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An Art-Full-y Crafted Tour

Prince William and Loudoun, VA

The historic backdrops in Prince William and Loudoun, Virginia are overflowing with opportunities for your group’s creative spirit to flourish. Create your next masterpiece in the backdrop of a 18th century home, craft your own chef-inspired dinner, and see works of impeccable art on your journey through Northern Virginia.

Exterior of the Hylton Performing Arts Center

Day 1

Arrive in Middleburg, VA and enjoy lunch included at the Red Fox Inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in 1728, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern has offered uninterrupted hospitality for more than 275 years, making it the oldest continually operated inn in the US. History unfolded in and around it, and numerous historical figures took shelter in its fieldstone walls. Famous guests have included Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who frequently stayed at the inn during fox hunting holidays. After lunch, tour the inn and enjoy the art that adds to the ambiance of the historic site.

Stroll and shop along the streets of Middleburg, home to multiple art galleries within walking distance, boutiques shops and antique stores to peak anyone’s interest. Middleburg was once considered a part-time residence by John F Kennedy and his family while the community fought segregation.

Take a tour at the National Sporting Museum and Art Library, where you will see the rare book room, and find out what a ‘fore-edge’ book is. Dedicated to preserving, promoting and sharing the literature, art and culture of equestrian, angling and field sports. Founded in 1954, the Museum, a renovated and expanded historic building on the Library campus, houses exhibits of American and European animal and sporting art.

Check-in to your local hotel and head to dinner with a twist at The Conche, this chocolate boutique restaurant not only offers sweet treats, but savory dishes with a touch of cocoa. Take part in a dessert making class or if cocktails are more the style, learn to create their hand-crafted drinks

 

Day 2

Take an art tour of Morven Park. The guide will speak to the architecture and decorating style of the late 19th century which Marguerite Davis preferred.  Home to former Virginia governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife Marguerite, the Davis furnishings, which include 16th-century Belgian tapestries, hundreds of silver pieces, Hudson River Valley paintings, and Asian treasures play a major role in the home today.

Spend some time enjoying the rich history of Downtown Historic Leesburg, established in 1758. Take some time to shop and explore during your time in this quaint Virginia town. Make sure to visit the galleries located around downtown.

Visit Tuscarora Mill for lunch included. Known colloquially as "Tuskie’s", the restaurant has earned its reputation through its "authentically local" experience felt in the ambiance and décor, conveyed by the passionate staff, and evident in the quality cuisine.

Following lunch, take part in the “Gallery Game” through downtown Leesburg. The “Gallery Game” is a scavenger hunt through the galleries with the goal of finding three paintings, sculptures of other pieces to establish an answer to the puzzle. Who can solve it the fastest?

Arrive at Jiffy Lube Live for a private backstage tour. The largest outdoor amphitheater in Northern Virginia seats over 22,000 people and has played host to countless major musical acts including names such as Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffet, Journey, Keith Urban, Rodd Stewart, and Bruce Springsteen. Experience life as a rock star as you sit in the dressing rooms where Grammy award winning musicians wrote songs and walk out on the stage where they have entertained fans for years.

Next, travel toward the Hylton Performing Arts Center for an evening performance of your choice, accompanied by a delectable meal. This new program, Performance A La Carte, allows you to choose the date and style of entertainment for your group. Choose from music productions or theatrical shows and let the Hylton Center’s team do the rest! During your visit, browse their rotating collection of regional artists in the Buchannan Partners Art Gallery.

 

 

Day 3

Trace your roots back to Stonewall Jackson as you enjoy a painting class at Ben Lomond Historic Site. This 18th century home was used heavily during the Civil War and the preserved architecture makes a wonderful backdrop for your artistic masterpiece.

Later, you’ll spend time browsing the numerous boutique shops in Historic Occoquan. From custom hand-made jewelry and paintings to stained glass and antiques, you’ll get lost in the creativity of this quaint town. All the shops in Historic Occoquan are locally owned and as unique as the treasures they offer inside. Whether your palette is craving crepes, mussels, pizza, or tex-mex for lunch, you’ll find a restaurant in town creating a one-of-a-kind experience.

Did you know the Marine Corps has their own gauntlet of artists to capture and document history being made before us on the front lines and at home? Part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ multi-year expansion includes a Combat Artist Gallery and Studio, where you’ll be able to have a VIP experience with the resident Marine artists. This distinctive gallery will shine an artistic light on what it means to be an American. You may also get a peek in to their private art collection, an experience which is not open to the public!

End your day with a relaxing dinner on the water at The Harbour Grille, overlooking the Occoquan Harbour Marina and namesake river. Their head chef creates his own work of art for you to savor with his waterfront inspired cuisine.

 

Day 4

On your final morning, enjoy a tour of Rippon Lodge, a historic home with stunning view of the Potomac River. During your tour of the home, see the painting of Adrmiral Black, the last person to speak to Amerlia Earhart before her disappearance. The home’s original owner was also good friends with then General George Washington.

 

Download An Art-Full-y Crafted Tour Itinerary PDF file

 

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