by Sean Lloyd | May 30, 2023 | events, featured
We’re thrilled to announce the Appalachian Trail Festival’s return. It’s back, and it’s better!
Why Celebrate the A.T.?
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190-mile footpath, spanning over 14 states. We in Western Loudoun are fortunate. We have this breathtaking beauty right in our backyard.
In 2019, we celebrated a special event. It was Round Hill’s official recognition as an A.T. Community. Today, we have more exciting news. We’re bringing the festival back in 2023. But this time, we’re growing and collaborating with Hillsboro.
Festival Details
We’re teaming up with Hillsboro, another A.T. Community. Together, we will host the festival at a new venue. The Gap Stage and Old Stone School in Hillsboro, VA, will be our location.
So, clear your schedules on June 10th. Join us in celebrating the Great Outdoors and the A.T. in its entirety.
Activities for the Entire Family
The festival this year is bigger and better. It’s packed with activities, performances, exhibitions, and enlightening talks. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect on Saturday, June 10th:
Festival Opening
The festival kicks off at 10:45 a.m. on The Gap Stage. Here, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy will recognize Hillsboro as an A.T. Community.
Festival Grounds Activities
From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be plenty to do and see. Enjoy a variety of food, music, and trail talks. You can also engage with local hiking and environmental groups.
Art Exhibition
There will be a ‘Wild Beauty’ exhibition at the Old Stone School auditorium. The art show will feature seven artists inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Raffle Tent
Drop by our raffle tent for a chance to win exciting prizes. Buy a T-shirt or raffle tickets to support the festival.
Children’s Activities
Kids can enjoy fun-filled activities from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They can indulge in nature crafts, pony rides, and more.
Live Performances and Hiking Talks
Enjoy live music performances by popular bands. Listen to tales from seasoned hikers. Learn about yoga for hikers and explore nature printing. Get gourmet camp stove cooking tips too.
After Party
Don’t forget the after-party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy more music, food, drinks, and fun times.
So, whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone looking for a fun, community event, the festival is the place to be. Come and join us in celebrating the Appalachian Trail and the Great Outdoors!
For more information, check out the festival website.
See you there!
by Sean Lloyd | Feb 16, 2023 | events, featured
Are you looking for inspiration? Perhaps you’ll find it in the artists of all ages who submitted their work to the 6th Annual Round Hill Appalachian Trail Art Show.
You might be wondering, why does Round Hill have an A.T. art show in the first place? Well, since Round Hill became an official A.T. Community, we’re committed to promoting and protecting the A.T. and all the other beautiful green spaces that surround our town. One way we do this is by helping people see the beauty of nature.
And let me tell you, the wealth of talent and creativity among our local artists is truly remarkable. They’ve captured the beauty of the A.T. and the wild nature all around us in their stunning works. Every year, the show keeps getting better, and we’re proud to showcase the amazing talent in our community.
You can see this year’s art show in person at the Round Hill Arts Center through March 12th, or you can view entries in the online gallery on our website. And if you’re feeling inspired, why not participate in our “People’s Choice” competition? Visit the Arts Center or go online to select up to five works that you think best capture the spirit of the Appalachian Trail and the beauties of nature. The winners will be displayed at the upcoming Round Hill/Hillsboro Appalachian Trail Festival on June 10th:
So what makes you want to “get outside”? Is it the feeling of the sun on your face, the smell of fresh pine, or the sound of a babbling brook? Whatever it may be, we hope the Round Hill A.T. Festival can help you connect with nature and find your inspiration.
by Jody Brady | Mar 3, 2022 | events
Is nature your inspiration? It is for the artists of all ages who submitted work to the 5th Annual Round Hill Appalachian Trail Art Show.
Why does Round Hill have an A.T. art show? Since being designated as an official A.T. Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Round Hill is committed to promoting and protecting the A.T. and all the other beautiful green spaces that surround our town. Helping people see the beauty of this nature is part of our mission.
“I’m always inspired by the wealth of talent and creativity among our local artists of all ages,” says art show Director Susan Stowe. “They really captured the beauty of the A.T. and the wild nature all around us. Every year, the show keeps getting better.”
You can see this year’s art show in person or online:
The Round Hill A.T. Festival is sponsoring a “People’s Choice” competition. Visit the Arts Center or go online to select up to five works you think capture the spirit of the Appalachian Trail and the beauties of nature. What makes you want to “get outside”?
