Get Out Loudoun July 2024

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GET OUT LOUDOUN

Get Out Loudoun is distributed monthly to entertainment, tourism, and hospitality venues throughout Loudoun County. For the latest news on the music scene and other community events, go to getoutloudoun.com.

CONTRIBUTORS

Hanna Pampaloni Norman K. Styer

ON THE COVER

The Loudoun County Fair returns for a week of agricultural fun starting July 23.

TO ADVERTISE

Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com

getoutloudoun.com

TUNES

Ryan Wright continues to her indie rock evolution with a new EP and West Coast tour.

TASTES

Jarad Shipp brings his experience in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world to elevate the local pizza scene.

WINE

Winemakers are collaborating to bottle special blend that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the industry’s launch in Loudoun.

HAPPENINGS

The Town of Purcellville puts the spotlight on local food, wine and music with a July 20 festival at Fireman’s Field.

BEST BETS

Get Out Loudoun’s top picks for July.

SUMMER SPORTS

Surafel Dagnachew Mengestu, a midfielder from the Ethiopian Premier League and the Ethiopian National Team, is among the new young stars playing for Loudoun United this season.

Make It a Pro Sports Summer

The Soccer World Cup—the most watched sport event on Earth—comes to the U.S. in the summer of 2026. Loudoun fans of The Beautiful Game don’t have to wait two years to enjoy thrilling soccer, though.

Segra Field in Leesburg is home to the rising stars of Loudoun United FC of the United Soccer League Championship, and the team’s summer season heats up this month as they vie for a place in the playoffs. As for the players, keep an eye on Loudoun United’s new signings Surafel Dagnachew Mengestu from Ethiopia, and Virginia native Isaac Espinal who hails from nearby Burke.

Soccer is not the only pro sports action in Loudoun this summer. Fireman’s Field in Purcellville is the home of collegiate strivers Purcellville Cannons. Is there anything more American than a beer and a dog in the bleachers cheering on your local team? There are seven Cannons home games in July and the one we have our eye on is Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. against New Market Rebels. Players to watch out for include 1st baseman Ryne Guida who hit .425 in the 2023 season and home run king Cullen Horowicz.

After the game be sure to take the kids for an ice cream at nearby Gruto’s.

From big hits to fast horses: nothing says Loudoun summer sporting quite like the glittering annual Polo in the Park season at Morven Park’s International Equestrian Center in Leesburg. On Saturday evenings through July 27, put on your best dress and coolest hat for the Snazzy Hat and Dapper Dresser Award and enjoy tailgating, rail side passes or picnicking on the grass with a fine glass of Loudoun wine as you cheer on some of the finest international polo players—and horses—in the world.

While summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy professional sports, mark your calendar for some big events that come each fall. In October, don’t miss the International & Fall Horse Trials at Morven Park where riders from across the country come to compete in dressage and show jumping. Also in October is the 1000 Miglia warm-up USA, which is when the classic Italian car rally comes to Middleburg.

Follow Visit Loudoun’s event calendar for these and other spectacular sporting events, concerts and happenings in Loudoun all year long.

Courtesy of Loudoun United

After ‘I Was Happy’ EP Release, Wright Looks to West Coast Tour

In 2021, Ryan Wright was taking tentative steps in pursuit of a music career following her graduation from Woodgrove High School. Three years later, she is celebrating the release of her third EP and building up miles on the road as a touring veteran.

“I did take a gap year and then I decided ultimately not to go to school. I just dialed in on the music thing. I put out an EP, and then from there, I put out another EP, which then got me a little bit of recognition with touring,” she said.

Her latest EP, the eight-track “I Was Happy,” dropped in late June and featured a release party at Jammin’ Java.

She was surprised not only by the large number of streams the tracks quickly racked up, but also seeing audience members sing along to the newly released songs.

“There were people in the front row that knew every word to every song since it had come out,” she said. “I do that when a Taylor Swift album drops. I will learn the lyrics as soon as it comes out, but hearing people do that for my record was just very surreal. It feels really good.”

