Loudoun Now
OCTOBER 2026
LAND TRUST OF VIRGINIA PRESENTS
Sunday, October 11, 2026 3:30 - Sunset | Middleburg, VA Join Land Trust of Virginia for our 6th Annual Sunset in the Field, an unforgettable fall afternoon on one of Loudoun's most scenic historic properties. Enjoy live bluegrass, local BBQ, Virginia wine, and a sunset that reminds us all why conservation matters. This year's event features the iconic The Seldom Scene, a must-hear for bluegrass lovers. Tickets are limited.
Learn more and get tickets at landtrustva.org/events
Everybody in the ’pool!
Let us help you find a carpool or vanpool. It’s time to start carpooling or vanpooling to work! We can help. Just go to our website, set up your account, and we’ll match you with fellow commuters who have a similar schedule and location. Get started at Loudoun.gov/commute.
Let’s Get You Where You Need to Go. 2
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Inside: GET OUT LOUDOUN Get Out Loudoun is distributed monthly to entertainment, tourism, & hospitality venues throughout Loudoun County. For the latest news on the music & arts scene and other community events, go to getoutloudoun.com.
CONTRIBUTORS Hanna Bloom
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OUTDOORS
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Noman K. Styer Designed by Libby Pinner TO ADVERTISE Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com getoutloudoun.com
OCTOBER 2026
Visitors to this month’s exhibit at Gallery One may see some familiar scenes and faces among the paintings by Jordan Xu.
Morven Park’s equestrian center serves as the finish line for the year-long competition among America’s top eventing riders. You can watch as they compete for $200,000 in prize money.
Got a sweet tooth? Two new shops in downtown Leesburg are offering fresh-made treats.
Are you ready for a more challenging or more memorable walk in the woods? David Manning wants to use his extensive hiking experience to create one for you.
Get Out Loudoun’s top picks for October.
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A 2026 LOUDOUN COUNTY VISITOR PROFILE STUDY COMMISSIONED BY VISIT LOUDOUN AND CONDUCTED BY FUTURE PARTNERS IDENTIFIED FIVE DISTINCT “TRAVELER TYPES” THAT SHAPE LOUDOUN’S TOURISM ECONOMY. BETWEEN STORIES OF LOCALS AND THEIR LOVE FOR LOUDOUN, THIS MONTHLY COLUMN
WHY I LOVE LOUDOUN:
WILL HELP YOU EXPLORE THE COUNTY THROUGH THE EYES OF THOSE PERSONALITIES.
Neal Wavra BY DOUGLAS ROGERS
Favorite event in Loudoun to go to?
Visit Loudoun
The Loudoun Wine Awards gala, of course!
ctober is Virginia Wine Month and on Friday, Oct. 23 the annual Loudoun Wine Awards will take place at Lansdowne Resort. We asked Competition Director Neal Wavra, chef-owner of the acclaimed Field & Main restaurant in Marshall, Fauquier Co., what he loves about Loudoun and its wine.
What’s a fun fact to share about Loudoun?
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Favorite place to eat? I most frequent Fireworks Pizza and Melt, but I enjoy Tremolo and am looking forward to trying Restaurant Foraged at Patowmack Farm. Favorite place for a glass of wine? Tremolo in Middleburg and Lost Creek Winery’s Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg. At Tremolo, I had a revelatory glass of Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf-du-Pape. My favorite glass at Echelon is Lost Creek’s eponymous “Echelon” red blend. What’s a must-see place for an out-of-town visitor?
Middleburg—a charming spot for its culture and history.
