Stay Close, Make Memories: Loudoun’s Cozy B&Bs Await
This winter, keep it local with Loudoun’s cozy bed & breakfasts!
Whether you’re planning a peaceful staycation to recharge, a festive gathering with loved ones or a comfortable stay for holiday guests, these charming escapes have you covered. From warm fireplaces and scenic views to personalized touches that make every visit special, Loudoun’s B&Bs offer the perfect setting for creating lasting memories.
Stay close, connect deeply and make this season unforgettable — right here at home.
Scan to learn more!
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
Katiana Dawn Norman K. Styer ON THE COVER
The Middleburg Hunt annual process of horses and hounds a crowd-pleasing tradition of Loudoun’s holiday events scene. TO ADVERTISE
Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com
getoutloudoun.com
HOLIDAYS IN LOUDOUN
From main street parades to historic home tours, December is filled with community events that celebrate the season.
TASTE
A new flavor of pizza is coming to Leesburg, one built on a long family tradition.
ARTS
Sharon West blends her life experiences with bold colors and textures to create her impressionistic artwork.
WINE
Just weeks after the 2024 harvest, the first taste of this year’s grapes is being offered up Beaujolais-style at Chrysalis Vineyards.
BEST BETS
Get Out Loudoun’s best bets for Decemeber.
Iris Serenade by Sharon West
Loudoun’s B&B Experience: Above and Beyond the Ordinary
Contributed
The Hummingbird Hideaway Treehouse by Waterford Reservations is among the many offerings of Loudoun’s bed and breakfast network.
BY DOUGLAS ROGERS
Visit Loudoun
On a recent Friday, an Ohio couple checked into Hidden View Bed & Breakfast, a gorgeous five-suite guesthouse on the hills near Hillsboro. They were military veterans in Loudoun for a leisurely weekend. What they didn’t expect were the perks. After a brief tour, Hidden View owner Cheri Shields gave them their Perks Pass. Initiated by Shields at Hidden View in 2020 and adopted by the Loudoun Bed & Breakfast Guild in 2024, Perks Pass gives guests access to reservations, discounts and special deals at dozens of participating Loudoun partners, from wineries and restaurants to drive services, florists and even photographers.
“The couple visited three participating restaurants and three wineries,” Shields said. “On top of that we had a Veteran’s Day weekend deal, so their stay was cheaper.”
Loudoun has luxury resorts, chain hotels and
dozens of vacation rentals, but there’s something special about staying at a B&B.
“We get to relate to our guests in a way that makes their stay so much more personal and enjoyable,” Shields said. “A B&B is much more than a place to lay your head. It’s a personal hospitality service. We have knowledge of the area and relationships with local partners to make the experience so much richer.”
Perks Pass adds a concierge element to the local B&B experience. A glossy two-sided business card with the name Loudoun Bed & Breakfast Guild on it includes a QR code, which guests scan to see what’s on offer. To simplify matters, participating partners are divided into six categories: Stay, Play, Sip, Savor, Explore & More.
Among the current 30-plus deals on offer? Ten percent off tickets to a StageCoach Theatre Company production in Ashburn; 10% off the cost of a Pedego Electric Bike rental; five extra
LOUDOUN B&B’S FROM PAGE 4
blooms in a floral order from Blooms2U and a $25 food and beverage credit (plus free decoration and karaoke upgrade) on a winery or brewery excursion with Cork & Keg Tours.
None of which is to say you wouldn’t have a special time at a Loudoun B&B before Perks Pass. Loudoun natives love to show off the county and B&B owners are known to go the extra mile. Stay at Hummingbird Treehouse Cottage of Donnie and Reagan Walker in Waterford and they will give you the direct cell number of the chef-owner of EagleTree Farm Vineyards to book a prized table at one of their gourmet dinners.
I happen to live in Loudoun, but news of these comforts and perks got me thinking: now might be a good time to book a B&B and go on holiday in my own backyard.
Stone Manor B&B in Lovettsville offers a three-winery driver service to guests and will personally drop off and collect guests who have booked a table at the iconic Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. All that and they make you breakfast in the morning!
