Welcome to Purcellville/Hamilton
Peaceful country towns in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills
Purcellville and Hamilton are peaceful country towns in Loudoun County, Virginia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Purcellville and Hamilton offer historic charm and beautiful country scenery. Both communities were settled in the 1700s, then later became popular weekend stops on the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad in the late 19th Century. These communities today offer a traditional small-town feel with community events throughout the year. There are also some great local restaurants in the area, not to mention the Loudoun County Wine Country vineyards.
Purcellville and Hamilton feature large country homes on acreage lots. While both towns feature historic Victorian architecture, there are also many newer homes combining classic architectural design with luxurious contemporary amenities.
What to Love
- Peaceful country towns
- Large country homes on acreage lots
- Loudoun County Wine Country vineyards
Local Lifestyle
Purcellville’s first settler arrived in 1764 but the town didn’t receive its name until Valentine Purcell established a post office here almost a century later. Hamilton was first settled by Quakers in the 1700s before being formally established in 1835. This idyllic small town was a popular weekend getaway from Washington D.C. in the late 19th Century. The railroad that once brought diplomats and politicians here from D.C. is now the hiking and biking destination of the 45-mile W&OD trail. These communities still have a western frontier feel with gorgeous rolling countryside stretching out in all directions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Purcellville features a growing assortment of restaurants, coffee shops, thrift stores, and boutiques in a charming historic downtown area that still retains the feel of a frontier settlement. Magnolias at the Mill is a standout for fine dining. Housed within a rustic country mill decorated with wooden pieces and farm items, Magnolias serves a sophisticated menu of gourmet hickory grilled burgers and steaks, brick-oven pizzas, and land and sea entrees. These elegant meals are crafted with fresh ingredients from local Loudon County farms. In Hamilton, Lowry’s Crab Shack is a laidback favorite for fresh steamed crabs, po’ boys, and other seafood specialties.
Both communities are located in the heart of Loudoun County Wine Country and Purcellville is home to some of the region’s finest vineyards. Breaux Vineyards is located on a beautiful 404-acre estate tucked between the foothills of the Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains. Visitors to Breaux Vineyards can enjoy tours of the vineyard and tastings of its delicious European-style varietals. This gorgeous viticultural destination is often hired for weddings. Sunset Hills Vineyard produces award-winning wines including a gold medalist mosaic. The vineyard is named for its stunning sunset views which guests can take in while sipping exceptional wines.
Things to Do
Purcellville’s attractions include the sprawling natural space of 203-acre Franklin Park. Trails run through the park’s gorgeous landscape, taking in spectacular sunset vistas framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park hosts a magnificent Fourth of July fireworks display, capping off the festivities of the Purcellville Fourth of July Parade.
Purcellville’s Halloween Block Party is another annual highlight. This family-friendly event features costume contests, a beer garden, and lots of fun activities for kids. Purcellville also has a packed calendar of festive events in December, including a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Market, and Christmas Parade.
