Northern Virginia: Five unique cities to visit this summer

This content is sponsored by Van Metre Homes.

The metro DC area is a popular tourist destination, but Northern Virginia is a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Home to rich history, a beautiful landscape, DC’s wine country and the Appalachian Trail, Northern Virginia has so much to offer, you won’t want to leave.

Dramatic clouds just before a storm sit over the blue ridge mountains just past the vineyard.
Haymarket, VA- The Winery at La Grange Built on property that has been around for four centuries, The Winery at La Grange invites guests to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Haymarket while enjoying one of their varietals. The vineyard is open every day of the week and hosts events throughout the year, including dog-friendly tours and walking tastings throughout the property.  Prefer to sit inside? Your furry companions are welcome inside, too! Photo Credit: Getty Images, lovingav (Getty Images/iStockphoto/lovingav)
Manassas National Battlefield ParkManassas National Battlefield Park
Haymarket, VA- Manassas National Battlefield Park Empty battlefields have left rich history in Haymarket at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Union and Confederate soldiers clashed on this land twice during the Civil War. The battlefield has staff-guided tours available in addition to 42 miles of trails to explore and the Henry Hill Visitor Center museum. Photo Credit: Getty Images, zrfphoto (Getty Images/iStockphoto/zrfphoto)
Top View of the process of cooking chocolate bakery pastry with melting chocolate. Ingredients for cooking chocolate
Leesburg, VA- The Conche Who doesn’t love gourmet chocolate? Owned by celebrity chef, Santosh Tiptur, The Conche is a restaurant specializing in cocoa-based confections, savory dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. They also have classes available throughout the summer to learn the art of chocolate making, from bon bons to truffles. Photo Credit: Getty Images, nerudol (Getty Images/iStockphoto/nerudol)
Leesburg, VA- Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club Schedule a tee time at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club with views of the Catoctin Mountains. Rated one of Virginia’s top 10 courses and top 10 in the Mid-Atlantic, this course is inspired by those found in Scotland and is sure to delight all golfers, from novice to experts. Photo Credit: Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club (Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club)
A delicious old fashioned cocktail on a wooden bar counter top.
Purcellville, VA- Catoctin Creek Distilling Company Catoctin Creek Distilling was founded in 2009, but was the first legal distillery open since before Prohibition. They are known for Virginia’s most awarded whisky, Roundstone Rye and are dedicated to the craft and the area by sourcing their ingredients locally. Enjoy a flight and schedule a tour! They are given every hour and are kid and dog-friendly. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Fudio (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Fudio)
Purcellville, VA- Oatlands Historic House and Gardens Oatlands Historic House began its legacy in 1798 as a wheat plantation and was eventually turned over to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1965. Today, you can tour the historic buildings on the property, learn about those who worked on the farm, enjoy an afternoon tea or walk through 4.5 acres of formal gardens. Photo Credit: Tripadvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g57894-d104246-i104330954-Oatlands_Historic_House_Garden-Leesburg_Loudoun_County_Virginia.html)
Marshall, VA- Johnny Monarch’s Home to around 1,500 people, Marshall is a small town with a big appetite for incredible, local cuisine. Johnny Monarch’s “bustaurant” serves American comfort-food favorites in a unique setting. They also feature live music on Friday nights through the summer! Photo Credit: A Taste for the Road (https://atastefortheroad.com/johnny-monarchs-review/)
Delicious Homemade Cherry Pie with a Flaky Crust
Marshall, VA- Red Truck Rural Bakery Summer brings fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries and if you’re at Red Truck Rural Bakery, that means incredibly delicious pie. Tried by Oprah and former President Obama, each fresh-out-of-the-oven treat is sure to keep you coming back…. if you can leave in the first place. Photo Credit: Getty Images, bhofack2 (Getty Images/iStockphoto/bhofack2)
Winchester, VA- Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Rainy days can sometimes be challenging to find activities for your little ones. The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum features exhibits that will engage young minds in a fun environment. They do require tickets in advance, so be sure to check their availability online before going. Photo Credit: Tripadvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58318-d2342988-Reviews-Shenandoah_Valley_Discovery_Museum-Winchester_Virginia.html)
Winchester, VA- Old Town Winchester Enjoy old town charm with outdoor cafes, unique shops and delicious ice cream in Old Town Winchester. The town is situated at the northeastern entrance of the Shenandoah Valley and is not far from Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Photo Credit: OldTownWinchesterVA.com   (https://oldtownwinchesterva.com/shop-dine-explore/)
Van Metre Whether you spend a day, the weekend or make this your home, you are sure to fall in love with the unique charm of Northern Virginia. Van Metre has made this their home and the home of over 15,000 families in the DMV region. From their engineers and craftsmen, to their design consultants and Customer Care Ambassadors, their team is focused on making sure you love your Van Metre home for years to come. NoVa has so much to offer- Why leave when you can stay? Photo Credit: Van Metre (https://vanmetrehomes.com/about-van-metre)
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Dramatic clouds just before a storm sit over the blue ridge mountains just past the vineyard.
Manassas National Battlefield ParkManassas National Battlefield Park
Top View of the process of cooking chocolate bakery pastry with melting chocolate. Ingredients for cooking chocolate
A delicious old fashioned cocktail on a wooden bar counter top.
Delicious Homemade Cherry Pie with a Flaky Crust
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