Where to Live: Fauquier County

 

At their office, the team prides itself on being more than just a group of professional real estate agents. From volunteering at nonprofits to sending their kids to the local schools, they’re truly a part of their community.

It doesn’t hurt that Brenda, Cynthia & Careen, as well as all their associates just happen to be neighborhood experts, who work and live for the love of home. For them, home is here at the office, in their community, and in their backyard.

Feel free to stop in and say hello, grab a hot cup of coffee or cold water and meet some great folks! Don’t worry, the tour won’t leave without you….on to the next stop. 

 

 

We’re going to head north on Blackwell and make a left onto Lee Highway. 

We will be passing the retail shopping and restaurants on the outside of old town Warrenton. If you’re a fan of foods from the far east, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from like Faang Thai, Mandarin Buffet & Sushi, and Osaka Japanese Steak & Seafood. 

Take a right on Winchester as it becomes Broadview and we’ll continue to our next destination on the tour. 

You’ll notice Highland Center for the Arts on your right - a state-of-the-art performance space that hosts a wide variety of school and community events throughout the academic year. Additionally, the 60-seat Lise Hicklin Black Box theater is home to monthly Coffeehouse performances that give Upper School students a chance to perform in front of a supportive audience of their peers.

We’ll be making a left on Foxcroft road and and we’ll be approaching Rady Park.

 

 

A popular community park in the Town of Warrenton, Rady offers a playground, picnic shelter, commemorative gardens, athletic fields, and an asphalt walking path. A greenway trail also starts at the park for longer walks. 

Plant and flower lovers will be delighted to find several different types growing in the various gardens within the park. Some seasonals include the Smoketree and Distylium (Cinnamon Girl). Among the special features of Rady Park is the Arboretum, which is a demonstration garden where arbiters continue to develop and maintain it to inform the public about alternatives to common landscape trees and shrubs, provide educational programs, and present the plants in small bed and garden displays that would fit in a home landscape.

The Arboretum has been accredited as a Level 1 member of ArbNet, an international association of Arboreta. In addition, the Audubon at Home program has recognized this garden as an example of habitat with native plants that support insects, birds and other wildlife. Check out this greenery and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the gardens and visit this special corner of Fauquier County.

A left on Fauquier road followed by a right on Broadview will get us headed south and on to more points of interest on our tour. 

On the way we will be passing several fast food and chain restaurants, as well as some specialty restaurants. There’s plenty along this stretch whether you’re craving fried chicken at Popeyes and KFC or Mexican at Taco Bell and Moe’s Southwest grill or a little Irish from O’Brien’s Pub!

 

 

We will be making a left onto Waterloo Street soon, but the next place we want to tell you about will be to your right, Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Center, commonly known as the WARF. Spelled W-A-R-F, not to be confused with the popular Star Trek The Next Generation character, or the new hot spot in SW Washington, DC. 

This facility was built in 2007 to accommodate fitness and recreation needs of the growing population of Warrenton and the surrounding areas. In addition to an 11 lane, 25-yard main pool, the facility also has a 3,600-gallon therapeutic spa and a 68,000-gallon leisure pool with a water slide, lazy river, vortex and a zero-depth entry for easy entrance by toddlers, seniors and those in wheelchairs.

For those not looking to take a swim, the WARF boasts a fitness center full of equipment such as elliptical machines, treadmills and free weights. Fitness classes are also conducted and available for those of all abilities. The WARF also makes available their facility to host birthday parties and other events for families and children. 

If and when the kids have had enough of being wet, the Claude Moore playground is available outside the facility. This playground was constructed for all children, with a particular focus on accessibility for children with disabilities.

In addition to the Claude Moore playground, surrounding the WARF complex you’ll find several rectangular playing fields, paved hiking paths and an inline skating rink and skate park. Did you know that the first pair of skates created in the 1760’s had a single line of wheels? It would not be until 100 years later that the traditional ‘roller skate’ featuring 4 wheels was invented and became commonplace until in- line skating became trendy in the 1990’s. 

Okay, on to the next stop…

 

 

Continue down Waterloo as we head towards Old Town Warrenton and check out the fun, exciting and historical spots in this part of Fauquier County.

