinga
43330 Junction Plaza, Suite 100
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 291-2475
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zinga-ashburn-2

Carpool: Cold Beers & Pink Cadillacs

If you miss the days of 99 cent gasoline, check out Carpool. It's full of antique gas station pumps, evoking the romance of the open road. You can enjoy your choice of many draft beers outside on the patio or inside, as Carpool always has plenty of space for you and your friends. It understands that you work late, so Happy Hour runs until 8 p.m., offering half-price appetizers. The staff knows its wide selection of beers, which average $4. If you’re looking for more than just food and drinks, Carpool also offers several fun games like pool, skeeball, darts, and shuffleboard and even features a live band every now and then. Young, unpretentious, and lively, the Carpool crowd knows how to have a good time.

Carpool
208 Elden Street
Suite 100
Herndon, VA 20170
(571) 203-7995

Casanel Vineyards: Quaint Winery with Gorgeous Scenery

With a tasting room created from a restored stone barn, Casanel Vineyards reminds guests of the early tradition of wine-making with its rustic feel and high-quality vino. Family-owned and operated by parents and their five daughters, Casanel has extremely knowledgeable pourers who will go to great lengths to educate. Each tasting offers great wines like their Chardonnay Mas Que Nada and guest favorite Don Lorenzo White, which is a blend with a Pinot Grigio. After the tasting, you can head downstairs to the cellar, where there is often live music, or outside to a more intimate spot on the vineyard. There are over 40 acres of land to explore, so you’re sure to find a relaxing place to picnic with their wine and a selection of gourmet snacks. The tasting fee is $5 each for groups up to nine. Groups of 10 or more pay $10 each and also receive a Casanel Vineyards souvenir glass!

Casanel Vineyards
17952 Canby Road
Leesburg, VA 20175
(540) 751-1776     

Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve: Hit the Trails

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

Robeks: Smooth Smoothies

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

Herndon Historical Society: Local History

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

Ashburn Bagel Shop: Tasty Breakfast Fare

Start your morning at Ashburn Bagel Shop. The owner really cares about the product he's providing. Don't be surprised if he remembers you on return visits. There are a few tables inside the cozy shop but most people order to go. The menu is split between breakfast and lunch fare. Dig into a delicious, fresh bagel sandwich for breakfast and come back for a sandwich at lunch. There are plenty of bagel flavors to choose from like Sun Dried Tomato, Cheddar, Egg, Blueberry, Cinnamon Rasin, and more. The bagels are fresh baked every day. All the sandwiches are made to order. Ashburn Bagel Shop does get busy on weekends but the line moves quickly. 

Ashburn Bagel Shop
43930 Farmwell Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 858-5883
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ashburn-bagel-shop-ashburn

Lost Rhino Brewing Company: Big Taste

Looking for a cool spot to chill out with a beer and a bite? Lost Rhino Brewing Company is your go-to place. Go there to hook up with friends while sipping something tasty like their Rhino Chasers Pils, New River Pale Ale, Holy Brew Honey Blonde or Face Plant IPA. Order up something to munch on from their appetizer menu. Bavarian Pretzels with German mustard, a California Sampler with guacamole, pico de gallo, black bean salsa & tortilla chips, and a Charcuterie Plate with local sausage & roasted pepper feta spread are among the nosh choices. Bigger appetites will want to chow down on Naan Flatbread Pizza, Asian Duck Tacos, or a Jerk Chicken Wrap with pineapple & bacon. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company
21730 Red Rum Drive, Suite 142
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 291-2083
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lost-rhino-brewing-company-ashburn

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Brew & View

What could be better than watching a great flick while chowing down on a tasty meal and sipping a frothy artisan-brewed beer? If this sounds like your idea of a great time, head to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and get your brew & view on. Order up a Bottomless Popcorn, a Baked Pretzel with German mustard, and some Chips & Dip and settle in for your cinematic ride. If your tummy requires a full meal, they can do that, too. Burgers come in beef, veggie or chicken and offer seven choices of combo toppings that include Prosciutto & Goat Cheese, Mushroom & Cheddar, Avocado & Pesto, and Green Chili & Cheese. Salads, sandwiches, wraps, milk shakes and dessert are also on the menu.

Open every day. See the website for movie schedules.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
20575 East Hampton Plaza
Exchange Street
Ashburn, VA 20147
(571) 293-6808
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alamo-drafthouse-ashburn

Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park

The Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park has been called "the skinniest park in Virginia" — it's primarily a 100 foot wide, 45 mile long trail for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. This multi-use trail stretches all the way from Ashburn to Purcellville, Virginia, sitting on the roadbed of an historic old rail line once used to transport troops and supplies during the Civil War. Now a park, the Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park makes it easy to exercise in a safe environment that's largely free of the hustle and bustle of car traffic. Here you can ride or run in a natural environment with varied scenery, flora, and fauna. Occasionally, the trail is punctuated by towns and other spots, making it easy to stop and grab a quick drink or a bite to eat. Primarily frequented by cyclists, joggers, and runners, the trail can have a fast-paced feel at times, making the pace a little too quick for younger kids. Fortunately, families can enjoy an adjacent 32 mile long unpaved trail that's perfect for a more leisurely stroll. Runners, joggers, cyclists, and people who just love the outdoors in BLVD l Loudoun Station will be pleased with a visit to the Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park.
 

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