FEB. 2021

Loudoun Now Your guide to Loudoun’s Entertainment Scene

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Krysta Norman Photography

Sweets with your sweetie.

{reservations required} We’re ready for chilly weather and warm hearts. Our heated, enclosed Pavilion is now open, toasty and all set for the long Valentine’s Day weekend. Cuddle up with a pre-ordered special package including a box of Sweet Spectations confections and a bottle of Doukénie Sparkling Wine. Sit back, taste, and make the ooo la la happen!

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valentine’s day special is $90.

available by pre-order only. go to www.doukeniewinery.com

curbside pick-up or have it waiting at

your reserved table on feb. 13th or 14 doukénie sparkling wine 25% off feb. 13th

Hours:

- 15th. to order

orders@doukeniewinery.com

Thursday 12 - 5 p.m. Friday 12 - 5 p.m. Saturday + Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon. - Wed. 12 - 5 p.m. Curbside Pick-up Food by Roots 657

For reservations go to: www.doukeniewinery.com Twenty-one + older Pets + outside food not allowed

www.doukeniewinery.com

14727 Mountain Road Purcellville, VA (540) 668-6464

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Inside: GET OUT LOUDOUN Get Out Loudoun is a 10,000 circulation monthly distributed 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.

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Leesburg’s historic district is getting another burst of flavor with the opening Goosecup, more than your traditional coffee shop.

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BEST BETS

Leading the county’s largest performing and visual arts center, Elizabeth Bracey is being hailed for her efforts even amid the challenges of the pandemic.

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Gilbert Kara Rodriguez Renss Greene Norman K. Styer Partick Szabo ON THE COVER Photo by Norman K. Styer The Aldie Mill is among the locations where visitors can learn some local stories during Black History Month. TO ADVERTISE Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com

Catoctin Creek Distilling opened in 2009 as Loudoun’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Now it is tripling its capacity to better serve an international fanbase.

Looking to discover some local stories during Black History Month? Nova Parks has a lot to offer.

Get Out Loudoun’s top recommendations for Valentine’s Day.

getoutloudoun.com FEBRUARY 2021

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#Loveloudounfood to Win a Meal from a Loudoun County Restaurant BY VISIT LOUDOUN

Last November, Leesburg-based Delirium added a holiday themed pop-up bar and a cozy, heated tented lounge to the popular outdoor space created in a parking lot next to the restaurant. You could pick up a seasonal cocktail at the bar and take it to the outside lounge without having to step inside. Over in Lovettsville, farm-to-fork favorite Market Table Bistro started specializing in takeout family meals for four or six people and added a daily signature “cocktail to-go” to its menu. Down in Middleburg, chef and master sommelier Jarad Slipp unveiled Knead Wine—a boutique retail wine shop that sells gourmet, Italian-style pizza to-go alongside bottles of Pinot, Cab and Chablis sourced from lesserknown wine regions across the world. Loudoun restaurants are doing all they can to weather the lockdown storm. But, that being said, they could still use a little extra outside help. In an effort to support the local restaurant industry, Visit Loudoun, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and Loudoun Economic Development have created a new social media campaign aimed at driving customers to local eateries throughout the winter. The new initiative, which will run through midMarch, encourages people to dine in or order out from their favorite Loudoun restaurant and post a picture of their meal on Instagram using #LoveLoudounFood. People who do so, and also tag and follow the restaurant they order from, will have a chance to win one of three dining experiences from a local eatery.

for six at three select Loudoun restaurants chosen by campaign organizers. The three winners will be chosen randomly and DM’ed on Instagram when they have won. Diners can post entries from any Loudoun restaurant they dine at or carry out from. Need inspiration? The campaign site connects visitors to a list of restaurants that have signed the Loudoun is Ready pledge to meet the latest safety guidelines outlined by the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The website also features a Restaurant Randomizer that will suggest a place to dine. For more information, go to biz.loudoun.gov/ loudoun-is-ready-restaurant/ Whether your entry wins or not, Loudoun’s dining scene is so vibrant, diverse and innovative that we’re confident you’ll find food and restaurants you love. Gourmet pizza with wine to-go, anyone? *Visit Loudoun recommends checking the website of each restaurant for up-to-date information on hours and offerings. For more information, visit visitloudoun.org/getout

And the prizes? A Super Bowl family meal for six, Valentine’s Day dinner for two or St. Patrick’s Day Dinner 4

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FEBRUARY 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Goose Cups General Manager Josh Henry pours a shot of espresso at Leesburg’s newest addition to the downtown restaurant scene.