The new songs reflect a continued evolution of her sound.

“It’s become more developed. We were very dream pop in the beginning, and synth. And then I started wanting to branch off into this punkier direction. It really kind of started when I wrote Fake ID, and that was like the turning point sound-wise. It was still dreamy. It still had some pop elements to it, but it was more indie. It was more personable. It was more unique,” she said.

“We kind of started writing around that. And then my last EP, ‘Girl in the Attic,’ was the bridge to the newer sound. It still has some synthy elements, but I wanted to go full on bubble grunge, which is like bubble gum pop and grunge and

punky, Wright said. “I really want the music to also coincide with the melody and the feeling of each song. I want it all to just work together and make people feel things and have visceral reactions to things.

And her songwriting has evolved as well, admittedly less angry, less focused on specific relationship and more introspective.

Her favorite song off the new EP to perform in concert is “What’s Not to Love,” with its key change and challenging vocal range.

“It’s just so much fun. It kind of paved the way for what I wanted the record to sound like. It’s very punky. It’s very ’90s sounding. It’s got a lot of like my dad’s band, Getaway Car, elements in it. It’s got a lot of Roy Orbison. It’s very melodically, like Roy Orbison to me, which was something I grew up on. My grandparents raised me on that.”

A crowd favorite is “Quarter Life Crisis,” that has become the band’s set closer.

“We had this show when I opened for Atomic Tom and it was our first time playing ‘Quarter Life Crisis.’ And there’s a part of the song where I say, ‘I don’t want to pay my taxes,’—because

Photo

New Sculptures in the ArtsPARKs

The Leesburg Commission on Public Arts and the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts will formally celebrate five new sculptures on display at the ArtsPARKs in Raflo Park starting at 6 p.m. Friday, July 5.

The pieces, created by local artists, will be on display for the next two years.

The new works are Keeping Watch by Jim Koenig and sponsored by Oak Hill Wealth Advisors; Tangled Up in Blue by Sally Myers and sponsored by Oak Hill Wealth Advisors; Tondos Pierced by Creative Metal Design and sponsored by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts; Ode to Clay and Metal Loft by CML and CIY Potters and sponsored by Keene Enterprises; and Purgatory by ml Duffy and sponsored by Friends of Leesburg Public Arts.

For more information, go to leesburgpublicarts.org.

Ode to Clay and Metal Loft by CML and CIY Potters.
Tondos Pierced by Creative Metal Design

TASTES

Elevated but Unpretentious:

Jarad Slipp Brings World-Class Training to Loudoun Restaurants

“Elevated but unpretentious” are the words chef and restaurant owner Jarad Slipp uses to describe the atmosphere of his Loudoun restaurants and the dishes they serve.

Slipp owns Knead Wine and Tremolo Bar both in downtown Middleburg, and also has a second location for Knead Wine at a winery in Delaplane. Now, he’s moving on to a third location in Purcellville. The idea for the takeout pizza and wine shop was started during the heart of the pandemic as a way for Middleburg residents to still enjoy restaurant quality food during the shutdown in 2020.

Slipp’s culinary background is extensive, including training at the Culinary Institute of America and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners. He

has worked for four Michelin starred restaurants around the world, including Casa Vissani in Italy, Gordan Ramsay in London, Fiamma in New York City and CityZen in Washington, DC.

It’s that background that brings the food and drinks at all of his locations to life.

“God is in the details. Anyone can chop a carrot, but not everyone can make it into perfect little brunoised tiny little cubes. And it’s all about ingredients,” he said, adding that he invests in high quality ingredients for his dishes knowing that diners will be able to taste the difference.

“Are our pizzas expensive? Yeah, it’s because we use expensive ingredients. And if you want a pepperoni pizza, there is not going to be a couple little pieces of meat polka dotting your pizza; it’s going to be buried,” he said.

Slipp is one of only 279 master sommeliers in the world—a distinction it took him nine years to gain.

