CAROLYN MCCARTER: INTERIOR TRENDS REAL ESTATE IS YOUR HOME MARKET-READY?
Renew, Refresh, and Reinvest this spring with a HELOC.
*Offer is only available for “NEW” Home Equity Line accounts when automatic payments are set up and maintained from a Bank of Clarke deposit account The credit line established will be based on the amount of lendable equity in your home. Some restrictions may apply. Refinance of an existing Bank of Clarke Home Equity Line is NOT eligible for this offer. Subject to credit approval, ask for more details.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Americans are spending significantly more time at home than ever before, with new data for 2024 showing that 62% of our waking hours are spent at home, primarily driven by the post pandemic-related lifestyle changes and rediscovering the joy of family dinners, game nights, and hosting gatherings with friends at home.
With that spirit in mind and the renewed energy of the approaching spring, we dedicate this month’s theme to Home Design. The feature stories are designed (pun intended) to inspire your creative energy and rediscover your interest in assorted projects you may have been putting off for too long. Whether you’re considering reorganizing a bedroom, painting the living room, or remodeling your kitchen, home design can be both practical and serve as a creative outlet to show your personality. And what better place than where we spend so much of our time?
Within these pages you will be inspired by some of our best local creative minds who have a passion for helping us transform our house into a home. We feature stories about simple, inexpensive ideas to free space from clutter and organize it into a presentable, usable space. You'll also read about a fresh new approach to personalizing your home to make it unmistakably yours. And, for those considering testing the housing market or simply priming your home for a potential sale, you'll hear from our local experts about how to make your home market-ready and optimize the value.
Our community is fortunate to have many of the best local interior decorators and home design specialists in the country to assist with creative ideas to give our home a timeless feel. Whether you are considering a new backyard garden, converting that spare bedroom into an office, or need ideas about how to get the garage organized once and for all, in these pages we offer ideas to accommodate various budgets and lifestyles.
The Pink Closet’s Jennifer Pontello shares her decluttering wisdom—and organization strategies that stick.
Interior Design Gets Personal
27 South’s Carolyn McCarter sees a trend toward individual authenticity, color, and pattern in 2025.
Ready to Sell?
Realtor Eryn Appell of The Local Group suggests some upgrades to consider before listing. Featured 10 18 24 10
Carolyn McCarter, who operates the 27 South furniture and design boutique on a farm just outside Leesburg, recommends some simple ways to spruce up your living space this year. Photography: Courtesy of 27 South
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Inova Loudoun Hospital and community leaders cut the ribbon for new Medical and Children’s units. 2: Jim McDermott, Tony Howard, and Dr. Eugenie Charles in Inova’s new children’s activity room. 3: The Children’s unit includes 12 pediatric beds, with six more rooms available for pediatric overflow. 4: The Children’s unit creates a warm, welcoming environment for young patients and their families. 5: State-of-the-art expansion supports medical/surgical and pediatric care with a focus on comfort and healing. 6: The 6th-floor North Tower facility features family-friendly spaces designed to reduce stress and promote recovery. 7: The expansion, totaling 42,000 square feet, enhances healthcare delivery to meet Leesburg’s growing community needs.
Clutter to Calm
Before: Not knowing where things are can lead people to buy duplicates— an inefficient and frustrating pattern.
Jennifer Pontello, owner of The Pink Closet, believes organization is self-care.
Photo: The Pink Closet
After: "Think of something you are missing or wish you could find on regular basis, and make an intentional home for it," Pontello says. Photo: The
When life took an unexpected turn at the onset of the pandemic, Jennifer Pontello found herself at a crossroads. After two decades in corporate HR and recruiting, a layoff forced her to reimagine her future. Rather than viewing it as a setback, she saw an opportunity to embrace a long-held passion: helping others transform their spaces—and their lives—through organization, unpacking, and decluttering.
Pink Closet
This page, top: Getting organizational help can take you from clutter to calm. Photo: igishevamaria/stock.adobe.com
Bottom: Whether you prioritize aesthetics or function, getting organized can reduce stress. Photo: Elenathewise/stock.adobe.com
Next page: Clutter can feel overwhelming, but tackling it can result in better systems—and peace of mind. Photo: The Pink Closet
“I’ve always had an eye for design and functionality, thanks to my mother’s influence as a designer,” Pontello said. “But it wasn’t until I started helping friends with their homes during the pandemic that I realized how much joy and fulfillment this work brought me.”
