It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Ashburn Colored School gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ashburn, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for”
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the caregivers we worked with went above and beyond. They did their jobs effectively and efficiently, but they were also so thoughtful, compassionate, funny and proactive in offering help. Susanna also offered exceptional help from the home office and gave me insights and advice I didn't even know I needed. It's hard to know who you can trust in taking care of your loved one, and I highly recommend Always Best Care Loudoun to do the job expertly.”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating care to 24/7 on a short notice (emergency). He has put my mom and the both families at ease and very comfortable with the process. Incredible patient service and family support. Would recommend you meet with Chris to customize the appropriate care for your loved one. Absolute professional in his field.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the process of caring for my parents and providing me with resources matched to my needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his team are always there to help my Mom. They take her places, help with meals, laundry and keeping Mom safe and happy!”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their attention to details is exceptional. My Mom's caregiver was excellent and provided daily care with passion. My only regret is not calling sooner for care.”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company I have ever worked for. Mr Chris the owner is a very nice person. He cares for his caregivers and most especially for his clients.”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support just our Dad but the whole family. She was a fabulous caregiver though she was so much more, she was our Dad’s friend who he look forward to seeing each and every day. If you find you need support for your loved one, you could not ask for a better person than Carmen. We are so grateful to Carmen and Always Best Care for supporting our Dad.”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone.”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home care need and have provided support for us in the past which has been exceptional. Much appreciated!”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you are told that “your telephone volunteer makes their day” or “you can hear your loved one laughing with joy in speaking with their telephone volunteer”, you know that another successful contact has occurred. Thank you for offering the Telephone Reassurance Service as it is truly making a difference in the lives of Seniors.”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best Care in mind to help with mom and dad.”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been terribly helpful and supportive to my family. He has provided guidance, suggestions, and even a wheelchair to help my mother get around while we navigate the complexities of a rapidly progressing illness. I so appreciate his help!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and I’m extremely happy with the service ABC provided. Their caregivers are reliable and compassionate. For the service provided hands down they are the most favorable and valued service out there. In my humble opinion, the best affordable/valued quality adult care in the area. Thank you ABC.”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about providing the best care possible. As a financial advisor, I consider Chris and Always Best Care Loudoun a great "tool in my toolbox" when working with my older clients and mention their services as something for my clients to know about should the need arise.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give his own. Truly a treasure.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the company's promise. Chris, the owner, is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give to his own.”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a little extra help around the house, or perhaps you want to develop a plan for the future, Chris from Always Best Care is the guy to call. He can help you plan for whatever your family needs, whether that's help aging in their existing home or transitioning to someplace with full time assistance, he can help you figure out what is best for your family.”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares about their clients and so do the caregivers”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care about the caregiver and their clients; especially my boss, Chris.”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best Care. Their caregivers are genuinely concerned about the health of seniors. They are reliable, honest, and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone. -Jamie Neal”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trailside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Eddie Merlot's or visit Historic Ashburn Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ashburn, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ashburn, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ashburn, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Here's when pools will be open around Loudoun County.LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Memorial Day weekend means it's time to get out your swimsuits for the season and head to the pools.The holiday weekend is the opening time for many pools around Loudoun County. We've compiled a list of hours for public pools. Many pools have restricted hours until schools let out for the summer and close for the season after Labor Day.This list does not include homeowner...
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Memorial Day weekend means it's time to get out your swimsuits for the season and head to the pools.
The holiday weekend is the opening time for many pools around Loudoun County. We've compiled a list of hours for public pools. Many pools have restricted hours until schools let out for the summer and close for the season after Labor Day.
This list does not include homeowners association-run pools, which are typically only available to homes covered by the association.
Here are the schedules for public and private pools around Loudoun County:
Volcano Island Waterpark: 20015 Volcano Island Drive, Sterling, VA
May 24-26: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
May 27-June 15: Closed on weekdays, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
June 16-Aug. 15: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and July 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays
Aug. 16-29: Closed on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A.V. Symington Aquatics Center: 80 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg, VA
May 24-June 15: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays (opens at 11 a.m. for Town of Leesburg residents)
June 16-Aug. 20: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays (opens at 11 a.m. for Town of Leesburg residents) (closing at 5:30 p.m. on July 10 and Aug. 14, closing at 4:30 p.m. on July 17)
Aug. 21-Sept. 1: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays (opens at 11 a.m. for Town of Leesburg residents)
Franklin Park Pool: 17501 Franklin Park Dr., Purcellville, VA
May 24-June 13: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or dusk on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or dusk on weekends and Memorial Day
June 14-July 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or dusk on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or dusk on weekends, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4
Aug. 1-20: 11 a .m. to 6:15 p.m. on weekdays, 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends
Aug. 21-Sept. 1: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk on weekdays, 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends, 11 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Labor Day
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state.Megan VerHelst, Patch StaffASHBURN, VA — Virginia has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to hi...