Cup of Joe or a Nightcap? Goosecup’s Got It Covered BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

Ahad and Zaara Raza are bringing something a little different to the downtown Leesburg beverage scene, offering consumers the perfect drink to start or end their day. Located at 216 S. King St., in front of the King Street Station development, Goosecup is the latest entrant into the downtown dining landscape, and distinguishes itself in several important ways, Ahad Raza said. “We lived in Austin [TX] for about eight years and I primarily worked from home and Zaara was a student. We spent an awful lot of time in coffee and cocktail establishments. We got a sense of what made places good and what made them bad. It’s been a longstanding dream of ours to bring our own touch to that concept,” he said. 6

In coffee shop concepts in particular, Ahad Raza said there were several gaps they identified. He points to the tenets of product, service, and design. Some coffee shops had good beverage offerings, but poorly planned out design or bad service, or the other way around. “It was very hard to find a place that had all three,” he said. “That was our thesis. If you nail down product, design and service you’ve got the pinnacle of a really good concept.” Also, “if you appreciate good coffee, you probably also appreciate a good cocktail,” he continued. The Razas aimed to create a place that brought together the best of all three. It was important to have a welcoming environment that didn’t

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GOOSECUP

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FEBRUARY 2021

GOOSECUP

feel stuffy or pretentious, complemented by superior products and service.

“AS FAR AS COFFEE GOES, NOBODY OUTSIDE DC HAS HAD COFFEE LIKE WE’LL BE SERVING. WE’RE THE ONLY PLACE ROASTING OUR OWN BEANS.” —GOOSECUP OWNER AHAD RAZA

When they moved back to Zaara’s hometown of Leesburg in 2018, the two began their research. It’s been about two years of planning, with the COVID-19 pandemic elongating the process a bit. But they believe downtown Leesburg is the perfect spot to launch their concept. “There’s certainly some good coffee shops, but nothing quite like what I think we’re going to try and execute,” Ahad Raza said. “As far as coffee goes nobody outside DC has had coffee like we’ll be serving. We’re the only place roasting our own beans. Some places use the right methods but someone else’s coffee. What we wanted to do was control all of that, and have something that’s authentic.” The Razas are effusive in praise of their general manager, Josh Henry, who comes to Leesburg by way of California. It was a fortuitous meeting, Ahad Raza said, as Henry was running two coffee shops in Nevada City, CA. He shut down his businesses during the pandemic, just as the Razas were in the market for a coffee purveyor. He moved cross country for the chance to run the roaster at Goosecup. “The type of coffee we do is broad wave or specialty coffee. It’s a notch above what you get at Starbucks. Their thing is how sugary you can [make] it. For us it’s more about the craft and appreciation and highlighting the notes of coffee that were meant to come out,” Ahad Raza said. Goosecup will also serve beer, wine and cocktails, the latter of which may be purchased starting at 5 p.m. daily. The Razas said they are looking at eventually adding some breakfast cocktails, like mimosas, down the road, but will see what the demand is first. FEBRUARY 2021

Rounding out the menu is an assortment of delectable small bites, tapas-style, that pair well with the establishment’s beverage selection, Ahad Raza said. In the morning, customers can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, granola bowls, or avocado or ricotta toast. At night the menu shifts to a raw bar element featuring beef carpaccio, meat and cheese boards, octopus carpaccio, and savory steak toast with wagyu steak, to name a few. “Small plates with high quality ingredients but served in an unpretentious, casual way,” Zaara Raza sums it up. Goosecup opened to the public Saturday, Jan. 30. The Razas are excited to share their new concept with area residents and invite visitors to downtown to give them a try. “We’re going to lead with humility,” Ahad Raza said. “We feel confident about being the best coffee and cocktail shop around. We’re going to demonstrate that through product, design and service, but we’ll let the public judge for themselves. We will always be a place that is welcoming and inviting to anyone who wants to experience Goosecup.”