Happy Holidays – and book your winter Loudoun B&B stay now!
www.visitloudoun.org
The Hidden View bed & Breakfast near Hillsboro.
The Sights & Sounds of the Season: Holiday Events Abound
The holiday season in Loudoun County brings numerous opportunities to gather with neighbors to celebrate their communities and to support local businesses.
After kicking off with a tree lighting ceremony Friday night at the Pink Box, the Town of Middleburg welcomes thousands of visitors for a full day of activities Saturday, Dec. 7, highlighted by its traditional parade double-header.
Starting at 11 a.m. the Middleburg Hunt and its hounds take over Washington Street with a celebration of the region’s hunt country heritage. At 2 p.m., the town’s community parade features school groups, businesses, polo ponies, classic cars, and lots and lots of dogs. The day’s activities also include breakfast with Santa, food trucks and music. Downtown parking is restricted during parade day. Shuttle services
will be provided from parking areas at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park and Lost Barrel Brewing. Advance purchase of parking tickets is strongly recommended at chrismasinmiddleburg.org.
The town continues the seasonal celebrations on the subsequent Saturdays, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, with events under a Dickens of a Christmas theme supported by a cast of carolers, dancers, actors and musicians around town. The canine community gets its own spotlight on Dec. 21 during the Dickens of a Dog Parade down Washington Street. Learn more at middelburgva. gov.
In Leesburg, events start Saturday, Dec. 7 beginning with the two-day Holiday Fine Arts & Craft show at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS FROM PAGE 6
Leesburg Movement’s Mistletoe Market with vendors, merriment and Santa will be held on the Courthouse lawn from noon to 4 p.m. In the evening, town leaders will join in a tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, crowds will fill the downtown area for the Christmas and Holiday Parade down King Street starting at 6 p.m.
Through New Year’s Day, the town will feature a holiday light show on the Loudoun Street side of the Town Hall Campus. The display includes approximately 2,500 lights that are synchro-
The holidays in Loudoun always feature lots kids—and dogs—in parades with a sprinkle of dancing dreidels and numerous Santa sightings.
nized to three holiday songs. The display will run each evening from 4:30 to 9:45 p.m.
Following a community tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 6, Purcellville’s big celebration happens Saturday, Dec. 14. The holiday parade begins at noon following a loop route from Blue Ridge Middle School. Also that day, there will be a Holiday Market and LEGO
Display from noon to 6 p.m. at the Bush Tabernacle, an ornament workshop at the Loudoun Valley Community Center from 2 to 5 p.m., and pictures with Santa from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Train Station. The town also offered a map showing the locations of the best holiday lights displays.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS FROM PAGE 8
Lovettsville will hold its annual Wintertainmentfest starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Zoldos Square. The event includes a lantern parade, a sing-along with the Lovettsville Elementary School Chorus, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and the town’s tree lighting. Earlier in the day, from 2 to 5 p.m. the Cocoa Crawl invites residents to visit town businesses to sample and purchase hot chocolates and cocoa-inspired treats.
New this year is WinterFest at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park. Organized by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services, the free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7. It will include activities for all ages, including ice sculptures, miniature train rides, a visit from Santa and other winter characters, music from DJ BiFocals, food trucks, and retail and craft vendors. The event also will showcase area nonprofits along an interactive walking path. PRCS is also partnering with One Warm Coat and Toys for Tots to collect donations of outerwear and new toys. Go to loudoun.gov/ WinterFest for a full list of activities. There also is a PRCS WinterFest App that includes an event map, vendor list, parking maps, nonprofit information, and more.
In Hillsboro, town residents will gather for a tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, followed by a night of jazz by the Rick Reaves Big Band at the Old Stone School. On Dec. 14, the visitors are invited to get a up-close look at the town’s historic properties with guided homes tours and a holiday craft market. For tickets and details, go to oldstoneschool.org.
Loudoun’s Jewish community marks the first night of Chanukah with a grand menorah lighting ceremony at One Loudoun. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, the program will include musical performances, address from religious and community leaders and a candy gelt drop.
