Escape the hustle and bustle
The historic town of Leesburg lies just west of the capital Washington DC along the foothills of the Catoctin Mountain next to the Potomac River. Over the last 30 years, the town has exploded in growth and is now a popular getaway destination for travelers looking for peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The town hosts some impressive festivals and events throughout the year, but you'll need to book up your Leesburg vacation rental quick to avoid disappointment. With several wineries, numerous museums and the opportunity for outdoor pursuits, you'll never be bored in Leesburg.
A place for history buffs
Go back in time at one of the historical attractions near your Leesburg vacation rental. The historic Morven Park is a 1,000-acre estate housing an impressive number of 19th-century horse-drawn carriages and the Museum of Hounds & Hunting. Alternatively, wander through the magnificent English garden and see the country's oldest greenhouse at the Oatlands Plantation. History buffs will be delighted with a tour of Dodona Manor, the former home of George C. Marshall, the Secretary of Defense and Nobel Peace Laureate, where nearly all of the furnishings and artifacts are just as they were when he lived here during the 1950s.
This is wine country
Loudoun County is Virginia's wine country and has dozens of vineyards dotting the pleasant rolling countryside. Its hot summers and cool nights make for ideal grape growing conditions. The best way to experience this rice heritage is along the Wine Trail. Start from your Leesburg vacation rental and drop into several of the wineries to learn about the production, walk through the pretty vineyards and of course, sample some excellent reds and whites. If you happen to be in Leesburg in April, you'll be treated to the colorful annual Flower and Garden festival with award-winning displays and live music.
There's no bad time to visit Leesburg
You can book up a Leesburg vacation rental any time of the year. Though the weather in Virginia is notoriously changeable, the spring is usually bright and sunny. With the flowers in and around the town in full bloom, it's certainly one of the most scenic. The summers can be hot, but the cool breeze coming off the hills nearby keeps the temperature pleasant enough. It's all hands-on-deck in fall when the whole community comes out to the fields to pick the bursting grapes from their vines and winter is cold and snowy, but there are plenty of cozy restaurants to warm up.
A wildlife haven
Don't miss the Rust Sanctuary, a park in the heart of the town. In this diverse habitat, you can spot numerous bird species. It makes up part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, a network of areas of outstanding wildlife viewing in the state. Down at the park's pond you can hear the noisy call of green frogs and other amphibians, while the nest boxes maintained by volunteers are a magnet for bluebirds and swallows. Late spring is a particularly good time to visit, with colorful butterflies swopping around the park.
How to get to and around Leesburg
The nearest airport is in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located 33.5 mi (54 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD), which is 12.8 mi (20.6 km) away.