“If you google most difficult test in the world, two things are going to pop up—this and, weirdly enough, the Indian bar exam,” he said.

But, even with all of that training, Slipp said he’s a big proponent of “eat what you want.”

“I don’t take too much stock in wine pairings. I think it’s kind of dumb. I mean there are some do’s and don’ts. … Even though we don’t carry beer because we don’t have storage for it, there’s nothing wrong with beer and pizza too,” he said.

After leaving the Washington, DC, dining scene, Slipp took a job as executive director of RdV Vineyards and for three years commuted from Dupont Circle to Delaplane. He quickly grew tired of the hour-long drive and bought a home on top of Mount Weather and planned to open a steakhouse in Middleburg.

“I didn’t want to leave and so I’ve carved something out here,” he said.

All the details were set and he showed up to sign off on the building in March 2020, when at the last minute he decided to walk away.

“I just realized I probably didn’t want to be opening a restaurant when everything around me was shutting down,” he said.

So, he pivoted to a different but time-proven idea – pizza and wine. Only in this case, they

Master Sommelier Jarad Slipp offers a wide variety of wines, including some local, at both his Knead Wine and Tremolo Bar restaurants in downtown Middleburg.
Photo

Loudoun’s Dining

FORDS FISH SHACK

Consistently voted Loudoun residents’ favorite place for seafood, Ford’s offers fresh seafood in a family-dining atmosphere at three locations, as well as a catering arm and a food truck operation.

Ashburn-44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147 (571) 918-4092 • fords shshack.com

Lansdowne-19308 Promenade Dr., Leesburg, VA 20176 (571) 333-1301 • fords shshack.com

South Riding 25031 Riding Plaza, Chantilly, VA 20152 (703) 542-7520 • fords shshack.com

SPANKY’S SHENANIGANS

Known as one of the Loudoun’s favorite bars, Spanky’s Shenanigans is a popular destination from its morning breakfast menu to its ample roster of live music performers.

538 E Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 (703) 777-2454 • spankyspub.com

LIGHTFOOT RESTAURANT

Inside an historic bank building in downtown Leesburg, the Zagat-rated Lightfoot provides both a ne-dining experience and a gathering place for locals. Executive Chef Ingrid Gustavson serves up American cuisine with southern and ethnic accents.

11 North King Street Leesburg, VA 20176 703-771-2233 • lightfootrestaurant.com

TUSCARORA MILL

Known by locals as Tuskies, the restaurant is located inside a restored 19th century grain mill in Leesburg’s historic district. Offering everything from locally sourced ne dining to a casual bar experience, it’s been a dining destination for more than three decades.

203 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 (703) 771-9300 • tuskies.com

1 50 West Vineyards 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg 50westvineyards.com

2 8 Chains North Winery 38593 Daymont Ln., Waterford, VA 8chainsnorth.com

3 868 Estate Vineyards 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville 868estatevineyards.com

4 The Barns at Hamilton Station 16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

5 Bleu Frog Vineyards 16413 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg bleufrogvineyards.com

6 Bluemont Vineyard 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont bluemontvineyard.com

7 Bogati Winery 35246 Harry Byrd Hwy., Round Hill bogatiwinery.com

8 Boxwood Estate Winery 2042 Burrland Rd., Middleburg boxwoodwinery.com

9 Breaux Vineyards

36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Hillsboro breauxvineyards.com

10 Bozzo Family Vineyards 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro bozwines.com

11 Cana Vineyards of Middleburg 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg canavineyards.com

12 Carriage House Wineworks 40817 Brown Lane, Waterford chwwinery.com

13 Casanel Vineyards 17952 Canby Rd., Leesburg casanelvineyards.com

14 Chrysalis Vineyards 39025 Little River Turnpike, Aldie chrysaliswine.com

15 Corcoran Vineyards & Cider 14635 Corkys Farm Ln., Waterford corcoranvineyards.com

16 Creek’s Edge Winery 41255 Annas Ln., Lovettsville creeksedgewinery.com

17 Crushed Cellars 37938 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville crushedcellars.com

18 Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com

19 Droumavalla Farm Winery 14980 Limestone School Rd., Lucketts droumavalla.com

20 Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 15100 Harrison Hill Lane, Leesburg eagletreevineyards.com 21 Endhardt Vineyards 19600 Lincoln Road, Purcellville endhardtvineyards.com

