Things To Do

Fabbioli Cellars: Earth-Friendly, Family-Owned Winery with Flair

February 28, 2013 by riverstone

Known among both guests and fellow wine-makers for their friendly and welcoming service, Fabbioli Cellars creates a wonderful wine-tasting experience for large groups, couples, or those on their own. Greeting with a smile, the pourers lead guests to a beautiful and inviting tasting room. The $10 session includes 8 wines and your choice of either chaceuterie or chocolate, both of which are made locally. The most popular wine is the Raspberry Merlot, which incorporates raspberries grown on the premises. After the tasting, visitors can sign up for a class in wine appreciation or vineyard management, learn about the sustainable farming methods that are in place on the winery, or just relax on the patio. Parties of eight or more need a reservation, and the largest group they can accommodate is 16. For its charm and welcoming spirit, Fabbioli Cellars is among the top places to visit for wine and fun in the area.

Fabbioli Cellars
15669 Limestone School Road
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 771-1197

By Davide Restivo from Lenzburg, Aarau, Switzerland (A glass of wine) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg Attractions, Things to Do in Leesburg, Wineries

National Sporting Library and Museum: A One-of-a-Kind Archive

February 21, 2013 by riverstone

Housed in two beautiful and historic buildings, the National Sporting Library and Museum is completely dedicated to the culture of equestrian and field sports. The Library has been open to researchers and the general public for over 50 years, but the Museum is an exciting new addition! There are over 24,000 books and works of art here dedicated to the histories of angling, foxhunting, horsemanship, and steeplechase. Museum exhibitions focus on one particular artist, theme, or time period, like Afield in America: 400 Years of Animal & Sporting Art 1585-1985. There are special events and lectures as well, including a children’s program and even interviews with trainers of Kentucky Derby winners. Admission is free, though the museum and library have different hours of operation, so check the website ahead of time if you want to visit both. Anyone interested in this unique subculture should definitely check out the National Sporting Library and Museum.

National Sporting Library and Museum
102 The Plains Road
Middleburg, VA 20117
(540) 687-6542

By Greg Dunham (originally posted to Flickr as Horseback riding) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Leesburg Attractions, Museums, National Sporting Library and Museum, Things to Do in Leesburg

ArtSpace Herndon: A Landscape for Artists

February 8, 2013 by riverstone

Located in the heart of downtown, ArtSpace Herndon is created and supported by art lovers. Run completely by volunteers, grants, and donations by citizens and organizations, ArtSpace features a 1,700 square foot art gallery with two adjoining classrooms to host art classes and small group sessions with artists. Whether you’re looking to see art by a local, regional, or nationally known artist, the showcase here will surely impress you. The curators and staff, who are all volunteers, are friendly and knowledgeable about art. Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts created ArtSpace in order to encourage and advance a full-scale arts center to combine the visual and performing arts in Herndon. Recently, ArtSpace began hosting intimate concerts and they're set to further the important collaboration between the visual and performing arts in the future.

ArtSpace Herndon
750 Center Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 956-6590

By Edal Anton Lefterov (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Art Spaces, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon Attractions, Things to Do in Herndon

Frying Pan Park: Step Back in Time

January 9, 2013 by riverstone

Preserving a 1930s farm, Frying Pan Farm Park interprets rural community living for Herndon families by adding fresh, appealing elements that will have visitors coming back again and again. Admission is free, which is a bargain considering the amount of interesting and invaluable things you’ll see here. In Kidwell Farm, you’ll see how farm families lived in the 1930s. You can also take a wagon ride and meet animals like chickens, peacocks, rabbits, and cows. Besides meeting animals, the Farm also offers beginning horseback riding lessons and horse shows. If you want to taste farm fresh products, venture to the Frying Pan Country Store, which sells locally grown products and baked goods. It also sells local history books for those interested in Herndon history as well as old-fashioned games and toys for the children for the nostalgic adult. However, the store is only open from May to October, and only on Wednesdays.

