Bluemont

 

For more information, go to Visit Loudoun.

 

Nestled on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bluemont, founded as Snickersville in 1824, was once a fancy mountain retreat for D.C. residents, last stop on the Washington & Old Dominion railway line. Today, its wineries, breweries, family-focused farm tours, hiking trails, annual fall fair and B&Bs draw discerning tourists and creative new residents.

 

Bluemont Vineyard, a mountain-side winery and tasting room of the pioneering Zurschmeide family, makes award-winning, Burgundy-style vintages in a breathtaking setting with views of the Virginia countryside.

 

Bluemont is home to arguably the two most scenic breweries in the Mid Atlantic. Bear Chase Brewing Co. on the crest of the Blue Ridge is a wildly popular tap room near the Appalachian Trail (AT), with acres of lawn dotted with firepits and Adirondack chairs. Try the aptly named AT Hefeweizen. Equally beautiful, Dirt Farm Brewing has a tap room in a restored stone hunting lodge. Try a cold glass of the Farm Use pale ale and soak in those stunning views.

 

With its wagon rides, fruit and pumpkin picking, putt-putt, corn maze, mining sluice, farm store and ‘roosteraunt’, Great Country Farms at the foot of the Blue Ridge, immerses the whole family into Loudoun’s rich agricultural roots.

 

Opened in 2019, Henway Hard Cider is the artisanal cidery of the Zurschmeide family, using apples from neighboring Great Country Farms. Order a glass of the crisp, semi-sweet The Coop cider, take a seat on the banks of the pond out front and soak up the country scene.

 

Take in spectacular, west-facing views of the Shenandoah Valley and river from the rocky outcrops of Bears Den Overlook, alongside the Appalachian Trail.

 

Bluemont General Store is a classic, small town grocery in the heart of town serving coffee, ice cream and good gossip. Take a seat on the porch deck and watch village life go by.