Among the season special musical performances are the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra presentation of its holiday concert, Home for the Holidays at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Lightridge High School. The one-hour program is perfect includes “A Taste of Chanukah” arranged by Brian Folus, Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Polonaise from Christmas Eve,” “Sleigh Ride” and beloved holiday film music from “The Polar Ex-
A tree decorated for Sweden stands along the Marshall Plan Tree Walk at Dodona Manor in Leesburg.
REFLECTING ON THE MARSHALL PLAN
A display of Christmas trees decorated to represent the 17 nations that participated in the European Recovery Program after World War II is featured during December on the grounds of Dodona Manor, the Leesburg home of George C. Marshall, who was the architect of the nearly $13 billion rebuilding effort. At kick-off lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 will feature a performance of holiday favorites by the Old Dominion Chorus.
press” and “Home Alone.” Tickets are $35/$15 at loudounsymphony.org.
The Eric Byrd Trio returns to the Franklin Park Arts Center at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 for a performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Concert features all the songs from the classic 1965 cartoon. Tickets are $25 and expected to sell out in advance. Learn more at franklinparkartcenter.org.
Another cherished, four-decade local holiday tradition is the performance of the all-tuba Christmas band under the direction of Rick Reaves. This year, the tubas and euphoniums will gather for two shows, at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Village at Leesburg and at 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Inn at Harpers Ferry. Rick Reaves and his Big Band will perform for Christmas In the Gap on Dec. 7 in the Old Stone School. For details go to facebook.com/RickReavesJazz.
For a complete listing of holiday happenings, go to getoutloudoun.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 t 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 Domaine Portier Vineyards 13235 Miltown Road domainefortier.com
19 Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com
20 Droumavalla Farm Winery 14980 Limestone School Rd., Lucketts droumavalla.com
21 Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 15100 Harrison Hill Lane, Leesburg eagletreevineyards.com
22 Endhardt Vineyards 19600 Lincoln Road, Purcellville endhardtvineyards.com
23 Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com
24 Farm de Vine 15960 Short Hill Road, Hillsboro farmdevine.com
25 Firefly Cellars 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton fireflycellars.com
26 Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com
27 Good Spirit Farm Winery 35113 Snickersville Turnpike, Round Hill goodspiritfarmva.com
28 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com
29 Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com
30 Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com
31 Kalero Vineyard 36140 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro kalerovineyard.com
32 Lost Creek Winery 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg lostcreekwinery.com
33 October One Vineyard 7 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg Octoberonevineyard.com
34 Old Farm Winery
23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie oldfarmwineryhartland.com
35 Otium Cellars
18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com
36 Stone Tower Winery
19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg stonetowerwinery.com
37 Sunset Hills Vineyard
38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com
38 Terra Nebulo
39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.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 Black Hoof Brewing Company 11 South King St., Leesburg blackhoofbrewing.com
5 Black Walnut Brewery 210 S. King St., Leesburg blackwalnutbrewery.com
6 Crooked Run Fermentations Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com
7 Crooked Run Fermentations Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com
8 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com
9 Dynasty Brewing Company 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.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
39 Three Creeks Winery 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton 3creekswinery.com
40 Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com
41 Village Winery 40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com
42 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com
43 The Wine Reserve at Waterford 38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com
BREWERIES
10 Eleven Eleven Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.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
44 Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com
45 Williams Gap Vineyards 35785 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill williamsgavineyard.com
46 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 Route 7 Brewing 20051 Riverside Commons PL, Ashburn route7brewing
23 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com
24 Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling greatamericanrestaurants.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
CIDERIES MEADERIES
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. Defiance Cider Barn
495 E. Washington St., Middleburg mtdefiance.com
4 Wild Hare Hard Cider Cabin 106 South St., Leesburg wildharecider.com
1 Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com
TASTE
Zarou Expands Spanky’s Brand with Pizza Offering
BY NORMAN K. STYER
Second-generation Loudoun restaurateur Azmi Zarou is bringing a new offering to Leesburg’s pizza scene.
Spanky’s Pizza and Subs began its soft opening rollout over the Thanksgiving holiday after a complete renovation of the space at 62 Plaza St.
Zarou hopes to offer high quality pizza while also creating a family-oriented dining experience—both hallmarks of the foundational family business started by his father in 1974.
