Even if you can't make it to Starbucks, you can always brew great coffee at home. You're probably familiar with automatic drip coffeemakers, but there are a whole host of other ways to make an excellent cup of coffee.

Automatic drip coffeemakers offer one great advantage: consistency. Their easy drip and heat settings create a reliably decent cup of coffee each time. The drawback's that their common warming plates can burn coffee if the pot's left on for too long.

Single serve coffee pods like K-Cups help brew only as much coffee as you want and can make a cup very quickly. They're also a bit more expensive than other options and create more waste.

French presses have become very popular over the last few years. A simple machine, the French press is a glass vessel in which hot water is poured over roughly ground coffee. After steeping the grounds for a few moments, you'll push down a wire mesh screen, strain the grounds, and have a robust, dark coffee. Time it quite carefully or the coffee will be too light or dark!

Cold-brewed coffee has also become popular recently. This method involves steeping grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, straining the grounds, and mixing small quantities of the coffee concentrate with hot water, cold water, or even milk for a very smooth coffee.

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

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