Get Out Loudoun June 2026

Loudoun Now

Loudoun Now

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

Douglas Rogers

Norman K. Styer

TO ADVERTISE

Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com getoutloudoun.com

Inside:

AMERICA250

Many communities aren’t waiting until July 4 to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The parties start this month.

DESTINATIONS

Visit Loudoun is celebrating the Year of the Visitor and the people who make them feel welcome.

TUNES

The Tarara Summer Concert Series is back, but it will be the final season after nearly three decades of Saturday night shows.

WINE

Loudoun’s winemakers are teaming up to make it easier for diners and shoppers to buy local vintages without making a visit to the tasting room.

BEST BETS

Get Out Loudoun’s top picks for June.

Celebrating

Summer

IN LOUDOUN

BY DOUGLAS ROGERS

“Every hiker knows The Rollercoaster,” exclaimed celebrated author, thru-hiker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather Anderson. “It’s infamous on the trail, so many ups and downs and there’s a warning sign before you get to it.”

Anderson was talking about a precipitous rock-strewn stretch near Round Hill on the 13 miles of the Appalachian Trail that are in Loudoun, and if locals or hiking enthusiasts

want to learn more about her hikes and overnight stay at Bears Den, they can hear her speak at the seventh annual Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival in Hillsboro on June 6.

Author of the new book Farther: 8 Months on America’s Triple Crown Trails, Anderson is one of four renowned guest authors at this year’s event, an early summer celebration of the famous 2,190-mile Georgia to Maine trail jointly hosted and organized by the Loudoun “Appalachian Trail Communities” of

Bluemont, Round Hill and Hillsboro.

In addition to the author appearances, the free, family-friendly event will feature live music, an art exhibition, food stands, sales of merchandise and hiking gear, a climbing wall, children’s story hours and in-person meetings with thru-hikers currently walking the trail.

The art show, “A Breath of Fresh Air: Art of Western Loudoun,” features four nature-inspired artists who visitors can see in conjunction with the 19th annual Western Loudoun Art & Studio Tour that is also taking place the same weekend.

Of course, there are several other not-tomiss early summer events in Loudoun.

Coinciding with Pride Month, June marks the fourth annual Pride in the Vines festival, with some 20 Loudoun wineries coming together to celebrate fine local vintages and inclusivity. Visitors at participating

wineries receive a passport that allows them to collect stamps to win prizes and Vineyard Voyages, a gay-owned Loudoun wine tour company will be running special tours to wineries on the Pride in the Vines route. Other featured events include wine tastings, pairings, concerts and drag brunches.

If hiking and wine are not your thing, June 6 marks the start of the most glittering equestrian event on the early summer calendar: the annual Polo in the Park series at Morven Park’s International Equestrian Center in Leesburg. Taking place on successive Saturday evenings through July 25, guests get to enjoy tailgate parties, picnics, Loudoun wine, great summer fashion and some of the finest horses and polo players in the world.

Happy summer!

www.visitloudoun.org

ART SCENE

Zakharchenko Exhibit: A Portrait of a Tree

Above: Andrii Zakharchenko, Dalí Imitation, 2022, Edisto Beach, SC.

The Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services this month are presenting “A Portrait of a Tree,” a solo exhibition by landscape photographer Andrii Zakharchenko at the county government center.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Zakharchenko spent much of his young adulthood pursuing outdoor adventures—kayaking, rock-climbing, and backpacking across the country—and reveling in the beauty of his surroundings. These formative experiences strengthened his appreciation of nature

and fostered a desire to record the world around him. When Zakharchenko began experimenting with his father’s Zenit film camera at age 20, he turned his lens on the natural environment, seeking to capture different lighting, textures, and atmospheric conditions. He moved to Loudoun County in 2014 and immersed himself in the diversity of American landscapes, visiting numerous national parks to document their scenery and natural phenomena.

EXHIBITS

A Portrait of a Tree is a newer body of work featuring deciduous trees at Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia, and Edisto Beach in South Carolina. Some of the trees are solitary, while others are pictured in rows or clusters.

