Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Chantilly, Virginia and Leesburg, Virginia
Are you planning a road trip between Chantilly and Leesburg, Virginia? Make the most of your journey by stopping at these top attractions along the way.
Route and Halfway Point
The route between Chantilly and Leesburg spans 23 miles along Route 50, and the halfway point is the charming town of Herndon, Virginia. Take a break from your drive and explore Herndon's historic district, which dates back to the Civil War era.
Stop One: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Title: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
A Smithsonian museum of aviation and space artifacts
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is an extension of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and is located near Dulles International Airport. The museum displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, and the SR-71 Blackbird. Visitors can see restored planes up close, learn about the history of flight, and watch planes take off and land from the observation tower.
Stop Two: Sully Historic Site
Title: Sully Historic Site
A historic 18th-century plantation house
The Sully Historic Site is a restored home that dates back to 1794, when it was the residence of Richard Bland Lee, a cousin of Robert E. Lee. The house is furnished with period pieces, and guided tours provide insight into the life of a wealthy Virginia family of the time. The site also includes a replica of a slave quarters, a dairy, and a smokehouse.
Stop Three: The Barns at Hamilton Station
Title: The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards
A family-owned winery with breathtaking views
Located about halfway between the two towns, The Barns at Hamilton Station is a family-owned winery with a rustic tasting room and event space. The vineyards produce a range of wine varietals, including Cabernet Franc and Viognier, and the outdoor seating area offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Stop Four: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Title: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
A National Trust for Historic Preservation property
Oatlands is a 19th-century estate that includes a restored Federal-styled mansion and 400 acres of gardens, farmland, and woodlands. Guided tours of the house provide insight into the life of the wealthy Carter family, who owned the property during the Civil War. Visitors can also stroll through the terraced gardens, walk along the wooded paths, and see the brick icehouse and smokehouse.
Stop Five: Morven Park
Title: Morven Park
A historic estate and museum
Morven Park is a 1,000-acre estate that includes a museum dedicated to the history of the property and its last owner, former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis. Visitors can explore the mansion's period furnishings and artwork, view the trophy room of the famous racehorse Gallant Fox, and stroll through the formal gardens. The estate also includes a carriage collection, a sports complex, and a performing arts center.
Conclusion
Whether you're a history buff, a wine lover, or simply looking to stretch your legs on a long drive, these five stops along the Route 50 corridor have something for everyone. From the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to Morven Park, take your time and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Virginia's beautiful countryside.