For more than a decade, Uncle Abe’s was the go-to destination for pizza in Loudoun County and a regular gathering spot for youth and families.
Ramzi Zarou, an immigrant from Ramallah in the West Bank, first settled in Long Island, NY, and opened a deli in a sketchy Freeport neighborhood. After being held up too many times, he sold the
business to other family members and moved with his wife and four kids to Leesburg.
Azmi and his siblings worked in the restaurant growing up, but it wasn’t their father’s intention that they continue in the industry.
“My dad begged me not to do it from day one,” Zarou said, noting that his father pushed for him to go to college.
That course changed after Ramzi’s heart attack in 1986, prompting him to sell the business. The college plans became more challenging, but he cashed in his life insurance and divided it among his four children.
Zarou used the money and his savings to open the Shenandoah Deli in 1992 in the county government’s Shenandoah office building. Later, he opened Manhattan Pizza and Del Rio. Then he bought Spanky’s Shenanigans, building it into one of Leesburg’s most popular dining and nightlife spots. Twelve years ago, he opened Rocco’s Pizza in the same Plaza Street space, but sold it during the pandemic to focus on Spanky’s.
Earlier this year, he was offered the opportunity to buy Rocco’s back. That presented the opportunity
Photo by Norman K. Styer
Azmi Zarou and Anibal Fernandez opened Spanky’s Pizza & Subs on Plaza Street in Leesburg.
DOUBLE X ARCHERY
Northern Virginia’s Premiere Archery Pro Shop and Indoor Range ARCHERY SERVICES - LESSONS - RENTALS
500 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 540-206-0041 doublexarchery.com
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
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 fields.
17195 Southern Planter Lane Leesburg, VA 20176 703-777-2414 • morvenpark.org
TASTE FROM PAGE 12
for the new venture.
“I was sitting at home and I couldn’t get a good pizza delivered,” Zarou said. While he’s a fan of several of Leesburg’s established pizza shops, the lack of delivery options and the high prices spurred the creation of a new business plan. “That kind of infuriated me a little bit. I’m going to provide a great product and a great price. That was the real motivation behind it.”
And he’ll offer delivery from the shop.
In addition to the extensive renovation, Zarou and business partner Anibal Fernandez, a former Rocco’s manager who will oversee the operations, have spent months developing the menu. That included a trip to a New Jersey pizza convention to get the right crust and blend of top-shelf spices
“I think our steak and cheese is going to be really, really good, and the pizza has a different, unique style with a thinner crust,” Zarou said. “It’s not going to be pizza that gets you get really bogged down. It’s just a good dough. It’s a good quality product. You don’t feel like any acidity afterwards. You don’t get weighed down.”
Another goal will be to bring back some of the Uncle Abe’s vibe Loudoun old-timers remember.
“Obviously, everybody talks about the food still today,” Zarou said. “But more than that it was how families really got together. Would I love to create that same family atmosphere my dad did 30 years ago, of course. That was the best feeling in the world, and that was my best time of my life.”
Beyond support for school spirit nights, youth groups and first responders, Zarou is planning programs to engage with the youth and help families build connections.
“I want to do some really cool interactive stuff with the kids, and keep kids off their phones and bring families back together,” he said.
After decades managing the challenges of the industry, Zarou’s children are now where he was 30 years ago. Will there a third generation of restaurant entrepreneurs?
“It’s in my blood I know,” he said, “but now I’m doing exactly what my dad did to me. I’m telling my son, don’t even think about.”
Spanky’s Pizza and Subs is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at spankyspizza.com
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 • fordsfishshack.com Lansdowne-19308 Promenade Dr., Leesburg, VA 20176 (571) 333-1301 • fordsfishshack.com
COMING THIS SPRING
South Riding 25411 Eastern Markplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 20152
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 fine-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 fine 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
ARTS
The Textures of Sharon West
BY KATIANA DAWN
During the pandemic, Sharon West walked away from an unfulfilling marketing job and pursued her passion for art fulltime. The talented palette knife painter hasn’t looked back.
West was born in New York to a military father and artist mother, the experiences provided her with a lifetime of colorful, abstract, feeling art.