The 18th-century village of Waterford is a designated National Historic Landmark – its Quaker-built Federal and Georgian architecture has barely changed since the 1700s. How long have you been competition director of the wine awards and how has the quality of wines changed in that time? I have served as director for 10 years. In recent years, the competition’s focus on wine made entirely from Loudoun fruit has produced more distinctive, compelling wines that better tell the story of the county. This year’s entries earned the highest scores in the competition’s history and demonstrated an exciting breadth of quality. What aspect of Loudoun’s wine scene makes it distinct from other regions? Proximity to Washington DC, the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the collective effort of the growers and winemakers to better exCONTINUED ON
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press this unique place in the world. What grape varietals are most suited to Loudoun? The competition has always recognized Cabernet Franc and Viognier. In recent years Albariño and Petit Manseng have been well received. Bordeaux blends that feature higher percentages of Petit Verdot and Cab Franc set them apart from others in the world.
reception and dynamic winemaking; Williams Gap Vineyard for its compelling whites and reds, October One Vineyard for mountain fruit. What are your favorite food and wine movies? The “Taste of Things,” “Water for Chocolate” and “Drops of God,” a series on Apple TV. What region or country is Loudoun wine and terroir most similar to?
At this year’s competition what varietal really This is a meaningful and challenging question punched above its weight? because it depends on what is being compared, Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux Blends were defi- but I see similarities to the Loire Valley, France nitely the strongest showing this year. and Hunter Valley in Australia. A French oenophile visits Loudoun. What varietals are you suggesting they try?
How should people in Loudoun celebrate Virginia Wine Month?
Cab Franc, Viognier, Bordeaux blends, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Chenin Blanc, Petit Manseng.
Share a favorite bottle of Virginia wine with someone you care about. Meet friends at one of our spectacularly beautiful wineries. Recognize how drinking wine from the place you live can enrich your life. Oh—and attend the Loudoun Wine Awards.
Which wineries should they visit to get a good idea of the variety of Loudoun wine? That’s hard. I could recommend so many. But a sample would be Breaux Vineyards for its history; Stone Tower Winery for its beauty and grandeur; Boxwood Estate Winery for its Bordeaux connection; Walsh Family Wine for its wonderful
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Exhibit:
A Musical Story in the Journey of Life Dynamic Trio by Jordan Xu
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he Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services are presenting “A Musical Story in the Journey of Life,” a solo exhibition by Jordan Xu at the County Government Center. Born in China, Xu immigrated to the United States as a child. He embarked on an artistic career in 2002 when he enrolled in classes at The Art League in Alexandria, studying portraiture with Danni Dawson and still life painting with Kurt Schwarz. Both teachers deeply impacted his creative direction. Dawson’s emphasis on rendering human emotions inspired Xu to specialize in figural scenes, while Schwarz’s enjoyment of folk music stimulated Xu’s own interest in this genre. Over the next two decades, Xu developed his own style of painting that he dubs 6
“classical realism,” which combines Caravaggio’s dramatic use of light and shadows with John Singer Sargent’s talent for capturing the personalities of his sitters. At the same time, Xu indulged his newfound passion for music. He began taking banjo and fiddle lessons, participating in jam sessions with Schwarz, and seeking out performances of old-time Appalachian music. He also grew fascinated with gypsy jazz, a style of Romani music that originated in 1930s Paris. Xu’s ongoing musical self-education has taken him to festivals and music venues all over the world. This exhibition charts Xu’s odyssey as a painter and music aficionado. Many of the pictures feature musicians he either
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knows personally or has seen live. “Fiddlin’ Dave” portrays Dave Van Deventer, Xu’s fiddle instructor and a member of the Loudounbased indie roots band The Woodshedders, while “The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers” shows the group performing in Purcellville. “Jazzy” depicts an individual playing the African kora at a jazz bar in Philadelphia, and “Dynamic Trio” recreates a performance at a brewery near Round Hill.
BRYNE GALLERY FEATURES HARVEST EXHIBIT
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arvest: Celebrating Gatherings and Memories,” is the October exhibition at the Bryne Gallery in Middleburg.
Artist Sandra Iafrate will depict the beauty of the harvest season and the enduring connections between The exhibition will be on display through food, memory, family, Oct. 30 at Gallery One, located in the lobby and place. Her use of the Loudoun County Government Center, of collected materi1 Harrison Street SE in Leesburg. The public als and paint instills The Culture of Vegetables and is invited to view the work Monday through memories of gather- Flowers by Sandra Iafrate Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday ing from seasons past in layered still life and from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. landscapes.
An artist reception will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the government center.
OCTOBER 2026
The exhibit will run through Nov. 1, with an artist’s reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Learn more at thebyrnegallery.com.
