When the railroad pushed west from Alexandria to Bluemont, one whistle-stop in between required a name. The town chose to memorialize William Lewis Herndon, a famed explorer who charted his Amazon expedition in a groundbreaking report. As the commander of the Central America, Herndon faced a punishing hurricane off the coast of Cape Hatteras. Herndon saved 152 women and children, but he and 400 others died at sea — the largest loss of life in a commercial ship disaster in U.S. history. Learn this story and more at the Herndon Historical Society, located inside the train depot museum. Herndon’s downtown district dates back to 1858 and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It has also become a multicultural community with markets catering to Middle Eastern, Asian, Russian, and Latin American shoppers. Older buildings have been repurposed as shops, breweries, and restaurants. Join the cyclists hopping off the W&OD Trail who know that Herndon is a neighborhood where you can find surprising treasures.
BITE
1. Herndon has a new dining experience — an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet — at Jodhpur. Our critic raves about the heaping platters of thalis (a combination of sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, and spicy vegetarian dishes) delivered directly to your table. And they don’t skimp on that delicious Indian naan. The modern and pretty restaurant is located in the H Mart shopping center. 1114 Herndon Pkwy.
CREATE
2. You can tell a lot about a town from its murals, and Herndon has intriguing ones (especially the pet treehouse). Arts Herndon offers activities for all ages and abilities, including theater productions, musical performances, and a gallery shop stocked with work by local artists. Sign up for a class in printmaking or watercolor painting. 750 Center St.
SAVOR
3. Currently, Herndon’s biggest draw is Aslin Beer Company, which has attracted beer enthusiasts at its vibrant, high-energy taproom. Even on chilly days, you’ll find folks enjoying the spacious beer garden, where they can pair tasty food from Aslin’s adjacent sister café, Izzi. Izzi’s enticing pizza pies, with a distinctive fermented crust, are the headliner at this family-friendly spot. Try the “upside-down” pie and fried cheese curds for sharing. Izzi is also open for breakfast, with hefty bagel sandwiches and tall cups of java. 767 Elden St.
BRAKE
4. Herndon is located on Mile Marker 20 of the W&OD, where cyclists whiz by all day. But for those in need of a tune up, or pick-me-up, pull off at Green Lizard Cycling. The bike shop and café is housed in a classic 19th-century building and filled with all the equipment you need to enhance your ride. Technicians are on hand for advice, and there are tables where you can sip a latte and snack on a fresh muffin, too. 1718 Lynn St.
CHEER
5. Mediterranean Breeze & Sports Bar is a quirky town hangout. Does it make sense to combine a Greek café with a sports bar? Don’t ask the many fans who come to watch their favorite matchups on the weekends. It’s also a fine place to sample souvlaki and a superb selection of 24 craft beers on tap. 781 Station St.
SHINE
6. The old-school ambiance and solicitous service at Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano is one reason this institution is still going strong after 31 years. The dining room, with white tablecloths, porcelain, and glass flutes, provides the glamour you seek when you want to impress. Tuscan-style dishes, especially the signature veal chop, are consistently high quality. 728 Pine St.
SIP
7. Raise your pinky at the Elden Street Tea Shop. This cozy parlor, located in a vintage cottage with small tables and delicate teacups, looks like a set from a Jane Austen movie. Try the housemade blends with a plate of fresh-baked scones and pastries, and purchase loose-leaf tea to brew at home. Small groups can arrange for their own tea party. 714 Pine St.
SLURP
8. The DMV has loads of excellent Cantonese food, but Yu Noodles is still a standout. The heaping bowls of springy, hand-pulled noodles require multiple utensils to transport every ingredient to your mouth. Matching the popularity of the savory bowls of broth are the pork soup dumplings. The staff is exceptional, with quick and kind service. 386 Elden St.
COVET
9. N’Used, a vintage shop hidden in an industrial park, curates luxury apparel for the discerning shopper. The store stocks seasonal items, and you’ll also find brand-new-with-tags clothing in the midst of jewelry, shoes, and designer handbags. 284 Sunset Park Dr.
This Month
You’ll find handcrafted art and décor at the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show on December 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Herndon Community Center. Don’t miss the European-style Herndon WinterMarkt on December 10, noon to 7 p.m., in Herndon’s Historic District.
Feature image by Renee Sklarew
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