From reorganizing kitchens to transforming cluttered garages into car-ready havens, Pontello’s journey from corporate recruiter to professional organizer was as smooth as the systems she now creates for her clients. “It felt natural—almost eerie—how comfortable I was walking into people’s homes and helping them sort through their belongings,” she said.
A NEW CHAPTER
Starting small, Pontello, of South Riding, Virginia, began working on projects for friends, turning disorganized rooms into functional, stress-free spaces.
“It was a lot of fun, and it felt very seamless,” she said. Encouraged by their reactions and a growing
sense of purpose, Pontello launched her company, The Pink Closet. She advertised her services and quickly discovered a great demand for her skills.
Her first projects were primarily in homes, tackling everything from kitchens to basements to garages. Over time, she expanded into office spaces, where her corporate background provided an edge in understanding workflow and efficiency.
“Every home and every client are different,” she said. “I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I focus on creating customized systems that work for each client’s unique needs and goals.”
ORGANIZING WITH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Pontello’s philosophy goes beyond creating tidy spaces; it’s about self-care and reclaiming control. “A lot of people feel embarrassed to ask for help or think they should be able to handle it themselves,” she said. “But organization is self-care. It’s OK to take the time, and it’s OK to invest in your well-being.”
Her approach starts with understanding the client’s needs through a complimentary video consultation, allowing her to see the space and understand the goals. “Most of the time, people are overwhelmed—they don’t know where to start or don’t have the time. My role is to guide them through the process, step by step, and create a system,” she said.
Some of her clients value function, and some want to focus on aesthetics. When redoing a pantry, for instance, a client may want it to look beautiful, or they may want it set up to enable young children to reach often-used items. Some want it open; others prefer it hidden.
Pontello combines practical techniques, such as sorting items into categories (keep, donate, trash, or maybe), with emotional support for clients who struggle to let go of items. “Some people just need permission to release something that’s
“Being organized saves you time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s spending time with family or just having a moment to relax.”
been weighing them down,” she said. “I always remind them that the person who gave them an item wouldn’t want them to feel burdened by it. Taking a picture and donating it can be a freeing solution.”
One of Pontello’s favorite success stories involves an 80-year-old woman who had relocated and faced the daunting task of unpacking her life. “She was overwhelmed by the sheer number of boxes,” Pontello said. “In just three days, we unpacked everything and made her new space feel like home. Seeing her relief and happiness was incredibly rewarding.”
Pontello also speaks with pride about helping families transform chaotic spaces, like garages, into functional areas where cars can finally park or where kids can safely play. “It’s those moments—seeing the tangible difference it makes in someone’s life—that remind me why I love what I do,” she said.
A project that’s had a lasting impact in her own home, where she lives with her husband, son, and
three cats, is her 16-year-old son’s closet. “A few years ago, I redid his closet and hung up all his T-shirts by sleeve length and color,” she said. “I put up wall hooks for his hoodies, and it’s fun to see years later that things are still put away the same way. It’s kind of amazing to get a 16-year-old boy to keep his clothes organized!”
Beyond the immediate benefits of a tidy space, Pontello emphasizes the broader impact of organization. “Being organized saves you time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s spending time with family or just having a moment to relax,” she said.
With her natural talent and empathetic approach, Pontello, who works with clients across Loudoun County to Washington, D.C., has turned what began as a pandemic pivot into a thriving business and a deeply fulfilling career.
Jennifer Pontello, owner of The Pink Closet.
Photo: The Pink Closet
Categorizing items in boxes labeled "keep," "donate," "trash," or "maybe" can help you make progress in getting organized. Photo: okrasiuk/stock.adobe.com
“This has been a dream I didn’t even realize I had,” she said. “Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
THREE TIPS
Start small. “Don’t bite off something too big,” Pontello said, suggesting something like a hall closet is a good place to start. “Make sure you really have the time to tackle it. You don’t want to make a big mess and not have time to finish it.”