The Old Fauquier County Jail will be to your right. Located next to the Fauquier County Courthouse, this old jail house, built in 1808 also is the location of the county’s Historical Society. At the time of the American Revolution a settlement had begun, and by 1790 the first courthouse was built, a jail was erected and an academy named for General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero, was founded. 

Continue on Waterloo as it becomes Alexandria Pike as we cruise the downtown area.

The Historical Society conducts several events year-round, many of which are walking tours of historically significant areas in the county. Do you believe in ghosts? Well, one of these is a ghost walking tour, chronicling Warrenton's history of terrifying occurrences, unexplainable happenings and downright scary paranormal sightings. There are story-tellers that share chilling, true tales of spirits haunting the town. If you are a scaredy cat, you may not want to go on that tour! 

It’s quite possible you will be hungry at the conclusion of the walking tour, and Red Truck Bakery is right across the street. With some of the finest fresh baked pies around, it’s no wonder that celebrities and even former Presidents have visited and sampled the delectables at Red Truck. Quoting the former commander in chief, Barack Obama, “I like pie. That's not a state secret. And I can confirm that the Red Truck Bakery makes some darn good pie.” Some of the specialties include Lemon Chess pie and Virginia Peanut Pie. In addition to selling meals to go, Red Truck Bakery sells their very own cookbook allowing fans to try and recreate their magic at home. 

Now that we’ve covered some history and checked out the famous Red Truck Bakery, let’s see what other wonders we can discover here in Downtown Warrenton.

 

 

Let’s take a right on North, and then High Street, and one more right on Liberty and the Warrenton Farmers Market is on the left- open every Saturday. Across the street on your right is Black Bear Bistro. Since we already satisfied our sweet tooth at Red Truck Bakery, let’s indulge in some fare that will balance us out. Located in the lower level is the Brick Oven room where they are serving up fresh wood fired Neapolitan pizzas. Upstairs and in addition to several indoor dining areas, Black Bear Bistro also boasts an outdoor bar and patio complete with wrought iron chairs. Try the Bourbon Peach Pork Chop- it’s out of this world!

On the next block on the right is The Berkley Gallery. Featuring an exceptional collection of bronze sculptures, The Berkley Gallery hosts traditional art in a variety of mediums: oil, watercolor, pastel, and graphite. This location in addition to its other just down main street showcases for over 60 artists, and has been warmly welcomed by art collectors in the Northern Virginia - Washington D.C. area.

For those cider lovers, down the street is Wild Hare Hard Cider Pub. The fruit they use comes directly from their orchard in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and heritage apples are pressed and the juice cool-ferment to a proper dry, and age for more than a year. These are not the typical sweet ciders available in national stores and restaurants. 

No main street is complete without a great book store, and The Open Book is the perfect cozy nook to find some good reading and something to get lost in. Welcoming all the youngsters regardless of age, but generally gearing stories to the 3-6 range, come join The Open Book Team for Storytime each Friday at 11am. It takes a booklover to know a booklover they relish the chance to hear what customers are reading and learning.

 

 

Take a left on East Lee Street as we approach our next destination…. Warrenton Branch Greenway, the center of Fauquier County’s trail system.

Currently it runs almost 2 and 3/4 miles in between the center of Old Town Warrenton and Old Meetze Road. The Warrenton Branch Greenway was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2012 due to its rich rail history and recreational opportunities for citizens. From this location, visitors can access 16 separate trails with surface types varying from natural, paved, crushed stone, and boardwalk. Benches and dog waste stations are available along the trail and a bike rack is located at the South 4th Street parking lot for convenient shopping trips in Old Town. 

The hallmark of the Greenway is the old red caboose, donated by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, restored and installed by the Piedmont Railroaders. For nearly 200 years the caboose provided a sheltered vantage point from which train crews could watch the cars ahead, cook and eat their meals, do their paperwork, and sleep after a long day on the rails. It was their home away from home. With new technology in the late 20th century, railroad crews ride in the locomotive and electronic devices monitor the train. 

 

 

Continue on Lee as it becomes Meetze Road, and we will be approaching the Fauquier County Central Sports Complex and the Fauquier County Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds are owned by a Non-Profit corporation with an ALL Volunteer Board of Directors. The fairgrounds is home to a number of 4-H groups hosting meetings, shows, and other events, as well as the Annual Fair held on the third weekend of July each year. The fair is always full of exciting shows, rides, games and family fun.

