PHOTO : Emily houston
to follow in their footsteps by joining local Pony Clubs , taking lessons , and perhaps even getting a pony of their own . Several nonprofit therapeutic riding programs have flourished here , serving not only children but Wounded Warriors and others for whom interactions with horses offer a wide range of physiological and psychological benefits .
Loudoun ’ s reputation as “ horse country ” stems in part from the fact that it is home to more horses than any other county in Virginia . Its horse industry generates an annual $ 180 million in economic activity in the county , according to a survey done at the University of Virginia ’ s Weldon
Above : Morning ride along a Loudoun vineyard ; below : autumn colors envelope Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville .
Cooper Center . Loudoun hosts world class equestrian competitions , including horse shows and steeplechase races , and the survey showed that equestrian events bring over 78,000 spectators to the county each year . The thriving horse business in Loudoun contributes to the need to maintain rural spaces and unpaved roads , and , in fact , hay is the county ’ s number one crop in terms acreage devoted to it .
In Leesburg , Middleburg , Purcellville and other locations in the County , weekly farmers markets provide an outlet for produce from a large number of Loudoun ’ s farms , and many customers take advantage of Leesburg Market ’ s year-round operation . In Lovettsville , the goat and cheese farm at George ’ s Mill is a family favorite , as are other such farms featuring sheep , alpacas and llamas . The Loudoun County government promotes these farming ventures through its “ Loudoun Grown , Loudoun Made ” program , expos , and farm tours .
Western Loudoun ’ s towns also invite shoppers — and window shoppers — to stroll their streets and take in the historic architecture , along with the opportunity to make purchases of unique goods of all kinds . Villages like Waterford and Lincoln offer visitors a view of incredibly well-preserved historic homes , churches , schools and gardens — an opportunity to go back in time and imagine life here 300 years ago .
Hillsboro is the smallest of western Loudoun ’ s historic and charming incorporated towns , but it ranks high in amenities and happenings . Originally known as “ The Gap ” because of its location at an east-west crossing point on Short Hill Mountain , Hillsboro is taking a time-out from most activities in 2020 in order to improve its streetscape , which has suffered in recent years from heavy commuter traffic between Charlestown , West Virginia and points east . In early 2021 , Hillsboro plans to return to full operation with its concerts and festivals , its historic house tour , and its shopping and dining opportunities . Home to six wineries , two breweries , and four B & Bs , Hillsboro can also boast about its hugely popular charter elementary school which has been honored numerous times for its
6 wander I fall • winter 2020
Photo : Courtesy of Visit Loudoun