Throughout the month of January, The Connection will be highlighting 101 ways residents can have fun in and around their community. Mike DiCicco, Justin Fanizzi, Jennifer Lesinski and Rich Sanders worked on this project. This is part four of four.
<ro>Become a Bookworm
<lst>Ashburn Library
43316 Hay Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-737-8100
http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=1297
<bt>Many of us have not been in a public library since we were students meeting up with friends to study for the next day’s big test. But the library is for anyone, not just students. The Ashburn Library is a wonderful venue for people to learn more about their interests through books and the Internet, a reliable place for students to get in a last-chance cram session or simply a getaway for someone who wants to find a quiet atmosphere to read a novel.
Many people like to read books relating to subjects in regards to current national happenings such as the election of a new president, or to read about the history of a particular holiday or perhaps a favorite sports hero.
At Ashburn Library, there are all kinds of book club group discussions, parent readings and volunteer teenager readings. There are all kinds of positive things going on at the library and volunteers are always willing to help you get started or pointed in the right direction. It is open Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, from 1-5 p.m.
<ro>Root for the Home Team
<lst>High-School Sports
<bt>Are you tired of professional sports and the escalating player salaries, irksome behavior on and off the field of play of some of the game’s biggest stars, and out of control ticket prices? Why not take a simpler, scaled down approach to sports and attend one of your communities’ high-school sporting events.
No, high-school sports is not perfect, it’s not an athletic fans’ utopian. After all, these are teenagers we are talking about who are balancing class work, relationships, peer pressure and growing pains. But there is something a little more innocent and pure in high-school athletics, where the first and foremost motivations revolve around pride of school, team work and enjoyment of the game.
Yes, most schools still don’t understand that maddeningly loud, recorded, pregame music that makes it nearly impossible to carry on a conversation with the person sitting next to you is a distraction and a turnoff. But once the game itself gets started, it’s a lot of fun watching high-school athletes compete, often at a higher level than people realize.
So if you are in the need of an athletic viewing fix and want to get out of the house but not have to go too far, give the local high school a call and find out what’s on tap on the sports’ schedule.
Here are some upcoming Loudoun area events to consider taking in: Potomac Falls at Park View girls basketball Jan. 30; Dulles District wrestling championships, tabbed to take place Feb. 7 at Loudoun County High School.
<ro>Strap on Some Blades
<lst>Ashburn Ice House
21595 Smith Switch Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-858-0300
www.ashburnice.com
<bt>Local hockey and figure skating fans must be loving life with the state-of-the-art Ashburn Ice House being right in their backyard. The facility has two NHL-sized ice rinks, professional-sized locker rooms, a pro shop and a high-tech lighting and sound system. For skating onlookers, there is a mezzanine-viewing lounge.
The management caters to individuals, youngsters and adults, who want to learn how to ice skate. There are classes for beginning ice skaters as well as more seasoned skaters wanting to experience the joys of learning low freestyle skating and ice dancing. There are also ice hockey camps.
Whether one is looking to enhance his or her skating skills or just looking to get started in the enjoyable sport of skating, the Ashburn Ice House has a camp for everyone.
Programs include learn to skate, tot lessons for children 6 and under, camps and clinics and figure skating. Contact Shari Trotter for more information on these classes at strotter@ashburnice.com.
For those in the ice hockey mode, there are youth and adult leagues and camps, as well as a hockey camp for those learning to play the greatest sport on ice. Contact Troy MacCormick at tmaccormick@ashburnice.com.
<ro>Make New Friends
<lst>Senior Center at Cascades Marketplace,
21060 Whitfield Place
Sterling VA, 20166
703-430-2397
http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2217
<bt>The Senior Center at Cascades features the Senior Café, classes, activities and games, dances and socials, numerous clubs, educational programs and trips all designed to keep the 55-plus set young at heart. General interest activities are free unless otherwise noted and do not require registration. Annual membership and daily drop-in fees apply. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.,
Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Saturdays and Sundays.