Send the name of the five works and the artists to our festival contact form. Winners will receive prizes from the festival, and the works will be featured in festival promotions.
by Jody Brady | Mar 25, 2019 | events
Round Hill Outdoors is excited to announce the first ever Round Hill Appalachian Trial Festival, set for June 15, 2019 at B Chord Brewing!
You can both celebrate the natural beauty of the A.T. and learn about protecting it. We’ll have partner organizations (Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Friends of the Blue Ridge, Virginia Master Naturalists) with displays and talks about hiking, trail conservancy and more. Enjoy live music, too—plus equipment demos, kids activities, food and, of course, beer.
Following 2,100 miles of mountain ridge lines, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) crosses 14 states, from Maine to Georgia. It’s the longest and oldest marked footpath in the country. And we’re lucky enough to have the A.T. right in our backyard.
In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Round Hill sits between two beloved A.T. centers, Bears Den to the south and Blackburn to the north. So, when town leaders learned about the Appalachian Trail Community program, it seemed a natural fit. After more than a year of work and planning, this festival acknowledges Round Hill’s official designation as an A.T. Community, recognizing the Trail as a community assist and pledging to support ongoing Trail stewardship.
by Sean Lloyd | Mar 7, 2019 | events
An announcement from Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a fantastic local nonprofit organization that selected Sleeter Lake Park for a special project to further extended the vision of making the park a sanctuary for all of us. Feel free to share this post or their flyer.
- What: Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains is sponsoring a tree planting event
- Where: Sleeter Lake Park, Lakefield Road (Route 791), Round Hill
- When: 10:00 am Saturday, March 23; Rain/inclement weather date: March 30
- What: Plant 1½ to 2 inch caliper trees (donated by Meadows Farms Nurseries) into predug holes
- Provided: Instructions and tools for planting; refreshments
- Information: info@friendsofblueridge.org for registration and additional information
Thanks to donations from our members, Friends is sponsoring a collaborative project to enhance Sleeter Lake Park, western Loudoun County’s newest recreational park in Round Hill. Our partners include Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (LWC), Loudoun County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA), and the Town of Round Hill. Friends is providing an environmentally friendly master plan for the park based on a design by James Remuzzi of Sustainable Solutions.
Meadows Farms Nurseries also donated 20 trees for the project. LWC is developing a pollinator meadow with native plants and shrubs. LCMGA has identified existing mature trees along paths through the woods and assisted in the selection of indigenous trees to plant along the paths that connect existing and future park amenities.
Meadows Farms Nurseries also donated 20 trees for the project. LWC is developing a pollinator meadow with native plants and shrubs. LCMGA has identified existing mature trees along paths through the woods and assisted in the selection of indigenous trees to plant along the paths that connect existing and future park amenities.
The paths will employ earth stabilization and best management practices by incorporating erosion control and water retention/filtration methods on the slopes leading to the lake.
Other improvements planned for Sleeter Lake Park include an outdoor classroom for teaching environmental stewardship, a viewing platform, pollinator gardens and meadow, picnic areas, benches, rest rooms, and fishing pads along the lake.
by Susan Stowe | Mar 3, 2019 | events
Round Hill Outdoors and the Round Hill Arts Center received 45 works in a variety of media from artists of all ages for the 2nd Annual Appalachian Trail Art Show. These works will be on display at the Round Hill Arts Center throughout the month of March. The purpose of the show is to broaden public awareness and appreciation of the Appalachian Trail and the beautiful wild nature of the Blue Ridge.
There will be a reception at the Round Hill Arts Center on March 10 from 2-5pm to recognize the participating artists to celebrate Round Hill’s new status as a designated “Appalachian Trail Community”.
The Round Hill Arts Center is located at 35246 Harry Byrd Hwy #170, Round Hill, VA 20141.
Judges Jill Evans-Kavaldjian and Brian Kirk will present prizes to the winners at 2:30pm. Prizes for the two student categories (grades K-6, and grades 7-12) were generously provided by Mod Pizza, the Round Hill Arts Center and Sweet Rose Bakery. Adult winners will receive gift certificates donated by Magnolia’s at the Mill, West End Wine Bar & Pub, B Chord Brewing Company and Otium Cellars. Awards will be presented at 2:30pm.
At 2:45pm, we will introduce our guest speaker, Sandi Marra, Chair of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Board of Directors.
Refreshments will be provided by Savoir Fare Catering and Notaviva Vineyards. There will be snacks and arts activities for the children.
For more information, visit our Art Show page or contact Susan Stowe.
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