22 Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com 23 Fire y Cellars 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton fireflycellars.com

Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com 25 Forever Farm & Vineyards 15779 Woodgrove Road, Purcellville foreverfarmandvineyard.com 26 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com

Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com

Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com

Lost Creek Winery 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg lostcreekwinery.com

30 October One Vineyard

7 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg Octoberonevineyard.com

31 Old Farm Winery

23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie oldfarmwineryhartland.com

32 Otium Cellars

18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com

33 Stone Tower Winery

19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg stonetowerwinery.com

34 Stonehouse Meadery

36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com

1 Adroit Theory Brewing 404 Browning Ct., Purcellville adroit-theory.com

2 Barnhouse Brewery 43271 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg barnhousebrewery.com

3 Bear Chase Brewing 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont bearchasebrew.com

4 Belly Love Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.com

5 Black Hoof Brewing Company 11 South King St., Leesburg blackhoofbrewing.com

6 Black Walnut Brewery 210 S. King St., Leesburg blackwalnutbrewery.com

7 Crooked Run Fermentations Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com

8 Crooked Run Fermentations Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com

9 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com

BREWERIES & WINERIES

1 Bluemont Station Brewery and Winery 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont bluemontstation.com

2 Hillsborough Brewery & Vineyards 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro hillsboroughwine.com

3 Notaviva Brewery and Winery 13274 Sagle Rd., Hillsboro notavivavineyards.com

4 Quattro Goomba’s Brewery & Winery 22860 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie goombawine.com

35 Sunset Hills Vineyard

38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com

36 Terra Nebulo 39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.com

37 Three Creeks Winery

18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton 3creekswinery.com

38 Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com

39 Village Winery

40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com

BREWERIES

10 Dynasty Brewing Company 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.com

11 Flying Ace Farm 40950 Flying Ace Ln, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com

12 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com

13 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro facebook.com/HarvestGap

14 Honor Brewing Company 42604 Trade West Dr., Sterling honorbrewing.com

15 Lark Brewing Co. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie larkbrewingco.com

16 Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg lostbarrel.com

17 Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Rd. #142, Ashburn lostrhino.com

18 Loudoun Brewing Company 310 E. Market St., Leesburg loudounbrewing.com

1 Henway Hard Cider Company 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont henwayhardcider.com

2 Loudoun Cider House 43376 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg loudounciderhouse.com

3 Mt. De ance Cider Barn 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg mtdefiance.com

4 Wild Hare Hard Cider Cabin 106 South St., Leesburg wildharecider.com

40 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com

41 The Wine Reserve at Waterford 38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com

42 Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com

43 Williams Gap Vineyards 35785 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill williamsgavineyard.com

44 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg zephwine.com

19 Ocelot Brewing Company 23600 Overland Dr., #180, Dulles ocelotbrewing.com

20 Old 690 Brewing Company 15670 Ashbury Church Rd., Hillsboro old690.com

21 Old Ox Brewery 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste 114, Ashburn oldoxbrewery.com

22 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com

23 Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling greatamericanrestaurants.com

24 The Craft of Brewing 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr., Ashburn thecraftob.com

25 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery 42245 Black Hops Ln., Lucketts vanishbeer.com

26 Water’s End Brewing 1602 Village Market Blvd SE #120, Leesburg watersendbrewery.com

27 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery 38506 John Wolford Rd., Waterford wheatlandspring.com

1 Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com

At the heart of the Loudoun County Fair is the animal husbandry of the 4H clubs, with lots of swine, cattle, chickens and rabbits on display and competing for top prizes.

