See why we can’t wait to get to Leesburg.
Downtown Leesburg.
Photo courtesy of the Town of Leesburg
Shoe’s Cup and Cork.
Photo courtesy of Shoe’s Cup and Cork
Just an hour outside the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., Leesburg (named after Virginia colonist Thomas Lee) has it all—a quaint downtown area and access to lush countryside and multiple wineries, not to mention historical landmarks and top notch dining.
The 13-square-mile town makes for a perfect fall weekend getaway, so pack your bag and hit some of our favorite spots.
Go Back in Time
Leesburg Colonial Inn, 19 S. King St.
Reading about history is one thing, but at the Leesburg Colonial Inn, you can truly immerse yourself in it. Each of the 10 rooms are named after historical figures like Dolly Madison, Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Rates starting at $129. TheLeesburgColonialInn.com
Feed Your Sole
Shoe’s Cup & Cork, 17 N. King St.
An old downtown standby, Shoe’s Cup & Cork was a shoe repair shop for more than 80 years before it closed in 2006. It reopened in 2009 as a coffee shop and restaurant, and it is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends. True to its roots, the “Shoe Repair” signs are still on display inside and outside. The Brie L.T. Panini is the chef’s take on an old Leesburg favorite and a perfect brunch-and-comfort-food blend. ShoesCupAndCork.com
Treat Yourself
Mom’s Apple Pie Company, 220 Loudoun St. SE
Calories don’t count on vacation, right? Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert, be sure to pop in to Mom’s Apple Pie Company for something sweet. The apple pie is classic, of course, but other baked goods like pulla bread, Shenandoah peach pie, macaroons and gingerbread cookies are also available. MomsApplePieCo.com
Believe in Ghosts
Shocktober, 601 Catoctin Cir. NE
Every weekend this month you have the opportunity to scare yourself silly. Whether you believe ghosts or not, walking through Paxton’s Manor and down into the cavernous basement, or the “Haunted Well of Souls,” is sure to give you a fright. And once you’re out (if you make it out), head on over to Old Ox Brewery for a pint—the brewers collaborated with Shocktober to create the Oxorcist II, an Imperial pumpkin ale that’s so delicious it’s scary. Shocktober.org, OldOxBrewery.com
Wine About It
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, 19381 Duntop Mill Rd.
We’d be remiss to not mention all the wine that’s flows in Leesburg. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Zephaniah’s tasting room is located inside a 19th-century house. The family has been in the area for more than 60 years, and guests are welcome to tour the vineyard and bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden area. If you want to make a day (or a weekend) out of wine-tasting, also check out Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery, Stone Tower Winery and The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek. ZephWine.com, DryMillWine.com, StoneTowerWinery.com, LostCreekWinery.com