216 S. KING ST., LEESBURG GOOSECUP.CO FACEBOOK.COM/GOOSECUP

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ART SCENE

Elizabeth Bracey speaks to patrons during a performance schedule preview at the Franklin Park Arts Center.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Bracey Celebrated for Arts Scene Leadership The Purcellville Town Council has recognized Elizabeth Bracey for her years of leadership in Loudoun’s art scene. The managing director of the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center was presented with the Jim “Doc” Wiley Leadership in the Arts Award. Among the accomplishments highlighted by town leaders was Bracey’s work to organize the late 2019 Bob Ross exhibit, the first showing of original Bob Ross paintings on the East Coast. During the monthlong exhibition, more than 15,000 people visited the arts center. Mayor Kwasi Fraser also cited her work to continue to support artists and performers during the pandemic. “Elizabeth is dedicated to bringing visual and performing arts to people who live in and visit 8

Purcellville,” he said. “… When faced with the challenges of 2020, she continued to give local artists opportunities to be featured and bring joy to those looking for a cultural experience through Facebook live features and in-person events that follow all of the safety protocols.” Bracey said the COVID-19 restrictions during the past year have shown how essential the performing and visual arts are. “Despite quarantines, isolations, social distancing and shutdowns, the arts continue to keep us connected to one another. The shared experiences, even through computer screens, have brought joy and laughter when we needed it the most,” she said. The Purcellville Arts Council created the award in 2018 to recognize outstanding, sustained contributions by individuals and organizations to the Purcellville culture and arts. It is named for James Wiley, a former Town Council member and longtime town dentist and supporter of art and artists. The Arts Council will soon be soliciting nominations for this year’s award.

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FEBRUARY 2021

19 W Market St, Leesburg, VA (703) 777-1665

Tickets Available at:

WWW.TALLYHOTHEATER.COM

Coming to Town this February! 3 BIG SHOWS OF EAGLEMANIA!

2 NIGHTS OF ZOSO!

EAGLEMANIA: THE WORLD’S GREATEST EAGLES TRIBUTE BAND

ZOSO: THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

2/5 • 7 PM 2/6 • 2:30 PM 2/6 • 7 PM

2/12 • 7 PM 2/13 • 7 PM

2 NIGHTS OF AMISH OUTLAWS!

AMISH OUTLAWS 2/19 • 7 PM 2/20 • 7 PM

FEBRUARY 2021

DC IMPROV PRESENTS: COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG

2/27 • 7 PM

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Catoctin Creek Expansion to Triple Distilling Capacity Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville has announced plans for a $1 million upgrade that will triple its production capacity. “As we continue to grow Catoctin Creek as a national brand, we must ensure we have enough whisky inventory to support future demand,” said co-founder and general manager Scott Harris. “This equipment expansion will guarantee our production capacity keeps up with sales for the next few years, at least.” Continuing with its commitment to distilling pot-stilled whiskies, the company invested in a 2,000-liter copper pot still from Specific Mechanical Systems in British Columbia, which will replace its 12-year-old still, beloved “Barney.” Additional enhancements include a glycol cooling system; a 2,000-liter mash tank; six 2,000-liter fermenters; and concrete floors to replace the 100-year-old floors in its 10

Main Street plant in Purcellville’s historic Case Building. Catoctin Creek Distilling Company was founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009 as Loudoun County’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. The Harrises source rye whisky, gin, and seasonal brandy from local grains and fruits, and distribute spirits in 27 states and three continents. For more information, go to CatoctinCreekDistilling.com or call 540-751-8404.