The work will be on display through June 26, at Gallery One, located in the lobby of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg. The public is invited to view the work Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CELEBRATING SUMMER WITH ‘NATURE’S PALETTE’

The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg this month presents “Nature’s Palette,” an exhibition celebrating the joys of summer. This exhibition will showcase the enchantment of the natural world that brings us peace and grounds us for our day. Five artists—Craig Arnold, Charlie Evans, Jeffrey Kibler, Liz Miiller, and Carolyn Marshall Wright—contributed works for the exhibit.

The exhibition will continue through June 28. An artists’ reception will be on Saturday June 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. An artists’ gallery talk will be held Sunday, June 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Bryne Gallery is located at 7 W. Wash-

ington St. in Middleburg. Gallery hours are Monday and Tuesday by appointment only, Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Learn more at thebyrnegallery.com.

PURCELLVILLE OFFERS

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS

The Purcellville Arts Council is inviting local artists to share their creativity with the community through several upcoming opportunities, including Art in Town Hall, Arts in the Garden during the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival, and the annual Purcellville Artisan Tour.

From themed gallery exhibitions to live artist demonstrations and studio tours, these events celebrate the vibrant arts community in Purcellville.

The Arts Council hosts rotating art exhibitions in Town Hall throughout the year. Participation is free, and this year’s themes are inspired by the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. June 15 is the deadline to apply to participate in the upcoming “Spacious Skies” exhibit that will be on display during July and August. During November and December the exhibit will focus on the theme: Amber Waves of Grain and Purple Mountain’s Majesty. The deadline for applications is Oct. 1.

Artists also are encouraged to participate in the Arts in the Garden exhibit during the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival on July 18.

Artists can learn more and apply online through the Purcellville Arts Council page on the town website at purcellvilleva.gov/669/ Purcellville-Arts-Council.

OUTDOORS

CELEBRATING THE Appalachian Trail "

LOUDOUN’S THREE APPALACHIAN TRAIL COMMUNITIES—ROUND HILL, HILLSBORO AND BLUEMONT—WILL HOST THE SEVENTH ANNUAL LOUDOUN APPALACHIAN TRAIL FESTIVAL IN HILLSBORO ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6. THE FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT AT THE OLD STONE SCHOOL STARTS AT 11 A.M. FEATURING LIVE MUSIC, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, A NATURE-INSPIRED ART SHOW, HIKING TALKS, TRAIL AND INFORMATION, KID’S ACTIVITIES, A ROCK-CLIMBING WALL, FOOD, LOCAL WINES AND BEERS, AND SOME 50 VENDORS.

Loudoun’s three Appalachian Trail communities—Round Hill, Hillsboro and Bluemont—will host the seventh annual Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival in Hillsboro on Saturday, June 6. The free, family-friendly event at the Old Stone School starts at 11 a.m. featuring live music, outdoor activities, a nature-inspired art show, hiking talks, trail and information, kid’s activities, a rock-climbing wall, food, local wines and beers, and some 50 vendors.

Throughout the day, musical performances are on tap from The Gap Stage, including Rock Creek Revival, Melissa and The Moth Men, and the Short Hill Mountain Boys.

Trail Talks will offer speakers, including Mills Kelly, author and explorer, recently back from Antarctica, who has written many books on the AT, his most recent being “A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail;” popular AT author and adventurer Jeff Ryan,

LOUDOUN CONTINUED ON 9

who will tackle the issue of meal choices on the trail; Ray Stinson, an AT Ridgerunner, thru-hiker, and avid long-distance backpacker who has hiked some 6,000 miles since 2017; and Ben Mongomery, author of “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk.”

Kicking off the festival will be a special Eat, Drink & Be Literary! talk featuring endurance adventurer, author, speaker, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Heather Anderson. Anderson has logged over 50,000 lifetime foot miles, including completing the prestigious “Triple Crown” three times, as well as six other thru hikes. Her just released book, “Farther: Eight Months on America’s Triple Crown Trails,” recounts her record-breaking attempt to hike the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails in a single calendar year, becoming the first woman to do so. For tickets, go to oldstoneschool.org.