<ro> Take in a Game
<lst>Youth Sports
<bt>It might sound kind of silly unless you have children playing youth sports, but why not take a visit to one of your local community youth athletic contests? Maybe you played youth sports when you were a youngster. Hopefully, the memories are good ones. It might be fun to go out and see a youth sports event 2009 style. There is bound to be some good, wholesome entertainment as the young players cheer each other on and exalt when something good happens, or perhaps show their exaggerated frustration when something goes wrong on the diamond, gridiron or hardwood court. This summer, hop in the car, go to the nearest Little League complex one gorgeous Saturday afternoon, buy yourself a soda and hotdog at the concession stand and take in a baseball game. It will jar some old memories, perhaps, and give you a glimpse, for better or for worse, of contemporary youth sports.
<ro> One-Stop Shopping
<lst>Dulles Town Center
21100 Dulles Town Circle
Dulles, VA 20166
703-404-7120
www.shopdullestowncenter.com
<bt>Dulles Town Center is a 1.4 million-square-foot, two-level regional mall that provides Loudoun County with a town center in the heart of a 554-acre mixed-used development.
Located at the intersection of routes 7 and 28 in Dulles, the Dulles Town Center is just minutes from Dulles Airport. The shopping center provides design elements relating to Northern Virginia’s rich historical heritage and beautiful natural countryside.
There are over 185 stores to choose from. Shopping certainly builds up an appetite and there are plenty of eateries and food places of all kinds.
The center is open Mondays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sundays, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
<ro> Get Back to Nature
<lst>Claude Moore Park
21544 Old Vestal’s Gap Road
Sterling, VA 20164
571-258-3700, claudemoore@loudoun.gov
www.loudoun.gov/default.aspx?tabid=885
<bt>Claude Moore Park offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. Because of Claude Moore Park’s open space — including miles of hiking trails, pavilions, and ponds — the park hosts classes and activities that take advantage of these natural resources.
Claude Moore Park encompasses 357 acres in eastern Loudoun County in the neighborhood of Sterling. The park hosts many diverse habitats, including wetlands, meadows and forests. The National Wildlife Federation owned the park from 1975 to 1986, before Loudoun County purchased the Park in 1990.
The park is divided into two major areas — the Sportsplex and Nature Area. The Sportsplex includes four-lighted baseball fields and three-lighted softball fields. There is also a lighted football field. From April through November, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, flag football and football teams generally make plentiful use of the playing fields. This area of the par is also the site of the Claude Moore Recreation facility.
The remainder of the park includes the nature area. This includes 11 miles of hiking trails. One 3.5-mile stretch, called the blue-blazed Scout Trail, is in recognition of the Girls and Boys Scouts for their many services and projects on behalf of the park. Trail maps and guides are available at the Visitors Center, open 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
<ro>Get Out There
<lst>Algonkian Regional Park
47001 Fairway Drive
Sterling, VA 20165
703-450-4655
www.nvrpa.org/parks/algonkian
<bt>There is something for everyone at Algonkian Regional Park. Located on the scenic Potomac shore, Algonkian Regional Park is the perfect place for an afternoon of fun in the sun, family getaway or family celebrations.
The park includes a large swimming pool and aquatics play complex, a newly-designed, 18-hole, par-72 golf course, miniature golfing, hiking, fishing, a boat launch, a downpour water park, vacation cottages and a conference room.
Group camping and shelter reservations for 2009 began in early January and are continuing.
Directions: To reach Algonkian Regional Park from the Beltway (I-495), take Route 7 west 11 miles to Cascades Parkway north and drive three miles to the park entrance.
<ro> Get Sporty
<lst>Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park
21593 Jesse Court
Dulles, VA 20166
703-404-8800, funevents@dullesgolf.com
www.dullesgolfcenter.com
<bt>Along with being a golfing haven, this is also a sports participants’ dream. Golf Range Magazine has named Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park among the Top 100 Golf Ranges in North America every year since 2001. The facility also features a total family recreation center and golf practice facility open year round. Enjoy the premium golf range, the 18-hole miniature golf at the "Rock Garden," the batting cages and white sand beach volleyball courts and leagues.