West is mostly a self-taught artist with lessons carried from her mother and relatives as well as individual courses.
“One of the things I like to tell people is that I didn’t know you could actually have a career in something that was so much fun,” West said, referring to not getting traditional schooling in art. Instead of that path she spent almost 30 years in marketing.
“It wasn’t really what I truly enjoyed, but then I decided to pursue art. I felt like I was really in the right place, where I needed to be,” she said.
Much of the West’s exploration has been working with a multiplicity of mediums, discovering how to manipulate them in search of one specific quality that stands out in all of her work.
“I’ve used building materials. I’ve used spackle. I’ve used all different sorts of compounds, and it took me a while to figure out which products would create the end result I really love so much, the extreme texture.”
Texture is a powerful tool an artist can use to create depth, three dimensionality, and immediately get the viewers’ attention.
Many of West’s inspirations come from her experience traveling the world, seeing special buildings and landscapes and experiencing nature in a way that few are truly able to.
“I like to capture the beauty of landscapes and nature on canvas ... a lot of people just want to reach out and touch it because it has such a tactile quality. Some people even say they want to eat it because some of it looks like icing,” she said.
West describes her work as sculptural nature and reinforces an idea of art being more about the experience than the necessary realism of it.
One of her favorite pieces is “Iris Serenade.”
“It has such a strong tactile quality to it and I just love the greens and the purples and the little touches of pink and blue and all that,” she said. “I like to be able to look into the distance as well. I like to bring the viewer very close up on the flowers, then draw the eyes farther back down to see the water, the forest.”
She values to impact art can have on the community.
“I think it takes people away. You know when you look at a piece of art you can just sort of be transported even just temporarily to a beautiful place that makes you feel happy, and makes you feel relaxed. It might just give you a break from whatever worries might be on your mind at that moment,” she said. “People really respond to color and texture and it just gives you sort of a happy, peaceful feeling or at least that’s what I hope my art does. I think it helps communities
Photo by Katiana Dawn Purcellville artist Sharon West embraced her passion for art to embark on a rewarding new career.
HAPPENINGS
LEESBURG WALKING TOUR
A Walk Back in Time: Touring 18th Century Leesburg
A new digital experience created by Thomas Balch Library helps visitors experience elements Leesburg’s historic district during the 18th century.
Users can take a self-guided walking tour that uses a GIS system to show what the town would have looked like during the American Revolution. A revised 1759 map shows the town’s original layout in 70 lots divided by three north-south streets and four east-west streets.
Stops include the Donaldson Silversmith Cabin, the William Baker House, and the historic crossroad at the intersection of Loudoun and South King Street. The tour includes details of early structures and ends at the Loudoun County Court House, where the original of John Hough’s map is in the Historic Court Records Division of Loudoun County Circuit Court.
“This story map is a great tool for anyone who is curious about what Leesburg was like in the
18th century,” Library Director Laura Christiansen stated. “Users can explore some of the buildings and structures from that time period, which are still in use today. They can also learn a bit about what life was like for local residents before the American Revolution.”
The Explore 18th Century Leesburg: A Self-Guided Walking Tour is available at arcg.is/0TH8vz.
The town also offers downtown walking tours on its Tour Leesburg app launched in 2017. The free app is available in the App Store and Google Play. A website version is available at townleesburg. stqry.app.
ST. JAMES OFFERS ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIR
St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg is bringing back its Alternative Gift Fair for this holiday season, providing the community the opportunity to spread even more joy with their holiday shopping.
The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.
At the gift fair, shoppers can enjoy live holiday music, free cookies and hot chocolate—and may make donations to any of 10 participating nonprofits. With each donation, shoppers receive a card created by parishioners to display or give
Harvest to Bottle: Chrysalis Releases First Taste of 2024
The harvest was completed just weeks ago, but wine lovers are getting their first taste of this year’s grapes starting with Chrysalis Vineyards’ 2024 Norton Nouveau.
The winery says it is the first Beaujolais Nouveau-style wine to be made in Virginia and was
TEXTURES OF WEST FROM PAGE 16
come together, it’s really just more about giving people a good feeling so that they can enjoy their day.”
