Listen to the tour introductionA short audio preview of this tour
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Hello, and welcome to the UCPlaces “Where to Live” tour of Sterling, Virginia. My name is Tim and I’ll be showing you around. First, a little about myself. After a 28 year career in the Federal Government, I moved on to a career in real estate. In my free time, I like to travel and play guitar. I’ve also made it my goal to get back into running. If after this tour you would like to learn more about the Sterling area, give me a call at (703) 439-7001 or send me an email - tshamble@gmail.com.
Now, a little about Sterling.
Sterling is located in Virginia’s Loudoun County, nestled right on the Virginia/Maryland border. It is part of the greater Washington, DC metro area and just minutes from the Dulles International airport.
With its close proximity to the scenic Potomac River and easy access to the W&OD trail, Sterling often attracts outdoor enthusiasts. So whether you like activities like kayaking, fishing, biking, or running, or you just want to take a break from the hustle of Washington, D.C, Sterling is the place for you.
To start this tour, meet me over by the Sterling Park Golf Club.
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 44m driving tour in Sterling
For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant () to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place 1
Sterling Park Golf Club Recommended starting point
Distance: 1.33 mi · Attraction: neighborhood
400 S Sterling Blvd, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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Our first stop on this tour is Sterling Park. As we enter this neighborhood, you can see the entrance to the Sterling Park Golf Club on your left. Sterling Park Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course and has been in the community since 1964. Memberships are available to all Sterling residents, whether they live in Sterling Park or not.
As we get into Sterling Park, you will see many single family, mid-century styled homes. Sterling Park is one of the more seasoned neighborhoods in Sterling and was actually one of the first planned communities in all of Loudoun county.
Follow your navigation through the neighborhood on our way to the Claude Moore Community Center.
Distance: 0.88 mi · Attraction: Community Center
725 N York Rd, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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One of the great things about Sterling Park is its proximity to the Claude Moore Community Center, located on the back side of Park View High School. Go Patriots!
The Claude Moore Community Center offers both a competition pool complete with lap lanes and starting blocks as well as a leisure pool, a lazy river, waterslide, hot tub and a children’s play area.
For those with fitness goals, enjoy cardio equipment and strength machines in their fitness center, or try out a community fitness class like Yoga or Barre.
If you would rather enjoy your time outside, right next to the Community center is Claude Moore Park, which provides natural green space and wooded areas for the community to enjoy. This is a great place for a hike, picnic, or even a place to spot wildlife as deer and foxes are often seen in the area.
Distance: 0.97 mi · Attraction: Park
1456 N Sterling Blvd, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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On your right we will be passing Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park. This quaint five acre park offers plenty of amenities like a playground, a volleyball court and a basketball court.
Playgrounds aren't just for kids, the park also offers a national fitness court. This outdoor fitness court is designed to help give adults and all ages a space to engage in fitness training. The best part is no gym membership is required!
Distance: 0.72 mi · Attraction: History
Potomac View Rd, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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Off to your left is one of the campuses of Northern Virginia Community College. Nicknamed Nova, this public community college is the third largest multi-campus college in the United States.
As we make our way into Sugarland, I’ll tell you a little about Sterling's history.
Before 1962, Sterling consisted mostly of farmland and was often a rural getaway for those living in Washington, DC.
However, once Dulles international Airport was constructed, there was a demand to build up the surrounding area, which led to the creation of Sterling Park .
Did you know Sterling used to be referred to as “the Redlands?” That was because of its sienna clay soils.
Distance: 0.48 mi · Attraction: Neighborhoods
1402 Brethour Ct, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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Please turn right onto Sugarland Run Drive.
We are now entering Sugarland Run. Built in the 1970s and 1980s, you’ll find a mix of both single-family homes and townhomes.
What makes Sugarland Run unique is the fact that the homes were built in the California - Contemporary Style, which makes it unique from the more common colonial style seen in northern Virginia.
As we drive through this neighborhood, we will also pass near Willow Lake, which is a great place to fish for Bluegills. You’ll also find 26 miles of walking paths surrounding the lake, perfect for a morning jog or afternoon stroll.
Distance: 0.67 mi · Attraction: Community Center
100 Woodgate Ct, Sterling, VA 20164, USA
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We need to turn left on Penny Lane, but if you were to continue on Sugarland Run, you would find the Sugarland Run Community Center.
This fun Center has been serving the community for over 50 years. It was newly renovated in 2008.
The Community center often hosts events throughout the year including concerts, movie nights, dances, and holiday parties.
Right by the Community Center is the Sugarland Run Swimming pool, which is the largest private swimming pool in Loudoun County! This Olympic sized pool even includes its own diving well and handicapped accessible wading pool.