Now let’s check out the sports complex. Featuring 5 natural grass multipurpose rectangular fields, one artificial turf multipurpose rectangular field and 5 baseball fields, this complex is the largest of its kind in Fauquier County. Among the more popular events at the complex is The Fauquier Battle on The Diamond. Traveling teams from surrounding areas compete here in July to find out which team is the best. These include age groups from 8 to 16 years old. The Blue Ridge Titans is among the well respected and established travel baseball organizations based in Fauquier County and serving athletes and families throughout the region. They are coached by former collegiate and current High School baseball managers that all perform their duties in a volunteer capacity.

For those ornithologists out there, 98 different bird species have been reported around the Central Sports Complex area over the years. Many of these different species can be viewed along the Larry Miller Trail, which is nearly ¾ of a mile in length, and winds around the Northeast perimeter of the park. 

Take a right on Green Road and we will be passing over Turkey Run. Originating just south of Warrenton, this stream makes its way all the way across and down to the Occoquan River which empties into the Potomac. The stream runs along the Weston Wildlife Management Area and Turkey Run provides a water supply year-round, and forms the eastern boundary of the property. The area is open to the public for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

 

 

 

Now for some trivia... Fauquier County encompasses 666 square miles of land in the Piedmont region of Virginia and it was listed as part of the Northern Neck of the Colony of Virginia by Captain John Smith in 1608. What happened to John Smith and his colony remains a mystery with some theorists suggesting their disappearance was the work of evil spirits...no need to be frightened (we think)!

Make a right on Beach Road as we make our way towards some good eats and craft drinks. 

A couple of quick trivia notes while you ride…..DYK, Fauquier County is considered one of the fastest-growing and highest-income counties in the United States? As cost of living in the cities, (Washington DC/Baltimore area in this case,) increases, folks are moving further out in Northern Virginia and taking advantage of lower cost living and safer communities.

An area rich in American History, Fauquier County was the grounds for several battles during the Civil War. These battles included (in order) the First Battle of Rappahannock Station, the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap, the Battle of Kelly's Ford, the Battle of Aldie, and the Battle of Middleburg. It wouldn't be until early 1865 that severe shortages of food and fodder in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties forced half of Colonel Mosby's seven-company cavalry regiment to relocate to the northern neck. Known as the “Gray Ghost” because of his lightning-quick raids and ability to elude Union Army pursuers and disappear. After the war, Mosby became a Republican and worked as an attorney, supporting his former enemy's commander, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.

Make a left on Route 15 (James Madison HWY) and Barking Rose Brewing Company and Farm will be on our right.

 

 

Ever done Yoga at a brewery? Neither have we! Yoga classes are conducted in the brew room as a fresh take on the relaxing discipline. After, indulge in Belgian Ales and German Lagers, the mainstays at the brewery. Like Powers Farm, Barking Rose outsources their food needs to food trucks that roll up during the weekends. The taproom is open Tuesday through Sunday and patrons can enjoy a brew, listen to music, watch a game, or sit on the porch while watching the sunset. 

Seating is also available in the brewhouse if you prefer to chat with your friends in the air conditioning while enjoying a pint or a flight, or sit outside and take in the views. Their taproom and farm is family and dog friendly, in addition to being smoke free.

Barking Rose is a popular destination hosting unique events throughout the year. Among these is the annual ‘Low Country Boil.’ What traditionally was known as Frogmore Stew and originated in the state of South Carolina, Barking Rose welcomes those to indulge at their Low Country Boil. It’s a combination of seafood, sausage, and vegetables cooked in one large pot. While ingredients differ from kitchen to kitchen, the boil here will include crawfish, crab legs, oysters, clams, mussels, sausage, shrimp, potatoes and corn. No wonder this feast is served on top of newspapers. But to wear a bib or not to...?  That is the question.

Lastly, consider being a part of the ‘saisonniers’ at Barking Rose. What is a say-ZON-er? A seasonal farm worker from the Wallonia region of Belgium. Traditionally paid in part with a farmhouse brewed ale, known as a Saison. However, in this instance the saisonnier is a club membership at the brewhouse offering plenty of fun perks and gifts. Bottoms up!