July 23-27 is Fair Week in Loudoun

The Loudoun County fair opens Tuesday, July 23 for a five-day run that will include carnival rides, concerts, rodeos, a demolition derby—and lots and lots of animals.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Spencer Hatcher performs bluegrass and country music at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23.

Alison Thoms, a self-described singer, songwriter, and strummer, performs a kid’s show at noon on Wednesday, July 24.

Mountain Highway is a musical family group performing bluegrass, country, and gospel music at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24.

Jack and Davis Reid, the sons of Wilson Fairchild and grandsons of The Statler Brothers have a country music sound that will get you dancing and comedy will keep you laughing at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 25.

Ian Vest, a country singer/songwriter from Southwest Virginia, performs at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

Michael Christopher performs his guitar- heavy, rock-edged tunes at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27.

The fair also features two nights of rodeo competition, on Thursday and Friday, and the Chaos in the Valley demolition derby on Saturday night.

The carnival midway opens in the late afternoon on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday

a.m.

Advance tickets are available online at tickets. loudouncountyfair.com. The cost is $15 per day/$20 after 5 p.m. for adults and $5 for kids. Weekly passes are $40 for patrons age 13 and up and $15 for kids. Children under 5 are free. There also is a one-time $5 parking fee good for the whole week.

The fair runs 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The Loudoun County Fairgrounds is located west of Leesburg at 17558 Dry Mill Road.

Go to loudouncountyfair.com for the complete schedule and other fair information.

Lawn opens at 6 p.m.

Old 690 Beers Local Wines

Ford’s Fish Shack Moo-Thru & More

Hillsboro’s Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike

FRIDAY NIGHTS

JULY 5 Jumptown

JULY 12 22 Late

JULY 19 Dunlap & Mabe

JULY 26 Jules & The Agreeables

AUG. 2 Don’t Look Up!

AUG. 9 H ard Swimmin’ Fish

AUG. 16 Rick Reaves Jazz Band

AUG. 23 Born Cross Eyed

AUG. 30 Texas Chainsaw Horns

SEPT. 6 Mostly Fab

Scan here to reserve your Verandah or Lawn Table for any of this season’s fabulous Music in The Gap concerts OLDSTONESCHOOL.ORG

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 3-10 p.m.

&

From left, Mitchell Baki, his uncle Kerem and father Tolga, all part of the Hillsborough Vineyards and Brewery family stand with Williams Gap representative Jacob Robinson and Bozzo Family Vineyards Owner Steve Bozzo as they pose for a photo holding glasses of the 40th Anniversary Loudoun Red.

Loudoun Wineries Join Forces to Create 40th Anniversary Red

The celebration of Loudoun’s wine industry’s 40th anniversary has sparked a special collaboration with 12 vineyards contributing wines to be blended in a first-of-its-kind offering.

Led by Hillsborough Vineyards and Brewery Owner Karem Baki, the wine is made from 2022 and 2023 vintages, with 25% cabernet franc, 16.7% of cabernet sauvignon, 16.7% merlot, 16.7% tannat, 8.3% of petit Verdot, 8.3% Norton and 8.3% Chamboursin grapes.

It will be called the 40th Anniversary Loudoun Red. Baki said, since the goal is to celebrate that milestone, the wine isn’t designed to be one that ages in a cellar to reach its peak flavor.

“We weren’t trying to develop a wine that is big, bold, and that can age for 20 years. We’re trying to create something that’s going to be approach-

able and ready to drink soon,” he said.

Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said the idea to create a special wine was formed as they were trying to find something memorable to do.

“I think what is important about this is how iconic these businesses have become and how they have helped to shape what Loudoun is today,” Erickson said.

Now, the wine can help tell that story and work to preserve it.

