Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
- 1. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
- 2. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics including the patient-supplied information.
- 3. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process..
We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don't subscribe to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, leveraging genetics and advanced testing, utilizing advanced therapeutics like Gainswave and addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. For men whoare just starting to have challenges, or who have erectile dysfunction, or for the biohackers that just want everything optimized, one of those proven therapies is Leesburg, VA
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Leesburg, VA Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Leesburg, VA report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Leesburg, VA Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Leesburg, VA?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Leesburg, VA. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Leesburg, VA, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Leesburg, VA, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Leesburg, VA
Leesburg baker featured on the Food Network's 'Summer Baking Championship'
Karen Grahamhttps://www.loudountimes.com/news/leesburg-baker-featured-on-the-food-networks-summer-baking-championship/article_a0017738-f439-11ed-ada7-43af5a9183e7.html
A Leesburg baker is one of 10 contestants on the Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship,” which premiered on May 15.Kristina Krause is a self-taught home baker who was inspired to learn how to make and decorate cakes and sweet treats during the pandemic.She has always had a passion for cooking but says she did not have any experience baking until three years ago.“I decided to challenge myself to make one recipe a day,” Krause told the Times-Mirror in an interview. “Cooking has alwa...
A Leesburg baker is one of 10 contestants on the Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship,” which premiered on May 15.
Kristina Krause is a self-taught home baker who was inspired to learn how to make and decorate cakes and sweet treats during the pandemic.
She has always had a passion for cooking but says she did not have any experience baking until three years ago.
“I decided to challenge myself to make one recipe a day,” Krause told the Times-Mirror in an interview. “Cooking has always been my first love and I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen.”
She baked brownies, cookies and cakes and her friends were “designated taste testers.” After realizing that Krause had a lot of natural talent, they encouraged her to start a business and she launched Kristina’s Kitchen.
One of her specialties is making cookie cake tarts — a layered almond sable cookie tart with whipped vanilla bean cream cheese frosting and decorated with flowers, fruit and macarons.
“I love to research and experiment and refine my cake decorating skills,” she said.
The Food Network contacted her last year after seeing her posts on Instagram and after multiple interviews she was one of 10 bakers from around the country selected to be on the show, which taped in January.
In each episode, the bakers are challenged by host Jesse Palmer to create a dessert with a summertime theme as judges Duff Goldman, Carla Hall and Damaris Phillips decide who continues to the next round. At the end, the winner will take home a $25,000 grand prize.
While the challenges were “really hard,” Krause said the experience on the show was “amazing” and she found the critiques from the judges to be “very helpful” especially from Goldman and Hall.
“It’s very different from sitting and watching the show at home on the couch. The hardest part were the timed challenges,” Krause said.
She enjoyed meeting the famous judges who she had watched on television for years.
“I was just star struck and it was so cool after seeing them on the Food Network, and it was surreal to be there,” Krause said. “Overall, it was just a fantastic experience, and I would happily do it again.”
The mom of three children, one with autism, has plans to continue to grow her business. She would like to eventually teach baking classes, especially for children with special needs.
For more information, visit @Kristinas_Kitchen_official on Instagram and Facebook or foodnetwork.com/shows/summer-baking-championship.
Cool Pools Await At These 8 Homes For Sale Around Virginia
Liam Griffinhttps://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/cool-pools-await-these-8-homes-sale-around-virginia
VIRGINIA — Memorial Day, when many pools around Virginia open to the public, is just around the corner. To mark the approaching summer, Patch is highlighting several homes on the market with unique and luxurious pools.One home in Leesburg has a recently upgraded pool and spa. The home even had a new deck and walkway added near the pool, which will allow the new owners to entertain and relax around the water.Other notable homes have enclosed pools with skylights, saltwater pools, heated pools, and Jacuzzi hot tubs....
VIRGINIA — Memorial Day, when many pools around Virginia open to the public, is just around the corner. To mark the approaching summer, Patch is highlighting several homes on the market with unique and luxurious pools.
One home in Leesburg has a recently upgraded pool and spa. The home even had a new deck and walkway added near the pool, which will allow the new owners to entertain and relax around the water.
Other notable homes have enclosed pools with skylights, saltwater pools, heated pools, and Jacuzzi hot tubs.
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
Patch has put together a collection of beautiful homes on the market in Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. You can find photo galleries of properties in the listings linked in each article.
Spacious Leesburg Oasis Boasts Bar, Wine Closet, And Heated Pool
Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
McLean Home On Market For $10.2M Features Indoor Pool With Skylights
Arlington Home On Market For $3.1M Comes With Heated Pool, Jacuzzi
Stafford Home With Enclosed Pool, Greenhouse Lists For $1.2M
$2.85M Reston Penthouse Has Pool Perks, 50M-Year-Old Fossil Backsplash
(Listed by: Kim Spear, Keller Williams Realty
This Reston penthouse listed for $2.85 million comes with pool and fitness center access. Plus, the kitchen features a 50 million year-old fossil as a backsplash. Another luxury feature: a water closet tucked behind a pocket door has hand-painted gold-flecked wallpaper from England.
$1.37M Herndon House With Saltwater In-Ground Pool Perfect For Summer
Listed by: Jabar Baig, Reston
This Herndon house listed for $1.378 million says summer living. It offers a sunroom solarium indoors, plus a professionally landscaped backyard perfect for entertaining with a saltwater in-ground pool, outdoor kitchen, and large pergola with ceiling fans. The historic Queen Anne style home has been fully updated, and comes with a two-level detached guest or in-law structure that has its own entrance.
$875K Fairfax Oasis Features Heated Saltwater Pool
Heated Pool Provides Perfect Backdrop For Summer In Mount Vernon
Dive into summer with access to your own heated pool at this Mount Vernon property. Located minutes from George Washington's Mount Vernon, this four-bedroom home has a backyard perfect for summer gatherings. Along with the pool, the yard is spacious and comes with a stone patio and deck. The pool was resurfaced in 2019, and concrete around the pool was completed last year.
More featured homes:
84th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale Accepting Donations
Renee Brohardhttps://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/84th-annual-ladies-board-rummage-sale-accepting-donations
The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is officially accepting donations for the 84th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale. Donations will be collected on Saturday, May 6 (rain date May 7), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two locations:Many kinds of donations are needed including antiques, jewelry, furniture, sports equipment, books and media, clothing, home goods, holiday items, linens, tools, pet supplies and toys. Organizers request that items be packed in boxes with lids or flaps closed. Only clothes and non-breakable items should be pla...
The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is officially accepting donations for the 84th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale. Donations will be collected on Saturday, May 6 (rain date May 7), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two locations:
Many kinds of donations are needed including antiques, jewelry, furniture, sports equipment, books and media, clothing, home goods, holiday items, linens, tools, pet supplies and toys. Organizers request that items be packed in boxes with lids or flaps closed. Only clothes and non-breakable items should be placed in plastic bags and tied shut. For a complete list of acceptable items, please visit ladiesboard.org/rummage-sale-donations.
Donations will be offered for sale at the 84th Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds, 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg. For more details about the Sale, please visit ladiesboard.org.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Net proceeds support Inova Loudoun Hospital and the Ladies Board Nursing Scholarship Fund. The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year for special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and has awarded over $2 million in nursing scholarships since the program began.
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Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is a non-profit organization with the mission to promote goodwill between the community and the hospital and to raise funds for patient services, nursing education, and hospital projects.
Inova Loudoun HospitalFounded in 1912, Inova Loudoun Hospital is a 211-bed nationally recognized hospital committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for the entire family. Inova Loudoun Hospital is ranked among the top hospitals in the country for nursing excellence, emergency care services, and patient safety. Inova Loudoun Hospital is also a Joint Commission Center of Excellence for Hip and Knee Replacement, Perinatal Care, Spinal Surgery, and Stroke Care.
Inova Loudoun Hospital offers family-centered care with its children’s emergency room, children’s inpatient unit and NICU, and is home to Loudoun County’s only designated trauma center. Inova Loudoun Hospital’s two additional 24/7 free-standing emergency rooms (ERs), located in Ashburn and Leesburg, are Joint Commission Certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals (ASRH).
Bike To Work Day 2023 Includes Loudoun County Stops
Emily Leaymanhttps://patch.com/virginia/leesburg/bike-work-day-2023-includes-loudoun-county-stops
LEESBURG, VA — As the weather warms up, more people may be trading in commutes by car to bike along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and other locations. The DC region's 22nd annual Bike to Work Day will encourage local commuters to bike and score some freebies along the way on Friday, May 19.The annual event held by the Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association features bike stops around the region with giveaways, fo...
LEESBURG, VA — As the weather warms up, more people may be trading in commutes by car to bike along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail and other locations. The DC region's 22nd annual Bike to Work Day will encourage local commuters to bike and score some freebies along the way on Friday, May 19.
The annual event held by the Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association features bike stops around the region with giveaways, food, and beverages. In addition, the first 15,000 people to register for Bike to Work Day get a free T-shirt, and all registered participants are entered to win a free bike.
The event promotes biking as a low-cost, environmentally-friendly commuting option. DC area commuters who are returning to in-person or remote working will notice congestion on the roads as driving continues to be a popular commuting option.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Bike to Work Day brings together our local communities while promoting a healthy, fun commuting alternative that helps reduce traffic congestion on roadways that are getting crowded once again," said Nicholas Ramfos, director of Commuter Connections.
Over 100 pit stops will be held around the DC region, including several in Loudoun County:
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Other nearby stops include:
Participants can typically only receive freebies at one pit stop they choose when registering. Register for Bike to Work Day at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.
Along with hosting Bike to Work Day, Commuter Connections provides resources for regional commuters who bike, carpool, vanpool, walk or take transit, including a Guaranteed Ride Home program.
Experience a Magical Christmas Getaway in Leesburg, Virginia
Julia Dowling Rutlandhttps://www.southernliving.com/travel/virginia/leesburg-va
Given its proximity to Washington, D.C., and a busy international airport like Dulles, you'd expect Leesburg to feel like a modern suburb on the verge of sprawl, but just the opposite is true. Locals and travelers enjoy an authentic small-town experience as they stroll cobbled sidewalks of the historic district or jostle down dirt roads to an area vineyar...
Given its proximity to Washington, D.C., and a busy international airport like Dulles, you'd expect Leesburg to feel like a modern suburb on the verge of sprawl, but just the opposite is true. Locals and travelers enjoy an authentic small-town experience as they stroll cobbled sidewalks of the historic district or jostle down dirt roads to an area vineyard. And at Christmastime, the whole town gets into the holiday spirit.
Established in 1758, Leesburg lies in northern Virginia, along the Potomac River and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which you can see on its western horizon. Rolling hills welcome visitors into town as farmland and family-owned wineries begin to pepper the landscape. Over time, this once-quiet hamlet has blossomed into a dynamic and desirable area, the seat of the third most populated county in Virginia (Loudoun) as well as a commuter hub for, and weekend escape from, D.C. Today, Leesburg is an eclectic mix of old and new, high tech and rural, as locals fiercely cling to its distinctive historic character and authenticity.
Shop in a Christmas Wonderland
Much of the hometown appeal centers around the Leesburg Arts & Cultural District, including King, Market, and Loudoun Streets. The town encourages residents and visitors to meander around on the first Friday of the month, when many restaurants and shops stay open until 9 p.m. or later to host live music, lectures, special exhibits, and wine tastings.
Drawn to the district's walkability, Nicole Morgenthau wanted to build a center for the maker community, a place where, she says, "They feel connected and gather with a common interest, with people different from themselves." Set in a circa-1790 three-story retail building, Finch Knitting + Sewing Studio on the corner of Wirt and Loudoun Streets provides locally sourced yarns, along with high-end fiber supplies from Quince & Co. and other socially responsible establishments that follow the "farm-to-needle" philosophy. Classrooms on the first floor serve beginner to experienced sewers while knitting groups adopt sofas and cozy nooks on the second level. During the holidays, Morgenthau decorates the exterior of her studio to look like a giant gift box.
A relative newcomer to the historic-district retail scene, 27 South Interiors sets a high bar for providing stylish and comfortable home furnishings. Co-owners Carolyn and Nick McCarter opened their three-story shop after a successful run selling vintage furniture out of local consignment stores. "We intentionally designed it like a home," says Carolyn. "Everything is selected to create a very curated look."
The McCarters celebrate with a tall Christmas tree, along with ornaments showcased on a large branch suspended above the front of the store. The branch has become a town conversation piece and now changes with the seasons, from bare winter limbs to budding flowers in spring. Carolyn tries to create more traditions to encourage the downtown revival. "Historic Leesburg is coming into its own again, and we want to take part," she says. "Our King Street storefront is a great tool to connect with everyone and help it grow."
"Christmas in Leesburg really does bring out the best in our community," says Tammi Ketterman, co-owner of Ketterman's Jewelers. Since 1988, this fine-jewelry shop has welcomed shoppers while giving back to associates, customers, and residents. Ketterman does not follow suit with those retailers who start decorating for Christmas in October.
"We feel strongly that Thanksgiving needs to be celebrated, not overshadowed," Ketterman says. "So we wait until the last Saturday before Thanksgiving and gather the staff and their families for a meal. Then, after dinner, we break out the decorations, and the store is transformed into a Christmas wonderland." Slices of her delicious homemade rum cake are served every day from Thanksgiving until New Year's.
People in Leesburg appreciate tradition and continuity. Owner Anita Henry of Rouge Spa & Boutique creates custom perfumes, body sprays, and bath bombs in a variety of seasonal fragrances. Kids are welcome too. During two-plus decades at the same King Street storefront, Henry has helped a generation of youngsters she calls "Rouge babies" find the perfect presents for their parents.
The Old Lucketts Store on Lucketts Road is not a place you can breeze through. You'll need time to wander what was originally an 1879 general store and is now a three-story furnishings and decor emporium—along with numerous outbuildings holding everything from architectural salvage to garden goods. Owner Suzanne Eblen opened the store in 1996. She and business partner Amy Whyte have developed a devoted following with their signature style, which includes lots of pieces that are new but look vintage.
For the holidays, the two of them decorate to a degree that even Eblen describes as "level 10 bonkers." The large painted murals on exterior walls make ideal backdrops for taking family photos. Greenery, ornaments, and other holiday swag embellish just about everything from the ground to the gutters. One of the highlights of the Lucketts property is Eblen and Whyte's extraordinarily popular Design House, a 100-year-old home with each of the spaces (including the bathroom) furnished to suit its original intended purpose and designed around its own theme. It has morphed from a pop-in weekend shopping space to a ticketed event during the first 12 days of November. Eblen and Whyte have to shut down the house for two months before the holiday opening to transform the place.
Eat, Drink, & Be Merry
You probably won't make it through all the shops downtown before you have worked up an appetite. The Wine Kitchen serves inventive meals with an emphasis on both local and organic ingredients and a menu that changes seasonally–and sometimes more frequently, depending on availability. "December is always an interesting time for us," says owner Jason Miller. "The area farmers are getting some much-needed rest after a long fall harvest. We use a lot of root veggies, but instead of being boring, we get creative."
Look for a beet-and-citrus salad or seared duck breasts and confit on their winter menu. There's good wine here, but consider ordering a comforting homemade eggnog that's kicked up with spirits from nearby Catoctin Creek Distilling Company. The Bubble-icious sparkling wine flight stays on their menu year-round. They also have 10 pre-made flights that feature red wines, white wines, or special themes like "The Hills of Italy" or "Working for the Weekend."
Completed circa 1880, the building that currently houses Shoe's Cup & Cork was previously a post office, an auto showroom, and then a shoe-repair store. The small, cozy restaurant has a secret garden and bocce court out back as well as a speakeasy-inspired poker room upstairs. Shoe's offers a hot chocolate flight, perfect for a chilly evening.
At the corner of Loudon and King, Señor Ramon Taqueria's Mexican street food hits the spot. Don't overlook sides like the popular corn nuggets and tasty empanadas. Across the street, Delirium Café features Belgian-style food and all types of local and holiday-themed brews such as Gingerbread Stout. The group of cafes started in Brussels, but Leesburg has the first U.S. location.
On East Market Street, Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers was voted the state's most delicious burger joint and has an array of toppings for the classic beef patty (not to mention bison, crab, tuna, lamb, and veggie versions).
A few miles north at the intersection on Route 657, Roots 657 looks like one of the modern metal-roofed barns peppering many of the country roads in this part of Virginia. Inside, half the space is dedicated to local crafts, foods, wines, and beer while the other section is a casual, family-style restaurant. (The Maryland Crab and Corn Soup and Signature Brisket Sandwich stay on the menu for good reason.)
Sip Local Wines
Loudoun has more wineries than any other county in Virginia, and the rolling hills surrounding Leesburg provide a stunning setting for 300-acre Stone Tower Winery offering expansive views of Bull Run and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Holidays at work are especially sentimental for Lacey Sautter, vice president of the second-generation, family-owned winery. Garland and swag lights drape over terraces and porches to add a touch of drama, but it's the dozens of trees adorned with ornaments that kindle memories. Wine lovers come here for the Porton, which is available only upon request. The port-style sipper is made from Virginia-native Norton grapes and fortified with locally made Catoctin Creek brandy. A food menu is available at the harvest barn, which is also family and dog friendly.
Re-Experience History
The Loudoun Museum serves as a repository for the county's history, from the early days of the republic to the formation of the local wine industry, and includes an adjacent circa-1760 log cabin. You can see fine 19th-century architecture via tours through a few of Leesburg's restored historic homes, including Dodona Manor, former home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Gen. George C. Marshall, architect of the post-World War II Marshall Plan. Drive a few miles north of downtown to the Davis Mansion at Morven Park, a former Virginia governor's estate with an international equestrian center, and don't miss Christmas at Oatlands, which features self-guided and candlelight tours around Oatlands Historic House & Gardens.
Stay in Luxury
Large families can stay right on the Oatlands property at the six-bedroom historic Inn at Oatlands Hamlet. Landsdowne Resort, a modern, full-service retreat, has everything from upscale rooms to 45 holes of golf, a spa, and several other luxury amenities. For an authentic experience on a Loudoun County farmstead, stay at Stone Gables Bed & Breakfast, a home converted from a circa-1823 stone gable barn, set within 10 acres of verdant countryside.
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