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Top Riders Return to Loudoun to Compete for US Eventing Crown Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
its picturesque and challenging cross-country course.
NORMAN K. STYER
nstyer@loudounnow.org
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lympians and World Champion riders will meet in Leesburg this month for the finals of the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing series.
It is the second year for Morven Park to host the prestigious event in which horseand-rider teams compete in dressage, cross country, and show jumping over three days. The event also offers spectators a close-up view of the nation’s top equestrians, with free admission throughout the Oct. 8-11 weekend. It’s an exciting time for the staff at Morven Park, which over the past 53 years has developed an international reputation for the quality of its equestrian facilities, including 8
Executive Director Stacey Metcalfe said last year’s event—Morven Park’s first time hosting the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing series—drew great reviews. “What I love the most is that the athletes— the equestrians—they all shared how absolutely wonderful Morven Park was, and that it was one of the best venues, not only in the United States but also in the world,” she said. “That’s our hometown. That’s Loudoun County.” Metcalfe said the venue’s East Coast location is a plus for the series, but the broader community adds a lot to the experience for the competitors.
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pared to a triathlon. Over the course of the weekend, each will be scored in dressage, showcasing the partnership of horses and athletes through a sequence of prescribed movements on the flat; cross-country, a test of endurance for the combinations as they navigate a series of solid obstacles, which are both large and technically complex, over varied terrain; and show jumping, with the teams demonstrating precision and speed as they clear a course of set fences in an arena setting. Metcalfe describes cross-country as the most nail-biting part of the event. “I just think it’s fascinating. It’s speed. It’s bravery. It’s how the equestrian and their horse DESTINATIONS CONTINUED ON 10 Elizabeth Pinner/Loudoun Now
“They were loving it. They also love the fact that we are a venue that is surrounded by the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County because there are so many things to do when they’re not competing. They can go downtown and all of that. So they really like that, too,” she said. The top-tier riders arrive in Leesburg after a season of 20 eventing competitions starting a year ago to qualify for the finals event with $200,000 in prize money on the line. But the field of more than 200 entries isn’t limited to Four Star-level entrants. The event also is a showcase for riders from introductory level and above competing in their own divisions. Eventing challenges riders and horses in three distinct disciplines and is often comOCTOBER 2026
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Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
navigate across this property and doing those jumps with a thousand-pound animal running around,” she said. “It’s how you hit the jumps and the fences. It’s just fascinating. I love it.” But it is a three-day competition, and the final outcome will likely be decided on Sunday in the show jumping arena. “Like they always say, it comes down to like the last hole. Last year, that’s what happened. We had our leader going in, and then his horse dropped a pole, and then the next, and ended in second place,” Metcalfe said. Four-time U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin of Cochranville, 10
PA, took the crown. Martin is returning to defend his title and will be joined by fellow Olympians Will Coleman, Caroline Pamukcu and Lauren Nicholson in the field. Through it all, spectators will be close to the action, watching the graceful moves in the dressage and show jumping arenas and feeling the pounding of hooves as horses race around the cross-country course. Patrons with VIP tickets can reserve special tailgate locations. Metcalfe emphasizes that the event isn’t just DESTINATIONS CONTINUED ON 11
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for experienced equine sports enthusiasts. “That’s something that we really want people to understand. Sometimes people think like, ‘Oh, I don’t know about that sport and everything,’” she said. “Come out, watch it, get into the flow. It’s just fun. It’s a triathlon of equestrian sport.” There also will be an on-site vendor village and offerings from local food trucks. Elizabeth Pinner/Loudoun Now
Dressage judging will be held Thursday and Friday. Show jumping and cross-country runs will be held on Saturday. Sunday will include horse inspections, cross-country, and the show jumping finals. For details, and the full schedule, go to morvenpark.org.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
October 16-17-18
The mid-Atlantic’s most celebrated vintage market, showcasing over 200 of the finest “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast!