“[We were looking] to educate our residents about DC’s wine country that may be in their own back yard and the importance of these businesses in making Loudoun what it is and keeping it that way,” she said. “… What we’ve found is that people

Photo by Hanna Pampaloni

Loudoun’s Attractions

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LOUDOUN HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM

Travel through time to meet the 10 generations of Loudoun County residents who built this county and left their mark on the land. Exhibits include a schoolhouse, general store, Native American artifact display and the American Workhorse Museum Collection.

21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling, VA 20164 (571) 258-3800 • heritagefarmmuseum.org

LOUDOUN MUSEUM

With a collection of more than 8,000 artifacts, the Museum tells Loudoun’s story from pre-1600 up until today, with a selection of special exhibits featuring the history of Virginia Wine, the Early Republic era, and the County’s role in the US Civil War, along with a timeline of Loudoun County history. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for upcoming events and public programs!

16 Loudoun Street SW Leesburg, Virginia 20175 (703) 777-7427 • loudounmuseum.org

MORVEN PARK

Morven Park is a 1,000-acre historic estate on the edge of Leesburg that was home to Virginia governor and agricultural pioneer Westmoreland Davis. Tours of the Greek Revival mansion include 16th century Belgian tapestries, Spanish cassones, hundreds of silver pieces, Hudson River Valley paintings, and Asian treasures. The estate also features the Winmill Carriage Museum, the Museum of Hounds and Hunting of North America, formal boxwood gardens, miles of hiking and riding trails, and athletic elds.

17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, VA 20176 703-777-2414 • morvenpark.org

OATLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDENS

The 415-acre Oatlands estate, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers tours of the historic mansion, extensive gardens and outbuildings that include the oldest standing greenhouse in the South. Exhibits focus on the lives of the Carter and Eustis families who building the estate, as well as the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there.

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175 703.777.3174 • oatlands.org

RED FROM PAGE 16

have been very surprised that Loudoun wine has been here for 40 years and that we have 50 wineries, each really creating unique experiences. You can come back weekend after weekend and you’re going to have a different experience every time you visit,” Erickson said.

The label for the wine also comes from Visit Loudoun and is part of the 40th anniversary marketing plan to encourage tourism in the county.

“What we really wanted to do was to create a piece of art that really looked at travel posters for iconic destinations,” Erickson said.

“In a nod to Willowcroft, which was our first winery in 1984 that had its first commercial crush, the red barn of Willowcroft is in the image,” she said.

The Cabernet Franc 2023 wines were contributed by Fabbioli Cellars and Breaux Vineyards, 2022 Cabernet Franc from Carriage House Wineworks, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Bozzo Family Vineyards and 868 Estate Vineyards, 2022 Merlot from

TASTES FROM PAGE 10

would both be takeout, and the pizza would be more than your standard pie found at a typical takeout pizza place. The pizzas offered at Knead Wine are Neapolitan inspired, but Slipp said he uses American flour because he needs something sturdier since its going in a box and being driven home.

The Purcellville location, expected to open in mid-July, will offer the same pizza and wine selections as Middleburg but

WINE SPECTATOR NAMES LOUDOUN TOP DESTINATION FOR WINING & DINING

Loudouners looking for an exceptional wine and dining experience don’t have to go far. The latest rankings from Wine Spectator lists eight area restaurants among those providing the world’s best wine programs.

Two earned the Best Award of Excellence—The Conservatory at Goodstone near Middleburg and Pazzo Pomodoro’s in Ashburn.

In downtown Leesburg, three venues earning the Award of Excellence are within walking distance of each other. The Lightfoot restaurant, Tuscarora Mill and the Echelon Wine Bar. Two others are in Middleburg—Harrimans Grill at the five-star Salamander Resort and Spa and the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Eddie Merlot’s at One Loudoun in Ashburn rounds out the list of local honorees.

Wine Spectator’s annual awards program recognize restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.

Bluemont and 8 Chains North Winery, 2023 Tannat from Hillsborough Vineyards, 2022 Tannat from Williams Gap Vineyard, 2022 Petit Verdot from Two Twisted Posts Winery, 2023 Norton from Chrysalis Vineyards and 2022 Chamboursin from Zephaniah Farm Vineyard.