Also on Friday night will be the Breath of Fresh Air Art Show opening reception. The exhibit includes works by Jess Sauder, Megan Caldwell and Kathleen Howsare, who paint, sketch, print and photograph their love of nature. The reception is free and open to the public, in the Old Stone School West Room and the art show will be ongoing during the festival. Learn more about the artists at loudounat.org.

Among the more than 50 vendors and organizations at the festival will be local environmental groups offering hands-on workshops, displays by organizations including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

For more information about the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival, go to LoudounAT. org. and OldStoneSchool.org

AMERICA'S 250

TAmerica 250 Events Kick Off Early

he celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial will get an early start in several Loudoun communities. The fireworks will begin lighting up the sky Friday, June 26 and continue through July 5.

With the special interest in this year’s 250th anniversary, many communities are moving their programs off the July 4 weekend to save money and reduce the competition for vendors.

Star Spangled South Riding, Star-Spangled Sterling and Willowsford’s Family Picnic and Fireworks events will be held June 26.

Brambleton’s What A Blast! celebration will be held at Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park the next day starting at 4 p.m. and include performances by Todd Brooks and the Pour Decisions and The Legwarmers, as well as fireworks.

Also on Saturday, June 27, Purcellville will hold its Independence Day Parade through town starting at 11 a.m. at Blue Ridge Middle School.

The Town of Hillsboro will hold its celebration with music, vendors and fireworks on Sunday, June 28 starting at 3 p.m. at the Old Stone School.

Lovettsville will hold its events on Friday, July 3, with a parade at 5:30 p.m. followed by a festival at Lovettsville Community Park and a

pool party at the community center before an evening fireworks display.

On July 4, Leesburg kicks off the day with a parade starting at 10 a.m. That will be followed by a special Independence Declared historical program at the county courthouse. Activities move to Ida Lee Park starting at 6 p.m. where there will be family activities, a concert by Go Go Gadjet, and the region’s largest fireworks display.

The Town of Middleburg also celebrates on July 4 with a full day of activities, including a pool party at the community center, the kids parade at 5:30 p.m. and a community party at the charter school starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by fireworks.

At Franklin Park, the festival begins at 5 p.m. July 4 with family activities, music from Loudoun Jazz Ensemble and fireworks.

Ashburn Village closes out the celebrations with its July 5 parade and pool party from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the sports pavilion, followed by fireworks at the Lakes Amphitheater where the Dave Mininberg Band performs starting at 6:30 p.m.

For full listing of events, go to getoutloudoun. com/calendar.

Pour Into Pride Month

Loudoun shows up for Pride. All June, find welcoming wineries, live events and community celebrations happening across the county — including Pride in the Vines, a passport tasting trail at more than 20 stops. Come join in.

@VisitLoudoun | #DCsWineCountry | #LoveLoudoun

Scan the QR code to explore June in Loudoun.

Visit Loudoun Celebrates Creativity, Innovation of Hospitality Leaders

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Visit Loudoun last month celebrated the people behind the county’s tourism industry during its annual award ceremony that also declared 2026 as the Year of the Visitor.

“We know that for the past several years, Loudoun has seen an increase in visitor spending, which is a testament not only to the growth in passenger traffic volume at Washington Dulles, but to the creativity and innovation of every single one of you in this room,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said. “You all continue to deliver world-class experiences and welcome every guest with genuine hospitality. From our craft, beverage and elevated dining scene, to new lodging properties, as well as our equestrian, vibrant arts and music offerings,

Loudoun continues to expand and continues to be a dynamic destination.”

Visitor spending in Loudoun reached nearly $5 billion dollars in 2024, continuing its ranking as the top tourism jurisdiction in Virginia.

