Sterling is a tight-knit community set in the heart of D.C.’s Wine Country. Shop and dine in the lively downtown district, visit a string of historic sites and explore picturesque state parks and recreation areas. Local restaurants serve lip-smacking Virginia specialties.
Things to do in Sterling
Sip your way through dozens of wineries and tasting rooms across Loudoun County. Sterling is a gateway to D.C.’s Wine Country, where you’ll find sprawling vineyards planted on rolling hills and rugged slopes. Pick up a Wine Trail map and explore the vineyards independently or join a guided tour.
Step back in time at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. Set in Claude Moore Park, the museum brings the town’s agricultural past to life with interactive exhibits. Walk through a recreated general store and peer into a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse. Stock up on fresh produce at the farm store before you go.
Paved trails wind through Algonkian Regional Park and treat you to beautiful views of the Potomac River. Volcano Island Water Park is set in the park and is a great place to cool off on a hot day. Race down colourful waterslides, swim in the enormous pool and dry off in the sunshine.
From taquerias to craft taphouses, Downtown Sterling is packed with places to drink and dine. Enjoy farm-to-table fare at trendy brunch cafes and try Southern-style classics like buttermilk fried chicken, smoked meat and pimento cheese dip at homestyle diners.
Walk or cycle on the scenic Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail. The 70-kilometre-long trail cuts through Northern Virginia and follows the route of a former railway track. The scenery is varied and ranges from sun-dappled forests to sprawling farmland.
Getting around Sterling
Downtown Sterling is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Loudoun County, a 40-minute drive from Washington, D.C. Dulles International Airport is a 10-minute drive away or you can travel 40 minutes to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.