‘Friendsgiving’ Collab Brew Raises $18K Before the holidays, four Loudoun breweries collaborated for a brew to raise not only spirits and glasses, but also $18,500 for Loudoun Hunger Relief. Although breweries, like other hospitality or dining business, have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to give

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Visit Loudoun

back anyway. Solace, Old Ox, Ocelot and Crooked Run came together to make the Friendsgiving IPA, following the lead of the Friends Giving Collaboration project that began three years ago at New Jersey’s Double Nickel Brewing Company.

^ Solace, Old Ox, Ocelot and Crooked Run breweries came together to make Friendsgiving IPA, raising more than $18,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Lashelle Davis, Loudoun brewery veteran and tasting room manager at Solace, said Double Nickel has been a mentor to Solace and other local breweries. The Friendsgiving IPA helped out with Double Nicke’s nonprofit arm, CollaborAid.

Buzz Butler’s founders were laid off at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last March. They worked for a furniture store and when the first round of shutdowns came, the store closed all its locations and laid everybody off. So the founders decided to try and help those who were staying home by creating a service that would deliver their beer and wine, along with helping keep the roads safe from drunk drivers.

Davis said the name CollaborAid “personifies how we feel about each other in this industry.” All of the raw materials for the beer were donated by vendors, Davis said, which increased the donation to Loudoun Hunger. “We love this beer! And we love this Friendsgiving collaboration,” said Loudoun Hunger Relief Executive Director Jennifer Montgomery. “Crooked Run, Ocelot, Old Ox and Solace Brewing combined forces and used their considerable talents to help others eat. They brought awareness to the important issue of hunger in our community.”

Buzz Butler Offers Beer, Wine Delivery Wine and beer delivery service Buzz Butler has expanded into Loudoun, offering deliveries to residents’ front doors. FEBRUARY 2021

The beer and wine delivery service launched in late December to help people who want to avoid going out to shop. Buzz Butler follows the CDC’s recommendations for COVID-19 safety, and even goes a step further by wiping down all the items prior to delivery. The “Butler” who delivers the purchase is always wearing a mask and gloves, and customers can select a time window for same-day delivery or plan out a delivery for a future date and time. In addition to national brands, Buzz Butler offers selections from Stone Tower Winery, Casanel Vineyards and Winery, and Manassas-based Tucked Away Brewing. The service also delivers snacks. Learn more or order at BuzzButler.biz.

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WINERIES 1 50 West Vineyards 39060 John Mosby Highway, 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 John Mosby Hwy., Middleburg canavineyards.com 12 Casanel Vineyards 17952 Canby Rd., Leesburg casanelvineyards.com 13 Chrysalis Vineyards 39025 John Mosby Hwy., 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 Crushed Cellars 37938 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville crushedcellars.com

17 Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com 18 Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery 18195 Dry Mill Rd., Leesburg drymillwine.com 19 Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com 20 Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com 21 Forever Farm & Vineyards 15779 Woodgrove Road, Purcellville foreverfarmandvineyard.com 22 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com 23 Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com 24 Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com

25 Hunters Run Wine Barn 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton huntersrunwinebarn.com 26 Lost Creek Winery 43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg lostcreekwinery.com 27 Maggie Malick Wine Caves 12138 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro maggiemalickwinecaves.com 28 Otium Cellars 18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com 29 Stone Tower Winery 19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., L’burg stonetowerwinery.com 30 Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com

31 Sunset Hills Vineyard 38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com 32 Tarara Winery 13648 Tarara Ln, Leesburg tarara.com 33 Terra Nebulo 39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.com 34 Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com 35 Village Winery 40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com 36 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com

