 |
Fun Places for 'Staycations' This Summerby KRISTEN ARMSTRONG, Staff Writer
|
| Tired of doing the same old things from
week to week, but don't want to go very far for new and exciting
experiences? You're in luck, because Middleburg is chock full of fun
things to do. The town's economic development coordinator Cindy Pearson recently gave Middleburg Life the lowdown on great places locals might want to check out: National Sporting Library: With more than 16,000 books on horse sports, shooting and fishing, the National Sporting Library has a wealth of information just ready to be explored. But in addition to the extensive book collection, the library, located at 102 The Plains Road, also offers numerous lectures and art exhibitions throughout the year. Currently, Pierre-Jules Mene's sporting bronzes from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon are on display. Opening Aug. 28 will be an exhibition of works by members of the Voss family, artists of American sporting life. “They always have something going on,” Pearson said. “And a lot of it is free.” For information, call (540) 687-6542. Sheila C. Johnson Performing Arts Center: Theater-goers, or people just looking for a night of live entertainment, might want to check out this venue. Located at the Hill School at 130 S. Madison St., the center plays host to both school productions as well as performances from outside groups. Not sure which performance to see? “The eighth-grade play is always phenomenal!” Pearson said. For more information, call (540) 687-5897. Middleburg Community Center: Right in downtown Middleburg at 300 W. Washington St., the Center is the source for many events and programs, from dance lessons to CPR classes to family barbeques, most of which are run by Loudoun County Parks and Recreation. The center also has public recreational areas right behind the main building for local residents to enjoy. “I don't think people realize the swimming pool [behind the center] is public,” Pearson said. “They also have a volleyball court, softball field and picnic areas.” For information, call (540) 687-6373. The fun doesn't stop with Middleburg - the surrounding area has a lot to offer as well. The outdoorsy person can get on the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail where it starts in Purcellville and ride the 45-mile stretch, or can head over to Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane for a hike. History buffs can learn more about their home, by exploring the Mosby Heritage area, about 1,800 square miles of land, and includes the counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, Warren and part of Prince William, named after Confederate Cavalry officer John S. Mosby. So, if you're feeling the itch to do something out of the ordinary, save the gas money and look no further than your backyard for something interesting to do. The area's establishments “really enjoy having local people come in,” Pearson said. “Visitors help out, but it's locals who keep us going.” For more information or to receive weekly updates of events occurring in Middleburg and the surrounding area, e-mail Cindy Pearson at cpearson@middleburg.org. |