Loudoun County Guidebook for Grace Cottage Guests
Food scene
Market Table Bistro is 15 minute drive north of Grace Cottage. Everything is farm to fork and the setting is casual but the meal is magnificent!
They partner with local growers, vintners and culinary artisans to offer locally produced items direct to customers (they even list the farms where each delicious ingredient is sourced). The menus change often to reflect the tastes of the season, but it's always a magnificent meal.
36 locals recommend
Market Table Bistro
13 E Broad WayMarket Table Bistro is 15 minute drive north of Grace Cottage. Everything is farm to fork and the setting is casual but the meal is magnificent!
They partner with local growers, vintners and culinary artisans to offer locally produced items direct to customers (they even list the farms where each delicious ingredient is sourced). The menus change often to reflect the tastes of the season, but it's always a magnificent meal.
If you love baked goods & fresh, organic treats, Mom's Apple Pie is a Leesburg staple. The quaint shop is about 15 minutes from the Cottage, and filled with natural preservative-free pies, breads & cookies, hand-mixed with love.
Mom’s sells individual slices as well as whole servings of fruit, nut, cream, custard, and chess pies. The namesake apple pie is a favorite, but blackberry crumb and coconut cream are also popular. Seasonal flavors rotate.
12 locals recommend
Mom's Apple Pie Bakery
220 Loudoun St SEIf you love baked goods & fresh, organic treats, Mom's Apple Pie is a Leesburg staple. The quaint shop is about 15 minutes from the Cottage, and filled with natural preservative-free pies, breads & cookies, hand-mixed with love.
Mom’s sells individual slices as well as whole servings of fruit, nut, cream, custard, and chess pies. The namesake apple pie is a favorite, but blackberry crumb and coconut cream are also popular. Seasonal flavors rotate.
About 15 minutes from the Cottage, Purcellville’s Monk's BBQ offers a wide selection of slow-cooked meats such as brisket, pork ribs, pastrami, and pulled pork. A multitude of barbecue sauces in various styles allows customers to mix and match. The smoked gouda mac and cheese is a popular side.
55 locals recommend
Monk's BBQ
251 N 21st StAbout 15 minutes from the Cottage, Purcellville’s Monk's BBQ offers a wide selection of slow-cooked meats such as brisket, pork ribs, pastrami, and pulled pork. A multitude of barbecue sauces in various styles allows customers to mix and match. The smoked gouda mac and cheese is a popular side.
Fire Works is a pizzeria and bar serving wood-fired pizzas and craft beer in historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia. The quality of pizza is spectacular, and they have a menu of options that covers all the major pizza bases - pineapple lovers and haters unite! All of the ingredients used in toppings taste remarkably fresh, I truly haven't had a sub-par slice in all my years of wandering through their menu. They have a lovely location in Leesburg (indoor and outdoor seating), and can also prepare pizza's for pick up - the 15 minute drive over from the Cottage is actually exactly the prep time needed (we've gotten it down to a science at this point). Don't sleep on their non-pizza menu items either! The spinach dip is delicious.
25 locals recommend
Fire Works
201 Harrison Street SoutheastFire Works is a pizzeria and bar serving wood-fired pizzas and craft beer in historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia. The quality of pizza is spectacular, and they have a menu of options that covers all the major pizza bases - pineapple lovers and haters unite! All of the ingredients used in toppings taste remarkably fresh, I truly haven't had a sub-par slice in all my years of wandering through their menu. They have a lovely location in Leesburg (indoor and outdoor seating), and can also prepare pizza's for pick up - the 15 minute drive over from the Cottage is actually exactly the prep time needed (we've gotten it down to a science at this point). Don't sleep on their non-pizza menu items either! The spinach dip is delicious.
ROOTS 657 is an eat-in and take-out café and market located about 12 minutes from the Cottage, at the intersection of Routes 657 and 15. The cafe and locally-inspired market offer regionally curated products, featuring local artisans alongside award-winning smoked meats, house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and fresh-baked goods.