Baki said there will only be 300 cases, or 25 cases per winery,

will offer an expanded menu to include salads, charcuterie, appetizers and frozen yogurt as well as a seating area for 50 to 60 people.

Knead Wine also simplifies the wine choosing experience by offering $20 bottles on one wall and $45 bottles on another to give guests a streamlined experience.

In addition to world class-training, quality ingredients and attention to detail, Slipp said what sets his establishments apart, is his team, many of whom have

produced, with each participating winery contributing a single barrel of wine. But, with wine produced this fall, the group also plans to produce a white wine—one that will be ready by next spring.

The wine is expected to be released in October for Virginia Wine month.

been with him for years.

On Friday and Saturday nights, diners can find Slipp in the kitchen at Tremolo plating anything from caviar and roasted sea scallops to pork ribs and lamb ragu. On Mondays and Tuesdays, while the rest of the restaurants are closed, Slipp is in Purcellville working on the new location for Knead Wine coming to the Shoppes at Main and Maple this summer.

Learn more at kneadwine.com.

Make a Splash this Summer in

Dive into summer fun in Loudoun! With refreshing pools and exciting water activities, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat and make a splash. Enjoy sun-soaked days, poolside relaxation and endless family-friendly entertainment. Scan the QR code to plan your poolside adventure!

Volcano Island Waterpark
Lansdowne Resort
Franklin Park - @thekarlssonfam
Volcano Island Waterpark

HAPPENINGS

PURCELLVILLE CELEBRATES WITH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The Town of Purcellville will hold its annual Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, July 20 at Dillon’s Woods in the Fireman’s Field complex.

One of the town’s signature community events, the festival draws residents and visitors alike to enjoy locally made food, wine, and beer from area vendors as well as an afternoon of live music performances.

On stage this year are The Darby Brothers, Jules and the Agreeables and the Chris Timbers Band.

The festival runs from 2 to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Drink tickets may be purchased in advance or on-site at the festival.

Go to purcellvillewineandfood.com for details.

LEESBURG BUSINESSES JOIN IN FIND WALDO TREASURE HUNT

Thirty downtown Leesburg businesses are bringing back the monthlong Find Waldo treasure hunt promotion beginning July 5.

Last year, Birch Tree Bookstore founder Leah Fallon brought the idea to other small business owners to build community and bring more traffic to the downtown area.

Residents may pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Leesburg!” stamp card at any of the participating businesses, which contains the names of all the

Born Cross Eyed returns to the Gap Stage on Aug. 23 for Hillsboro’s free Friday night concert series. File photo

HAPPENINGS FROM PAGE 20

participating sites. With each six-inch Waldo cutout that they spot on display in stores, players may get their card stamped or signed by the participating shop. A bonus round is also planned at Birch Tree, where Waldo misplaced his glasses.

Collecting store stamps or signatures at 10 business will win participants a Where’s Waldo sticker and coupon for a book. Twenty or more stamps will entitle seekers entry into a grand-prize drawing for Waldo books and paraphernalia.

To kick-off the town wide hunt, Waldo will be participating in Leesburg’s 4th of July parade and Birch Tree Books will be hosting a party the next day, July 5 at 5 p.m. The first 90 visitors who stop by to pick up their stamp card will also receive a pair of Waldo’s glasses.

Fallon said the difficulty level of the hunt seems to suit elementary aged and early middle school aged children and families.

A final celebration party and the drawing of

winners will be done at Birch Tree Aug. 2 at 5 p.m.

Participating shops will have a “Shop Local, Find Waldo Here” sticker in the window.

HILLSBORO KICKS OFF FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES

The Music in The Gap free concert series opens July 5 with a show by Jumptown.

Each Friday night through Sept. 6, the lawn of the Hillsboro’s Old Stone School will host a community gathering with vendors and food trucks starting at 6 p.m. At 8 p.m. bands take the stage.