Erickson said the Year of the Visitor campaign is designed to better understand who is coming to Loudoun, how they behave and where there are opportunities to grow. “The story of Loudoun County isn’t just what we offer; it’s the way that different visitors experience it,” she said.

The highlight of the program was the awards ceremony that recognizes individuals, organization and businesses that provide exceptional support to visitors.

“It’s such a special opportunity for us to recognize, celebrate and honor the achievements, innovation, leadership, creativity and contributions that make Loudoun such a

remarkable destination,” said Amy Bobcheck, the incoming Visit Loudoun board chair, who emceed the awards presentations.

This year, winners were selected from among a record-breaking 62 nominations.

The 2025 Judy Patterson Award was presented to Aimee Henkle, co-owner of The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek and Echelon Wine Bar, and a longtime leader with the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association.

The award, named for one of Visit Loudoun’s founding members, was established in 1998 to recognize those whose vision, leadership and commitment have helped strengthen Loudoun County as a tourism destination and a community.

Henkle was honored for her decades of work building Loudoun’s wine industry, including developing the Loudoun Wine Awards.

“Aimee’s steady leadership has strengthened the foundation of the association, ensuring its sustainability for years to come. She leads with humility, vision and an unwavering belief in shared success, elevating an entire industry and securing Loudoun’s place as a worldclass one destination,” Bobcheck said.

Henkle said that the success of her work is rooted in the support she and her husband, Todd, received when they opened Lost Creek Winery in 2012.

“We were welcomed with so many open arms. It was really touching,” she said.

“It is just very humbling for me to receive this award. I’m very honored. Thank you very much. And I really appreciate everything that this industry has done for us and welcomed us,” she said. “… Our whole goal is to continue to grow that. And it is really just great to

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED ON 16

1 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 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

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

34 Petit Domaines

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

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

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

38 Three Creeks Winery 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

11 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com

12 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro facebook.com/HarvestGap

13 Honor Brewing Company 42604 Trade West Dr., Sterling honorbrewing.com

14 Lark Brewing Co. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie larkbrewingco.com

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

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

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

Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com

have such collaborators in this room. It’s not just wineries: It’s restaurants, it is B&Bs, it is hotels, it is all of us.”

Bridgette Smith, of Williams Gap Vineyard, was presented with the 2025 Steve Hines Partner of the Year award, selected by the Visit Loudoun staff for her support of sales and marketing efforts and her hosting and support for Certified Tourism Ambassador trainings.

Hotel Burg was named the 2025 New Tourism Business of the Year. The boutique hotel in downtown Leesburg was constructed around a preserved 1885 building and includes 39-rooms, The Hunton restaurant, the Diana Lounge and a rooftop bar. While offering space for private events and corporate gatherings, the hotel was credited with strengthening the appeal of downtown Leesburg and growing Loudoun’s reputation as a premier experience-driven destination

The 2025 Tourism Manager of the Year award was presented to Rob Lorenzen, the general manager at the Ashburn Ice House. In addition to helping grow the skating complex into a regional sports destination over the past 25 years, he was recognized for his work helping the skating community following the crash of Flight 5342.

The 2025 Back-of-the-House Hero award, to honor professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure seamless guest experiences, was presented to Daniel Jones, the kitchen manager at Ford’s Fish Shack. Jones started working on Ford’s food truck in 2019 and was credited with establishing standards and policies that shaped the truck into one of Loudoun County’s top operations. More recently he took a leadership role in the construction and opening of Ford’s Chantilly kitchen.

Virginia Huntley, concierge at Salamander Mid-

dleburg, was named the 2025 Front-of-theHouse Hero, which honors hospitality professionals who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The 2025 Tourism Event of the Year was the USA Softball Eastern National Championship hosted by Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services. The event brought 174 youth softball teams and 2,300 athletes—and 2,446 room nights.

The Lincoln Strawberry Festival, hosted by Wegmeyer Farms, was named the 2025 Community Event of the Year. The sold-out festival, supported by 50 volunteers, benefited the community by supporting local nonprofits, schools and scholarships with over $30,000 in donations.