Elizabeth Pinner/Loudoun Now
OCTOBER 2026
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WINERIES 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 Boxwood Estate Winery 2042 Burrland Rd., Middleburg boxwoodwinery.com 8 Breaux Vineyards 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Hillsboro breauxvineyards.com 9 Bozzo Family Vineyards 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro bozwines.com 10 Cana Vineyards of Middleburg 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg canavineyards.com 11 Carriage House Wineworks 40817 Brown Lane, Waterford chwwinery.com
12 Casanel Vineyards
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17952 Canby Rd., Leesburg casanelvineyards.com 13 Chrysalis Vineyards 39025 Little River Turnpike, Aldie chrysaliswine.com 14 Corcoran Vineyards & Cider 14635 Corkys Farm Ln., Waterford corcoranvineyards.com 15 Creek’s Edge Winery 41255 Annas Ln., Lovettsville creeksedgewinery.com 16 Domaine Fortier Vineyards 13235 Miltown Road, Lovettsville domainefortier.com 17 Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com 18 Droumavalla Farm Winery 14980 Limestone School Rd., Lucketts droumavalla.com 19 Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 15100 Harrison Hill Lane, Leesburg eagletreevineyards.com 20 Endhardt Vineyards 19600 Lincoln Road, Purcellville endhardtvineyards.com 21 Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com 22 Farm de Vine 15960 Short Hill Road, Hillsboro farmdevine.com
Indicates Wineries that also offer beers
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23 Firefly Cellars
40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton fireflycellars.com 24 Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com 25 Good Spirit Farm Winery 35113 Snickersville Turnpike, Round Hill goodspiritfarmva.com 26 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com 27 Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com 28 Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com 29 Hope Flower Farm & Winery 40905 Stumptown Road, Waterford hopeflowerfarm.com 30 Kalero Vineyard 36140 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro kalerovineyard.com 31 October One Vineyard 7 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg Octoberonevineyard.com 32 Old Farm Winery 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie oldfarmwineryhartland.com 33 Otium Cellars 18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com
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34 Petit Domaines
38 Three Creeks Winery
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 Crooked Run Fermentations Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com 6 Crooked Run Fermentations Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com 7 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com 8 Dynasty Brewing Company 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.com 9 Eleven Eleven Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.com 10 Flying Ace Farm 40950 Flying Ace Ln, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com
11 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com 12 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro harvestgap.com 13 Honor Brewing Company 42604 Trade West Dr., Sterling honorbrewing.com 14 Lark Brewing Co. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie larkbrewingco.com
37938 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville thepetitdomaine.com 35 Stone Tower Winery 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg stonetowerwinery.com 36 Sunset Hills Vineyard 38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com 37 Terra Nebulo 39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.com
BREWERY & WINERY 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
18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton 3creekswinery.com 39 Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com 40 Village Winery 40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com 41 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com
BREWERIES
15 Loco Lion
36577 Hesketts Lane, Hillsboro locolion.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 19 Ocelot Brewing Company 23600 Overland Dr., #180, Dulles ocelotbrewing.com 20 Old 690 Brewing Company 15670 Ashbury Church Rd., Hillsboro old690.com
CIDERIES 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
42 The Wine Reserve at Waterford
38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com 43 Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com 44 Williams Gap Vineyards 35785 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill williamsgavineyard.com 45 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg zephwine.com
21 Route 7 Brewing
20051 Riverside Commons PL, Ashburn route7brewing 22 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com
23 Stockyard Brewery
12428 Mountain Road, Lovettsville stockyardbrewery.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
28 Whites Ferry Brewery
42484 Whites Ferry Rd. Leesburg, Va. whitesferrymanor.com
DISTILLERIES 1 Catoctin Creek Distillery 120 W. Main St. Purcellville catoctincreekdistilling.com 2 Cool Spring Distilling
37871 Nicewarner Lane, Lovettsville coolspringdistillery.com
3 Flying Ace Farm
40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com
4 Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg mtdefiance.com
MEADERIES 1 Stonehouse Meadery
36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com
OCTOBER 2026 2026 OCTOBER
GET OUT OUT LOUDOUN LOUDOUN by by LOUDOUN LOUDOUN NOW NOW GET
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DOWNTOWN LEESBURG, ALREADY A DESTINATION FOR THOSE SEEKING SPECIAL TREATS LIKE MOCATINAS’ MACARONS OR A SOFT-SERVE CONE AT GRUTO’S, IS BECOMING EVEN SWEETER WITH THE OPENING OF TWO NEW CRAFT CONFECTIONARY SHOPS.