 

 

 

To the North and West of the Barking Rose up Candy Meadow Lane is the Whitney State Forest. It is 148 acres in size, and is used for timber production and as a wildlife sanctuary in addition to providing recreational activities such as mountain biking and hiking.

 

 

We’re going to continue south down James Madison Highway as we make our way to our final destination…..CM Crockett Park and Germantown Lake… We still have some good stuff to talk about first, so no teary eyes just yet.

We will be passing some restaurants on the way, in case you are hungry, including McDonalds and Barbeque Country. If you stop here, try the jumbo pulled pork sandwich. Mmm… so tangy. 

Bear right on the exit to Route 17 (Marsh Road) If you didn’t stop at BBQ Country and instead were holding out for pizza, there are some chain restaurants such as Dominos, Little Caesars and Pizza Hut, in addition to Grioli’s Italian Grill and Pizzeria… it's your choice.

We will be exiting left off the highway. Take Balls Mill Road and get ready to take flight!

 

A couple of miles south is Warrenton Air Park, Washington, DC’s skydiving center. Get a bird's eye view of our nation’s capital at the only DC location offering RVT Video Technology.

Freefall out of the plane will last about 45 seconds as you speed up to 120 miles per hour. What a rush! When your parachute opens, you’ll feel the wind stop as you peacefully fly back to earth enjoying a ride that will last around 4-7 minutes.

Ok, not the flight you were looking for? Not to worry as another flight of beers awaits you at Powers Farm and Brewery... the next destination on this tour. Time for takeoff!

 

We will be making a right onto Meetze and the last stop on the tour at CM Crockett Park. If you hang a left on Meetze, you will arrive at Powers Farm Brewery. We thought you might want to take another flight! 

It wasn’t until 2021 that owners Mel and Kevin got a tractor to plow and till soil on the farm as they believe in the philosophy of getting your hands dirty, or simply using your bare hands. Sort of like the tale of John Henry versus the steam drill (man against machine). Among the signature fruits, vegetables and herbs include sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash and garlic.

Among the more popular on-site craft brews is the Bourbon Barrel-Aged “Apricity” Oat Stout. Phew that was a mouthful, but let’s indulge you in what is in this beer and you may be tempted to open wide! A big, roasty dark beer brewed with significant amounts of Virginia-grown biscuit, cocoa and chocolate malts out of Charlottesville, local rolled oats added for mouthfeel, and finally dried out in local charred bourbon barrels. Their barrel room has recently opened for seating and event rentals. 

Now what about the food? Well, Powers Farm and Brewery spends so much time meticulously cultivating their beers, produce, and floral arrangements that they outsource their food demand to food trucks. One of the food trucks that rolls in to serve hungry patrons is Rolling Wraps. They serve shawarma inspired chicken and beef wraps, vegetarian falafels, loaded French fries and fresh salad bowls.

Powers Farm and Brewery also grows a wide variety of flowers on their farm, picked fresh and arranged into bouquets each week. These include gladiolas, zinnias, dahlias, strawflowers, mint, snap dragons, lavender, echinacea, and bells of Ireland. 

 

 

Here endeth the lesson… Germantown Lake and CM Crockett Park.

Take a right on Roques Road and the lake will be in front of you. Fishing is a popular activity here and some of the sea creatures you’ll find include channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Because these types are known to bite more, it makes for a good place to take children fishing. 

On the northeastern portion of the shore is the C.M Crockett Park. This is Fauquier County's largest lakeside park offering a wide range of recreational opportunities including: fishing, seasonal boat rentals and concessions, picnicking, volleyball, horseshoes, a cross-country trail for hiking, jogging, and a nature trail through 1-mile of woods.

For the ornithologist in you, feast your eyes on Canadian geese, pied-billed grebes, American coots, and the even tundra swan. If you take a walk in the woods on the trail, you’ll be treated to eastern phoebes, northern cardinals and red-billed woodpeckers.

There is also a Sanctuary area for commemoration of a special event or person in a grove that includes Beeches, Maples, and Oaks. 

We hope you have enjoyed this tour of Warrenton and part of Fauquier County. There is so much more to see and do in other parts of Fauquier County, as well as our neighboring counties of Culpeper, Rappahannock and Warren. 

Brenda, Cynthia and Careen would be happy to take you on a specialized tour and are always available for your real estate needs.

Thanks again for joining us on the UCPlaces tour and have a great day!