#FlyWashington Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 61

Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Credit: Karen Monroe, Middleburg Photo LL LOUDOUN COUNTY Leesburg Garden Show Credit: Visit Loudoun SPRING EVENTS 52ND ANNUAL LOUDOUN HUNT POINT TO POINT RACES SHOCKTOBER’S MY BLOODY VALENTINE Want to add a terrifying twist to your date? Try Shocktober’s My Bloody Valentine event February 9th and 10th. Take a tour of the 140-year-old Paxton Manor, Northern Virginia’s only REAL haunted home, where the Carver family has returned to entertain you at their former house. This date is not for the faint of heart as it is rated PG-13 scary fun. CHOCOLATES GALORE & MORE For chocolate lovers, the 31st Chocolates Galore and More on Feb. 23rd is a must! Enjoy free-fl owing champagne, delectable sweets and savory dishes at this event, which takes place at Lansdowne Resort & Spa. Spend the night indulging in conversation with DC-area chefs while enjoying small bites, desserts and dancing in the beautiful ballroom. GREAT COUNTRY FARMS EGG HUNT AND MARSHMALLOW HARVEST Celebrate Virginia’s rich agricultural history with a trip to this family farm March 24 and 25. Join Farmer Bob for the fi rst “crop” of the Spring — Marshmallow picking! Help gather marshmallows and roast them on the fi re before looking for some of the 20,000 eggs hidden on site. The farm also has pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, a variety of farm animals to visit and a country store, complete with homemade jams and apple cider donuts. Bring the family and a picnic to Oatlands Historic House and Gardens on April 15 to participate in one of Loudoun County’s long-standing traditions. For more than 20 years this National Trust for Historic Preservation site has hosted these thrilling races that feature some of the most challenging timber and hurdle courses available in Virginia. During the event, experience the side saddle race, which debuted in the U.S. for the fi rst time since the 1930s in Loudoun in 2015. MIDDLEBURG SPRING RACES Break out the Jackie O. sunglasses and your most fashionable chapeaux for a jaunt to Middleburg and the 98th Middleburg Spring Races on April 21. A longtime Middleburg tradition, the races have drawn notables such as President Kennedy and his wife. Watch the horses as they jump fences, hurdles and timber and cheer on a favorite to win the grand prize. 28TH LEESBURG FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL Historic Leesburg will once again be in full bloom as lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens fi ll the streets. More than 150 vendors will be on display featuring landscape designs, gardening supplies, plants, fl owers, herbs, and so much more! Stroll the streets and take in the sights and sounds of springtime. Enjoy food, music, children’s entertainment and crafts during this two day event April 21 and 22. For more activities and events, visit visitloudoun.org. SPRING 2018 59 FLYWASHINGTON.COM