European sipping chocolates, Danish pancakes The Chocolate with a variety of sweet and savory toppings, and signature hand-crafted desserts. Palette: Treats Army wife honed her treat-making skills with European Flair The during gathers with other military families while on assignment at stations around the world.
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org
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fter years of selling her treats at farmers markets and seasonal pop-ups, chocolatier Cheryl June last month celebrated the opening of her new shop on Loudoun Street in downtown Leesburg.
“Our families would get together and I would be the one to bring the desserts. That was the request,” she said. “I started doing sipping chocolates at Christmas time, and they really liked it and they encouraged me to do that as a business.” When her family moved back stateside in
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Below: The Chocolate Palette owner Cheryl June pours a freshly made Italian Job sipping chocolate.
2017, she gave it a go, starting with selling sipping chocolates and Danish pancakes at the Purcellville farmers market. Then she took over Gruto’s Main Street space for four seasons when the Purcellville ice cream shop closed during the winter. More recently, she sold treats at the nonprofit SimplyBe coffee shop where she served as manager. But she kept an eye out for a place of her own. The opportunity turned up in a storefront at 212A Loudoun St. SE with a supportive landlord, Mom’s Apple Pie owner Avis Renshaw. “I think it’s been a long time in preparation and thinking about what I wanted and how I was going to work the business model. Then it was just a matter of finding the right space,” June said. “It all kind of came into play, and I think it was the Lord’s timing. I just found the right spot.” In the shop, visitors will find a variety of fresh handmade treats, including truffles, tiramisu tarts and chocolate mousse. While OCTOBER 2026
June said all those items are popular, it is the sipping chocolate and Danish pancakes, called aebleskivers, that are specialties. European sipping chocolate is thicker and richer than you would find in your typical cup of cocoa, and higher quality chocolate and sugar are used in the recipes. One style, Aztec Life, even turns the warm concoction up a notch with a touch of cayenne.
The aebleskivers are served with toppings ranging from fresh whipped cream to prosciutto and gruyere cheese. “They’re from Denmark. They’re a spherical pancake and traditionally they’re filled or topped with lemon and powdered sugar,” June said. “I have different toppings that are outside of
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Kilwins: Don’t Miss Out on the Fudge unplug.
HANNA BLOOM
hbloom@loudounnow.org
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he county’s first Kilwins has opened in downtown Leesburg, with the second under construction in Brambleton. Owner Nancy Carter said the shops are her passion project. The store in Leesburg replaced Rouge on King Street and Carter said it’s a space she’s had her eye on for some time. “I just loved the stone front and the big windows and the historic proximity to the courthouse. I just it just said fudge to me,” Carter said.
“I always had a technical background but for my stress relief or for fun, I’ve always done the baking,” Carter said. The Leesburg shop will have a completely different feel than the Brambleton location and Carter said the freedom to create each business separately is something she appreciates about the Kilwins franchise. “This is nostalgic. That one’s going to be very chic,” she said comparing the vibe of the two stores. But while the styles of the shops will differ, Carter said the treats inside will not.
Carter’s background is as a corporate execu- “Kilwins super, super, super tests our recitive, but after tragedy struck her family, she pes, and we’re very protective of them. So whichever place you get your caramel apple, said she was ready for something new. you should have the same product experi“I wasn’t done, but I was done with that,” ence, although maybe a little bit different she said. shopping experience,” she said. Baking has always been a way for her to TASTE CONTINUED ON 17 16
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Above: Kilwins Leesburg location owner Nancy Carter dips chocolate treats in her new shop. Left: The county’s first Kilwins replaced Rouge at 17 S. King Street.
