There are many cute shops to stroll into and restaurants to grab a bite. Founded in 1758, Leesburg's history spans four centuries. Its historic sites and museums reflect that rich and varied history. Tour Dodona Manor or the historic home of George C. Marshall, take in the beautiful architecture of the Historic Downtown, wander through galleries filled with the masterful creations of local artisans, walk along the W&OD Trail, relax on the Town Green while listening to live music performances, or dine in one of the award winning restaurants.
King Street Oyster Bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat near the hotel and in the heart of the historic district of Leesburg. Grab a seat at the bar or call ahead for a reservation!
Northern Virginia has become known for its wineries and breweries scattered amongst the countryside. Check one out!
If you'd like to grab a bite to eat or a drink with a view of the Virginia countryside, look no further than Bear Chase. Kick back outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. It's also only a few doors down from the wedding venue!
Take a small hike up the Blue Ridge Mountains (21 minutes) to a beautiful view of Virginia's natural beauty. The easy 1.9-mile Bears Den Overlook hike takes visitors along a delightful, shady stretch of the white-blazed Appalachian Trail in Bluemont. But first, plan to walk along a 0.3-mile blue-blazed spur trail from the large parking area to connect with the Appalachian Trail for the Bears Den hike. From here, it’s a short walk to Bears Den Overlook. Continue on past the overlook for the infamous Roller Coaster section of the Appalachian Trail.
There are 3 golf courses at Lansdowne Resort created by world-renowned course designers Robert Trent Jones and Greg Norman. Reserve to play amongst the rolling Potomac River Valley landscape. There is also an indoor pool & hot tub at the resort if you'd like to take a dip.
Settled in 1764, and named Purcellville in 1853 after Valentine Purcell established the town’s first post office, this bustling Blue Ridge foothills settlement still has something of a frontier feel to it. The low-slung buildings of downtown, including a renovated grain mill turned restaurant, are reminiscent of a western film set. Recent years have seen a spurt of development with new restaurants, BBQ joints (we recommend Monk's), ice cream parlors, coffee bars, boutiques, thrift stores, and even a world-renowned whiskey distillery. The town is an excellent departure point for the wineries, breweries, farms, and hiking trails of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
Before it became home to Magnolias at the Mill, this historic building played a vital role in Purcellville’s agricultural and economic history. Built in 1874, the mill was originally a steam-powered sawmill before transitioning into a seed processing facility that helped establish Purcellville as the orchard grass capital of the United States. In 2004, Magnolias at the Mill opened its doors, blending the warmth of history with modern hospitality. Original wooden beams, grain chutes, and historic charm remain intact, offering guests a unique glimpse into the past while they enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal. Today, Magnolias honors its legacy, not with seed processing, but by curating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, keeping the spirit of Loudoun’s rich agricultural traditions alive.
Monk's is a family owned BBQ joint in Purceville, Virginia. It also happens to be one of places Wesley worked in high school. There's also an ice cream parlor just around the corner for dessert!
If you are here a little early, or staying late after the wedding, we recommend making your way into Washington, D.C., our nation's capital. There are many free Smithsonian museums to visit (Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Gallery of Art being our favorites). The National Air and Space Museum is pretty spectacular too. If you like gardens, check out the United States Botantical Gardens just steps from the Capitol Building and Katiana's office.