1 Adroit Theory Brewing 404 Browning Ct., Purcellville adroit-theory.com 2 B Chord Brewing Company 34266 Williams Gap Rd., Round Hill bchordbrewing.com 3 Barnhouse Brewery 43271 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg barnhousebrewery.com 4 Bear Chase Brewing 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont bearchasebrew.com 5 Belly Love Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.com 6 Beltway Brewing Company 22620 Davis Dr. Ste 110, Sterling beltwaybrewco.com 7 Black Hoof Brewing Company 11 South King St., Leesburg blackhoofbrewing.com 8 Black Walnut Brewery 210 S. King St., Leesburg blackwalnutbrewery.com 9 Crooked Run Brewing Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com 10 Crooked Run Brewing Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com

11 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com 12 Dog Money Rest. & Brewery 50 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg dogmoney.squarespace.com 13 Dynasty Brewing Company 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.com 14 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com 15 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro facebook.com/HarvestGap 16 House 6 Brewing 4427 Atwater Dr., Ashburn house6brewing.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

37 The Wine Reserve at Waterford 38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com 38 Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com 39 Winery 32 15066 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg winery32.com 40 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg zephwine.com

BREWERIES 21 Old Ox Brewery 44652 Guilford Dr., Ste 114, Ashburn oldoxbrewery.com 22 Old Ox Brewery Middleburg 14 S Madison St, Middleburg, VA 23 Phase 2 Brewing 19382 Diamond Lake Dr, Lansdowne Phase2Brewing.com 24 Rocket Frog Brewing Company 22560 Glenn Dr. #103, Sterling rocketfrogbeer.com 25 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com 26 Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling greatamericanrestaurants.com 27 The Craft of Brewing 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr., Ashburn thecraftob.com 28 Twinpanzee Brewing Co. 101 Executive Dr., Sterling twinpanzee.com 29 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery 42245 Black Hops Ln., Lucketts vanishbeer.com 30 Wheatland Springs Farm 38454 John Wolford Rd., Waterford

BREWERIES & WINERIES 1 Hillsborough Brewery & Vineyards 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro hillsboroughwine.com

2 Notaviva Craft Fermentations 13274 Sagle Rd., Hillsboro notavivavineyards.com

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

Black History and Your Regional Parks

BY PAUL GILBERT 14

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FEBRUARY 2021

Twenty years ago, NOVA Parks developed an interpretive video to help tell the slave story that underpins the Carlyle House. And in the past few years, the Carlyle House has hosted genealogy programs that help people discover if their ancestors were enslaved people at this colonial site. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax discovered his ancestry to the Fairfax family slaves from Maddy McCoy, who leads the “Breaking Down the Walls of Slavery at the Carlyle House” programs. 1854, a young man named Daniel Dangerfield, who had worked at Aldie Mill in Loudoun County, escaped to freedom in Philadelphia. Someone from Virginia spotted

FEBRUARY 2021

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1751. John Carlyle, a wealthy merchant from Scotland, and his wife Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, started construction on the largest house in Alexandria. The big house and lavish lifestyle they had was made possible by enslaved people. Many people have called the slave economy “America’s original sin.”

him on the streets of Philadelphia, and there was a trial to see if he should be returned to slavery. He won that case, but it was close. He later moved to Canada to be free from the Fugitive Slave Act. The Civil War’s primary reason was increasingly northern states were not enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act, as can be seen in the Dangerfield trial. A new interpretive sign telling this story just has been installed at Aldie Mill. 1889, a 14-year-old named Orion Anderson was jailed in Leesburg for chasing a neighbor girl. The Klu Klux Klan took him from the jail and lynched him a few blocks away at a railroad station on land that is today on the W&OD Trail. In the summer of 2019, a moving dedication of the sign that tells this tragic story took place.

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n many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America. It is complicated and has many facets. February is Black History Month and a good time to consider the many stories that our historic places have to share. Here are a few of the Black history stories told through your regional parks.

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1915, a group of civic leaders gathered at a house in Falls Church to organize in opposition to a proposed law that would have required Black residents to sell their property and move. The proposed law was what they called a “sunset law” where no one of color could legally be in the town after sunset. The house where they organized was in a Black community called Tinner Hill. Those brave individuals were successful in opposing the proposed sunset law, and that

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constant fear of being captured and returned to Virginia under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. In heard a rumor that Dangerfield was living in Harrisburg. Searching for him due to his significan headed north with a private detective in tow.