Be intentional about placing items. “To feel more organized, you want to know what you have,” Pontello said. “You feel disorganized because you don’t know where things are, so you buy duplicates. Think of something you are missing or wish you could find on regular basis, and make an intentional home for it. This often happens with food items, and people will go shopping [if they don’t know where it is].”
Build your toolkit. “When I’m in someone else’s house I will always have a boxcutter, measuring tape, masking tape, and a Sharpie for sorting piles (keep, donate, trash, maybe), and I will often use large contractor bags,” Pontello said.
To learn more about The Pink Closet, go to thepink closet.net or email info@thepinkcloset.net.
Jennifer Pontello, owner of The Pink Closet, says her organizing philosophy is about self-care and regaining control.
"I focus on creating customized systems that work for each client’s unique needs and goals,” Pontello explains. Photo: The Pink Closet
Sleep Disorders Are a Major Problem and We can Help!
In order to be your best, you have to sleep your best. Whether it is consultation regarding lifestyle changes or testing for vitamin D-3 deficiency, we are here for you. We can also assess your need for a CPAP, or another device to help you sleep and fight sleep apnea. A much better approach to treating apnea is the Panthera device. It is made by a dentist and brings your chin forward (just like in doing CPR) to open the airway. It is very effective and easy to wear. For most people it does the job as well as a CPAP and in some cases even better. There are many other ways to deal with apnea- most of these are surgical-but the above ideas are simple and generally quite easy to implement for most people.
Book An Appointment With Dr. Brown Today And Live Your Best Life!
Dr. Jeffrey L. Brown DENTIST
Dr. Brown understands sleep apnea and how it correlates to TMJ treatment. His knowledge in the combined fields of TMJ, sleep and orthodontics has given him a perspective unlike most other practitioners who perform basic dentistry. In addition, he has also learned the advanced techniques involved in expanding an airway so that both children and adults can breathe better.
Interior Design Gets Personal
CAROLYN MCCARTER OF 27 SOUTH
DETAILS A TREND TOWARD AUTHENTICITY
ARTICLE BY GLENYE OAKFORD
The 27 South boutique is located on Carolyn and Nick McCarter’s farm just outside Leesburg. Photo: Carolyn McCarter
People are getting more creative with color, patterns, and layouts in their interior design, says 27 South’s Carolyn McCarter. Photo: Courtesy of Carolyn McCarter
If you’re tempted to go bold or more personalized with your living space, here’s some good news: The cool gray and white interiors that dominated the 2010s are giving way to a more personal and lived-in aesthetic in home design in the 2020s. This shift reflects a broader movement toward creating spaces that prioritize individual expression rather than following rigid design rules, for a result that feels both stylish and approachable.
Carolyn McCarter of Leesburg’s 27 South furniture and interior design boutique welcomes the trend she sees toward creating more personal, authentic, and meaningful living spaces that are sophisticated without being pretentious.
It’s a vibe that also permeates 27 South, which has relocated from downtown to a farm just outside town. The couple left their small condo in D.C. back in 2011, furnishing their new Loudoun County house with finds from Craigslist and thrift, antique, and vintage marketplaces. That led Carolyn to selling antiques and vintage furniture at The Cottage and Lucketts, designing interiors for friends, and then to opening her own shop and interior design boutique.
“My aesthetic and 27 South’s aesthetic really lend themselves to our new space,” Carolyn explained. “It feels very down to earth, very casual and lived-in but sophisticated at the same time. We have beautiful surroundings and a lot of animals, so we’re trying to make this a place where you can come out, hang
out for an hour or two with friends, enjoy shopping, and enjoy your surroundings. I’ve got three young kids, so they’re often running around the farm, too, and they help entertain guests and customers, too.”
We caught up with Carolyn to get her take on the shift in interior design styles—and her quick tips for getting on trend on a budget.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY DESIGN TRENDS YOU’RE SEEING EMERGE?
