Our weekly local business highlight is focused on all the amazing small businesses that make Northern Virginia such a great place to live and work. This week we highlight Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, Virginia.
Looking for a restaurant that combines delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and a touch of rustic charm? Look no further than Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, Virginia! This local favorite offers a delightful dining experience that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling right at home.
History and Heritage
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm is part of Clyde’s Restaurant Group – a company that owns and operates 12 restaurants throughout the DC Metro area. But Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm is special – and VERY unique. It looks like a quaint old inn – a fairly common design trend for many Northern Virginia restaurants. But it turns out Clyde’s doesn’t just look like a quaint old inn. It is a quaint old inn — from 1807 and transported here from Vermont. And it’s a home – the Roxbury House from 1810. And a barn from 1885.
Back in the 1980s, the Clyde’s Restaurant Group purchased these antique heavy timber buildings that were destined for demolition. More than 20 years later these barns, stables, homes, and taverns were reassembled to create the complex of dining rooms for Clyde’s at Willow Creek Farm. There’s the Audubon Bar complete with original Audubon prints, the vast slate terrace featuring a large fountain and arbor, or the Chandler Barn decorated with a variety of weather vanes. The dining rooms feature original artwork, historic artifacts, and a collection of museum-quality 18th-century horse-drawn carriages – many strung from the high ceilings.
In the hallway outside the Chandler Barn, you will find a full-sized model horse and carriage. This setting bore witness to one of Clyde’s most colorful stories. On opening night, staff members noticed that the carriage was rocking back and forth. When they opened the door, they found two party-goers inside. Let’s just say they were busy.
Farm-to-Table Culinary Excellence
The Clyde’s Restaurant Group played a key role in creating the “farm-to-table” market. Starting in the mid-1980s, group executives drove around Northern Virginia and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and haggled with farmers to buy produce for the restaurants. There were no wholesalers, so they had to create the distribution channel themselves. It cost more money than importing from other countries, but the high-quality family farm ingredients were worth it.
These ingredients are at the heart of the culinary magic that happens in the kitchen, with a focus on freshness, flavor, and creativity. From savory starters to mouthwatering main courses, the menu is crafted to satisfy discerning palates. Check out their delicious
menu options!
Versatile Event Spaces
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a premier event venue. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, the farm is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Explore the options available for hosting your next memorable event against the charming backdrop of this historic locale.
Live Entertainment and Events
Beyond the delicious cuisine and beautiful setting, Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm also hosts live entertainment and events. Whether it’s a live band on the patio, a themed dinner night, trivia, or karaoke, there’s always something happening to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Ashburn, VA, is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience. The historic charm and culinary excellence make it a standout destination worth exploring. Plan your visit to Clyde’s and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of this iconic establishment.
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