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Dangerfield was accosted at the public marketp taken to Philadelphia HISTORY for a hearing before three Four white men from Loudoun County testified group became the firstFour chapter ofof color many years here in Virginia. men the outside NAACP outside a major city. One known him Virginiaofprior to 1854. 2015 NOVA Parks partnered Railro the chiefInconductor of the Underground with the Friends City of Falls Church, slavery activity. of Dangerfield contacte Fairfax County, and the Tinner aid. Both men and women, black andHill white, pa thousandHeritage people Foundati waited outside – most there to on and opened a outside the courtroom included promine small park on that site. Onmany Martin highly respected Quaker Lucretia Mott, who sat Luther King Day this year, NOVA the hearing. Parks hosted an event at Tinner Hill to unveil interpretive J. Cooke L The outcome? Whennew Commissioner signs tell this testimony andthat render his story. judgment, the sight of reporters. Onethe newspaper printed “There was Slave State - Free State, from Narrative of the Life and 1959, Northern Virginia An illustration titled “Slave State Adventures of Henry Bibb, An American Slave, silence was so intense that even a sigh might hav Regional Park Authority (NOVA Free State,” from Narrative of the Life Written By Himself Daniel Dangerfield on the opinion that Parks) was established. One of thethere wa and Adventures of Henry Bibb, An CharlotteAmerican Forten,Slave, a freeWritten black woman in Philadelphia, commented in her journal that it reasons the local governments inwas likel By Himself especially pressure from the women in Longstreth’s family, that caused him to rule in Dangerfield that is included in the historical marker our area chose to create the first celebrated his freedom long into thejourney night, carrying him on their shoulders and placing him in a detailing Daniel Dangerfi eld’s regional park authority in Virginia city in a torchlight parade. to freedom. was the State Park System at the Daniel Dangerfield quickly disappeared from public view,tibeing spirited to Canada. There, he m me was segregated. Essentially, and his family as a farmer in the small village of Drummondville near was Niagara Falls. Quakers visi NOVA Parks essenti ally an freedom seekers in this part of Ontario. One wrote to abolitionist Quaker Samuel integratedand state park system forJanney in [Dangerfield] living comfortably in a neat house with sufficient ground to raise his o the region.

LEARN THE STORY OF DANIEL DANGERFIELD DanielALDIE Dangerfield had triumphed. He had gained his freedom, and played AT THE MILL 1969, NOVA Parks opened the a role in

2020

1969

help others do the same. The Aldie Mills, meanwhile, away. largest poolground in Virginia to all One of Loudoun’s newest additions to people, at Bull Run Regional Park. the telling of the county’s Black history The same year the public pool can be found on a new marker at the in Leesburg was being closed Aldie Mill Historic Park. There, in the instead of integrating. None of the heart of an area once known as Mosby’s facilities built by NOVA Parks in Confederacy, visitors can learn about the often segregated decades of Daniel Dangerfield’s storied escape from the 1950s and 1960s were ever slavery to farm life in Canada. segregated. The new historical marker was dedicated 2020, after the killing of George by Nova Parks representatives and county Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Black leaders early this month, as part of Black Lives Matter marches sprung up History Month events. all over the country. At Algonkian Regional Park, over 2,000 people The marker reads: organized by a High School A teenager named Daniel Dangerfield student Ocean Akinotcho came worked in Aldie sometime during the to express their First Amendment 1840s, possibly here at Aldie Mill. Enslaved, rights. The march was peaceful he received no pay for his work, having and somber as people expressed been rented out to the miller by a local frustration at the lack of justice farmer and enslaver, French Simpson, who that was apparent. lived about two miles north of here on America has a troubled history with justice Oatlands Road. In 1854, Daniel Dangerfield and racism. The regional parks of Northern decided to take his fate into his own hands. Virginia help to tell these stories, from DANIEL DANGERFIELD

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Paul Gilbert is the executive director of NOVA Parks, which manages more than 12,000 acres of parkland in three counties and three cities, including 13 properties in Loudoun County.

