Travel: A Northern Virginia Getaway

A Northern Virginia Adventure in Leesburg

By Nicole Pensiero

We were looking for a three-night getaway. Someplace beautiful, someplace new. We initially chose Virginia – Leesburg, to be specific – for its easy proximity to New Jersey, and for the luxurious hotel that captured our attention: the Lansdowne Resort. It seemed to have everything we’d need for some much-needed R&R: great dining options, three swimming pools and, most importantly, a spa. (It’s also a popular place for golf, with 2.5 courses on its 500-acres).

There was so much to choose from within its secluded grounds that it would have been easy to stay on the property our entire stay. But the Lansdowne was also a perfect jumping-off spot for exploring everything from nearby wineries and waterfalls to fun boutiques and eateries.

After checking in to our room – which provided an amazing view of one of the golf courses and a bit of the Potomac River – we settled in at the largest of the resort’s three outdoor pools.

Located just 30 miles outside of Washington D.C., the Lansdowne is popular for conferences, weddings and “regular” vacations. We enjoyed dinner Piedmont’s, the Lansdowne’s gourmet restaurant overlooking the 7,332-yard, par-72 Greg Norman Golf Course. Open to hotel guests and to golf club members, dining at Piedmont’s was a stellar experience, from the sweet and savory corn chowder to rib house steaks and seafood delicacies. We also enjoyed two excellent buffet breakfasts at the resort’s Riverside Hearth.

A highlight of our stay at the Lansdowne was undoubtedly a visit to its Spa Minerale, which is open to both hotel guests and the public. There is an extensive array of services offered, including a deep tissue massage (which I loved) and a variety of facials.

The holidays are especially popular at the Lansdowne and the resort will again feature its popular Breakfast with Santa events each Saturday in December. There’s also the back-by-demand Igloo Dining on the Terrace from November to March. Guests can enjoy an evening meal in the warmth of their own outdoor heated igloo. (Year round, guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores on the terrace as well; the minimal cost of the s’mores kit was well worth the experience).

Some other ideas for a visit to Northern Virginia:

• Check out the many wineries Loudoun County, Va. Since Willowcroft Farm Vineyards barreled its first wine more than 30 years ago, the region has flourished with varietals like Chardonnay, Viognier, and Bordeaux blends, alongside Spanish-style Albariño and Norton, Virginia’s own grape. We enjoyed a relaxed tour and wine-tasting at the popular Stone Tower Winery, which has two tasting rooms, both of which offer the same fine wines and views. The Harvest Barn – the original tasting room that opened in 2013 -- is family and pet-friendly and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The newer, and adult-only tasting room, is called Tower View. Both rooms offer a wide array of food choices, from charcuterie boards to pizza.

• Visit the breathtaking Great Falls Park in nearby McLean, Va. Operated by the National Park Service, and closed only on Christmas Day, this is a photo-perfect destination. Only 15 miles from Washington D.C., this 800-acre park offers a dramatic view of the Potomac River falling over a series of steep, jagged rocks at the narrow Mather Gorge.
• Check out downtown Leesburg, a charming, step-back-in-time place. With a collection of historic buildings dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its “hub” is centered around the original court square. There are many fun and funky stores and boutiques along the main street.
###liHotel Burg. From there, it was on to another new and buzz-worthy eatery, Shutters on King, housed in a massive former antiques store. With its exposed brick falls, wood floors and stone fireplaces, there was a surprisingly intimate feel to the place. And the food – ranging from small plates to full meals, with seafood a popular favorite -- fabulous, too.
• Don’t forget the pie! Located at an intersection in downtown Leesburg, you’ll find Mom’s Apple Pie Company in what was originally a 1930s gas station. A tradition for locals and visitors, you can enjoy full pies, or just take a slice for the road.

Northern Virginia was not only easy to get to, but easy to fall in love with. We’ll be back. For more information about the region, visit: www.northernva.org

Nicole Pensiero is a New Jersey-based writer and a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA).