By Kelly Hwu
A mixture of rural and suburban atmospheres, Ashburn is located in Loudoun County near Washington Dulles International Airport and the cities of Leesburg and Sterling. Ashburn is home to the Washington Redskins football training camp, as well as the Verizon Business office. With a couple main shopping centers, parks, countless eateries and nearby hotspots in neighboring cities and D.C., Ashburn makes for a serene place to settle down.
Shopping
Ashbrook Commons Shopping Center
Maya Caroleena
Opened for more than 23 years, this family-owned business sells pristine jewelry at an affordable price. Their motto is “Unique, Beautiful, Affordable.” From watches and diamonds to weddings bands and a Disney Collection, this jewelry shop knows how to please all of its customers. / 20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza #191; 703-723-9070
Off Broadway Shoes
Indulge your shoe fetish at Off Broadway Shoes with their array of trendy summer shoes: bright hues and statement wedges. You can even find platform wedges to espadrille wedges. Your feet will be sure to have a good time trying on all the possibilities. / 20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza Unit #155; 571-223-3289
Spoke’s Etc. Bicycles
If your request has anything to do with bicycles, Spoke’s can help you out. They offer assistance with bike issues and provide separate bicycle parts to replace your broken ones; that way you don’t have to buy a brand new bike. But, if that’s what you want, Spoke’s has a wide selection. They even provide nutritional products like Cliff Bars to get you started on your biking adventure. / 20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza #104; 703-858-5501
Zazu
Stop by Zazu for fashion accessories and cute little knick knacks. It’s the ideal place to get a meaningful gift for loved ones. There’s even a baby section that sells cleansers, scents and diaper balm. It’s like a smaller, sophisticated Bath & Body Works! Paper products and books are also sold here, so don’t miss out on that. / 20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza #183; 703-858-9298
Brambleton Town Center
Annalee’s Formals
Look no further for wedding, prom and formal dresses. Annalee’s provides over 700 styles and they can provide alterations if your dress doesn’t fit snug around the curves of your body. They’ll even register prom dresses so no one at your party will be wearing the exact dress as you! Smart thinking. You’ll feel nothing less than a princess when stopping by this dress palace. / 42395 Ryan Road #104; 703-722-2588
Misguided Angels
Funky, eclectic and fun clothing will be found at Misguided Angels. If you’re not so into traditional clothing and are looking for more variety and color, the store carries brands like Big Buddha and Hale Bob to satisfy that craving. The boutique offers online shopping as well. / 22855 Brambleton Plaza #105, Brambleton; 703-957-4601
The Next Step
Shoes here are of select quality, like Uggs and Birkenstock. Brands are carefully chosen and the store is more quality than quantity. Comfort is what they aim for, so your feet won’t be sore after a day in your new shoes. / 22895 Brambleton Plaza #104; 703-542-6398
Old Ashburn Square
Hopes Treasures
Revenue earned by this thrift store goes to The Good Shepherd Alliance, whose aim is to help the homeless in Loudoun County by providing emergency shelter. As the largest out of the four Good Shepherd retail stores, Hopes Treasures is over 8,600 square feet. You can find housewares, toys, clothing, books, electronics in this treasure chest of a store. / 20684 Ashburn Road; 703-724-1555 ext. 827
Hopes Treasures KIDS
An extension of Hopes Treasures, the kids store provides clothes and toys. Every purchase you make will benefit someone in need. If you’re looking to donate some clothes you’ve grown out of, feel free to drop off your donations at the store. / 20630 Ashburn Road; 703-723-4939
Potomac River Running
If sneakers are your thing, Potomac River Running carries the best quality brand sneakers around. They provide shoes made specially for cross country and track too. The family. They know all about the running community and have great information on marathon happenings and running clubs. / 20630 Ashburn Road; 703-729-0133
Doggone Natural
Your dogs and cats are important to you, so naturally you want the best for your babies. Doggone Natural sells organic foods and treats in the form of dry, canned and raw. Find out more about each brand by reading the product descriptions on the website. Organic foods have been gaining popularity for human consumption, so why not for pets? / 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza #287; 703-858-1112
Culture & Education
A & A School of Music
Whether you’re a new or experienced musician, A & A provides for all levels of musicianship. With music books ranging from classical to rock, check out their selection. They also let you rent instruments so you don’t feel pressured to buy one. Let your inner musical self out! / 20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza, Suite 110; 703-723-6545, 42395 Ryan Road, Unit 108; 703-722-2242
Ashburn Library
If you need a quiet place to gather your thoughts, do work, or browse shelves and shelves of books, Ashburn Library is the best place to be. / 43316 Hay Road; 703-737-8100
Belmont Chapel
This parish chapel was built around 1836 and it used to be a center for community worship and other social activities. However, in the mid-20th century, the Chapel ceased to exist and its ruins are still visible at St. David’s Episcopal Church. / St. David’s Episcopal Church, 19917 Ashburn Road.
