Want to wander with your dog over 1,000 acres of fields, woods, formal gardens and beautiful rolling Virginia hills within an hour’s drive of the city? Look no further than Morven Park in Leesburg.
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the estate grounds, once home to Westmoreland Davis, the 55th governor of Virginia, and his wife, Marguerite. The couple bought the property in 1903. You won’t be able to tour the stunning Greek Revival mansion, coach house or carriage museum, however, as dogs aren’t permitted inside the buildings.
Morven Park hosts awide variety of activities, such as horse shows and food and wine festivals, and most are dog-friendly. Just keep your dog under close control, especially around horses or other animals that could be frightened by an excited dog.
Another nice thing about the park on a hot summer day is that there are plenty of shaded trails. In fact, last year, in partnership with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the park opened more than two miles of new hiking trails winding through the woods.
I would recommend packing a picnic lunch—there’s something about the property that makes you want to avoid returning to the clogged Beltway and city sidewalks. But if you want to explore the quaint main drag in Leesburg, you’ll find at least two restaurants with outdoor, dog-friendly dining: La Lou Bistro and Tuscarora Mill.
Morven Park is at 17263 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg; 703-777-2414.
Gwyn Donohue is the author of the blog Two Dog Tales. Head there to read about more events, activities, and news for Washington dog owners.
Where to Go with Your Dog This Weekend: Morven Park
A thousand acres of shady trails, rolling hills, and gardens.
Want to wander with your dog over 1,000 acres of fields, woods, formal gardens and beautiful rolling Virginia hills within an hour’s drive of the city? Look no further than Morven Park in Leesburg.
Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the estate grounds, once home to Westmoreland Davis, the 55th governor of Virginia, and his wife, Marguerite. The couple bought the property in 1903. You won’t be able to tour the stunning Greek Revival mansion, coach house or carriage museum, however, as dogs aren’t permitted inside the buildings.
Morven Park hosts a wide variety of activities, such as horse shows and food and wine festivals, and most are dog-friendly. Just keep your dog under close control, especially around horses or other animals that could be frightened by an excited dog.
Another nice thing about the park on a hot summer day is that there are plenty of shaded trails. In fact, last year, in partnership with the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, the park opened more than two miles of new hiking trails winding through the woods.
I would recommend packing a picnic lunch—there’s something about the property that makes you want to avoid returning to the clogged Beltway and city sidewalks. But if you want to explore the quaint main drag in Leesburg, you’ll find at least two restaurants with outdoor, dog-friendly dining: La Lou Bistro and Tuscarora Mill.
Morven Park is at 17263 Southern Planter Ln., Leesburg; 703-777-2414.
Gwyn Donohue is the author of the blog Two Dog Tales. Head there to read about more events, activities, and news for Washington dog owners.
Most Popular in News & Politics
The Missing Men of Mount Pleasant
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
Muriel Bowser Defends Her BLM Plaza Decision and Looks Back on a Decade as Mayor
Yet Another Anti-Trump Statue Has Shown Up on the National Mall
Want to Search Donald Trump’s Truth Social Posts? A New Site Is Here to Help.
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
How a Freedom Plaza Skate Kid Started a Prominent Dog-Walking Business
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
More from News & Politics
AC Problem Closes Four Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall
Epstein Files Fiasco Continues to Be Weird and Entertaining, GOP Congressman Sued Over Unpaid Rent, and Lotuses Hit Peak Bloom
I Tried to Train for American Ninja Warrior
Trump Wants to Rename Soccer, the Nationals Chose a Shortstop, and Virginians Are the US French-Fry-Eating Champions
Guest List: 5 People We’d Love to Hang Out With This July
The Washington Nationals Just Fired the Manager and GM Who Led Them to a Championship. Why Has the Team Been so Bad Since?
FBI Building Now on Track to Leave DC After All, Whistleblower Leaks Texts Suggesting Justice Department Planned to Blow Off Federal Court Orders, and NPS Cuts Leave Assateague Island Without Lifeguards
Families of DC Air Disaster Victims Criticize Army’s Response, Trump Settles His Scores Via Tariff, and Police Dog Kicked at Dulles Returns to Work