Discover a part of Northern Virginia’s industrial heritage — the restored gristmill at Aldie Mill Historic Park in Aldie. Built between 1807 and 1809, the Aldie Gristmill was once the largest factory of its kind in Loudoun County. The mill’s tandem metal waterwheels are fully operational, making it possible for visitors to watch live grinding demonstrations. Tours and demonstrations are available during weekends between April and November. Hours: Open for tours and grinding demonstrations April 9-Nov. 13 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5 p.m. Group tours can be accommodated on weekdays by appointment.
Boxwood Winery is located in an area steeped in Revolutionary, Civil War American history and renowned for world-famous horse farms. Today the area is also known as a wine region, Virginia being the fifth largest wine producing state. The Boxwood sustainable vineyards occupy 26.5 acres of the historic landmark farm and are planted with traditional Bordeaux varietals, predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, all ENTAV certified by noted viticulturist Lucie Morton, who continues to consult on the vineyard. Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cana Vineyards and Winery is located in the beautiful Loudoun County countryside, nestled between the historic towns of Aldie and Middleburg on John Mosby Highway. Cana’s tasting room is situated on a picturesque hillside. The porch, patio and second-floor tasting room afford visitors a comfortable place to enjoy Cana wines while taking in the beauty of the surrounding Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains. Hours: Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Monday 12-6 p.m.
Come experience 100% Virginia wine in an authentic Virginia wine and hunt country setting. As one of the foremost boutique destination wineries in Loudoun County, Greenhill delivers quality wine, with friendly and professional staff in a breathtaking Virginia wine country environment. Enjoy their wine, gather with friends and make new acquaintances in their authentic and earthy ambiance. Hours: Tasting Room open daily noon-sunset. Manor House (special events and Wine Club Members) open Friday-Sunday noon-sunset and Monday-Thursday by appointment only. Reservations can be made by visiting greenhillvineyards.com/reservations.
The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is located in the heart of beautiful hunt country. Founded in 1954, the renowned research library and fine art museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching and wildlife are among the subjects one can explore in the organization’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives and art collection. NSLM offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions and family activities throughout the year and is open to researchers and the general public. While there is no admission fee to the library, the museum charges $10 for adults and $8 for youths (age 13-18) and seniors. NSLM members and children age 12 and under are free. Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is a must-see Virginia landmark offering hearty meals in an historic tavern setting, romantic guest rooms fitted with traditional Piedmont furnishings, and unique weddings and social events that will create lasting memories for you and your guests. Established in 1728, this historic fieldstone inn and tavern embodies the Piedmont’s cultural heritage and is inspired by four centuries of Virginia hunt country tradition. Hours: Monday-Saturday 8-10 a.m and 5-9 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Three Fox Vineyards is a boutique winery and vineyard producing hand-crafted, Italian/old-world style wines on 50 beautiful rolling acres reminiscent of Tuscany. Estate plantings are Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Merlot. Chardonnay and Chambourcin are grown off-site. They produce 12 different wines from these grapes. Most are dry wines, but they do produce “off-dry” table white and a red dessert wine. Annual production is currently around 3,000 cases. They have prepackaged food (sausage, prosciutto, cheese, crackers and snacks) available for sale, but guests can also bring their own food if desired. There is a large amount of open space and they have tables set in the vines as well as down by Crooked Run, which runs through the estate. In the warm months, they have hammocks on the banks of Crooked Run. They are dog and family friendly. Hours: Monday and Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.