Welcome to Waterford!
Thank you Only In Your State for Featuring Waterford in “The Unique Village in Virginia That’s Unlike Any Other In The World.”
Thank you Only In Your State for capturing so much of what makes Waterford Village a wonderful place to experience. Read the full article here. We hope you will experience Waterford for yourself! Below is updated information on drinks and dining in and around Waterford Village:
Village Winery (Wines) Waterford
Waterford Market (Snacks and Non-alcoholic drinks) Waterford
Vino 9 (Beer, Wine, Food) Paeonian Springs
The Restaurant at Patomack Farm (full-service dining) Lovettesville
Thaiverse (full-service dining) Lovettesville
Backstreet Brews Coffee & Tea House (coffee shop) Lovettesville
Thank you Visit Loudoun for Featuring “A Perfect Day in Waterford“!
The article does a great job describing a perfect day in Waterford. Throughout the year, the Waterford Foundation also offers a variety of events. In April, participate in the Annual Waterford Historic Trail Run – 10k/5k & Fun Run. Throughout the year, Waterford Craft School offers weekend classes in traditional arts like watercolor, leatherworking, basket weaving, and more. The Waterford Craft School School schedule can be found here: Waterford Craft School.
A Piece of History
When you stroll the streets of the Waterford National Historic Landmark in Waterford, Virginia, you’ll step back in time. First settled in 1733 by Quakers from Pennsylvania, it is an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings set within 1,420 acres of rolling farmland located just one hour from Washington, D.C.
The village’s homes, places of business, and the rolling fields that surround them today look much as they did in the 19th century. With its rich heritage in furniture manufacturing, farming, Civil War actions, and African-American life, Waterford is a wonderful place to visit.
Civil War
Waterford has a rich Civil War history. The village was an island of resistance during the war, when it sided with the Union despite its location in Confederate Virginia. Waterford’s Quaker residents set aside their pacifist beliefs and stood up a cavalry unit to defend their country — the only Union Army unit raised in the state.
African-American History
Waterford was within the part of Loudoun County known as the Underground Railroad route. It was also a haven for free blacks. The Village’s African-American schoolhouse, the Second Street School, is used today for educational programs. The John Wesley Community Church, built by its black congregation in the late 1800s, is open for special events. Read more >
National Historic Landmark
In 1970, the Secretary of the Interior determined that the Waterford Historic District possessed national significance and designated it a National Historic Landmark. It is the highest designation of historic importance possible in the U.S., and places it on par with Mt. Vernon and Monticello—a rare honor.
Things to know
Visit the Foundation Office at the Old School (40222 Fairfax Street) for parking, information, mini-bookstore and restrooms. The office is open Tuesday – Friday from 10am to 2pm.
Waterford Craft School:
Have you ever thought you should have been born in another time? There is just something about the way things were done way back when. If you’ve ever had this thought, you are bound to love Waterford Craft School. See the historic village of Waterford and learn traditional crafts from centuries gone by. Each class is taught by an expert in his or her field. Beginners are welcome. Class lengths range from a few hours, a single day, a weekend, or longer! Browse available classes now at: Waterford Craft School!
Guided Walking Tours:
With advance notice, the Waterford Foundation can accommodate group tours of the historic Waterford village or certain historic buildings such as the Old Mill, the John Wesley Community Church, or the Second Street School. Tours are offered by volunteer guides and must be reserved and paid for in advance ($20/pp). If interested in scheduling a private history tour for your group, please email oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org with details about your preferred date, group type, number of guests, and ages of guests. All tour-goers should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a bottle of water, and be prepared for the weather.
Accessibility:
Waterford is a historic village with brick walkways and hills. Most of your visit will be outside. Restrooms at the Old School are accessible. Shuttle service is available for the mobility impaired during the Waterford Fair in October.
Food and Drink:
Snacks and drinks are available at the Waterford Market on Second Street. Waterford is a short drive from many restaurants in nearby Lovettsville, Purcellville and Leesburg.
Wineries:
Waterford is close to several wineries which are identified as the Waterford Cluster on the Loudoun Wine Trail. You can see the Visit Loudoun website for a map and information on wineries or download the Loudoun Wine Trail Guide here.
Self-guided Village Tour
Stroll through the historic village. See a remarkable variety of early dwellings, spring houses, barns, former shops, and 19th century churches. Browse the village virtually on this Waterford Walking Tour Google map, or download our Self-Guided Walking Tour Booklet to enjoy the Landmark’s history.
Cemeteries
Visit our cemeteries where Waterford’s early Quakers, residents, and soldiers were laid to rest.
Post Office
Send a postcard from Waterford’s post office – the oldest Virginia post office in continuous operation at the same site.
Phillips Farm Trail
Walk the 1.5 mile Interpretive Trail on the Phillips Farm. The trail details the natural and cultural history on the property, with numbered posts corresponding to points of interest. Learn more about Phillips Farm here.
Village Jail
Peek into the village jail which housed mischief-makers from the early 1800s until 1936.
The Waterford Fair
Come to the Waterford Fair (held since 1944 on first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October) and return to a day from an earlier time. Tour historic houses, watch juried artisans demonstrate traditional craftsmanship, stroll through the village and find music, crafts, paintings, dried flowers, baked goods and more. Visit the Waterford Fair website.