Hours of operation for spring and fall hours: March-April and September-October, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Summer hours: May-August, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
<ro> Singing under the Stars
<lst>Loudoun Summer Music Fest
Belmont Country Club
19661 Belmont Manor Lane
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-327-9096
www.liveatbelmont.com
<bt>Want to experience dancing, cheering and singing under the summertime sky? No better way than to take in the Loudoun Summer Music Fest, a series of live concerts held under the stars for crowds as large as 50,000. It’s one of the summer highlights for adults and children.
Throughout the summer, favorite bands from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s play their greatest hits, live on the lawn at Toll Brother's Belmont Country Club in Ashburn.
Profits from the concert series are donated to Loudoun County charities through the Loudoun Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To purchase any of the 2009 presale packages, call the Loudoun Foundation directly at 703-327-9096 or e-mail Tracey Parent at tparent@integrity.com.
Online sales will available soon.
<ro>Get Ready for Some Football
<lst>Redskins Park
21300 Redskins Park Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-726-7000
www.redskins.com
<bt>OK, so the Redskins kind of fizzled out this season after a good start. It can happen to anyone, even the Cowboys. But Redskins Park, located in Ashburn, is still one happening place in the mid-to-late summertime during training camp, when local fans are invited to gain a first-hand view of the team’s preseason workouts.
This past summer, all the rage was over new Redskin defensive end Jason Taylor, the former All-Pro player who came over from the Dolphins. Fans flocked to Taylor after practice sessions like Redskins defensive linemen used to flock towards Dallas QB Roger Staubach back in the day.
Training camp is a chance for Skins fans to get an up-close look at their favorite Redskins coaches and players as the team embarks on the season ahead. And almost every year, usually for a week or so in late July, the Redskins are real good about giving their fans a few chances to check out training camp happenings. Parking and admission is free, although that is real likely to change.
The Redskins held a Fan Appreciation Day last summer July 26. Thousands flocked to the burgundy and gold headquarters, creating a weekend gridlock in Ashburn.
<ro> Kick Back
<lst>Jazz on the Potomac
Lansdowne Resort
44050 Woodridge Parkway
Lansdowne, VA 20176
703-729-8400
www.lansdowneresort.com
<bt>Enjoy jazz music on Friday nights at the Lansdowne Resort summer concert series. It’s free and the view overlooking the Potomac is wondrous. The series runs from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Concert times are from 6-10:30 p.m. So sit back, relax and unwind to the smooth sounds of jazz music on the Potomac. And enjoy the good food as well. Music lovers took in the great sounds of such artists as Phase II, Common Ground and Tyris in 2008, and the summer of 2009 will be just as enjoyable.
<ro> Grab the Bats and Gloves
<lst>PONY Fast-Pitch Softball/Baseball
1951 Pony Place, P.O. Box 225
Washington, PA 15301
724-225-1060, info@pony.org
www.pony.org
<bt>The renowned, longtime national organization has been providing a sports and tournament venue for youngsters for decades and is one of the fastest growing international youth sports organizations in the world. In recent years, Sterling has hosted some of the nation’s top PONY Nationals girls’ fast-pitch softball tournaments.
The home base for PONY baseball and softball is in Washington, Pa., but its organization influence is experienced every spring and summer throughout the country, including Loudoun. The Virginia contact for PONY softball/baseball is Stephen Badin at 703-443-1942.
<ro>Sounds of Music
<lst>Bluemont Concert Series
Old Loudoun County Courthouse
Corner of Market and King Streets
Leesburg, VA 20176
540-338-4640
www.bluemont.org/Concerts/Leesburg
<bt>What better way to spend a Sunday evening than enjoying outdoor Bluemont concerts, on the town greens, courthouse lawns and public squares in Virginia, with family, friends and neighbors. It’s an opportunity for audiences to enjoy world-class jazz, bluegrass, Celtic music, rock, rhythm and blues, Zydeco, African dance, folk music and more. Don’t forget to bring a picnic dinner to enhance the magical evening. Also, bring the children. This is for folks of all ages. Keep in mind, however, that all Bluemont concerts are smoke-free and alcohol is prohibited. Pets are not allowed in the concert areas.
Some of this past summer’s concerts included the Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra, the Homes Brothers and Dixie Power Trio.
Want to be a Bluemont concert volunteer? If so, contact Jackie Kocher at 540-338-4640.
