Philomont, Virginia

Philomont is a small unincorporated rural village in western Loudoun County, Virginia. The name is derived from the Greek word "philo" meaning "beloved" and the French word "mont" or "mountain". Thus translated Philomont means "Beloved Mountain". It was established in the 19th century by Quakers. Philomont is located in the heart of Virginia's "Hunt Country", just eight miles north of Middleburg and seven miles south of Purcellville. The area is known for horse farms, large estates, and rolling hills. Philomont lies on the flanks of the relatively small Catoctin Mountain and to the west of the community lies the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community boasts an active community center [http://www.co.loudoun.va.us/prcs/cc/philomont.htm] , volunteer fire department [http://www.philomontvfd.org/index.html] and the Philomont Store as well as several bed & breakfast retreats. [http://www.jpathouse.com/] [http://www.middlegroveinn.com/] According to the Journal of the Philomont Historical Association the original Philomont Store opened in 1843 with the name Milhollen Brothers. Today the Philomont Store features a selection of wines, beer, and "pulled pork" sandwiches.

One of the village's seminal annual events is the Fire Department Barbecue held in May. This fundraiser features slow pit-cooked beef.

The Philomont area has seen significant development over the past decade. The village is located in one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. [http://www.co.loudoun.va.us/business/growth/] Fortunately, the rural flavor of the area has been largely retained. The region is popular with day-trippers from the Washington, D. C. metropolitan area to the east as well as bicyclists and motorcyclists. The village is located along the scenic and historic "Snickersville Pike" a State Scenic Byway. [http://virginiadot.org/programs/prog-byways.asp] The "Pike" runs for approximately sixteen miles from U. S. Route 50 in Aldie to the village of Bluemont on Blue Ridge Mountain.

Newspapers

* [http://www.purcellvillegazette.com Purcellville Gazette Newspaper - Serving Philomont weekly]

External links

* [http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=US&pop
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