Following Jumptown’s open night show, performers will be 22 Late, Dunlap & Mabe, Jules & the Agreeables, Don’t Look Up!, Hard Swimmin’ Fish, Rick Reaves Jazz Big Band, Born Cross Eyed, Texas Chainsaw Horns, and Mostly Fab.

For details, and to reserve tables on the veranda, go to oldstoneschool.org.

Now Showing

The Phantom of the Opera - Summer Camp Musical Theatre

July 5 & 6 at 7:00pm, July 6 &7 at 2:00pm

Murder on the British Express - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

July 13 at Oatlands in Leesburg│July 20 at ONO Offshore in Chantilly Aug 2 at StageCoach Theatre Studio (no dinner)

August 3 at Casanel Winery in Leesburg│August 9 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville August 17 at Savoir Fare in Round Hill│August 23 at Effingham Manor in Nokesville

Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic - Summer Camp Musical Theatre

July 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:00pm July 14 & 21 at 2:00pm

Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS - Summer Camp Musical Theatre July 20 & 21 at 11:00am and 2:00pm

Magic ▪ Improv ▪ Sketch Comedy ▪ And More! All performances at StageCoach Theatre in Ashburn unless noted. Registration is open for Summer Camps and Fall After School Classes for ages 5 - 19.

GETOUT

Bets

07.06.24

Downtown Pickers Saturday, July 6, 4-7 p.m.

Dirt Farm Brewery dirtfarmbrewing.com

Up from Franklin County, the band offers an evening of foot-stomping bluegrass and authentic sounds of Appalachia.

07.7.25

Delta Spur & Sela Campbell Sunday, July 7, 6 p.m.

Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com

Delta Spur performs your favorite country hits on a special Sunday night Tarara Concert Series show.

07.25.24

Ruthie Foster Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

The two-time contemporary blues female artist of the year and four-time Grammy nominee makes her first appearance in Leesburg.

07.26.24

Jules & the Agreeables Friday, July 26, 8 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org

Juliana MacDowell and her talented band keep Hillsboro’s Friday night community parties going with a performance on the Gap Stage.

the song is just about like being young and being confused, and not like wanting to be an adult just yet. After the show, we were looking at video of the song, and there was this dude who was standing next to my dad who just had a visceral reaction to that moment, and went ‘Yeah, screw taxes.’ We were like, okay, that one really gets the crowd moving,” she said.

Wright and her band have made several East Coast tours with fellow indy rockers Mustard Service, JW Francis, and Surfer Girl.

Boston is a favorite stop.

“For some reason, every time we’ve gone there the crowd vibe was the most amped up. Everyone was just excited to be there. It was so much fun. We had a really good time on

07.27.24

Mostly Fab Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall idalee.org

A night of Beatles favorites with an incredible group of local musicians—Cal Everett, Todd Wright, Tom Lofgren, and Chris Martin.

07.31.24

Deana Carter Wednesday, July 31 Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

A three-time Grammy nominee, Carter broke onto the country music scene with her hit “Did I Shave My Legs for This?”

stage,” she said. “New York is awesome. We love playing DC. We always have family coming out and my little sisters get to come and my parents get to come.”

In September, they will hit the West Coast for the first time with Ashes to Amber for a twoweek, 10-show tour including dates in LA, Santa Cruz, San

Francisco Seattle, and Denver.

“We’re direct support for that, which is going to be super cool. We get to bring the vibe when everybody starts walking in the doors. And that’s always fun,” she said.

“I Was Happy” is available on all streaming platforms.

Follow her on social media at ryanwrightmusic.

TUNES FROM PAGE 6
Photo by Luda Ronky

GREAT EATS

Restaurants & Food Trucks

BEER & WINE

Local B reweries & Wineries (D rink Ticket Needed)

RETRO ARCADE LOUNGE Featuring Skee Ball, Air Hockey, Photo Booth, Yard Games, & MORE.

STREET PERFORMERS

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