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is creating more comfortable, lived-in, approachable homes that are still sophisticated without trying to achieve a particular look. We’re seeing a lot more vintage and antique items coming into homes to create that collected, curated look. That’s really exciting and fun, because it brings in a wow factor, a unique factor, and a cozy feel. We’re also seeing a lot more emphasis on patina and pattern. Patina lends itself to the antique and vintage, but even on reproductions, it adds that loved and worldly feel. With pattern, we’re seeing a ton of wallpaper with bold patterns, a lot of florals, more depth and color. We’re seeing color and pattern on upholstery and drapes, too. In the last 10 years, everything has been a gray wash, very cool and monochromatic, a kind of safe approach. We’d buy white sofas, gray accent chairs—everything was muted and in the same color tone. But now people are doing fun fabrics and bold patterns on couches and chairs. It’s fun, and I love it.
“A lot of people feel like they need to design their home for somebody else, for how it looks on Instagram. But they’re not the ones living there.”
“We’re in this moment where it’s allowed and encouraged to design for yourself, which is really exciting.”
“Find art that speaks to you,” advises 27 South owner Carolyn McCarter. Photo: Carolyn McCarter
27 South “feels very down to earth, very casual and lived-in, but sophisticated at the same time,” says owner Carolyn McCarter. Photo: Carolyn McCarter
HOW DO YOU SUGGEST PEOPLE TRANSITION FROM THE PREVIOUS GRAY-AND-WHITE AESTHETIC TO THIS NEW, MORE COLORFUL APPROACH?
Start with walls and floors and with painting your space—it’s a relatively small investment that you can do yourself. Move away from gray tones and bring in some warmth with taupes, khakis, and browns, or try a more saturated color in a small space like an office or bathroom. Then pair that with a floor covering that has a lot of pattern and color. You can completely transform your space just by changing walls and floors. We can’t all just go and get new hardwood floors or new tile, but you can make a small investment in a rug. We sell vinyl floor cloths that look like tile or rugs – they’re perfect for kitchens and mud rooms, relatively inexpensive, but pack a powerful punch.
WHAT ARE SOME QUICK DESIGN TIPS FOR REFRESHING A SPACE WITHOUT A COMPLETE OVERHAUL?
Start by reimagining your room’s layout and work with what you have—rearrange furniture, swap out pieces between rooms, or just orient your sofa differently. Shop your house first—can you swap chairs here and put them there instead? Can you orient your sofa slightly differently, move an end table to a different place, or swap some lamps out? Then you might think, “Maybe I can bring in a couple of new art pieces.” Find art that speaks to you. You can make it yourself or purchase it relatively inexpensively from Target or Etsy or at thrift stores. Lastly, try adding new throw blankets and pillows. It can be transformative if you’ve got a neutral palette and you bring in a pretty plaid throw to put across a large portion of the back of your sofa. When you bring in pillows, make them different, so they’re coordinating but not all the same. It’s about mixing
patterns and creating interest rather than having everything be identical.
WHAT COMMON MISTAKES SHOULD PEOPLE AVOID WHEN REDESIGNING THEIR SPACES?
One of the biggest mistakes is not setting a budget from the start, even for small projects. Then you can be comfortable and allow yourself so many things within that budget. Another is not understanding scale of what they’re purchasing or putting in their spaces—getting the right size area rug, proper length drapes, and appropriately sized furniture can make or break a room. Is it too big? Is it too small? Does it shrink your room or make it feel cavernous? You can go online and Google the appropriate sizes for things.
If you’re doing something bolder in your space and bringing in more saturated colors and patterns, find things that are coordinating but not all the same. “Matchy-matchy” is no bueno! Don’t buy the nightstands that match the bed that then match the dresser. Creating a collected look means coordinating elements rather than matching everything perfectly.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR HOMEOWNERS TO TRUST THEIR PERSONAL STYLE?
This is your home. A lot of people feel like they need to design their home for somebody else, for how it looks on Instagram. But they’re not the ones living there. If you love the color purple, make it work in your home. Right now, we’re in this moment where it’s allowed and encouraged to design for yourself, which is really exciting. People are feeling more comfortable stepping outside the box they might have been in before, getting more creative with colors, patterns, and layout. I think there’s a lot more openness all around right now.
Get more interior inspiration at 27 South online at 27-south.com or in person Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (or by appointment) at 18822 Woodburn Road in Leesburg.