Curiosity Zone
Kids will never leave if you take them to this science lab made especially for kids ages 2-11. They’ll learn about physics and chemistry through classes, but have so much fun doing so! Curiosity Zone breaks down complex science to hands-on activities for kids to effectively learn. The full program takes four years to complete and scheduling is fairly flexible. Read about the inspiration and academic successes Curiosity Zone has to offer on their website. / 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Broadlands; 703-723-2707
Dining & Nightlife
For a reasonable price, Akira Sushi Bistro in the Ashbrook Commons Plaza offers a wide selection of udon noodles, sushi and chicken or beef teriyaki at around just $10. Nagoya Japanese Steak & Seafood at Junction Plaza offers only the freshest seafood ingredients and chefs will put on a cooking show while making your food right in front of you. If you’re looking to buy some Thai, Bangrak Thai Cuisine on Yukon Drive will revive your taste buds. The $9 lunch special includes three dishes: a main dish and two side orders! Also, happy hour is everyday from 4:30-6:30! If you find yourself in the Ashburn Shopping Plaza and need to refuel your stomach, Burapa Thai Cuisine will also fulfill your hunger needs.
You know that moment when you’re up in the wee hours of the morning and the world is so quiet, it seems you’re the only one awake? Instead of contemplating the eeriness, start your morning right by heading to Ashburn Bagel and Sandwich Shop…or don’t. If you’re within a 5 mile radius of its location in the Ashburn Town Square and you order a $15 minimum order, they deliver to you for free! Delicious bagels AND you get to stay in your warm pajamas!
Now, meat-lovers who have vegetarian friends might find it difficult to find a place fulfilling for both parties, but Ashburn Grill Kabob offers vegetarian selections in addition to vegetarian foods. Tandoori kabobs, curry specialties and vegetable specials will make you hungry for more.
Using the summertime to shed some pounds? Well, you’ll need healthy food to boost your workout regime and really put your body in its best shape. Fresh & Organic in the Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza is a café and bakery that prides itself with using nature’s ingredients. They say no to processed, chemically-altered concoctions.
Summer isn’t complete unless barbecue is involved. Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue on Ashburn Road provides quality Carolina barbeque smoked to perfection topped with sauces and hints of spiciness. If you’re wanting take a trip to the beach but can’t find the time, the next best thing is a seafood dinner at Bonefish Grill. Scallops, salmon and shrimp are the restaurant’s specialties which will have your mouth watering and possibly make you want to go to the beach even more than before. Ford’s Fish Shack is Zagat-rated so you already know it’s on a decent level, plus with stellar crab and juicy lobster meat, it just got even better.
Want to go Greek? OPA! Mezze Grill is where the party’s at. Located in the Ashburn Village Shopping Center, eat timeless Greek and Mediterranean foods that are beautifully prepared. It’s a bit pricy, but Chef Konstantinos strives to perfect his dishes for all his customers. If you’re craving classic pizza, take a whiff of Zagat-rated Bertucci’s on Pipeline Plaza. The food is made entirely from scratch (can you say yummy home-made pizza dough?) and a brick oven is used to perfectly prepare the Italian dishes. We can’t forget about Rubino’s Pizzeria which prepares Sicilian-style pizza and Manhattan Pizzeria which sells New York style pizza, calzones, gyros, pastas and much more! Parallel Wine Bistro’s motto is “wine first, food to complement.” It offers over 50 wine selections from all over the world and there are even self-serving wine machines for you to take advantage of. Ashburn Pub is also a great drinking place. They care so much for their customers, they even offer a sober shuttle service that runs Friday and Saturday. Classic American foods can be found here: burgers, salads, wings, sandwiches and beer. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. with drink specials and half price on appetizers! A casual day well spent at the Ashburn Pub.
Windy City Red Hots
You’ll be impressed by how unique Windy City Red Hots serve their food: they use a food truck! Wanting to bring a more unique experience to northern Virginia, owners Angela and Pia Miranda decided to expand authentic Chicago-style hotdogs and sausages to the northern Virginia region. Since its opening in 2008, a second location has taken spot in downtown Leesburg.
Recreation
Outdoor Bliss
Bles Park
With 124 acres of diverse wildlife, trails and wetlands, Bles Park is a great place to be for a day of relaxation. The park is open every day and the wooded hidden aspect of the park will provide some privacy and exploration. / 44830 Riverside Parkway
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Known as being more of a skinny urban park, W&OD has a trail that is 45 miles long made especially for runners and bicyclists. Additionally, there are 32 miles of gravel trail alongside the main trail for horseback riders. It’s a perfect place to get some exercising done! / 21293 Smiths Switch Road
Get Up and Move
Gold’s Gym Ashburn-Broadlands; 21625 Red Rum Drive; 703-726-9804
LA Boxing; 43150 Broadlands Center Suite 168; 703-724-9533
Belmont Country Club; 19661 Belmont Manor Lane; 1-703-723-5352
Brambleton Regional Park Golf Course; 42180 Ryan Road; 703-327-3403
Sport Bounce of Loudoun; (for the kids!) 44710 Cape Court; 703-729-9522
Relaxation
Amenity Day Spa
Men and women are both welcome to unwind at the Amenity Day Spa for some leisure bonding time. Your body will thank you when you get your facials, nails, massages, and hair removal done. Treat yourself! / 44365 Premier Plaza, Suite 120; 703-726-8100
Regal Fox Stadium 16 & IMAX
A humongous movie screen and popcorn. Appealing much? Spare a couple hours and head to this local theater to watch the hottest movies showing. / 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton; 703-957-1027
Ashburn Ice House
Good news! When the heat gets to be too much in the summertime, you can ice-skate! Ashburn Ice House holds stick & shoots along with hockey introduction summer camps. Check out their scheduling times for adult pick-ups, public skating and their figure skating training program. It’s the perfect setting for all types of skaters to hone their skills. / 21595 Smiths Switch Road; 703-858-0300
Annual Events
Farm Dinner at Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Slow Food DC and Clyde’s Restaurant Group come together once a year to celebrate local farmers and artisans for their efforts in raising food. 2012 marks the 10th annual farm dinner and members will get to drink tasty wine and visiting Clyde Farm’s vegetable gardens. A four-course dinner will be served by professional chefs.
EarthDay@Loudoun Family Festival
Exhibitors showcase their “green” products at this event to inspire and educate locals. Learn easy ways to being more environmentally sustainable. Admission is free so bring your family out. The Kids Zone offers a petting zoo and all sorts of exciting games. Artisans, crafters and professionals talk about various energy saving options, as well as water conservation and gardening techniques. Free food and live music all while you’re learning to be green!