The confectionery offers a variety of sweet treats including chocolates, caramel apples, caramel corn, brittle and ice cream. But Kilwins specialty is its fudge. “Definitely try the fudge,” Carter said. “That’s our claim to fame. I went to fudge school this summer in July up in Mackinaw Island and Petoskey. It was like my dream.” Each item is made from scratch with tightly monitored variables. “There’s really a lot of chemistry. We have these baker’s logs where the temperatures are all noted … we measure the humidity, the temperature, the timing, everything. The weights are very precise,” Carter said. Flavors will change throughout the year. “There’s always something new each season. We just started fall, so this is our s’mores [season]. So, we have a s’mores OCTOBER 2026
sundae, s’mores ice creams, s’mores fudge recipe,” she said. “We’re going to be taking part in the Halloween parade, then Thanksgiving. We’ve got these really cool chocolate turkeys, and then Christmas,” she said. With the Leesburg opening and as construction continues on the Brambleton location, Carter said she’s going to focus on engraining the company into the community and becoming a go-to place for bridal showers or small corporate events. “We’re fine with people bringing their entree food and their paper goods and stuff and then getting our sweet treats or you can just have a dessert party,” she said. There’s a backroom in the shop that will open for events or that can be used for live music during the town’s First Friday events.
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TUNES OUTDOORS
EXPLORING THE BACKCOUNTRY Leesburg Hiker Launches Wilderness Excursion Service
NORMAN K. STYER
nstyer@loudounnow.org
D
avid Manning has spent much of his life hiking through the woods. His new business seeks to take others on their own wilderness journeys. The Leesburg resident launched Square Feet Private Excursions after recently being laid off from his sales job in the tech industry, making what he once envisioned as a side gig into a full-time enterprise. Launching last month, the business offers customized private day hikes, multi-day backpacking excursions, Introduction to Backpacking courses, and executive off-sites. Starting out, the excursions are focused on Shenandoah National Park, where the company operates under a Commercial Use Authorization permit. Manning earned his Eagle Scout rank as a youth and served as an adult scout leader. He also is
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a longtime volunteer with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which manages more than 1,200 miles of trails and nearly 100 cabins and shelters in the region. “I’ve been itching to do this for a bit. So I put a business plan together and looked at my competition, and there really isn’t any in this area, which kind of surprised me. The nearest competitor to doing exactly what I’m doing was down in the Great Smoky Mountains,” Manning said. While there are local guides who offer day hikes, Manning aims to provide more tailored experiences based on the interests of each client. “You can say, ‘Hey, I’m in fantastic shape. I’d love to go out and knock out three mountains or four mountains and give me a good 15-mile rigorous hike’ and then I’d put something together that would work for you,” Manning said. “Or it might just be you want to hit some waterfalls and
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finish up early, have a nice lunch on the trail, and Manning can serve up to eight guests for outgo hit a brewery or a winery on the way home. ings that range from scenic introductions to the Both are completely fine with me.” area’s wilderness areas to more challenging backcountry treks, and multi-day backpacking trips. The market that Manning is hoping to tap into Packages include door-to-trailhead transportawas identified as a growing opportunity in a tion, route planning, high-quality gear, and locally recent Visit Loudoun study. It found a niche of prepared gourmet lunches served trailside. The visitors, described as rural explorers, spend more company also works with hotel and concierge and stay longer as they seek out multi-day expepartners to offer experiences for their guests. riences—whether for a wilderness challenge or simply to reset from the fast pace of life. “We take care of all the logistics so our guests can simply immerse themselves in the restor“I think that one of the opportunities for outative experience of Shenandoah’s backcountry,” door recreation that truly spans the entirety of Manning said. “It is an extraordinary place, and the county, and when you look at the walking, we want people to experience it in a way that hiking, biking opportunities,” Visit Loudoun CEO feels personal rather than packaged. Everything Beth Erickson said. And those opportunities are is designed around the group we’re taking out not just along the Blue Ridge or the Potomac that day.” River, she said, noting the significant trail infrastructure in eastern Loudoun and assets such as The trips begin with another Square Feet spethe 1,000-acre Morven Park property. AdvenOUTDOORS CONTINUED ON 22 ture tourism will be a growing market, she said.