Circle image: "We're seeing a ton of wallpaper with bold patterns, a lot of florals, more depth and color," says Carolyn McCarter. Photo: Hanna Chayka/stock.adobe.com
ARTICLE BY GLENYE OAKFORD
FORECASTS CALL FOR A BLOOMING LEESBURG REAL-ESTATE MARKET THIS SPRING. REALTOR ERYN APPELL OF THE LOCAL GROUP OFFERS
SOME
TIPS TO BOOST YOUR HOME’S APPEAL.
Are you a homeowner in Leesburg eyeing the real estate market for a potential sale? You could be in luck. “We are in a really great market,” said The Local Group’s Eryn Appell, a Purcellville native who is now a Leesburg homeowner. “And we expect it to really pick up for the spring. We’re hearing from lenders that they’re getting a lot of pre-approval requests. That’s a great indication that the market should be good, and we’re lucky that Leesburg has really become quite a hotspot.”
Historic downtown Leesburg, in particular, remains highly desirable due to its charm, walkability, and vibrant community atmosphere—as well as its close proximity to seasonal festivals, horse country, museums, and more.
In general, Appell notes, buyers "do get a little bit more for your money in Leesburg and Loudoun County than in, say, Arlington and D.C., but prices have risen significantly since the pandemic."
Thinking about selling? Here are some quick tips to boost your home’s appeal and maximize its value.
APPLY NEUTRAL COLORS
The first step? Decluttering. Creating a clean, open space lets prospective buyers see your home and its attributes clearly and without distraction. Next: a neutral color scheme.
“We always say, have a very neutral palette when you go to sell your home,” Appell said. Neutral carpet and paint colors—as well as that clutter-free space—allow potential buyers to envision their own belongings there.
A fresh coat of paint also can brighten a home and even make it feel updated. “If you have a dated kitchen, painting your cabinets is a cost-effective way to help bring a home more current,” said Appell.
Freshening up flooring and carpets is another must. “Touch up any flooring that may be damaged,” Appell advised.
"You want your house to look fresh: nicely manicured lawn, fresh mulching and plantings, trimmed trees," says Eryn Appell. Photo: The Local Group
STAY ON TOP OF MAINTENANCE
Home-repair issues can become a significant hurdle during the selling process, so tackle any lingering or potential home-inspection issues before listing. “Make sure you’re staying on top of home maintenance, because deferred maintenance really can come back to haunt you,” Appell cautioned. Diligent upkeep not only prevents costly repairs down the road, but also signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for over time.
Even simple things like fixing a leaky faucet or repairing minor cracks in the walls can help demonstrate to buyers that your home is a worthy investment and is move-in ready.
ENHANCE CURB APPEAL
First impressions do matter, so keep up with yard work and outside maintenance, too, from guttering to grass. “You want your house to look fresh: nicely manicured lawn, fresh mulching and plantings, trimmed trees,” Appell said.
You also can avoid a common home-inspection snag by trimming branches and bushes away from the house. “That is something that comes up on home inspections all the time,” Appell said. “They ask that foliage be cut away from the home, because it can do damage to the exterior of your house.”
CONSIDER GREEN UPGRADES
Sustainability is becoming more important to some buyers, and Appell has observed an uptick in homes equipped with solar panels. While some upgrades like geothermal systems can be intriguing for buyers, they’re also more costly to install, Appell said. But smaller eco-friendly features (think energy-efficient windows and appliances or a smart thermostat) can also help set your home apart for buyers who have green goals top of mind.
UPDATE LIGHTING
“If you have lighting fixtures that look a little older, people really notice that off the bat,” Appell said. Investing in some more updated lighting can have a surprisingly positive effect without breaking the bank. “You can really find some affordable modern lighting fixtures,” she explained.
A COMMUNITY FOR ALL GENERATIONS
Beyond individual homes, Leesburg itself is a draw for buyers. “Leesburg is really having a wonderful moment,” Appell said. With its mix of charming historic architecture, a vibrant downtown with new businesses and restaurants, and year-round festivals, it’s easy to see what makes it attractive.
“We’re seeing young people returning from college for great job opportunities, young families, and retirees who are downsizing to be closer to family and to enjoy how walkable downtown is,” Appell noted. “It really is appealing to everyone, and I think that’s part of what makes Leesburg so special.”