17 locals recommend
Roots 657 Cafe and Local Market
42301 Spinks Ferry RdROOTS 657 is an eat-in and take-out café and market located about 12 minutes from the Cottage, at the intersection of Routes 657 and 15. The cafe and locally-inspired market offer regionally curated products, featuring local artisans alongside award-winning smoked meats, house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and fresh-baked goods.
In the heart of Old Leesburg, sits a local favorite restaurant. Tuscarora Mill opened as a grain mill in 1899. Though the pulleys no longer turn and the scales don’t measure the weight of any grain, the building still has the same purpose—feeding the community. A popular spot with numerous awards, the restaurant showcases high-end New American fare along with a large selection of Virginia wines.
With an expansive cocktail list and delicious grilled goods (the duck breast is a treat!), it's been a favorite in my family for years.
42 locals recommend
Point to Point Limousines
203 Harrison St SEIn the heart of Old Leesburg, sits a local favorite restaurant. Tuscarora Mill opened as a grain mill in 1899. Though the pulleys no longer turn and the scales don’t measure the weight of any grain, the building still has the same purpose—feeding the community. A popular spot with numerous awards, the restaurant showcases high-end New American fare along with a large selection of Virginia wines.
With an expansive cocktail list and delicious grilled goods (the duck breast is a treat!), it's been a favorite in my family for years.
Sightseeing
Bears Den is an option for a brisk (easy & family-friendly) hike with a lovely overlook, owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Its a short climb to a westward-facing overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. About a 23 minute drive from Waterford!
There are several trails to hike at Bears Den. You can choose to take the Nature Trail or the Blue Blaze Loop to Bears Den Rocks where the overlook provided amazing views!
69 locals recommend
Bears Den
18393 Blue Ridge Mountain RdBears Den is an option for a brisk (easy & family-friendly) hike with a lovely overlook, owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Its a short climb to a westward-facing overlook of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. About a 23 minute drive from Waterford!
There are several trails to hike at Bears Den. You can choose to take the Nature Trail or the Blue Blaze Loop to Bears Den Rocks where the overlook provided amazing views!
Located on high banks above the Potomac River north of Leesburg, this regional park contains one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the nation, burial place of soldiers who died in the infamous Battle of Ball’s Bluff on October 21st, 1861. The park offers a one-mile hiking trail with interpretive signs, which take you through open ground, past the cemetery through woodland to high bluffs overlooking the river, spectacular views all around.
18 locals recommend
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
Balls Bluff Road NortheastLocated on high banks above the Potomac River north of Leesburg, this regional park contains one of the smallest National Cemeteries in the nation, burial place of soldiers who died in the infamous Battle of Ball’s Bluff on October 21st, 1861. The park offers a one-mile hiking trail with interpretive signs, which take you through open ground, past the cemetery through woodland to high bluffs overlooking the river, spectacular views all around.
Part of the NOVA Parks system, this park and reservoir sprawls across 600 acres with a winding six-mile circular trail along its shore and through dense woodland. You’re in the suburbs but a world away. Accessible year round, the trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. There is also kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing, the lake stocked with several species of bass and trout.
Beaverdam Reservoir
42400 Mount Hope RoadPart of the NOVA Parks system, this park and reservoir sprawls across 600 acres with a winding six-mile circular trail along its shore and through dense woodland. You’re in the suburbs but a world away. Accessible year round, the trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. There is also kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing, the lake stocked with several species of bass and trout.
Probably the best-known trail in the county, this 45-mile park – the narrowest in Virginia – runs from Sterling in the east to Purcellville out west on the bed of the old Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. While you can horseback ride it in sections, it’s best for cycling or hiking, particularly the flat stretch between Hamilton and Purcellville, beautiful farm fields all around. It's a long, paved trail that's extremely popular on weekends for runners, bikers, walkers and strollers.