<ro> Embrace a Lemur
<lst>Leesburg Animal Park
19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-433-0002, critterpark@gmail.com
www.leesburganimalpark.com
<bt>Get close and personal with our friends in the animal kingdom at Leesburg Animal Park, a 21-acre habitation in which both exotic and domestic animals make their homes. Meet a giant tortoise, a lemur or a serval cat. They won’t forget the encounter and neither will you. It’s a wonderful chance to feed and pet animals or take a pony ride. Those who want to check out the entire park can take a safari wagon ride. There is also a magnificent pond, where families and friends can picnic, play and just relax. A day at Leesburg Animal Park is a splendid idea for birthday parties and other celebrations. Come on out, take a walk on the wild side.
<ro> Go Back in Time
<lst> Oatlands Plantation
20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-3174, info@oatlands.org
www.oatlands.org
<bt> Enjoy history and a sense of the wonderful landscape at Oatlands, an historic mansion built in 1804 with outbuildings that include an 1810 greenhouse and an 1821 bank barn. The mansion is surrounded by 369 acres of grounds, including more than four acres of formal gardens.
Oatlands was one of Loudoun’s largest antebellum plantations. Unfortunately, the history of the Oatlands includes slavery. It is an architectural showplace as well as a classic case study of how a Southern plantation has had to adapt to the changing times. Oatlands is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site.
<ro> Learn Some History
<lst>Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun St.
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-742, info@loudounmuseum.org
www.loudounmuseum.org
<bt>History is made fun, interesting and children-friendly at the Loudoun Museum.
Loudoun is growing and changing so fast. In fact, Loudoun is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Sometimes, as a result, it’s easy to lose sight of its rich history and character. The folks at Loudoun Museum make it their job to bring Loudoun’s history to life, right before your sparkling eyes.
The museum is located on Loudoun Street in historic downtown Leesburg. You’ll find plenty of parking and in the public parking lot right next door. The museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., as well as on Sundays, from 1-5 p.m. Open by appointment on Tuesdays.
<ro> Be Hands-On
<lst>Smithsonian Naturalist Center
741 Miller Drive S., Suite G-2
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-779-9712, natcentr@si.edu
www.si.edu
<bt>Got a thing for rocks (36,000 of them), fossils, plants, animals, and artifacts? Then why not take a visit to the Smithsonian Naturalist Center? This satellite education center of the Smithsonian, located in Leesburg, offers hands-on access to 30,000 natural history objects for group or individual study. Visitors must be 10 years or older. Admission is free. The Naturalist Center is open Tuesdays-Saturday, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
<ro> Learn about the War
<lst>Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
Ball's Bluff Road
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-737-7800
www.nvrpa.org/parks/ballsbluff
<bt>Get a first-hand look at the history surrounding the Civil War with a visit to Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park. Surrounding the Ball's Bluff National Cemetery, this regional park preserves the site of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, the largest Civil War engagement to take place in Loudoun County. Hiking trails and interpretive signs aid in understanding this important and tragic part of American history.
Directions: To reach Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, take Route 7 west toward Leesburg, then Route 15 Bypass north. Turn right on Battlefield Parkway and left on Ball's Bluff Road. The park is located at the end of the street.
Free battlefield tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., from Saturday, April 5 until the end of October. Additional tours take place on Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Holiday tours take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. New Sunday evening tours on holiday weekends at 6 p.m.
Tour features: Ball's Bluff National Cemetery, One-mile trail, Interpretive signs.
<ro>Feed the Inner Shopaholic
<lst>Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
241 Fort Evans Road N.E.
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-443-1358
www.premiumoutlets.com
<bt> Everyone has a little bit of that "shop ‘til you drop" desire in them. Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets is one place to get that shopping fix taken care of. More than just a great collection of the finest designer labels and name brands, it is the area's only upscale outlet center and is made up of 110 stores. The outlets are open Mondays-Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sundays, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
<ro> Join In
<lst>Bluegrass & Folk Jam
Round Hill Arts Center
6 West Loudoun St.
Round Hill, VA 20142
540-338-5050
www.roundhillartscenter.org
<bt>Go ahead, play that air banjo right along with the on-stage artists at the Bluegrass & Folk Jam concerts, which take place every Friday at the end of each month at the Art’s Center in Round Hill. It’s family friendly, organic music and fun. Sit in on an evening of free-flowing, blue grass and folk sound — Round Hill style, that is. Whether you want to play or just listen (or play air fiddle), it’s sure to be a good time. Barbecue, beer and wine are available for purchase.