For more information about Leesburg real estate, visit thelocalgrouploudoun.com
Solar panels and other eco-friendly upgrades can help attract buyers with “green” priorities. Photo: Jason/stock.adobe.com
Middle: Painting cabinets can sometimes help a room's dated decor feel more current. Photo: Victor/stock.adobe.com
Bottom: Realtor Eryn Appell of The Local Group is a Leesburg homeowner herself. Photo: The Local Group
Top:
“WE’RE LUCKY THAT LEESBURG HAS REALLY BECOME QUITE A HOTSPOT.”
A neutral color palette in a clutter-free space will help potential buyers imagine their own belongings there. Photo: The Local Group
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH LATE MARCH
80 Years of the Loudoun Sketch Club
Thomas Balch Library, 208 West Market Street | 10:00 AM
This exhibit draws from the Thomas Balch Library's carefully preserved records from the Loudoun Sketch Club. It features works by local and regional artists of subjects ranging from private and public estates, local wineries, and historic properties. Daily 10am-5pm, Saturdays 1-5pm, Sundays 1-4pm. leesburgva.gov
FRIDAYS - SUNDAYS
Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun Street, Leesburg | 10:00 AM
The recently renovated Loudoun Museum offers permanent, changing, and virtual exhibits. The museum is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with occasional holiday opening hours, as well. Admission is free. loudounmuseum.org
MARCH 7TH - 9TH
Lady Thistledown's Poisoned Quill
StageCoach Theatre Black Box, Ashburn | 6:30 PM
StageCoach Theatre presents “Lady Thistledown’s Poisoned Quill," an original Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Production. Doors open and buffet begins at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:15 p.m. Performances at other local venues, wineries, and breweries will also take place throughout March through May. Visit website for details and ticketing. stagecoachtc.com
MARCH 15TH
Virginia's Daffodil Tale
Oak Spring Garden Foundation, 8614 Mill Reef Road, Upperville | 9:00 AM
Join horticulturist and plant historian Sara Van Beck as she explores the fascinating history of daffodils in Virginia. Delve into how these flowers maintained a presence in Virginian gardens from the Colonial Period through the Victorian era and into the early twentieth century. Tickets $30. Runs from 9:00 a.m.m-12:00 p.m. osgf.org
MARCH 16TH
Loudoun Jazz Jam
The Dell, 1602 Village Market Boulevard SE, Leesburg | 1:00 PM
The Loudoun Jazz Society invites you to an open jazz jam session from 1:00 p.m-4:00 p.m., featuring a house rhythm section of professional musicians. All musicians are welcome to sit in with the band. Listeners welcome, too. Donations accepted. No reservations or tickets necessary. loudounjazz.org
Hop into the spirit of spring with a delightful afternoon of creative crafting! This two-hour workshop guides you through the step-bystep felting process. Enjoy a glass of wine as you craft. Special 10% discount on wine purchases the day of the event. Ticket details and more information on website. 868estatevineyards.com
MARCH 22ND
14th Annual
Garden Symposium
Academies of Loudoun, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg | 9:00 AM
Join the VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for a full-day Gardening Symposium from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Expert speakers will provide inspiration, ideas and information on garden basics. Symposium also features a marketplace with gardening items from local vendors and lightly used books. Tickets start at $65 (additional fee for Panera lunch option). loudouncounty mastergardeners.org
MARCH 26TH
Music for Dessert: The Rigatoni Quartet
Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville 9:00 AM
As part of the Music for Dessert Concert Series, the Rigatoni Quartet will perform Italian folk songs mixed in with the mazurkas, tarantellas, serenades, and opera overtures enjoyed by the Italian-Americans of the early 1900s. No refreshments are served; let the music be your dessert! Tickets $15. franklinparkartscenter.org
MARCH 28TH
The Pop Chicks
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards | 7:00 PM
The Pop Chicks will be singing the great female pop tunes from the 1960s to day. Doors open 6:00 p.m. Concert is 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Visit website for details and ticket information. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
Choose a
Future
with Loop Wellness Clinic
Discover how Loop Wellness Clinic can revitalize your life by optimizing your hormones, helping you shed excess weight, and rejuvenating your overall health.