17 locals recommend
W&OD Trailhead
Washington and Old Dominion Railroad TrailProbably the best-known trail in the county, this 45-mile park – the narrowest in Virginia – runs from Sterling in the east to Purcellville out west on the bed of the old Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. While you can horseback ride it in sections, it’s best for cycling or hiking, particularly the flat stretch between Hamilton and Purcellville, beautiful farm fields all around. It's a long, paved trail that's extremely popular on weekends for runners, bikers, walkers and strollers.
Wineries & Vineyards
Village Winery is a small farm winery right around the corner from the Cottage, that hand-crafts all wines with beautiful care and attention to detail, valuing quality over quantity. The winery and vineyards are located right outside the heart of the village of Waterford. The tasting and barrel rooms are housed in a restored farm structure adjoining a large, old bank barn near the 2-acre vineyard on our farm. An additional 8 acres of vines nearby complete the vineyards.
9 locals recommend
Village Winery
40405 Browns LnVillage Winery is a small farm winery right around the corner from the Cottage, that hand-crafts all wines with beautiful care and attention to detail, valuing quality over quantity. The winery and vineyards are located right outside the heart of the village of Waterford. The tasting and barrel rooms are housed in a restored farm structure adjoining a large, old bank barn near the 2-acre vineyard on our farm. An additional 8 acres of vines nearby complete the vineyards.
Just 10 minutes from the Cottage, enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains paired with carefully crafted wines, local food, and friendly staff.
Wine Reserve at Waterford offers a unique tasting experience featuring diverse wine offerings to patrons at a contemporary tasting room overlooking beautiful countryside mountain vistas. Reservations recommended, outside food welcome
6 locals recommend
The Wine Reserve at Waterford
38516 Charles Town PikeJust 10 minutes from the Cottage, enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains paired with carefully crafted wines, local food, and friendly staff.
Wine Reserve at Waterford offers a unique tasting experience featuring diverse wine offerings to patrons at a contemporary tasting room overlooking beautiful countryside mountain vistas. Reservations recommended, outside food welcome
Just a quick drive or walk down the road, Terra Nebulo is a family-owned business with 25 picturesque acres of scenery, serving delicious wines made from 100% VA grown grapes.
Terra Nebulo is an adult's only (21 years and older) winery, open Saturday to Sunday, from 12-6pm. Last call is at 5:30pm.
6 locals recommend
Terra Nebulo Vineyards
39892 Old Wheatland RdJust a quick drive or walk down the road, Terra Nebulo is a family-owned business with 25 picturesque acres of scenery, serving delicious wines made from 100% VA grown grapes.
Terra Nebulo is an adult's only (21 years and older) winery, open Saturday to Sunday, from 12-6pm. Last call is at 5:30pm.
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery housed on a refurbished dairy farm. The winery is located just off of Route 7 in the quaint, historic town of Hamilton, Virginia less than ten minutes from historic Waterford. Beginning with carefully selected Virginia grapes, winemaker Michael Shaps creates wines inspired in the Bordeaux French style, but are uniquely expressive of Virginia. Eleven breathtaking acres surround a beautifully restored 1910 stone and wood bank barn, which has been transformed into a unique tasting room.
19 locals recommend
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards
16804 Hamilton Station RdThe Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery housed on a refurbished dairy farm. The winery is located just off of Route 7 in the quaint, historic town of Hamilton, Virginia less than ten minutes from historic Waterford. Beginning with carefully selected Virginia grapes, winemaker Michael Shaps creates wines inspired in the Bordeaux French style, but are uniquely expressive of Virginia. Eleven breathtaking acres surround a beautifully restored 1910 stone and wood bank barn, which has been transformed into a unique tasting room.
Breweries
About 25 minutes from the Cottage, sits one of the (more than 30) breweries in Loudoun County. Founded in 2012, Dirt Farm Brewing is one of those places where you just want to sit, relax and drink craft brew all day long. The farm combines their own grain, hops, farm product, and mountain water to create their delicious beer. Ample seating options surrounding the stone fireplaces, beautiful lawns, and the back patio overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains.
