leesburg, va | october 2017
Ahhhhh, anniversary trips are so much fun. Especially when they're to little towns nestled in beautiful settings that are full of wine, beer, and tasty food! My only regret? I left my nice camera at home and had to make do with my iPhone.
(special thanks to our amazing neighbors Jamie & Alyx for the recommendation!)
where to stay in leesburg
The Man Friend and I usually steer clear of "shared space" AirBnb rentals, but this super cute basement apartment was too cute to pass up. Nestled about 15 from downtown Leesburg, Brian and Kate's adorable house sits in a beautifully wooded area within driving distance of breweries, wineries, and restaurants. It was wonderfully peaceful and nicely accommodating - they left us a great bottle of wine and farm fresh eggs from their chickens and ducks. They also sweetly allowed us to bring the dogs with us - we all had a great time!
view from our back door
hello, sunshine
tucker didn't want to be in the picture
where to eat in leesburg
delirium café usa | 101 south king street
When our original plan turned south (ummmm, we may or may not have been completely and totally underdressed), the Man Friend and I walked down to Delirium - also known as the sister bar of the one and only Belgian bar. It was our anniversary, so we decided to do it up right - with beer and appetizers. The house made soft pretzels with spicy mustard and the truffle fries were out of this world good. We also ordered the peppercorn and rosemary mussels, though I think we ordered incorrectly - I think we're more garlic and butter people. The service was fantastic and the beer list was mind-boggling. They even had house-infused gins (though I'm not a gin drinker)
shoes cups and cork | 17 north king street
On Friday around 11am, we finally made it out of bed and wandered into town. Shoes Cups and Cork was recommended by our hosts and it didn't disappoint! Again, I totally ordered lunch off of the appetizer menu (I really can't help myself). The Man Friend and I split the pita bread and hummus platter. The dip had a really interesting flavor to it - almost mustardy - which was different but good. I loaded up on the Brussels sprouts and bocce balls (their version of meatballs) and the Man Friend opted for a dainty grilled chicken, brie, and bacon brioche panini. I'm honestly not sure how we managed to drink the rest of the day after our meals.
where to drink beer in leesburg
black hoof brewing company | 11 south king street
After our delicious lunch at Shoes, we walked about a half a block before stopping into Black Hoof. Since we were so full, we behaved and split a flight. Though the patrons and staff were friendly (even though one bartender kept dogging on Pittsburgh), the beers were nothing to write home about. The oatmeal stout was drinkable but one of the beers (either the IPA or the Rauchbier) just tasted off. Even my beer lovin' Man Friend didn't want to finish it.
loudoun brewing company | 310 e market street
Drinking early in the day means you're the only one at the bar. Which is fine by me. We chatted with the bartender, who was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The taps switch out frequently, so everything is always fresh at Loudoun. The big winners of the afternoon were the European Holiday (French saison) and the Down Eastern (New England-style IPA). This place was my favorite of the three breweries we visiting, as far as the beers went.
vanish farmwoods brewery | 42264 leelynne farm lane
Located just down the road from our AirBnB, Vanish is incredibly haunting and
ghostly gatherings at vanish
where to drink wine in leesburg
lost creek winery | 43285 spinks ferry road
Beautiful landscaping surrounds this restaurant, vineyard, and tasting room. Surprisingly enough 90-95% of the grapes are estate-grown...and Virginia has some pretty damn good wine. The rosé, which I am admittedly too snobby to drink, was delicious - most likely because it's 7% Merlot. The 2014 Chardonnay was surprisingly crisp and acidic, though its Reserve counterpart was way too buttery and oaked for my liking. The Man Friend and I were full from breakfast and were disappointed not to have eaten at Lost Creek, though we did same three truffles - salted caramel, espresso, and smoky salted bacon (don't judge me).
zephaniah farm vineyard | 19381 dunlop mill road
Far and away my favorite tasting room ever, Zephaniah is actually situated on a working farm and the farmhouse tasting room is the owner's personal residence. Served "family style," complete strangers sit together at large wooden tables or in the library (where we were) to compare notes on their estate grown blends. Each wine is named after a family member, many of whom were seafaring folk. The Man Friend and I enjoyed the blends so much we bough six bottles - two each of the Steamship White Blend (crisp and refreshing), Cabernet Franc (normally a "blender" wine in California, but delicious on its own in Virginia), and the Chambourcin (a spicy, easy-drinking French varietal). Do NOT miss out on this place.
willowcroft farm vineyards | 38906 mt gilead road
While in a lovely location down winding, tree-line backroads, the Willowcroft tasting room was absolutely slammed. Though the wines were okay (the Petit Verdot was the best), the experience felt hurried and impersonal. I imagine on a slower weekend it might have been more enjoyable but...it was the indicator that it was time to head on home.
zephaniah farmhouse
