Michael & Michelle
Things To Do
Northern Virginia Wine Region
Wine lovers rejoice! This will come as no surprise since we've chosen to have our reception at a winery, but visiting the local wineries is one of our favorite things to do! Visit this website for wine trails/clusers: https://www.visitloudoun.org/things-to-do/wine-country/clusters/ Here are some favorites (in no particular order): - Corcoran Vineyards & Cider, http://www.corcoranvineyards.com - 8 Chains North Winery, http://www.8chainsnorth.com - Sunset Hills Vineyard, https://www.visitloudoun.org/listing/sunset-hills-vineyard/950/ - 868 Estate Vineyards, http://868estatevineyards.com/ - Chrysalis Vineyards, http://www.ChrysalisWine.com - The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, http://www.thebarnsathamiltonstation.com -Bluemont Vineyard https://www.bluemontvineyard.com/ - Stone Tower Winery (see photo above) http://www.stonetowerwinery.com/
Local Breweries
Loudoun County has over 30 local breweries in the area. We love visiting the breweries and getting a flight of beers to try. There are even several that are within 5-15 minutes from the Lansdowne Resort. -Crooked Run Brewery -The Craft of Brewing -Dynasty Brewing -Ocelot Brewing -Bear Chase Brewery Can't go wrong with a gorgeous hike followed by a refreshing craft beer. Here are some suggestions: https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/hike-and-beer-day-trips/
Landsdowne Golf Course
This golf course is located at the main hotel, the Lansdowne Resort.
District of Columbia
If you haven't explored our Nation's Capital, here is your chance! There is too much to see and do in one day, so if you only have a few hours, we recommend: (1) Tidal Basin: Take a walk around the Tidal Basin where you'll see the Jefferson, Roosevelt and MLK Memorials. The cherry blossoms won't be in bloom, but there are great views of the Washington Monument. (2) National Mall: Stroll the National Mall from the Capital Building to the Washington Monument (or reverse). Pop in a Smithsonian Museum (all are free) or take a ride on the Carousel. (3) Lincoln Memorial: Climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - with views of both Arlington Cemetery and the Reflecting Pool/National Mall - right near by are the Vietnam, Korean and WWII Memorials. If you're heading downtown, you can take the Metro (https://www.wmata.com/) from Reston Station.
Old Town Alexandria
Adorable town with great shopping and food!
Great Falls Park
Perfect spot for an easy day hike.
Middleburg
Check out this quaint downtown area and grab lunch at the Goodstone Inn
Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
Our favorite distillery tour in the area!
Crooked Run Orchard
Get your Fall on and go pick some apples!
Neabasco Regional Park
Neabsco Regional Park encompasses 300 acres of natural, recreational, and historic amenities including the Rippon Lodge Historic Site, Rippon Landing, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve, and portions of historic Kings Highway.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Want to visit a Smithsonian Museum but don't want to venture into D.C.? Check out Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport. This is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall. It has two huge hangars with tons of planes, including the Space Shuttle Discovery. Admission is FREE...but you will have to pay to park. Check the website to see if a reservation is needed for your visit.
Harpers Ferry
Visit one of our favorite National Parks. There are beautiful hiking trails on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and a quaint downtown area with cute shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out the view from Jefferson's Rock (the walk up is stone steps, hiking boots not required). If you are feeling extra adventurous, check out Harpers Ferry Adventure Center.
Leesburg
Walk around Downtown Leesburg and stop in some of the cute shops and cafes. We are big fans of Mom's Apple Pie!
Mount Vernon
Take a walk through history and visit the estate of President George Washington. Buy your tickets online before you go!