Give Them Something They’ll Remember! SHOWCASE THE EXTRAORDINARY! From luxury and style to dining, travel and unforgettable experiences, showcase what your business has to offer this holiday season. Today’s gift-givers are looking for something special — whether it’s a beautiful piece they’ll treasure, a memorable meal, a luxurious escape, or an experience they’ll talk about long after the holidays. Put your business in front of Loudoun readers searching for gifts that go beyond the ordinary — from luxury and style to dining, wellness, travel and unforgettable experiences— In November's Get Out Loudoun!
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loudoun happenings 10.2026 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATED AT PUEBLO UNIDO DAY EVENT Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month at Pueblo Unido Day, hosted by the Sterling Community Center, on Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly festival invites area residents to experience the traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors at the Sterling Community Center, located at 120 Enterprise St. The program will feature a variety of free activities, including music, dance performances, a petting zoo, and local business and vendor booths. Enjoy traditional Hispanic and Latino foods available for purchase. For more information, go to loudoun.gov/ PuebloUnidoDay. OYSTER RIOT RETURNS TO BOXWOOD WINERY Boxwood Winery near Middleburg will host its sixth annual Local Oyster Riot in the Vineyard on Sunday, Oct. 11. The event will take place in the Vineyard Pavilion, surrounded by the property’s vines, and will feature live music by The Lost Locals. Oysters are from The Seaside Oyster Company. “We are delighted to host this popular annual event in the vineyard again this year,” said Sean Martin, vice president of Boxwood Winery. “It’s such a beautiful spot on our property and gives 20
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guests the opportunity to take in the scenery and enjoy an elevated food experience that complements our award-winning wines.” The menu includes oysters on the half shell from Chincoteague and Cape Charles; grilled oysters with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese and Old Bay seasoning; and a shrimp boil with shrimp, potatoes, sausage and sweet corn. Caviar and Chesapeake Bay blue crab will be available for purchase at the event as optional oyster toppings. Children may enjoy chicken nuggets and French fries with a soft drink. Tickets are $95 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are limited and are available at boxwoodwinery.com/events. CROOKED RUN HOSTS PICKLE & INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL Crooked Run Fermentation and Blue Ridge Pickling are bringing a fall twist to their Pickle & International Food Festival on Oct. 17-18. The festival at Crooked Run’s Sterling location, will bring together some of the region’s most exciting pickle makers, fermented food producers, international food vendors, food trucks, artisans, and local makers for a celebration unlike your typical fall festival. More than 50 vendors will offer specialty pickles, creative fermented foods, fall-inspired dishes, seasonal treats, and unexpected pickle creations. Families can enjoy games, kids’ activities, entertainment, and local shopping, while adults
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Out can explore craft beer, wine, seasonal beverages, and pickle-inspired cocktails. Another key ingredient to the celebration will be Crooked Run’s Pickle-O Sour Ale, brewed with hundreds of pounds of fresh cucumbers, sea salt, and dill. J&J Pizza’s will offer a limited-edition pickle pizza. Learn more at crookedrunfermentation.com. JOSHUA’S HANDS HOLDS FALL FESTIVAL Joshua’s Hands will hold its annual fall festival Saturday, Oct. 17 at Walnut Creek Farm. The nonprofit was created in memory of Joshua Guthrie who died in a car crash at age 16. The organization promotes volunteerism, teen safe driving, and scholarships. The event includes a spelling bee, live entertainment, hayrides, crafts, demonstrations, American trivia, music bingo, a petting farm, an obstacle course and more. The farm is located at 39550 Meadowland Dr. near Hamilton. Learn more at joshuashands.org. EXPLORE LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING CELEBRATE PURCELLVILLE Join the Town of Purcellville and the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the annual Celebrate Purcellville event Oct. 10-17. The event kicks off Saturday, Oct. 10 with the town-wide tag sale featuring antiques, furniture, collectibles, and more. All during the week a passport program will to encourage residents and visitors to explore 50 OCTOBER 2026
businesses and organizations in town. Participants also may participate in a townwide scavenger hunt, answer questions in a Chapman DeMary Trail nature trivia challenge, join storybook walk at the Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve, and other special events. The event culminates Saturday, Oct. 18 with the Celebrate Purcellville Fall Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. in Dillon’s Woods, featuring music, carnival games, children’s activities, and a chance to win prizes. Learn more at purcellvilleva.gov/celebratepurcellville. RUMMAGE SALE The 87th Ladies Board Rummage Sale, organized by the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital, will be held Oct. 16-18 at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds. The major annual fundraising event supports nursing scholarships and programs at Inova Loudoun Hospital. The sale draws bargain hunters from around the regional and showcases an expansive selection of treasures, including designer fashion, furniture, antiques, collectibles, tools, children’s items, lamps, artwork, household goods, books, electronics, toys, holiday décor, jewelry, sporting goods, and much more. The sale opens with ticketed VIP early entry period 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16. It will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18. The Loudoun County Fairgrounds is located at 17558 Dry Mill Road west of Leesburg. For early bird tickets and other details, go to ladiesboard.org/rumamgesale.