The 2025 Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Staci Collins, of Great Country Farms. The CTA program trains hospitality professionals, volunteers, and residents to answer questions, recommend attractions, and create outstanding visitor experiences.

The 2025 Diversity in Travel award was presented to Pride in the Vines, an LGBTQ+ welcoming campaign of the Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association that started with participation of three wineries. This year, 21 wineries are participating in the monthlong campaign.

The Loudoun County Bed & Breakfast Guild was presented the 2025 Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign award for its Guild Guide & Perks Pass. The program was recognized for increasing website traffic, achieving higher pass engagement and redemptions, expanding business membership, and documenting growth in lodging bookings among participating partners.

DE DE C C LARED LARED

Gary M. Clemens Clerk of the Circuit Court

TUNES

Tarara Summer Concerts Return for Final Season

The Tarara Summer Concert Series has launched its 27th season, which will be the final year of the popular Saturday night parties on the Shadow Lake stage.

So Fetch! kicked off the series May 23 with a night of hits from the 2000s. Concerts continue for 24 more nights through Sept. 26.

Launched in 1999 on deck of the Tarara Winery tasting room near Lucketts, the concert series has grown into one of the region’s most recognized outdoor live music experiences. The series has won numerous awards, including the 2017 Annual Tourism Event of the Year from Visit Loudoun.

“This is not an easy announcement to make, because Tarara has meant so much to so many people,” said series producer Rusty Foster, founder and president of Bow Tie Strategies.

“For 27 years, this series has been more than concerts. It has been first dates, birthday parties, reunions, company picnics, family traditions, dance floors, picnic blankets, wine glasses, summer sunsets, and friendships that started right here beside Shadow Lake. While this will be our final season, we are approaching it with gratitude, celebration, and the energy this community deserves.”

Foster wants the Final Encore Season to celebrate the spirit that has defined the series for

decades: live music, community connection, beautiful scenery, food trucks, local wine and beer, and a welcoming atmosphere where guests can dance, relax, reconnect, and make one more season of memories.

“Tarara has always had a unique kind of magic,” Foster said. “It is hard to explain unless you have been there—the sun setting over the lake, the crowd singing along, people dancing like nobody is watching, and everyone feeling like they are part of something bigger. That is what we want this final season to be. A thank you. A celebration. A joyful farewell.”

Because of interested interest in the final season, concertgoers are encouraged to purchase tickets early, secure Concert Club passes, and reserve private tents for corporate outings, family gatherings, birthdays, reunions, retirement celebrations, and special events.

“Whether someone has been coming since the beginning or has never experienced Tarara before, this is the season to be here,” Foster said. “We want people to bring their friends, bring their families, bring their coworkers, and be part of this final chapter. We are going to make every Saturday count.”

Full schedule details, ticket information, Concert Club passes, and private tent reservations are available at tararaconcerts.com.

Summer JAMS Returns to Town Green

The Town of Leesburg’s free summer concert series kicks off June 6 and continues through Aug. 22.

Held on the Town Green, the series features 10 show that will be held Saturday nights starting at 7 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Smoking and pets are prohibited.

This year’s roster includes favorites from the county’s winery and brewery circuit including Annie Stokes and Melissa Quinn Fox; the return of special collaborations including Gary Smallwood and Michael Fath, and the Cal Everett-fronted Mostly Fab tribute to The Beatles; and new additions including a Jim Croce tribute by Johnny Kasun.

The Town Green is located at 25 W. Market St.

In case of inclement weather, the show will be canceled.

For more information, go to idalee.org.

The 2026 performers are:

June 6 – Annie Stokes

June 13 – Smallwood & Fath

June 20 – Harmony Holler

June 27 – Mackenzie Ryan

July 11 – Melissa Quinn Fox

July 18 – Punch Buggies

July 25 – Mostly Fab

August 1 – Brennan Edwards

August 15 – Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

August 22 – Levi Stephens

Steeprow Performs in Capstone Concert

A new initiative of the Town of Leesburg’s Performing Arts Commission will hold its inaugural Capstone Recital on Friday, June 12 at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center.

