Table of Contents

Features

4  A Case to Preserve Rural Loudoun

Using the planning tools we have while there is still time

BY JOHN ADAMS

6  The Village of Philomont

Beloved heart of western Loudoun

BY DREW BISHOP

14  Prime Soils

Loudoun’s once and future king

BY CHRIS VAN VLACK

17  In Search of a Hearth and a Home of Their Own

BY AMANDA CATHER

28  Time Travel on Loudoun’s Unpaved Roads

BY EMILY HOUSTON

37  It’s a Family Affair at 

Sisters Garlic Co.

BY SARAH BURKE

34  A Remarkable Story behind Loudoun’s Historic Archives

BY GARY M. CLEMENS

40  A Different Brand of Horsepower

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding connects people to the healing power of horses

BY CHRIS WALTON

Departments

11  Wild Things

Enjoying Loudoun’s Native Plants

BY EMILY SOUTHGATE

21  Protecting Our Lands

Sleeter Lake Bioswale

BY NORMAN MYERS AND LAWRENCE MALONE

24  An Eye for Beauty

The Quiet Wonder of Loudoun’s Seasons

BY KAREN MONROE AND DOUGLAS GEHLSEN

27  Rural Roads & Byways

Snickersville Turnpike

BY PETER Q. WEEKS

31  Keeping It Local

Southern Comfort Come as a Cathead Biscuit

BY WIB MIDDLETON

44  Natural History

Stepping Back into Loudoun’s Prehistory

BY TRAVIS SHAW

48  Artist Spotlight 

The Loudoun Sketch Club Lives On!

BY CHRIS DOXEY

50  Shop Around