HISTORY

Colonial time to the modern-day. Part of growing as a society is acknowledging our past and learning from it. Black History Month is a time to focus on these important stories.

DANIEL DANGERFIELD

Seeking freedom, Dangerfield fled north to Pennsylvania. We can only speculate on his route north across the Potomac or who may have helped him as a fugitive along the way. He began a new life in the city of Harrisburg, working as a laborer, marrying and having two children. Described as a “good looking stalwart” man of color in his mid-twenties, he gained a free life, yes, but one with the constant fear of being captured and returned to Virginia under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. In April of 1859, the Simpson family heard a rumor that Dangerfield was living in Harrisburg. Searching for him due to his significant financial value, a Simpson sonin-law headed north with a private detective in tow. Dangerfield was accosted at the public marketplace in Harrisburg, arrested, and taken to Philadelphia for a hearing before three federal Fugitive Slave Commissioners. Four white men from Loudoun County testified they’d known the accused fugitive for many years here in Virginia. Four men of color, however, testified that they had known him outside Virginia prior to 1854. One of these men, William M. Jones, was the chief conductor of the Underground Railroad in Harrisburg, a hotbed of anti- slavery activity. Friends of Dangerfield contacted white attorneys who came to his aid. Both men and women, black and white, packed the courtroom, and nearly a thousand people waited outside – most there to support him. Spectators inside and outside the courtroom included many prominent abolitionists, among them the highly respected Quaker Lucretia Mott, who sat beside Dangerfield throughout the hearing. FEBRUARY 2021

The outcome? When Commissioner J. Cooke Longstreth began to summarize the testimony and render his judgment, the sight of the courtroom amazed even the reporters. One newspaper printed “There was not an inch of standing room, and the silence was so intense that even a sigh might have been heard.” Longstreth released Daniel Dangerfield on the opinion that there was not enough proof of his identity. Charlotte Forten, a free black woman in Philadelphia, commented in her journal that it was likely overwhelming public opinion, and especially pressure from the women in Longstreth’s family, that caused him to rule in Dangerfield’s favor. Black and white abolitionists celebrated his freedom long into the night, carrying him on their shoulders and placing him in a carriage that they pulled through the city in a torchlight parade. Daniel Dangerfield quickly disappeared from public view, being spirited to Canada. There, he made a successful life for himself and his family as a farmer in the small village of Drummondville near Niagara Falls. Quakers visited him and other former Virginia freedom seekers in this part of Ontario. One wrote to abolitionist and Quaker Samuel Janney in Loudoun County: “We found [Dangerfield] living comfortably in a neat house with sufficient ground to raise his own provisions....” Daniel Dangerfield had triumphed. He had gained his freedom, and played a role in the Underground Railroad to help others do the same. The Aldie Mills, meanwhile, ground away.

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Loudoun Museum Launches Virtual Exhibit on Pandemic Stories The Loudoun Museum has launched a virtual exhibit on the COVID pandemic stories of Loudoun residents, aiming to document and preserve this moment in history. “Collecting COVID Memories,” which started in the spring during the most severe COVID-19 lockdowns, is a virtual archive of photographs, videos, diary entries, and songs that were submitted by Loudoun residents to document how people are experiencing this historic time and to showcase Loudoun’s resiliency and creativity. The website also has an additional site that provides information on historical pandemics. The website is a partnership with the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information. “Whether you’re telecommuting, homeschooling, care-taking or just finding creative ways to maintain social distancing guidelines and your sanity, you are living 18

through historic times. That means the products of your isolation—the ‘Imagine’ karaoke videos, the scarf you learned to knit, the homeschool curriculum you created—are all historic artifacts,” said Loudoun Museum Visitor Experience Manager Andrea Ekholm. The website also has a submission page to allow Loudouners to continue to submit their experiences. “This is an on-going virtual exhibit, and we hope to continuously update the website with new submissions as residents continue to cope with the pandemic in myriad ways,” Ekholm said. The “Collecting COVID Memories” site is at bit. ly/CollectingCovidMemories. For more information, contact the Loudoun Museum at 703-777-0099 or info@loudounmuseum.org.

