Supporting Local Is the New Pumpkin Spice

Fall in Northern Virginia: More Than Pumpkin Spice

Between early sunsets, crisp air, and firepit Fridays, Loudoun County shines this time of year. It’s when the big-box hustle takes a backseat and our small businesses do what they do best: make everyday life feel special. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect host gift or just an excuse to wander downtown Leesburg, November is your cue to shop small and savor the season.

Shop Local, Feel Local: Loudoun’s Fall Favorites

A few local spots bringing serious fall energy (and great gift ideas):

• Crème de la Crème (Leesburg & Middleburg) — French-inspired linens, candles, and tableware for elevated hosting.
• The Conche (Leesburg) — House-made chocolates and cocktail kits that feel like a treat and a story.
• The Clay and Metal Loft (Leesburg) — Create your own piece or gift a class to the creative in your life.
• Greenheart Juice Shop (Leesburg & Vienna) — Clean sips and pantry goodies for wellness-minded friends.
• Boxwood Estate Winery (Middleburg) — Bordeaux-style blends, Blue Ridge views, and an easy Saturday plan.

Pro tip: build a local gift basket—tea towel + small-batch chocolate + candle + tasting room gift card—and call it done.

From Where I Stand

At Home

Halloween at the barn delivered—costumes, laughter, and Phoenix sporting a skeleton look. It’s peak Loudoun: horses, art, and community all in one weekend.

Halloween fun at the barn with Phoenix — just one of those “why I love NoVA” moments.

In Business

As we slide toward the holidays, well-prepped homes continue to win. A small shift in rates has nudged some buyers back to the table; smart sellers are lining up projects now to hit January momentum.

Around Town: November Highlights

• Winter Walk of Lights — Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna), opens Nov 7. Wander through more than a half-million lights along a half-mile paved trail.
• Ice & Lights: The Winter Village — Cameron Run (Alexandria), opens Nov 15. A festive combo of ice skating, twinkling lights, and family fun.
• Arlington Turkey Trot 5K — Thanksgiving morning tradition benefiting Arlington charities. Registration supports local families in need.
• Mount Vernon by Candlelight — 18th-century holiday charm and guided tours on select November and December evenings.

Pencil in Small Business Saturday (Nov 29) and plan a mini tour—coffee, a couple of shops, then a winery stop.

Market Snapshot: Loudoun County

A balanced fall market: inventory steady month-over-month, days on market up a touch, and prices hovering near $742,000 for October’s median sold price. It’s calmer, which means more space for thoughtful decisions.

Home Tip of the Month

Before the holiday whirlwind takes over, give your home a little love. Think of it as your seasonal reset — cozying things up now means less stress (and more cocoa) later. Here’s where to start:

• Schedule that chimney or fireplace inspection before the first spark flies.
• Fluff the guest room — fresh linens, extra blankets, and maybe a candle that says, “I totally have my life together.”
• Do a quick pantry and fridge reset so there’s room for all those Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Layer in soft lighting and warm textures — instant cozy without touching the thermostat.

Small tweaks, big payoff. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.