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Northern Piedmont

Horse country with rolling hills and driving distance to D.C.

Lifestyle

Miles of board fences and stately barns provide telltale signs of this region’s love of equestrian activities. From the dedicated horse country of Leesburg and Middleburg to the surprising culinary destinations in Culpeper and Rappahannock, the Northern Piedmont offers the perfect milieu for anyone seeking both the peace of the countryside and access to the amenities of the city.
Occupying the rolling foothills southwest of Washington, D.C., the Northern Piedmont encompasses Culpeper, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Clarke, and Loudon counties, and is a delightful mix of rural charm and urban sophistication. Wide stretches of undulating farmland alternate with quaint small towns and ever-growing cities, all with convenient access to the nation’s capital.

While there are plenty of old families and history here, the region is also populated by country-loving commuters to the D.C. Metro area, providing a diverse population more commonly found in cities.

Local Gems

Our featured picks.

Famous for its culinary delights, The Inn at Little Washington is situated in the tiny historic village of Washington, Virginia, and is owned and operated by D.C. chef Patrick O’Connell. Having received numerous awards and accolades from publications ranging from Forbes to The Washington Post, the inn and restaurant are one of the northern Piedmont’s premier hidden gems.
Formerly a Federal Reserve bunker for stowing billions of dollars of cash in the event of nuclear attack and devastation, Culpeper’s Packard Campus for A-V Conservation is now home to more than six million video, audio, and film recordings preserved by the Library of Congress. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Packard Campus hosts free showings of classic films for public enjoyment.
Located in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, Morven Park in Leesburg is home to a Greek Revival mansion that has served as residence to two governors. The mansion is open for tours, and the park also features a carriage museum and a museum devoted to the history of fox hunting in North America. It is home as well to 1,000 acres of gardens and woodland with public trails as well as a state-of-the-art equestrian center that hosts various riding schools and horse trials and events throughout the year.