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Loudoun’s Attractions 

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 over its 260-year history, with an ever-changing selection of special exhibits on Native American settlements, World War II memorabilia, the county’s role in the Civil Wars, along with displays of antique clothing and furniture. 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 fields. 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

* During the COVID-19 pandemic, many venues have limited hours of operations and special requirements such as advance reservations. It is best to call ahead before making your visit.

Valentines Best Bets It won’t be a normal Valentine’s Day, but many Loudoun venues are planning special evenings that are designed with both romance and COVID-19 safety in mind. Here are a few of the offerings.

CUPCAKES AND WINE FOR VALENTINE’S 868 Estate Vineyards 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Friday, Feb. 12-Sunday, Feb 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the winery on Valentine’s Day, and throughout the weekend, for a Cupcake and Wine Pairing. Take time to be with someone dear to you. If your Valentine this year is yourself, or a group of friends, then come hang out for an afternoon. Weather permitting, our fire pits will be going to keep folks warm and toasty. $24 per person. Reservations and details at 868estatevineyards.com.

accompanied by Stone Tower wine. Seating is very limited. $175 per person. Reservations and details at stonetowerwinery.com. VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Creek’s Edge Winery 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Stone Tower Winery 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg Friday, Feb. 12, 6:30-9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery’s annual Valentine’s Day Dinner features a four-course dinner complete

Enjoy an evening in Wild Boar Hall with a sixcourse menu developed by Chef Stuart Morris 20

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FEBRUARY 2021

Check out

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

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with wines custom paired with each dish. $120 per person. Reservations and details at creeksedgewinery.com.

empathetic leaders. 10% of the proceeds from the brewery’s signature brunch and the day’s sales will be donated. Details at lostrhino.com. VALENTINE’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA Oatlands Historic Home and Gardens Sunday, Feb 14, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Enjoy an array of delicious finger sandwiches, traditional English scones served with jam and clotted cream, and madeleines, all served alongside the signature Oatlands tea blend. Save room for dessert. Reservations are $45–$60 at oatlands.org.

VALENTINE’S COUPLES DINNER Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Saturday, Feb. 13, 5-9 pm, two seatings Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable with a romantic evening on the mountain. Gaze upon the night’s skyline of the Loudoun Valley as you indulge in a three-course dinner, prepared by Chef Justin Garrison, with suggested beer pairing available upon request. $90 per couple with each course intimately shared. Tickets and details: dirtfarmbrewing.com BRUNCH WITH BENEFITS TOUCHING HEART Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Road #142, Ashburn Sunday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lost Rhino Brewing Co. and dine to make a difference for children in the community. The event benefit’s Touching Heart, which inspires kids to become compassionate, kind and

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FEBRUARY 2021

#LoveLoudounFood

The #LoveLoudounFood

Sweepstakes

Game On!

Get Out Loudoun and Loudoun Now are adding to the community effort to support the county’s restaurants with an added incentive to give the industry some extra love. Under the Sweepstakes program, everyone who stops at a restaurant, posts a picture of their meal, uses #LoveLoudounFood, and tags and follows the eatery is automatically entered for a chance to win a dinner for 6 for Super Bowl Sunday, a dinner for 2 for Valentine’s Day and a dinner for 6 for St. Patrick’s Day. Want a chance to win even more prizes? Try targeting your visits to the Bingo card in the back of this page. Once you fill a line across or down (fill the card anyone?) let us know by emailing a picture of your postings to bingo@loudounnow.com. When the campaign ends on March 17, we’ll select the winners and contact them by email. Bon appetite! (Turn the page to play the game and enter to win!)

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#LoveLoudounFood

PLAY

and win!

(See details on reverse side)

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