04/24/2026
Worth the Drive: Where to Eat, Sip, and Explore After Your Professional Headshot /Portrait Session in Purcellville at Headshots Loudoun GET REAL HEADSHOTS located at Artist Circle Studio.
One of the things my clients say most often is, 'It's worth the drive to Loudoun County.' I couldn't agree more — and I always tell people: book your session, then stay a while. Western Loudoun is one of the most beautiful corners of Virginia, packed with award-winning wineries, craft breweries, scratch-kitchen restaurants, and the kind of small-town charm that's getting harder to find. Bring your spouse, your family, or a friend — and turn your headshot session into a getaway.
Here are my favorite spots within a few minutes of the Artist Circle Studio in Purcellville — plus 10 wineries and 10 breweries all within miles. Ask me for personal recommendations when you book; I love sending clients off with a plan.
Local Favorites in Downtown Purcellville
Nichols Hardware — A true step back in time. Founded in 1914 and still family-run, Nichols is a working hardware store with creaky wood floors, a hand-cranked register, and shelves stacked with everything from cast iron to canning jars. Even if you don't need a thing, walk in. It's a Purcellville institution and one of the most photographed storefronts in town. Nichols Hardware Store
The Hardware Cafe — Right next door to Nichols, this is the spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch before your session. Generous portions, friendly service, and a small-town diner feel that locals love. Great coffee, great pancakes, and an easy walk back to your car. Hardware Cafe
Magnolias at the Mill — Set in a beautifully restored 1905 grain mill, Magnolias is Purcellville's go-to for an upscale-casual meal. Think wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and a wine list that leans into local Virginia producers. Perfect for a celebratory lunch or dinner after your session. Magnolias at the Mill Restaurant
Monk's BBQ — Award-winning Texas-style barbecue right in downtown Purcellville. Brisket smoked low and slow, ribs that fall off the bone, and a rotating list of craft beers on tap. Casual, packed with locals, and absolutely worth the wait. Monk's BBQ
B&K Burger — A no-frills, locally loved burger joint that's become a Purcellville staple. Hand-formed patties, crispy fries, and shakes that hit the spot after a long shoot. Perfect for families.
Catoctin Creek Distillery — Just up the road, Catoctin Creek is Loudoun's flagship craft distillery, best known for their Roundstone Rye. The tasting room is warm, welcoming, and the staff genuinely loves to teach. Tours run on weekends — book ahead. Catoctin Creek
Fun Places to Shop Just Off 21st Street
Shamrock Music Shoppe — A Purcellville gem for musicians and music lovers. Guitars, ukuleles, sheet music, lessons, and the kind of friendly expertise you only get from a true local shop. Pop in before or after your session — even non-musicians love browsing.n Shamrock Music Shoppe
Re-Love It Consignment Shoppe — A beautifully curated consignment boutique just off 21st Street. Designer finds, gently loved fashion, and home accents at fantastic prices. A favorite stop for anyone who loves to hunt for treasures. Re-Love It a Consignment Shoppe
M. Franklin Studio and Boutique — Part makeup studio, part fashion boutique — and entirely fun. Professional makeup services (great as a pre-session add-on!), plus a thoughtfully styled selection of clothing, jewelry, and gifts. Ask about scheduling a makeup appointment around your headshot session. Makeup by Melissa Franklin
10 Wineries Within ~10 Miles of the Studio
1. Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville) — One of Virginia's largest and most awarded wineries, with sweeping mountain views and a Mediterranean-inspired tasting room. Breaux Vineyards
2. 8 Chains North Winery (Waterford) — Family-run with a relaxed, welcoming vibe and a strong portfolio of estate-grown reds. 8 Chains North Winery
3. Sunset Hills Vineyard (Purcellville) — A solar-powered winery in a restored Amish barn, known for elegant whites and reds plus stunning sunset views. Sunset Hills Vineyard
4. Hidden Brook Winery (Leesburg) — Tucked into the woods just outside Leesburg, with a cozy tasting room and excellent fruit-forward wines. Brook winery
5. Notaviva Vineyards (Purcellville) — Music-themed winery pairing handcrafted wines with live performances and beautiful Blue Ridge views. Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery
6. Doukenie Winery (Purcellville) — Greek-inspired hospitality, a lakeside picnic area, and consistently strong estate wines. Doukenie Winery
7. Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery (Purcellville) — Wine and beer under one roof, with hilltop views and a stone-walled tasting space. Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery
8. Twin Oaks Tavern Winery (Bluemont) — Perched at the top of the Blue Ridge with one of the best views in the region. Twin Oaks Tavern Winery
9. Bluemont Vineyard (Bluemont) — Famous for its 'Stone Barn' overlook — on a clear day you can see straight to DC. The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard
Also visit
Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery
10. Otium Cellars (Purcellville) — A boutique winery focused on Old World varietals like Grüner Veltliner and Lagrein, on a beautiful equestrian estate.
10 Breweries Within ~10 Miles of the Studio
1. Adroit Theory Brewing Company (Purcellville) — A bold, artistic brewery known for limited-release barrel-aged stouts and collectible can art. Adroit Theory Brewing Company
2. Belly Love Brewing Company (Purcellville) — Family-friendly downtown taproom with a wide rotating list and great pub food.
3. Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery (Waterford) — A farm brewery focused on field-to-glass lagers and pilsners on a working farm.
4. Bear Chase Brewing Company (Bluemont) — Sprawling mountainside property with panoramic views, lawn games, and food trucks.
5. Dirt Farm Brewing (Bluemont) — Hilltop brewery on a multi-generational family farm with some of the best sunsets in Loudoun.
6. Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery (Purcellville) — Both wine and craft beer in a historic stone tasting room.
7. Loudoun Brewing Company (Leesburg) — A friendly Leesburg taproom with consistently solid ales and lagers.
8. Black Hoof Brewing Company (Leesburg) — Downtown Leesburg favorite with a great patio and a rotating tap list.
9. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery (Lucketts) — Massive farm brewery with acres of green space, food, music, and seasonal events.
10. Crooked Run Fermentation (Sterling) — A bit further east, but worth the drive for sour and wild-fermented beers from one of the region's most innovative brewers.
Make a Day of It
My recommendation: book a morning session, grab brunch at The Hardware Cafe or Magnolias, then spend the afternoon at one or two wineries or breweries. Bring the family, bring a friend, or come solo and meet some new ones — Loudoun is that kind of place.
Hardware Cafe Magnolias at the Mill Restaurant
Need a custom itinerary based on your timing, party size, or interests? Just ask me when you book. I love sharing this town with the people who trust me with their headshots.
Ready to plan your visit? Book your session at www.artistcirclestudio.as.me — and I'll help with the rest.
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