Leesburg, VA, is the beautiful county seat in Loudoun County. It is at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains and lies adjacent to the Potomac River. Leesburg has been home to many of the county’s famous families and has it is named after an ancestor of Robert E. Lee, who was a general in the Confederate Army.
The town has a vivid history as it changed hands several times in the Civil War, and has many historical buildings and heritage sites. The county is also abundant with vineyards and wineries that cultivate award-winning wines.
1) White’s Ferry
At White’s Ferry, operate the last 100 cable ferries that were active on the Potomac between Maryland and Virginia. The ferry transports cars, trucks, and even pedestrians from 5 am to 11 pm, except for floods and icy conditions. Groups can use the ferry for various occasions.
You can also hire picnic facilities, boats, and canoes here. A pavilion is available for more extensive functions and parties.
24801 Whites Ferry Rd, 20842 Dickerson, Maryland, Phone: 301-349-5200
2) Morven Park
This park has been around with the structures since 1780. You can find Morven Mansion, Winmill Carriage Museum, and Museum of Hounds and Hunting within the 1000-acre historic estate and horse park. It is famous for several international equestrian events like dressage and carriage driving, and it is also known as the Central Park of the Loudoun County.
There is sufficient space for horse riding, hiking, playing polo, etc. for visitors to the park each year.
17195 Southern Planter Ln, Phone: 703-777-2414
3) Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
The buildings and gardens on this property are over two centuries old. It was just garden wall and walkways initially, but later containers, statues, and garden structures were certain additions in the 1900s, along with a bowling green, rose and herb gardens, and a reflection pool.
From April to December, you can enjoy tours of the house daily. This site is top-rated and is booked up years in advance as a wedding venue.
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane · Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-777-3174
4) Marshall House
Marshall House was the home of George Marshall. He was the former Secretary of State and Defense and Author of the Marshall Plan after World War 2. Marshall House is now restored to the Marshall era. It is unique in more than 90% of the furniture, and household contents were owned and used by the Marshall family.
Formerly known as Dodona Manor, there is evidence that it was built in the early 1800s. Guided tours operate on Saturdays and Sundays and last 75 minutes.
310-312 East Market Street in Leesburg, Virginia 20176
5) Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
The Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Park is to commemorate a small but significant battle in the Potomac. This battle was a strange one as it was a Union Army defeat north of the capital. Col. Edward D. Baker, a US senator from Oregon and a great friend of President Lincoln, was killed that day. He was the only senator the US lost in the war.
There are 7 miles of marked trails in the 223-acre property, including a mile-long loop to the bluff. You can enjoy guided tours on weekends in summer fall and the spring. It stays open daily from dawn to dusk.
Balls Bluff Rd, NE, Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-737-780
6) Thomas Balch Library
This library, as a memorial to the historian, Thomas Balch, was constructed in 1822. It was in private hands until 1974. Now the town authorities run it. It is primarily a history and genealogy library, and it is also an Underground Railroad research center. Virginia and Civil War history remains the focus of this library. In 2012, the center published a work that connected slaves to modern-day descendants.
The library is a reference center that offers services to reproduce content and, of course, the internet. The Loudoun History awards happen annually, and they recognize the contributions of various historians. The library remains open all year round, all seven days a week.
208 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, Phone: 703-737-7195
7) The Museum of Hounds and Hunting, North America
This museum is in the north wing of the mansion in Morven Park. It is a dedication to the prevention, display, and research of the sport of mounted hunting. The historical, cultural, and sociological importance of the sport, as we see in the costumes, papers, taxidermy, and trophies on display, can be seen.
There is a big collection of fine arts paintings of hunting scenes and many more hounds and horses. The museum shop sells posters, prints, note cards, of the same genre. The museum is open from 12-5 pm on Saturday and Sundays, albeit only during fall and winter.
17263 Southern Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20178-7433, Phone: 703-777-2414
8) The Wine Kitchen
You can choose from five menus to choose from at the Wine Kitchen in Leesburg – Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy hour, and dessert. The season bistro fare comes with a range of wine pairings. It caters to all the tastes – Meat, Seafood, and Vegetarian. Daily specials are available for you.
Not to forget, coffee and cheese platter can round off any meal. The Venue stays closed on Mondays.
7 South King St., Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-777-9463
9) King Street Oyster Bar
Oysters are the main attractions at this restaurant. The bar brings in twelve varieties of oysters fresh, daily from both the east and west coasts of the USA and Canada. You can get them from the raw bar menu. Cheese and vegetarian options are also available here.
A combination of lobster, mac & cheese is an example of the side dishes. The happy hour menu also includes cocktails, wines, beers, and snacks. The best part? The restaurant stays open seven days a week!
12 South King St, Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 571-442-8068
10) Lost Creek Vineyard and Winery
From the time of their honeymoon itself, Aimee and Todd Henkle knew that they would someday own a vineyard and a Winery. Their dream finally took off 20 years later in 2012. Sixteen acres out of 50 are for grapes plantation.
The premises have space to host multiple weddings and private, corporate, and winery functions simultaneously. Tours, tasting, and food pairing are possible from Thursdays to Mondays.
43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 703-443-9836