Frying Pan Park
2709 W. Ox Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 437-9101

By BrokenSphere (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Frying Pan Park, Herndon Attractions, Parks, Things to Do in Herndon

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company: Lift Your Spirits

December 21, 2012 by riverstone

When Catoctin Creek opened in 2009, it brought legal spirits back to Loudoun County for the first time since Prohibition. The family-owned distillery produces a line of four organic spirits. Rye grains are the basis for Catoctin’s whiskey, gin, and of course, rye. The company also makes a pear brandy and seasonal fruit liqueurs for those in search of a fruitier spirit. Visitors to the Purcellville distillery can enjoy a free 30-minute tour of the facility, and tastings are offered at specific times throughout the week. Catoctin also offers up events throughout the year such as bottling workshops in which participants are invited to assist in the bottling process, festivals, farm tours, and concerts. Visitors love the opportunity to meet and talk to the owners and employers to get the inside view of the distilling process. Committed to making high quality products, Catoctin Creek proves that Virginia is for spirit lovers, too!

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
37251-C E Richardson Lane
Purcellville, VA 20132
(540) 751-8404

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Distilleries, Leesburg Attractions, Things to Do in Leesburg

Loudoun Symphony: Established Local Symphony Shares Its New Home

December 13, 2012 by riverstone

Now in its 21st season, the Loudoun Symphony offers world-class music and arts performances featuring musicians at all professional levels. Formed in 1990 as a community orchestra, the Loudoun Symphony has steadily risen both in status and in service to the wider community. Two adult groups, the Symphony and String Workshop, are both well-known for their excellent performances. Led by conductor and musical director Mark Allen McCoy, the symphony performs pieces both modern and classic, from the traditional Symphony No. 4 in E-flat Major “Romantic” by Anton Bruckner to The Phoenix which was completed and first performed in 2008. Other popular performances are by the Loudoun Youth Symphony, featuring children ages 10-18, and Loudoun’s Got Talent!, a student competition. In the 2010-2011 season, the Loudoun Symphony found its home in a gorgeous state-of-the-art 800-seat auditorium in Virginia Academy, and from there will undoubtedly continue to delight audiences for years to come.

Loudoun Symphony
7 Loudoun Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 771-8287

By Vienna Mozart Orchestra (Vienna Mozart Orchestra) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Leesburg Attractions, Loudoun Symphony, Performing Arts, Things to Do in Leesburg

All Sports Grand Prix: Start Your Engines

December 5, 2012 by riverstone

Looking for thrilling competition? Want a fun outlet to release your inner speed demon? At All Sports Grand Prix, you can experience some souped up go-karting. These aren't just bumper cars; this is real go-karting, simulating a real race environment even down to the racing uniforms. Bring some friends and choose among packages of 10 laps, 25 laps, or 35 laps. If you've got a serious urge to drive, All Sports Grand Prix also occasionally offers a 120 lap endurance race, which might be as close as you'll ever get to driving at Sebring. With such intensity, All Sports Grand Prix makes for a great teambuilding experience, an interesting spot for a date, or simply an adventurous day. On designated days, kids can also train and even race, too, so check the All Sports Grand Prix website for more details. It's a great way to get a real racing experience near BLVD l Loudoun Station.

All Sports Grand Prix
45915 Maries Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 434-9566
http://www.yelp.com/biz/allsports-grand-prix-sterling

David Ayrton [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: All Sports Grand Prix, Ashburn Attractions, Go Karts, Things to Do in Ashburn

Get fit at BLVD Loudoun Station

February 4, 2012 by

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:

Control your weight
Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Reduce your risk of some cancers
Strengthen your bones and muscles
Improve your mental health and mood
Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
Increase your chances of living longer

With all those benefits, why not get moving? All it takes to get started is to put on some sneaks and visit our fitness center that’s conveniently located right here at BLVD Loudoun Station.

Filed Under: Things To Do