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
ASHBURN, VA — Virginia has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state.
This submission comes from Donald Ventrice Jr., who nominated Renee Ventrice of Ashburn.
What is the military hero’s name?
Renee Ventrice
How do you know the military hero you’re nominating?
I am her husband. We accidentally fell in love, we thought it would just be a spring romance but here we are over thirty years later. She was the most unique presence in any room then, and she's still that same unstoppable force today as an entrepreneur and wine book author.
Please describe the individual’s military service.
Renee was a US Navy Cryptologist who served in Bad Aibling, Germany, where she was the first junior enlisted sailor stationed on the base, where she earned a Joint Service Achievement Medal during the Gulf War. She also served in Rota, Spain, where she met her husband, fellow veteran, Don Ventrice.
Tell us about the military hero and what your community should know about them.
Renee ran our winery and brewery tour company with no experience running a business, & turned it into an international award-winning venture. After profitably selling it in 2023, she remained in the wine industry as founder of WineauxClock®? Culinary Experiences, and is a speaker and marketing Strategist, teaching how she organically reached the top.
What three words best describe the military hero?
Innovative, generous, dynamic
If you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
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Dozens of farm stops in Loudoun County will showcase their experiences and products, from goats and donkeys to flowers and bee hive tours.Patch StaffLOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Visitors can meet cute farm animals, see a bee farm in action, pick flowers and try locally-made ice cream, all in one weekend.The Loudoun Spring Farm Tour on May 17 and 18 provides a glimpse into the county's rural businesses, with hands-on activities, demonstrations and mo...
Patch Staff
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Visitors can meet cute farm animals, see a bee farm in action, pick flowers and try locally-made ice cream, all in one weekend.
The Loudoun Spring Farm Tour on May 17 and 18 provides a glimpse into the county's rural businesses, with hands-on activities, demonstrations and more. There will be 36 farms participating as tour stops from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, according to Loudoun Economic Development.
"The Spring Farm Tour is an incredible way to celebrate and support the people who work so hard to put food on our tables," said Buddy Rizer, executive director of Loudoun Economic Development. "Every year, I look forward to visiting the farms, talking with our farmers, and seeing families experience the beauty and bounty of rural Loudoun."
This year, farm tour visitors may vote for their favorite farm stop for a chance to win a Western Loudoun VIP package with meals, tours, and beverage tastings from local businesses.
Participating farms and their highlights are:
1. Abernethy & Spencer Greenhouse (Purcellville): Explore the property after the new owners updated the historic property and greenhouses.
2. Agape Family Farm (Lovettsville): Enjoy cuddle sessions with baby goats for a small fee. There will also be a free educational session on farm life and caring for goats. Handcrafted soap is available to purchase.
3. Aurora Apiary (Aldie): This apiary has 25-plus hives on site. Buy local honey and honey products and check out the busy hives. Visitors can put on a bee suit and tour the apiary for a fee.
4. Ayrshire Farm (Upperville): Named Virginia's first certified humane and organic farm, Ayrshire Farm will allow visitors to see its Scottish Highland, Ancient White Park, and English Longhorn cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and Shire draft horses. Visitors can meet farmers and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Hunter's Head Tavern featuring the farm's meats.
5. Blooming Hill Lavender Farm & Gift Shop (Purcellville): This lavender farm boasts 100 varieties and will offer visitors lavender-infused cream tea in the garden. Learn about making spring floral arrangements in a workshop for a fee, tour the gardens and learn about growing lavender.
6. Brookfield Dairy Farm (Leesburg): Tour the historic barns, equipment, and milking house while learning about how the dairy farm works. Children can participate in activities like cow and calf interactions, a dairy bowl quiz, coloring and more. The ice cream trailer will have local creamery ice cream, including the "Now Now Brown Cow" flavor.
7. Bully Goat Farm (Lovettsville): This goat therapy farm offers goat snuggles and yoga.
8. Butterfly Hill Farm Store (Waterford): This country store has alpacas and live demonstrations of yarn spinning and weaving. Visitors can shop for locally produced alpaca gifts.
9. Cannabreeze Hemp Farm & Company (Lovettsville): This CBD hemp farm offers a two-hour tour to show how hemp products are made and samplings of infused products.
10. Donkey Meadows Safe Haven (Purcellville): Get up close with donkeys while learning about this endangered breed and what they've contributed to the farm and American agricultural history.
11. Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch (Lovettsville): This alpaca and llama breeding farm is offering livestock and fiber sales, a free fiber craft for youth and paid needle felting fiber craft. Book your spot at http://tiny.cc/y7ob001. Visitors are asked to leave dogs at home.
12. Equine Rescue League (Lovettsville): One of the nation's oldest horse rescues will let visitors meet horses, ponies donkeys and mules. Baked goods for sale, raffle prizes, a huge tack and yard sale will be offered. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
13. Faith Like a Mustard Seed Farm (Leesburg): Meet baby lambs, goats and chicks, and see milking demonstrations (once per day) while learning about farming practices. There will be a make-a-wreath workshop to put on the miniature horses for pictures. Goat meat will be available for sale.
14. Far Bungalow Farm (Leesburg): At this flower farm, enjoy a guided tour, flower growing Q&A and stem bar to build your own spring bouquet.
15. Farm de Vine Winery (Purcellville): Learn about how wines are grown and made and take a guided vineyard tour from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests 21 and older can sample handcrafted wines in the tasting room. Self-guided tours with signs are available all day. The farm store offers wines, local cheeses and artisan goods.
16. Fireside Farm (Lovettsville): Visitors will enjoy vegetables, pizzas and drinks for sale plus a short talking tour to learn about the farm.
17. Gathering Springs Farm (Middleburg): Take a guided tour led by the farmers at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days. Meet lambs born at the farm and the laying hens. A handmade pottery activity is available for $15 per person.
18. Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese (Lovettsville): This goat dairy farm makes cheeses, gelato, fudge, caramel and soap. Meet the goats and livestock dogs, see where the cheese is made, and sample the products.
19. Green Hills Garden & Nursery (Lovettsville): Green tea plants are grown on this farm. Explore the tea fields and learn how to grow and make tea. Loose leaf tea is sold online at greenhillstea.com and at Dominion Tea Co in Purcellville.
20. Henway Cider Barn (Bluemont): Watch apples be pressed using the vintage hand-cranked press and taste fresh apple cider or a seasonal hard cider at Henway Cider Barn.
21. Hope Flower Farm & Winery (Waterford): Hope Flower Farm will host its Peony Days, with cut your own peonies, live music, food trucks and more.
22. Kathy Ann's Farm (Waterford): This farm makes wool products from Shetland Sheep, Angora goats and more and hand dyes yarns and rovings. They also grow flowers and herbs for hand-crafted potpourri and herbal products. Visit spring lambs, try the loom, learn how to felt a hat, wander through the gardens and visit the new tree house with a birds eye view of the farm.
23. Long Stone Farm (Lovettsville): Visit pet bunnies and learn about multi-species grazing to product clean meat. Shop pasture-raised non-gmo beef, pork, chicken, lamb and eggs, and adults can try the small-batch cider and wine.
24. Northern Virginia Wholesale Growers (Paeonian Springs): Tour the greenhouses and outdoor gardens while shopping for annuals, perennials, bedding plants, herbs and veggies.
25. Old Apple Valley Farms (Round Hill): Enjoy a presentation about honey bees, try honey from the hive and buy honey by the pound. This farm will also have seedlings, perennial flowers and miscellaneous plants for sale by cash or check.
26. Orac Farms at Village Winery and Orchards (Waterford): Tour the farm and enjoy a range of elderberry and honeyberry products, fresh eggs and apple wine.
27. Planetary Farms (Purcellville): This nursery grows fruit trees, nut trees and other edible and medicinal plants. Visit the food forests and geothermal greenhouses to learn about the different plants that can grow here.
28. Spring House Farm (Hamilton): Visit the farm store to buy pasture-raised meats, including small-batch sausages. Meet the farmers, see the animals and learn about what makes the farm's sustainable, local food special.
29. Temple Hall Farm Regional Park (Leesburg): At this working farm, meet heritage breed farm animals and learn how the farm works. Kids can enjoy jumping pillows and hill slides, and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic.
30. Three Bags Wool Farm (Purcellville): Visit the Icelandic sheep, which are the sheep of the Vikings, and learn about how versatile their wool is. The farm also has rabbits, chickens, ducks, peacocks, donkeys and an enormous goat.
31. Three Cap Farms (Leesburg): This farm makes various kinds of gourmet, boutique mushrooms. Tour the indoor growing room and learn ways to make the highest quality mushrooms.
32. Two Twisted Posts Winery (Purcellville): This winery will offer insights into the business and tours of the grounds with details on the winemaking process.
33. Wegmeyer Farms (Hamilton): It's strawberry season at this farm, which grows them with a raised bed growing system. Reservations are required to pick strawberries, but visitors can also buy baked goods and look at the fields to see how strawberries grow.
34. Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery (Waterford): This estate brewery grows grain for its beer. Tours about farming and the farm's history will be offered at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors should check in at the taproom for tours. There is a playground for children. Pizzeria Loco Pizza will be onsite at noon, and live music starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Boxcar Burgers will be on site Sunday.
35. Zephaniah/Mill Road Farm (Leesburg): These farms operate on the original Hatch family farm, offering a chance to enjoy food and wine produced entirely on site. At the farm tour, enjoy a hyperlocal meal on the farm with beef and wine all grown on the farm, talk to the producers, and see the livestock and grapevines.
36. Farrah's Farm (Round Hill): Iranian immigrant Farinoush Jewell's farm focuses on garlic, inspired by her Persian childhood. The farm grows eight varieties. Visitors can see over two acres of garlic and cut their own garlic scrapes.
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ASHBURN, VA — A regional transportation organization is envisioning future Bus Rapid Transit routes to better connect areas of Northern Virginia.On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority announced its Bus Rapid Transit Action Plan, which identifies 28 potential Bus Rapid Transit routes to boost all-day transit bus service around the region. Bus Rapid Transit refers to a bus line that is quicker than standard bus service through met...
ASHBURN, VA — A regional transportation organization is envisioning future Bus Rapid Transit routes to better connect areas of Northern Virginia.
On Wednesday, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority announced its Bus Rapid Transit Action Plan, which identifies 28 potential Bus Rapid Transit routes to boost all-day transit bus service around the region. Bus Rapid Transit refers to a bus line that is quicker than standard bus service through methods like dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority and more.
"NVTA is confident expanded BRT service will reduce congestion while improving mobility and accessibility for all," the organization said in a news release.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which funds transportation projects using regional revenues, has provided about $880 million for Bus Rapid Transit projects. Those five projects include the existing Metroway between Crystal City and Potomac Yard and future projects — The One Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit in Fairfax County, Envision Route 7 between Mark Center in Alexandria and Tysons, Duke Street Transitway in Alexandria and West End Transitway in Alexandria.
Possible routes in Loudoun County identified by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority are:
Sterling Connector: This proposed route would connect areas like One Loudoun, Dulles Town Center, Sterling Boulevard, the Innovation Center Metro and Dulles International Airport.
Loudoun Connector: This proposed route would run between downtown Leesburg and Dulles Town Center, with much of the route on Route 7
VA 28 North: This proposed route would connect Dulles Town Center, Dulles International Airport, Chantilly and Fair Oaks Mall/Fairfax Corner.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is seeking feedback on the possible Bus Rapid Transit map. The public feedback will inform which routes the organization will prioritize for its future funding cycles. Residents may fill out an online feedback form before May 18.
The organization is holding pop-up events allowing commuters to see the proposed system map and speak to Northern Virginia Transportation Authority staff. Maps and route details are available on the Bus Rapid Transit web page.
Upcoming pop-ups include:
Press release from the Loudoun County Government:Loudoun County residents continue to give the county high marks and express satisfaction with county services and the quality of life, according to results of the 2024 Loudoun County Survey of Residents, which were presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Results from the 2024 survey show that residents continue to have strong positive opinions about the...
Press release from the Loudoun County Government:
Loudoun County residents continue to give the county high marks and express satisfaction with county services and the quality of life, according to results of the 2024 Loudoun County Survey of Residents, which were presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Results from the 2024 survey show that residents continue to have strong positive opinions about the county overall.
Loudoun scored above national averages in the areas of economy, K-12 education, the county as a place to live and work, ease of travel and support for the arts and culture. Respondents also reported an increased favorability about the availability of mental health care, quality child care and the government treating residents with respect. Key findings include: The economy in Loudoun County remains a strong community feature with 83% of people who participated in the survey reporting a favorable opinion of the county’s economic health.
Loudoun was rated highly as a place to live by 79% of respondents.
The quality of parks and recreation was rated highly by 84% of respondents with 78% rating the natural environment highly.
Safety is a community strength and remains a priority for residents.
Respondents reported a significant increase in the use of public transportation instead of driving with 48% saying they used public transportation in the last 12 months, an increase of almost 20% from 2022.
Affordability is an area of opportunity for the county, with survey respondents rating the availability of affordable quality housing and the cost of living less positively than other indicators. The 2024 Loudoun County Survey of Residents was conducted by the National Research Center. Loudoun County surveys its residents periodically to get their feedback on government services and obtain residents’ opinions on key county issues, such as growth management, public safety, quality of life and taxes. A new feature of the survey is that the 2024 results are being presented through an interactive data visualization platform on the Loudoun County website. The 2024 results and results of past surveys are online at loudoun.gov/survey.
This press release was produced by the Loudoun County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
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