Founded in 1764 and named Purcellville in 1853 in honor of prominent businessman Valentine Purcell, this bustling Blue Ridge foothill community still has something of a frontier atmosphere. The low buildings in the center of town, including a restored gristmill turned restaurant and a former Buick dealership turned distillery, resemble a western movie set.
There are several thrift and antique stores downtown, including Re-Love It, where you can buy a used Armani jacket or a retro vinyl record player, and It’s Bazaar, with bargain 70s furniture and an upstairs of worn coats, suits, and wigs. Don’t miss the three floors of vintage clothing at Nostalgia, a Victorian-style boutique on East Main Street within walking distance.
Take in an evening game at Firemen’s Field, home of the Purcellville Cannons, a collegiate summer baseball team. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cold beer, cheap tickets ($5 for adults, $2 for kids) and Major League prospects swinging for the fences – what could be more fun? Franklin Park, located on 203 acres west of the city, offers outdoor fun. It has it all: swimming, tennis, fishing, and Frisbee. There are also several lighted ball fields, and the Franklin Park Center for the Arts hosts a variety of plays, musicals, and exhibitions.
When Becky and Scott Harris founded Loudoun’s first post-Prohibition distillery in 2009, they were complete novices. Fast forward a decade, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company’s award-winning products are sold worldwide, and Becky Harris is arguably America’s leading producer of women’s whiskey. Purchase bottles of brandy, gin, and the flagship brand Roundstone Rye at the establishment and try a craft cocktail at the horseshoe-shaped bar.
Magnolias in the restored Grain Mill is a farm-to-fork favorite; Monk’s BBQ outside makes some of the best brisket and pastrami in Northern Virginia; and Market Burger Fries and Shakes sells juicy, herb-filled beef patties with toppings and the richest malt shakes. The ever-popular Italian and Mediterranean restaurant Anthony’s serves up a great meze and a lively wine list. For something a little more upscale, book a table at the excellent West End Wine Bar and Pub, where Chef Jeremy Thresher uses fresh ingredients from the farm to prepare original dishes such as Martin’s beef tenderloin with asparagus, confit potatoes, au poivre sauce and vanilla salt.