& FINDS ARTISAN SPOTS HOT SHOPPING ARTS & CULTURE Loudoun’s creative community of makers, artisans and crafters handmake everything from soaps and scented candles to wooden spoons, ceramics and jewelry. They even create winter clothing from the wool of locally raised alpacas and goats. Every corner of the county has an arts, craft or design store from which to “Take Loudoun Home.” Look out for Gateway Gallery & Gift Store in Round Hill, The Corner Store in Waterford, Handmade by LMAC in Sterling and the non-profit “Artists in Middleburg” shop. Of course, Loudoun has big-name retail, too. Leesburg Premium Outlets is home to 110 mega brands from Adidas and Armani to Vineyard Vines and Zales, while upscale lifestyle precincts One Loudoun and The Village at Leesburg showcase boutiques, galleries and home decor alongside restaurants, bars and cinemas. For a more intimate ‘local’ shopping experience, Middleburg’s Washington Street is a raft of upscale couture and gifts (don’t miss Tully Rector, Lou Lou and Brick & Mortar) whil e downtown Leesburg is lined with exquisite independently owned boutiques such as Muz & Rose, The Global Local, WldWst and aptly-named CRAFT. All this, and Purcellville out west boasts several cool vintage and thrift stores while Lucketts on Route 15 is a wildly popular antiques destination. Shop Loudoun! Pottery in Round Hill by Douglas Gr aham emium Leesburg Pr Outlets Brick and Mortar Mercan tile 28 | VisitLoudoun.org