With Northern Virginia ’ s stately countryside as a buffer , One Loudoun was developed to provide an upscale alternative to the lifestyle of its more prominent neighbor . Though located just 3 miles from the Silver Line of Washington , D . C .’ s Metro system and only 25 miles from Washington , D . C . itself , One Loudoun is a world apart .
Correction , a community apart because that ’ s what One Loudoun is — a community . With options to shop , live , work and dine , One Loudoun is its own very special ecosystem . Visitors find a casual , relaxed elegance defines the vibe of food , folks , family and fun .
Amid smartly designed streetscapes , the casual visitor to or resident of One Loudoun will find a variety of options to do everything from taking care of essentials like banking , visiting the dentist , or getting a haircut mixed with options to celebrate special moments like birthdays and anniversaries , to simply spending time with family and friends .
The dining options are plentiful in downtown One Loudoun . From trendy gastrobars like City Tap , The Lost Fox , and Bar Louie with their impressive and extensive selection of imports , microbrews and signature martinis , mojitos and margaritas , to topflight steakhouses on the order of Eddie Merlot ’ s , to fast casual favorites like Nando ’ s , Zoë ’ s Kitchen and Uncle Julio ’ s , there ’ s something for every taste , mood and budget in this carefully planned Virginian oasis .
Likewise , on the shopping front , an ever-growing list of merchants continue to join the ranks of the singular boutiques like Maisons , Apricot Lane and Scout & Molly ’ s to ensure the retail experience at One Loudoun remains incomparable to more traditional malls .
Lastly , to complete the circle , One Loudoun offers living options via multiple residences at Vyne . Whether you ’ re in the market for a studio or a townhome , you ’ ll find an elegantly designed modern haven complete with open layouts and cutting-edge features , including innovative home technology and energy-efficient appliances . Factor in additional amenities ranging from a saltwater swimming pool with a sundeck and private cabanas , private workspace booths , a yoga and spin studio featuring state of the art equipment with on-demand classes and an on-site pet spa , along with proximity to One Loudoun and you have all the trappings of a life and home that takes advantage of the very best of Northern Virginia living .
And , if the aforementioned attractions weren ’ t enticing enough , One Loudoun also plays host to a roster of annual events that attract local and regional visitors alike . These events include everything from free weekly Zumba classes on the plaza and a year-round EatLoco Farmer ’ s Market featuring more than 100 vendors to a summertime Kids Concert Series showcasing popular kid ’ s bands .
That same calendar of events also registers major staples on the regional events calendar like the family friendly One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown filled with rides , carnival food , and more ; the nearly five decades old Annual Virginia Wine Festival , which spotlights Virginia wines and winemakers amid a panoply of live music and food trucks ; an Annual Halloween Bark Bash for four-legged friends and their costumed owners ; and a uniquely modern , unique One Loudoun Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony that celebrates the spirit of the season with a genuine sense of community .
Speaking of community , One Loudoun is but the centerpiece of a larger community overflowing with charms that are all easily within reach . Oenophiles , for instance , will be thrilled to discover “ DC ’ s Wine Country ” in greater Loudoun County which boasts more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms tucked away in spectacular settings with rolling hills and cliff-edged slopes as backdrops .
Meanwhile thrill seekers of all ages can chase new adrenaline highs on guided off-road Segway tours or tubing excursions and other river adventures at Harper ’ s Ferry Adventure Center ; take to the water slides of Algonkian Regional Parks Volcano Island Waterpark ; or satisfy a need for speed at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway where patrons can experience European style go-karting in electric F1 inspired go karts capable of speeds up to 50 mph .
Finally , because it ’ s Virginia , nature and history ( and sometimes a combination of both ) are always at hand and located just a proverbial stone ’ s throw from One Loudoun . Parks , including Mt . Zion Historic Park and the Battle of Middleburg / Mt . Defiance Historic Park , the site where one of the pivotal battles of the American Revolution was fought weeks before the Battle of Gettysburg , sidle up to historic monuments like Goose Creek Bridge and Union Cemetery , home to the Union Chapel and several other notable monuments , including a Confederate War Memorial .
And then there are the farms — glorious farms of every variety — adding color , dimension and variety to the Loudoun landscape . Of particular note are Wegmeyer Farms , whose produce has been featured at The White House and praised by chef Emeril Lagasse , Sprouting Roots Farm , Crooked Run Orchard and the 144-acre Phillips Farm , a historic rural Quaker village that has been designated a National Historic Landmark .
Stay close to all of this magic at the Tru By Hilton located right in the heart of One Loudoun and just 15 minutes from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ). Another option would be the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ashburn Dulles North which is just about 2 miles from One Loudoun and offers an array of amenities including a business center , complimentary Internet access in public areas as well as conveniences like a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities .
For those who want a bit more of a mix of luxury and leisure incorporated into their stay in the area , the Lansdowne Resort and Spa offers a premium hotel experience , a first-rate spa and a sanctuary for golfers , featuring three Greg Norman-designed golf courses set on 500 scenic acres overlooking the Potomac River .
Now if that doesn ’ t sound as far away from the contentious halls of congress and the feverish wheeling and dealing of D . C . as you could possibly imagine , I ’ m not sure what does .
So I think it can not only be said that there is much life beyond the beltway thanks to One Loudon and its surrounding environs , but that , best of all , it ’ s a life well-worth exploring .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 40 AUTUMN 2022