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Even when not leading paying clients, Manning is likely to be in the woods.
cialty—USDA organic coffee Manning roasts and “If I’m in the mood for a tough hike and it’s a markets himself. weekday, I’m a big fan of Old Rag and some of the surrounding mountains. Old Rag is just one The Square Feet brand is built from Manning’s of those institutional favorites in Virginia,” he trail name, reflective of his size 10 ½, quadrusaid. “If that’s not hard enough for you, you can ple-wide peds. add on Robertson Mountain and Corbin Hollow “On the AT, when you do a lot of hiking, you to make it into a 17-mile day and come back get a trail name,” Manning said, noting that dog tired. If you want waterfalls, Doyle’s River frequently they can be problematic, maybe meand Jones Run down in the Southern District morializing a hiker’s unique smell. “Fortunately, are really, really beautiful.” mine is one I liked.” Learn more at squarefeetexcursions.com Even as an experienced outdoorsman, preparations for launching an excursion business TASTES FROM PAGE 15 required extensive work, including extensive first aid and emergency training, a Wilderness First the tradition. I have prosciutto and gruyere Responder certification, securing insurance, and cheese with maple syrup, bacon and maple getting a commercial use permit for the park. syrup, and then I have my handmade ganache Surprisingly, he said, working with the federal sauce, salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, government on the park permit was the easiest lemon and powdered sugar,” she said. “Also, I do seasonal favorites like a zabaione cream item on the list. sauce or a ginger pear cranberry relish in the in the Christmas months.” In addition to the selection of treats available from the shop’s kitchen, June has an upstairs room that can be used for small gatherings and community organizations. She also operates two clubs that give members access to special offerings. The shop is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m. Learn more at TheChocolatePalette.org. KILWINS FROM PAGE 17
The shop, located at 17 S. King St., is set to celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 8. That celebration will include a bubble show, face painting, balloon tying and an ice cream eating contest. Follow the shop on Facebook at Kilwins Leesburg for updates. 22
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get out loudoun 10.10
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best bets 10.2026
10.19 THE NIGHTHAWKS
DANNY PAISLEY & THE SOUTHERN GRASS Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org The Lucketts Bluegrass season opens with a fan favorite featuring four-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year. The band’s recent recording “Two Old Church Pews” is currently a nominee for IBMA Gospel Recording of the Year. $22 THE CLARKS Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com Over the past 40 year, the Pittsburgh-based band has been featured on the Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons, and The Pitt. $34.27.
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Monday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. The Barns at Hamilton Station thebarnsathamiltonstation.com The legendary blues and roots band led by Mark Wenner returns for a rocking night in the tasting room. $30.
10.30 BURN THE BALLROOM Friday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com Rock out with this Halloween Spectacular with a band that blurs the lines between anthem, rock, punk, alt, and pop music. $100 prize for the best costume. $21.70.
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SIP LOCAL, CELEBRATE LOCAL With an ever-growing collection of wineries and an exciting lineup of wine events happening throughout the year, Loudoun is a place worth pouring over.
H I L L S B O R O U G H V I N E YA R D S & B R E W E RY
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