Potomac Lakes - Sterling, VA Area Guide

Potomac Lakes was originally farmland but the construction of the Dulles International Airport in 1960 changed the landscape and land prices began to climb. The Jesse Hughes Dairy Farm was part of this area.

During the Civil War, the Battle of Ball Bluffs was fought here and it was the headquarters of the Laurel Brigade, a cavalry unit.

Visit Morven Park in Leesburg, and see recreated log huts where the Confederate soldiers rested for winter after the Battle of Ball Bluffs. Also explore the estate’s carriage house museum, mansion, lawns, fields and gardens.

The Heritage Farm Museum hosts the annual Autumn Apple Festival, where visitors can sample heirloom apples, make cider and see some old orchard tools.

With all-time favorites such as pizza and burgers, Cajun, Korean, Greek and Mediterranean food, Potomac Lakes packs a punch when it comes to gourmet food.

For Korean and Cajun fare try Mokomandy in Great Falls Plaza. Order kimchi, wild boar rice bowl and ssam wraps from the Korean side of the menu. Savor some Cajun dishes such as jambalaya, poutine, pot roast sliders, boudin balls and garlic grits. Finish with buttermilk pie and pumpkin ice cream, beignets, fruit cobbler or caramel and chicory pudding. The eatery has a full bar with an extensive beer and wine list, and also a brunch menu.

Try the crab fritters and drunken rib eye at Sweet Water Tavern. This joint brews its own beer and serves complimentary ozzie rolls with herbed butter. For dessert have the chocolate waffle or key lime pie. Great customer service and ambiance keep customers coming back for more.

An upscale sports bar, the Bungalow Lakehouse, serves good food and liquor. With a cigar bar for smokers, lots of TVs and a full bar, patrons come here to relax and watch sports or play a game of pool. Enjoy happy hour and live music on select nights.

Happy hour, live music and Irish fare such as corned beef and leek sauce, find all this and more at O’Faolain's. The pub has beers on tap as well as pub quizzes, darts and pool for entertainment, mimicking the laid-back nightlife experience of the area.

A majority of residents use a car to get around the neighborhood. The absence of bike lanes and adequate sidewalks discourages walking and biking in this area, except in designated trails and parks. The Loudoun County Commuter Bus and local bus service connects this neighborhood to the city of Washington, D.C., and neighboring towns and cities within the county. The county also operates buses to the Silver Line Metro Rail.

Route 7 runs close to Potomac Lakes and connects to Interstate-66 and Interstate-495 which pass through D.C. The park and ride lot on Algonkian Parkway has 150 free parking spaces. The neighboring town of Ashburn also has three parking lots that do not charge a parking fee.

Taxi services include Green Ride Transportation and Reston Express Taxi. Uber serves Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas. Hail a cab, or call in advance as needed.

Golf courses, trails by the Potomac River, boating ramps and many more recreational areas in Potomac Lakes make it a haven for people who love the outdoors.

The Algonkian Regional Park has a public golf course and sits right by the Potomac River. Patrons can launch boats from the boating ramp, enjoy a walk along the river or play golf for a reasonable price. Other amenities include golf carts for rent, free mini-golf and a water park. For a fun vacation, visitors can rent cottages in the park.

With five playground sets around a tennis court, a basketball court, sand volleyball court, and picnic tables, the Briar Patch Park, entertains toddlers and older kids alike. A good dog park in a wooded area with a trail, One Loudon Dog Park, has no water bowls. Dogs have a great time running around in this free dog park located behind the Alamo Drafthouse.

The award-winning Potomac Lakes Sportsplex hosts soccer leagues and softball tournaments. This 47-acre athletic complex has four softball fields and six soccer fields. A large playground for kids and a picnic shelter makes this a great place for kids and families.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail runs by the Potomac River and covers part of the Algonkian Regional Park and 15 miles from Seneca Rocks to Goose Creek. SterlingFest, held every fall, draws 7,000 visitors to explore food stalls, live music, local entertainers, kids’ rides and crafts.

The cost of living in Potomac Lakes is lower than the cost of living in D.C., with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,450. Gasoline prices sit 9 percent higher than the national average, and a trip to Washington, D.C., on public transportation costs $8. A mug of beer at a local pub costs around $6 for a pint.

The Dulles Town Center and Reston Town Center offer a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, even a movie theatre, in the vicinity of Potomac Lakes. These commercial areas give residents access to fine shopping, dining and entertainment.

Misguided Angels in Brambleton Plaza has a great selection of jeans, tops, dresses, shoes, and fashion jewelry. This upscale boutique carries designer pieces at reasonable prices. The friendly staff and attractive display add to the allure of this shop.

For local, fresh yogurt and mozzarella, shop at the Blue Ridge Dairy Co. This specialty store located on Shepard Drive makes honey Greek yogurt and fresh cheeses.

Grocery stores such as Giant, Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, and Harris Teeter serve this neighborhood. The Cascades Farmers Market sells fresh local produce, artisan's bread and meat as well as whole plants.