Leesburg: Where Colonial Heritage Meets Modern Elegance

The first structures were erected in Morven Park around 1780. Morven Mansion, Winmill Carriage Museum and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting in North America can be found within the 1000 acre historic estate and horse park. International equestrian events, such as horse trials, dressage, gymkhana and carriage driving, are held at Morven Park, which is known as the Central Park of Loudoun County. There is ample space for horse riding, hiking, athletics and playing polo for the 200 000 visitors to the park, each year. The Center for Civic Impact, which prepare high school students for civic engagement is based at the park.

17195 Southern Planter Ln, Phone: 703-777-2414

The buildings and gardens on this National Trust property are more than 200 years old. The formal gardens were constructed near the house. The land was terraced in order to create level spaces. The garden wall and walkways are original but containers, statues and garden structures were added in the 1900s, along with a bowling green, rose and herb gardens and a reflection pool. There is a teahouse, a shop and an inn on the property. Tours of the house are conducted daily from April to December. As a wedding venue, the property is very popular and is booked up years in advance. Education programs reach out to schools and scouts.

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-777-3174

Marshall House was the home of George Marshall, former Secretary and State and Defense, and author of the Marshall Plan after World War 2. It was formerly known as Dodona Manor and evidence suggested that it was built in the early 1800s. It has been restored to the Marshall era, circa 1950. It is unique in that more than 90% of the furniture and household contents were owned and used by the Marshall family. Outside is a large vegetable garden where the former Secretary sought refuge from his stressful responsibilities while his wife tended to her roses. Guided tours operate on Saturdays and Sundays and last 75 minutes.

310-312 East Market Street in Leesburg, Virginia 20176

Fabbioli Cellars was first planted in 2001 on the 25 acre property. Since then, the cellar's wines have won several awards. A large clapboard, silo-like structure houses the wine-tasting venue which opens daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Wines and light, gourmet snacks are on sale. Events, such as a 'wool and wine gathering', are held throughout the year. The Speakeasy, which can accommodate 20-50 people is available for hire. Fabbioli wines are also available through a number of retail outlets and can be shipped to a number of states.

15669 Limestone School Road Leesburg, VA 20176, Phone: 703-771-1197

In late 1861, 54 Union force soldiers were defeated and killed north of the then National Capital. The day in late October was characterized by miscommunications on both sides. Fighting continued throughout the day but finally a fresh contingent of Confederate soldiers chased the Union soldiers down the bluff, onto a narrow beach and into the river. There were too few boats for the beleaguered men and many drowned with their full kit on, trying to escape enemy fire. Only one of the men buried in the 25 graves in the cemetery could be identified. Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery is the country's 3rd smallest, being less than 50 square feet. Phone: 703-737-7800

The Conche is a chocolate themed boutique restaurant. When celebrity chef, Santosh Tiptur was a small boy in India, he dreamed of being able to make chocolates and other candy treats. After traveling the world for two decades, he is finally the executive chef and owner of his own restaurant. His chocolate sculptures are legendary and the presentation of the dishes in his restaurant are a feast for the eyes. Chef Tiptur is passing on his skills to the next generation through his cooking classes and confectionery camps. The restaurant is open seven days a week.

1605 Village Market Blvd SE, #J108 Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-779-1800

The Casanel family bought their 42 acre property in the winter of 2006. They planted 10000 vines by hand on seven of the acres. Then they renovated the historic buildings on the property. In 2010, their first Estate harvest was ready for picking. Since then their wines have won numerous awards. They offer tasting and production tours around the farm. Wines can be bought at the venue, via the Wine Club or through the online shop. Visitors can use the picnic facilities on the farm. Bring your own food and pets. Two barns are available for hire for private functions.

Casanel Vineyards and Winery, 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 540-751-1776

Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park commemorates a small but significant battle that took place on the Potomac. This battle was unusual in that is was a Union Army defeat north of the capital. A great friend of President Lincoln, Col. Edward D. Baker, a U.S. Senator from Oregon, was killed on that day. He was the only senator to die in the war. The battlefield has been restored to the time of the battle. There are 7 miles of marked trails in the 223 acre property, including a mile-long loop to the bluff. Guided tours are conducted on weekends in spring, summer and fall. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Balls Bluff Rd, NE, Leesburg, VA 20175, Phone: 703-737-7800, (website link)

Retired property developer, Whitie Hubert, purchased this 475 acre property on the Potomac River with the intention of pioneering the Virginia wine industry. Tarara Winery wines are produced from grapes grown on the estate and sourced from local farmers. The maturing process takes place in a cave on the property. The single vineyard and blended wines have received much acclaim. They can be tasted year round on site and bought at the shop, online or via the Wine Club. The Summer Concert Series held at Tarara, features many music genres. Color runs and painting parties are also on the schedule. Tarara is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176, Phone: 703-771-7100