Aly Steeprow, a senior at Tuscarora High School and student at The Dance Academy of Loudoun, will perform a showcase of dance choreography. She has been dancing since she was four years old and recently danced the lead role of Princess Aurora in The Dance Academy of Loudoun’s production of Sleeping Beauty. Beginning in the

fall, she will attend the University of South Florida in pursuit of a degree in dance performance.

The recital is designed to provide area arts organizations with more information about the commission and funding pathways.

The free program will begin at 7 p.m. in the lower-level meeting room at the recreation center, 60 Ida Lee Dr.

Learn about the Performing Arts Commission at leesburgva.gov/PAC.

Henkle and Antoinette

are

Uncorked Loudoun: Getting Local Wines Out of Tasting Rooms

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Over the past 40 years, Loudoun’s wine industry has been built upon the visitor experiences offered in rural tasting rooms and the support of dedicated wine club members.

Now, there is a push to get more local wines onto restaurant tables and retail store shelves.

The Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association has launched an initiative to move more bottles out of the cellars and into the community.

Uncorked Loudoun is a pilot program forming a collective of 13 wineries and promoting 32 specially selected wines that they hope will be offered on by-the-glass menus at area restaurants and displayed in local grocery stores.

Aimee Henkle, of Lost Creek Winery, is organizing the effort to address concerns that it is too difficult for individual wineries to make the connections needed to expand into the trade markets and retail buyers don’t have the time to dive deeply into the local offerings.

“There shouldn’t be any reason that anybody in downtown Leesburg, or the Village of Leesburg, or Middleburg shouldn’t have a Loudoun wine on their on their wine lists,” Henkle said. “These have been vetted. They’re award-winning. They’re priced right. You’ve got a rep that you can order through,

Time to Make

Your Moments

Matter More

Connection, comfort, and everyday enjoyment

define life at Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge. Days unfold around resort-style amenities—from morning pickleball matches to sunny afternoons by the pool and relaxed evenings at the clubhouse with neighbors.

Experience the 55+ Active Adult Lifestyle at Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge

Main-level living homes by Brookfield Residential o er comfort and ease, with villa, garden, and single-family designs featuring personalization options, spacious interiors, and modern finishes for relaxed living and easy entertaining. Schedule a tour of the decorated models today and take

• Villa, Garden, and Single-Family Homes From the Mid $300’s • Outdoor Swimming Pool and Hot Tub, Outdoor Patio and Kitchen, Gas Fire Table and Seating Areas

• Pickleball and Bocce Ball Courts, Community Clubhouse with Fitness Center and Yoga Studio • Low-Maintenance Lifestyle with Front Yard Lawn Mowing and Snow Removal Included** • Minutes from Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Downtown Winchester and Nearby Rutherford Crossing Center

and

so it makes your life a lot easier.”

The LWWA tapped industry veteran Antoinette Landragin to lead the effort as the brand and sales manager. A second-generation wine shop owner and longtime wine scholar, she was introduced to Loudoun wines while working with LWWA’s annual awards program.

“I was a judge for a few consecutive years, and I fell in love with Loudoun wines then,”

she said.

She hopes to better tell Loudoun’s wine story.

“For me, at the end of the day, the importance of this program is to lend a supporting and a helping hand to buyers from the area so they are able to allow me to do the heavy lifting, and I can give them the footnotes on why these wines ought to be on their lists,” she said.

Henkle said the small collective concept of Uncorked Loudoun isn’t common in the industry, so they’re operating in uncharted territory. Landragin sees promise because of the level of engagement.

“The wineries are actively involved in the program, and this is really highly unusual for any portfolio in the industry to have wineries that are lending out their winemakers and their owners to actively support the program,” Landragin said. “They offer their time doing wine tastings and wine dinners at buyers’ establishments, but also offer their time to participate in buyer education at the wineries. The wineries are opening up their doors and inviting buyers to come and learn about their wineries on site, which is really quite generous and very exciting. It’s a huge opportunity.”