West encourages others to take the risk to do what brings them joy, and not feel trapped in an unfulfilling career.
“I would just encourage anyone that’s considering starting art in general to embrace it. One thing about my art is there’s nothing perfect about it, as a matter of fact, it’s all imperfect. It’s more about feeling and creating an experience for the viewer,” she said.
the first 2024 vintage to be released in the state.
Attributed to winemakers in Beaujolais, France, Beaujolais Nouveau is traditionally made with the Gamay grapes that are put through carbonic maceration. The process involves whole grape clusters being held in an anaerobic environment to trigger an enzymatic reaction that converts malic acid into alcohol. The resulting fresh and fruity wine is commonly served around the holidays in the same year it is produced.
Chrysalis’ Norton Nouveau is made from grapes that were harvested on Oct. 10 and bottled just five weeks later. The wine is described as having “notes of red plum, figs, and lavender along with flavors of blueberries, morello cherries, with the classic Beaujolais bubblegum character.”
Chrysalis owner Jennifer McCloud and winemaker Jake Blodinger will unveil the wine during a ticketed release party in late November and are now offering it in their Aldie-area tasting room.
Learn more at chrysaliswine.com.
“My art is not photorealistic. It’s impressionistic,” she said. “Even though my trees are gnarly and don’t look exactly like photo-realistic trees, you still know what it is. Same with my flowers— sometimes they’re a little bit abstract, but you look at it and you see that blob of pink paint and you know it’s a flower,” West said. “I would encourage people to embrace their inner artist because it’s a very joyful profession to be in.”
West’s award-winning art is featured in downtown Leesburg at Global Local Market and will be included in the upcoming Winter 2024 Capital Arts and Craft Festival taking place Dec. 13-15 at the Dulles Expo Center.
Learn more at sharonwestneart.com
Contributed
A cluster of Norton grapes at Chrysalis Vineyards before the October harvest.
GETOUT Best Bets
12.2024
12.08
TAB BENOIT
Sunday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
The Grammy-nominated delta blues guitar master returns to Leesburg with Texas bluesman Jesse Dayton opening.
12.13
ERIC BYRD TRIO
Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Franklin Park Arts Center franklinparkartscenter.org
Continuing a holiday tradition, the Frederick, MD-based jazz trio performs the soundtrack from the iconic cartoon “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
HAPPENINGS FROM PAGE 17
as a gift.
Representatives from the participating organizations will be in attendance to speak with shoppers about the impacts of their donations. This year’s participants are A Farm Less Ordinary, Arts for All, The Arc of Loudoun, Crossroads Jobs, Education Con Amor, Grace to Go, Loudoun Free Clinic, Loudoun Hunger Relief, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Mobile Hope, and St. James’ Preschool.
The St. James Episcopal Church is located at 20 Cornwall St. NW.
YOUTH BATTLE OF THE BANDS BEGINS
The opening round of Loudoun Youth’s Battle of the Bands will be held Dec. 13 at Cascades Overlook Events Center.
The event, starting at 6 p.m., launches a threemonth competition that culminates in a final battle March 14 on the Tally Ho Theater stage.
12.14
JOE MULLINS AND THE RADIO RAMBLERS
Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org
Renowned as a musician and broadcaster, Mullins brings Scruggs-style banjo picking and his soaring tenor to the old schoolhouse stage.
12.31
THE REAGAN YEARS
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Welcome 2025 with a New Year’s Eve party that celebrates the best of the ‘80s.
Organized by Loudoun Youth Inc., the program provides middle school and high school youth bands and soloists with a free opportunity to perform in front of their peers and compete for $900 in cash prizes, studio recording time, and private lessons with professional songwriters. During each of the three preliminary battles, first place, second place, fan favorite, and soloist winners will advance to slots in the final battle.
Learn more at loudoun.gov/teens.
GUIDED HIKE AT BANSHEE REEKS
Families are invited to the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on Sunday, Dec. 15 for a guided winter walk through the woods with a master naturalist—followed by a hot chocolate warm up.
The monthly program is part of the global 1000 Hours Outside guided hike Series.
Participants should gather at the visitors center before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Learn more at bit. ly/BansheePrograms.