Distance: 0.57 mi · Attraction: Directions
20765 Parkside Cir, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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As we leave Sugarland Run, take a left onto Middlefield Dr. and then another left onto Cascades Parkway.
Place 8
Cascades Introduction
Distance: 0.51 mi · Attraction: Neighborhoods
46625 Stonehelm Ct, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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We are now entering Cascades. Cascades is a 2,500 acre planned community and is extremely sought after due to its proximity to the Potomac River. It even has its own riverfront boat launch.
This area is also the most recently developed part of Sterling, being officially incorporated in 1990.
A great amenity of living in Cascades is its proximity to the Potomack Lakes Sportsplex. This 47 acre athletic complex has great outdoor features like 4 lighted softball diamonds and 6 soccer fields. It even won the 2007 ISA Softball Complex of the Year Award.
Distance: 0.96 mi · Attraction: Pool
20737 Arbor Ct, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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On your right we will be passing the Potomac Lakes Pool. A great perk of living in Cascades is free access to its pools. Potomac Lakes Pool is 1 of the 5 pools located in Cascades.
If you’d rather get your swing on and enjoy a round of tennis at the tennis courts located here you can do that as well. Cascades even offers its own contracted tennis instructors who offer lessons to both children and adults.
Continue straight on Cascades Parkway and then turn left on Palisade Parkway.
Distance: 0.31 mi · Attraction: Library
21000 Southbank St, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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On your left, just past the Cascades Marketplace, is Cascades Library. Cascades Library offers a wide variety of free services to the community as well acting as a hub of informational and educational resources. The Cascades library also often hosts free events for the community such as book clubs, movie nights, storytimes and teen based activities in the teen center.
Right by the library in the parking lot of the senior center is the Cascades farmers market. This farmers market runs on Sundays from April to December. Enjoy fresh bread from the Baguette Republic or if you’re into spice, you’ve got to try some homemade Salsa from Chef Eloy’s Kickin Salsas.
Distance: 0.64 mi · Attraction: Restaurants
VA-7, Potomac Falls, VA 20165, USA
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Along Route 7, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants in Sterling, from casual eateries to fine dining. There is something here for everyone.
The DC metro area is also known for being a melting pot of cuisines, so you won’t be pressed to find dishes from all over the world.
On your left we will pass Sweetwater Tavern. Sweetwater Tavern is part of the Great American Restaurants, started in 1974 which later grew into 16 restaurants in the Northern Virginia area.
Enjoy all your American classics here, like jambalaya pasta, hickory BBQ burgers and ribeye steaks. You’ve got to try their community bread basket, served with a delicious honey butter.
Make sure to take a right at Countryside Boulevard.
Distance: 1.67 mi · Attraction: Neighborhood
133c Edds Ln, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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We are now entering the community of Countryside. Countryside began construction in 1981 and construction continued through the 1990s. You’ll find mostly single family homes with a few townhouses in this area. The majority of the homes are built in the colonial architecture style as you’ll see as we drive through the neighborhood.
Like the name suggests, Countryside’s quiet neighborhoods will give you the feeling of being in the rural countryside while not being too far from…well everything. The neighborhood features four pools, tennis courts (outfitted for pickleball too) and trails for biking and walking.
Fun fact, did you know during Prohibition, residents of the Countryside area supplemented their income with hidden stills? You may still find some in the wooded areas.
Distance: 4.55 mi · Attraction: Private Trail
4 Foxmore Ct, Sterling, VA 20165, USA
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Our last stop on this tour is the exclusive Horse Pen Run trail. Specifically for Countryside residents, this scenic paved trail runs 1.5 miles along the Horsepen Creek. A great aspect of this trail is most of it is handicap accessible, making this a great trail for all abilities.
Along the way there are numerous side trails to explore. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a pavilion and picnic tables right alongside the Potomac River, making this a perfect place for an after-hike picnic. You may even spot a bald eagle.
That concludes our tour of Sterling, Virginia. If you liked this tour and feel like Sterling could be the place for you, make sure to contact me, Timothy Shamble at (703) 439-7001 or send me an email... tshamble@gmail.com.
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms. Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
Food and drinks
Physical tour guide.
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 0.5 to 1 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 13 stops, covering top attractions such as Sterling Park Golf Club, Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center., Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park., Sterling History, Sugarland Run Introduction.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Sterling Park Golf Club (Address: 400 S Sterling Blvd, Sterling, VA 20164, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Horse Pen Run Trail, Cascades Library/Farmers Market, Sterling Park Golf Club, Potomac Lakes Pool, Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park. and Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center.. In total, the tour has 13 points of interest along the route.
Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
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) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