During a recent trade tasting event held at Henkle’s Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg, restaurant buyers were invited to meet representatives of the 13 participating wineries and take a deep dive into varied elevations

and soils that drive the flavor of Loudoun wines. Henkle explained to the group how variations between grapes grown the high slopes of the Blue Ridge and those rooted in the deep soils of the Loudoun Valley can be tasted in every bottle.

Those microclimates are an important element of Loudoun’s wine story.

“Like any developing region as youthful and dynamic as the Virginia wine industry, Loudoun County has only become stronger with time, and that has been proven by the number of times Loudoun County wineries have made it to the Governor’s Cup as award-winning wines,” Landragin said. “The quality of the region is very elevated, and that is shown through the balance of the wines, and very much a testament to the microclimate of the region that is friendly to

grape growing. But it also shows how attentive and careful the decisions of the vineyard managers are to create grapes that are perfectly balanced with their acidity and sugar, and this leads to wines that present well—not only in newer vintages, but in some of these older vintages as wines that are worthy of these awards that they’re winning.”

Wineries participating in the pilot program are 8 Chains North, 868 Estate Vineyards, Bozzo Family Vineyards, Cana Vineyards & Winery, Domaine Fortier Vineyards, Endhardt Vineyards, Fabbioli Cellars, Good Spirit Farm, Hillsborough Vineyards, Iron Will Winery, Lost Creek Winery, October 1 Vineyard, and Two Twisted Posts Winery.

To learn more or to connect with Landragin, go to loudounwine.org/trade.

lh

loudoun happenings 06.2026 Get

POLO IN THE PARK RETURNS FOR 10TH SEASON

Morven Park is celebrating a major milestone this summer as Polo in the Park presented by Salesforce returns for its 10th season starting June 6. Over the past decade, Saturday night events have become a community tradition bringing families, friends, and polo fans together for evenings of arena polo, local food, and summer fun.

“Over the last decade, this event has become so much more than polo—it’s a summer tradition where families and friends gather to make memories, enjoy great food, and experience the excitement of the sport together. Each year, the event continues to grow, and we’re excited to continue the tradition this summer,” Stacey Metcalfe, executive director and CEO of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation/ Morven Park, said.

Morven Park is once again partnering with some of Loudoun County’s favorite food vendors, including Taco One DC and

Roaming Coyote, serving crowd-pleasing family favorites throughout the season. The always-popular Hershey’s Ice Cream truck will also return with sweet treats for guests of all ages. Also returning is the taste of DC’s wine country program featuring a different Loudoun County winery prize sponsor offering guests the opportunity to purchase local wines on site.

Each evening will feature two arena polo matches, with the first match beginning at 7 p.m. and the second at approximately 8:30 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs and to relax on the terraced viewing lawn beside the arena, and enjoy their favorite food and beverages while taking in an evening of fast-paced polo and summer entertainment.

General Admission car passes are available for purchase at PoloInThePark.org. Car passes are $45/car. Contact Events@morvenpark.org for the availability of reserved tailgate spots.

Out

21 VENUES CELEBRATE PRIDE IN THE VINES

As part of the annual Pride in the Vines campaign, the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association is offering a monthlong Pride Month passport experience. During June, guests are invited to visit a roster of 21 inclusive wineries across Loudoun County and collect passport stamps along the way. Those who collect 10 stamps will be entered into a raffle to win wine-related prizes.

The program kicks off June 7 with two special events at Mt. Defiance Cidery in Middleburg. From noon to 2 p.m., the tasting room hosts a glam-filled brunch with drag performances and flowing bubbles. From 2 to 5 p.m., a festival features pours from a hand-selected lineup of inclusive, ally wineries along with a live drag show.