82 locals recommend
Dirt Farm Brewing
18701 Foggy Bottom RdAbout 25 minutes from the Cottage, sits one of the (more than 30) breweries in Loudoun County. Founded in 2012, Dirt Farm Brewing is one of those places where you just want to sit, relax and drink craft brew all day long. The farm combines their own grain, hops, farm product, and mountain water to create their delicious beer. Ample seating options surrounding the stone fireplaces, beautiful lawns, and the back patio overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nestled in the rolling, wooded hills west of Loudoun, about 20 minutes from Waterford, historic Bear Chase Brewing is one of the newest craft breweries in the county. The newly remodeled “Brew Barn” boasts a complete 10-barrel system on one side, and a smaller 3.5-barrel system on the other. The larger system will produce the perennial favorites of local craft beer enthusiasts (such as Mr. Blonde, High Pointe Helles, and Anarchy Ale), while the smaller system is used for experimenting with new recipes, producing limited release small batch brews, and teaching people about the art and science of beer making.
The brewery is located right across the street from the entrance to Bear's Den trail, so you get the same magnificent vistas, but with a delicious drink in hand. Delicious food options too. Also be sure to note, there's live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
97 locals recommend
Bear Chase Brewing Company
33665 Bear Chase LnNestled in the rolling, wooded hills west of Loudoun, about 20 minutes from Waterford, historic Bear Chase Brewing is one of the newest craft breweries in the county. The newly remodeled “Brew Barn” boasts a complete 10-barrel system on one side, and a smaller 3.5-barrel system on the other. The larger system will produce the perennial favorites of local craft beer enthusiasts (such as Mr. Blonde, High Pointe Helles, and Anarchy Ale), while the smaller system is used for experimenting with new recipes, producing limited release small batch brews, and teaching people about the art and science of beer making.
The brewery is located right across the street from the entrance to Bear's Den trail, so you get the same magnificent vistas, but with a delicious drink in hand. Delicious food options too. Also be sure to note, there's live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Family Fun
Great Country Farms is a 400-acre working farm located 20-25 minutes from Waterford. It's a beautiful place that offers produce as well as the farm experience to customers. The youngins' will have a blast at the farm with activities such as:
Pumpkin Jumping Pillow, Cow Pie Putt-Putt, Farm Play Area, Fishing Pond, Barnyard, Mazes, Farm Ninja Course, Wagon Rides (offered daily).
Stop by the farm, pick some produce, create some memories and begin your own farm adventure as part of the Great Country farm family.
32 locals recommend
Great Country Farms
34345 Snickersville TurnpikeGreat Country Farms is a 400-acre working farm located 20-25 minutes from Waterford. It's a beautiful place that offers produce as well as the farm experience to customers. The youngins' will have a blast at the farm with activities such as:
Pumpkin Jumping Pillow, Cow Pie Putt-Putt, Farm Play Area, Fishing Pond, Barnyard, Mazes, Farm Ninja Course, Wagon Rides (offered daily).
Stop by the farm, pick some produce, create some memories and begin your own farm adventure as part of the Great Country farm family.
Neighborhoods
Middleburg is a stunning town, roughly 35 minutes from Waterford, filled with exquisite shops, restaurants, and rich history.
The town became a popular destination for foxhunting and steeplechasing attracting well-known visitors from all over the country.
There are more than 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places plus more than 20 wineries within 30 minutes of the town. Let me know if you'd like a more specific overview of shops to pop into or restaurants to visit when considering a trip to Middleburg.
88 locals recommend
Middleburg
Middleburg is a stunning town, roughly 35 minutes from Waterford, filled with exquisite shops, restaurants, and rich history.
The town became a popular destination for foxhunting and steeplechasing attracting well-known visitors from all over the country.
There are more than 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places plus more than 20 wineries within 30 minutes of the town. Let me know if you'd like a more specific overview of shops to pop into or restaurants to visit when considering a trip to Middleburg.
