Twenty-five miles west of busy Washington, D.C., Loudoun County  is close enough to be far away. Dominated by vineyards and horse farms, the idyllic setting can quiet the mood of anyone wanting to take a break from their over-stimulated life.   Leaving behind turnpikes and highways, travelers enter the slower paced world of small towns like  Middleburg ,  Leesburg ,  Lovettsville  and  Purcellville .   Where to Eat   Middleburg  Equestrian farms surround Middleburg. A road trip on Route 50 takes visitors through beautifully maintained pasture land.  There are fast-food outlets, but you are more likely to eat in a small restaurant or market that is soneone’s passion-project.   For anyone who enjoys picnicking, Market Salamander  and  Home Farm Store  on Washington Street carry high-quality prepared foods, made-to-order sandwiches, whole cooked chickens, smoked turkey wings, charcuterie, cheese and desserts.   Down the block and aroun...
News and insider tips about travel in the United States and to International destinations. Visits to exotic locations and unexpected adventures. Restaurant reviews. Secrets known only to locals. My travel articles also appear in Luxury Travel Magazine, New York Daily News & Westways Magazine