The month-long campaign culminates June 28 at Two Twisted Posts Winery near Hillsboro. From noon to 5 p.m., the Sip with Pride finale features inclusive wineries, LGBTQ+ artists showcasing and selling original works, drag performances, and live music. All three are ticketed events with details available at loudounwine.org.

Participating venues are: 8 Chains North Winery, 868 Estate Vineyards, Bleu Frog Vineyards, Bozzo Family Vineyards, Carriage House Wineworks, Catamaran Hills, Doukenie Winery, Fabbioli Cellars, Farm de Vine, Good Spirit Farm, Greenhill Vineyards, Hillsborough Winery, Kalero VineyardMt. Defiance Cidery, October One Vineyard, The Wine Reserve at Waterford, Two Twisted Posts Winery, Walsh Family Wine, Williams Gap Vineyard, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, and Zephaniah Farm Vineyard.

LANSDOWNE WOODS HOLDS LITERARY FESTIVAL

The Lansdowne Woods Writers Workshop

will host its fifth Lansdowne Literary Festival on Saturday, June 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Lansdowne Woods Club House.

Coordinated by retired book publisher Kathleen Hughes, the event puts the spotlight on retirees who are active writers.

Former LWVA president Jack Kelly recently finished his second thriller and is writing a third, while his wife, Marla, has become a prolific poet. Residents Bob Korte put his lifetime of poems into new book, and Steve Winter explored crime fiction in his first book.

They will be among the 40 local authors featured during the event, available to talk with visitors and sign their works.

Birch Tree Books in Leesburg is partnering with the LWVA Writers Workshop and will be on hand with a table of books selecting for readers and writers. The Loudoun Public Library will also have a table with information on their many writing programs and book clubs.

For more information, contact Hughes at khughes1733@gmail.com.

Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse is located at 19375 Magnolia Grove Square in Lansdowne.

Dodona Manor

GEORGE C. MARSHALL’S LEESBURG, VA

Ringing the Bells

of Liberty

Events surrounding the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary will include the traditional parades, public readings of the Declaration of Independence and lots of fireworks. This year, the public is encouraged to participate in special activity—ringing bells of liberty.

VISIT THE HISTORIC HOME OF General George C. Marshall

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and architect of allied victory in World War II TOURS AVAILABLE FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY

312 EAST MARKET ST, LEESBURG VA 20176 | georgecmarshall.org

The Loudoun County VA250 Committee is calling on the entire community to recreate the bell ringing that occurred in the summer of 1776 as news of the break from Great Britian spread across the colonies.

At precisely 2:50 p.m. on July 4, Loudoun County will join communities across the commonwealth for the Let Freedom Ring ceremony—a synchronized ringing of bells 13 times, representing the original 13 colonies.

The 300-pound bell from the county courthouse is on display in the courts complex. Throughout history, the courthouse bell tolled to mark significant events, including the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and the first local public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Aug. 12, 1776.

Churches and other public buildings with bells are encouraged to toll their bells and civic groups, businesses, and residents are invited to organize gatherings to ring bells in unison, or simply to step outside and ring any bell they have.

For more information on the bell-ringing ceremony and other local VA250 anniversary events, go to loudounva250.org.

7 BRIDGES

Tarara Winery

Saturday, June 13, 6 p.m. tararaconcerts.com

The ultimate Eagles experience delivers a jaw-dropping, note-for-note tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. Tickets are $20.

HARMONY HOLLER

Leesburg Town Green

Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. idalee.org

This Farmville-based band blends country grit, rock edge, and soulful storytelling every show. Free.

THE E STREET SHUFFLE

Tally Ho Theater

Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. (doors) tallyhotheater.com

From The Boss’ backyard in Asbury Park, NJ, the seven-piece band works to recreate the spirit of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary live concerts. Tickets are $20.

KANIN WREN’S TAYLOR SWIFT EXPERIENCE

Tally Ho Theater

Sunday, June 28, 7 p.m.

tallyhotheater.com

Karin Wren returns to Leesburg with her popular all—age celebration of Taylor Swift. Tickets are $22, with children 5 under admitted for free.