<ro> Get Healthy
<lst>Ida Lee Park
60 Ida Lee Drive N.W.
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-777-1368
www.idalee.org
<bt> Ida Lee Park Recreation Center is the crown jewel of the Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department, featuring 71,000 square feet of aquatics, fitness and recreation. Each year the park offers more than 2,800 recreation programs, which include programs for all ages. There are more than 370 acres of park land for hiking, biking or simply enjoying the scenery.
So take some time to enjoy the park’s vast indoor facilities and the great outdoors Ida Lee encompasses. There is tennis, basketball and swimming among the many recreational activities available.
<ro> Be Charmed
<lst>Old Town Leesburg
25 West Market St.
Leesburg, VA 20178
703-777-2420
www.leesburgva.gov
<bt>Discover what everybody is talking about in historic Leesburg — the charm, the character, the shopping, the history, the recreation and the entertainment. Since Colonial Days, Leesburg has boasted a sense of welcoming hospitality and fine dining to all its distinguished guests.
Charming brick sidewalks alongside narrow streets and beautiful, historic architecture can be found in the Downtown Historic District, which is also home to many one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.
From old to new and everything in between, there is something for everyone. A charming, intimate atmosphere, the Historic Downtown is host to specialty shops with an eclectic mix of home furnishings, gifts, ladies and children's clothing, artwork, stylish jewelry, gifts, cafés, spas, traditional antiques and Colonial and Civil War walking tours and more.
Founded in 1758, the attractive, vibrant Leesburg community, located at the foothills of the blue ridge mountains, embraces its heritage, while also taking advantage of being just outside of Washington, D.C. Leesburg is a perfect getaway for sightseeing, fine dining, antiquing, shopping and recreation.
<ro> Get into Fall
<lst>Pumpkinville
Leesburg Animal Park
19270 James Monroe Highway
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-433-0002
www.leesburganimalpark.com/pumpkinville
<bt>Pumkinville runs each fall from late September through early November. Explore the 21-acre park filled with an abundance of family fun. Fall time admission includes entry to the Leesburg Animal Park, the white-handed Gibbon (ape) display and bird aviary. Enjoy unlimited hay rides, pet and feed exotic animals and take a pony ride. Kids and older folks alike will love the scenic surroundings and atmosphere. Weekend attractions include camel rides, face and pumpkin painting, minitractor rides, nationally-renowned comedians, magicians, puppeteers and food vendors. Visit the farm market for fresh local produce, plants, homemade jams, baked goods, fall decorations, and exotic pumpkins.
Pumpkinville celebrated its 9th annual autumn time festivities this past year.
<ro> Grab Your Stick
<lst>Loudoun Field Hockey Association
703-444-1020, Ext. 104, meg@loudounfieldhockey.org
www.loudounfieldhockey.org
<bt>Those who have played field hockey are hooked for life. Are you athletically inclined and looking for a new sport to take up? How about field hockey? No, the sport is not a sanctioned Loudoun County high-school sport. Nevertheless, the Loudoun Field Hockey Association provides venues for youth, high-school aged and adults to play the sport.
The organization runs two youth leagues: the Eastern Loudoun League plays in Sterling and the Western Loudoun League plays in Leesburg. The youth field hockey program is for girls from third grade-12th grade. There are four age divisions: third/fourth grade, fifth/sixth grade, seventh/eighth grade and ninth/12th grades.
An experienced group of coaches teach players the fundamentals of the sport through practices, scrimmages and games. Register online. Volunteer coaches and referees are needed.
The adult program is for new and experienced players ages 21 and older. The game-only league plays on Sundays, from 2-4 p.m., at the East Fields at Northern Virginia Community College-Loudoun Campus in Sterling. Adults can play in either competitive or recreational divisions. Men are allowed to play in both divisions. There is a two-men per team limit.