Overview of Loudoun's Neighborhoods, Towns, and Villages
Those who travel to Loudoun County or choose to live here will agree that the region is one of Virginia's most beautiful places to see and call home.
Aldie & South Riding
Enjoy the region’s natural beauty with a drive up Route 50 towards Middleburg and Upperville. Tourists will want to see Aldie Mill Historic Park, shop at antique and artisan boutiques, and dine at locally owned restaurants like The Pit Stop Barbecue. Greenheart Juice Bar and Cafe serves delicious and healthy options, and Little Apple Pastry Shop is the perfect spot for savory treats. Take in gorgeous views of the county and rural Virginia by booking a ride at Balloons Unlimited Inc. For a scenic drive and views on foot, travel down Aldie Dam Road to Aldie Park, where you'll find a picturesque site of waterfalls and greenery. Nearby the village of Aldie are the residential neighborhoods of South Riding and Willowsford. Family-friendly restaurants, grocery stores, and recreational sites like Dulles South Recreation and Community Center are located throughout these suburbs. Tourists and residents alike will feel right at home in this region, where suburban life and historic charm blend together.
Ashburn
A drive through Ashburn reveals how incredibly diverse this modern suburban region is. Originally called ‘Farmwell’, Ashburn’s name originated from George Lee lll’s mansion. While the area traces back to include many heritages, including Algonkians and Quakers, today it has significantly expanded and developed due to the technology industry. Ashburn is known as the ‘Data Center Capital of the World’. Must-see spots in Ashburn include Ashburn Park, Bles Park, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, the Ashburn Ice House, One Loudoun, the Brambleton Town Center, and Beaverdam Creek Reservoir. Ashburn Village, Brambleton, the Broadlands, Ashburn Farm, and Goose Creek Preserve are planned subdivisions within Ashburn. Restaurants, movie theaters, and the Metrorail Silver Line draw families and visitors to Ashburn's Loudoun Station.
Hamilton, Hillsboro, and Waterford
Waterford is a National Historic Landmark located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally settled by Quakers in 1733, the scenic views and historic structures remain essentially unchanged in the 21st century. However, as real estate development from Washington, D.C. expands, Waterford is becoming a residential, suburban community. The town is also widely known for its annual Waterford Fair, hosted each fall since 1944.
Leesburg
Leesburg is considered the heart of Loudoun and the seat of the county’s government. Spanning more than three centuries of history, Leesburg is home to the Loudoun County Courthouse, art galleries, boutique shops, specialty cuisine, and fine dining. A number of historical places, such as Balls Bluff Battlefield, the Davis Mansion at Morven Park, the George C. Marshall International Center, the Loudoun Museum, the Oatlands, the Rust Manor House, the Thomas Balch Library, and the Winmill Carriage Museum at Morven Park are all located in Leesburg. The town's historic district is known for it its quaint, whimsical, and colorful, Federal style buildings.
First Fridays, a community-organized town-wide event, is a perfect time to step into Historic Leesburg's vibrant arts and culture scene. Shops and restaurants host live music performances, art exhibits, books signings and more. For more information, visit https://www.leesburgfirstfriday.com
middleburg
Middleburg is known as the Horse and Hunt Capital in Virginia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located along Route 50 between Aldie and Upperville, Middleburg is home to award-winning restaurants, boutiques, wineries, and breweries. A large thriving equestrian community enjoys foxhunting and steeplechasing, and many horse farms are located nearby the town. The Salamander Resort and Spa is a major destination that provides a luxury spa, gourmet cooking classes, horseback riding, ziplining, and family-friendly events. The National Sporting Library and Museum is located on the edge of town. It houses a fine art collection dedicated to horses and field sports.
Each fall, Middleburg hosts the Middleburg Film Festival, attracting world-renowned filmmakers, actors, and Oscar contenders. In December, Middleburg hosts its annual Christmas in Middleburg, which includes a Hunt and Hounds Review.
Purcellville & roundhill
Purcellville is a historical town in western Loudoun County that is known for its open spaces and mountain views. Several sites in the town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Purcellville Train Station, Locust Grove, the Purcellville Historic District, Rich Bottom Farm, and The Tabernacle-Fireman's Field. Nearby, Round Hill was officially designated an Appalachian Trail Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 2019. An Appalachian Trail Festival is held every summer at Old Stone School grounds to celebrate this designation.
Sterling
Sterling shares an agricultural history with much of the county. Historically, Sterling was located along the Washington and Old Dominion railroad and was a center for business and tourism. Sterling expanded as a commercial growth area in Loudoun County with the construction of the Dulles Airport in the early 1960s. Major attractions in Sterling include Algonkian Regional Park, Claude Moore Park, the Dulles Town Center, the Heritage Farm Museum, Northern Virginia Community College's Loudoun Campus, and the Waddell Art Gallery. Sterling is also known for its Sterling Fest, hosted each October.