The historic town sits at the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Harpers Ferry is a total gem! Something for all: Nature, Views, Hiking, History, it's all here. An easy 30 min drive away. The Maryland Heights hike is a local favorite. My personal favorite hike is Loudoun Heights. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (Visitor Center, Mid-Point of the trail) is also a great destination.
There are also some wonderful flatwater rafting outfitters. A few that I've heard the best reviews of and a few that I've experienced are as follows:
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center: https://harpersferryadventurecenter.com/flat-water-tubing/
River Riders: https://www.riverriders.com/flat-water-tubing-reservations
River & Trail Outfitters: https://www.rivertrail.com/tubing/
And Harper’s Ferry is a wonderful family-friendly place to explore beyond tubing (don’t miss Jefferson’s Rock!).
For a quick bite, I would recommend checking out either the Rabbit Hole or the Coach House Grill and Bar (both have outside seating).
For ice-cream either: A la mode or Scoops (or perhaps a taste test of both :)
202 locals recommend
Harpers Ferry
The historic town sits at the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. Harpers Ferry is a total gem! Something for all: Nature, Views, Hiking, History, it's all here. An easy 30 min drive away. The Maryland Heights hike is a local favorite. My personal favorite hike is Loudoun Heights. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (Visitor Center, Mid-Point of the trail) is also a great destination.
There are also some wonderful flatwater rafting outfitters. A few that I've heard the best reviews of and a few that I've experienced are as follows:
Harpers Ferry Adventure Center: https://harpersferryadventurecenter.com/flat-water-tubing/
River Riders: https://www.riverriders.com/flat-water-tubing-reservations
River & Trail Outfitters: https://www.rivertrail.com/tubing/
And Harper’s Ferry is a wonderful family-friendly place to explore beyond tubing (don’t miss Jefferson’s Rock!).
For a quick bite, I would recommend checking out either the Rabbit Hole or the Coach House Grill and Bar (both have outside seating).
For ice-cream either: A la mode or Scoops (or perhaps a taste test of both :)
City/town information
Welcome to the village of Waterford, a National Historic Landmark. The landmark designation was made in recognition of the town's well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and landscape.
Waterford was founded about 1733 by Amos Janney, a Quaker from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Other Quakers followed him there. Mills were built along Catoctin Creek. The village grew until it was the second largest town in Loudoun County (this was before the Civil War).
Today, when you visit Waterford, you will experience many of the same views as residents in the 18-19th century. Waterford preserves the ambiance and many of the structures that characterized it during its heyday as a flour milling town in the 19th century. Residents of Waterford see themselves as caretakers of the historic homes where they live. We maintain our houses so that they reflect their history and only make changes that will not adversely change the character of the village. In one hundred years from now, the village will hopefully look as it does today.
As a National Historic Landmark, Waterford is one of only 2,000 historic resources in the United States which have achieved Landmark designation. The Landmark status is reserved for only those historic resources that have a high degree of integrity, that is, they have retained an exceptional amount of their historic form and materials, and that possess exceptional significance in the history of the nation.
15 locals recommend
Waterford
Welcome to the village of Waterford, a National Historic Landmark. The landmark designation was made in recognition of the town's well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and landscape.
Waterford was founded about 1733 by Amos Janney, a Quaker from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Other Quakers followed him there. Mills were built along Catoctin Creek. The village grew until it was the second largest town in Loudoun County (this was before the Civil War).
Today, when you visit Waterford, you will experience many of the same views as residents in the 18-19th century. Waterford preserves the ambiance and many of the structures that characterized it during its heyday as a flour milling town in the 19th century. Residents of Waterford see themselves as caretakers of the historic homes where they live. We maintain our houses so that they reflect their history and only make changes that will not adversely change the character of the village. In one hundred years from now, the village will hopefully look as it does today.
As a National Historic Landmark, Waterford is one of only 2,000 historic resources in the United States which have achieved Landmark designation. The Landmark status is reserved for only those historic resources that have a high degree of integrity, that is, they have retained an exceptional amount of their historic form and materials, and that possess exceptional significance in the history of the nation.