Loudoun Dominates Local Magazine's “Best of Suburbia” List

I am Modern Magazine recently released its “Best of the DC Suburbs” list for Northern Virginia. According to its survey of readers, Loudoun restaurants and businesses – including many in Ashburn – were able to claim several top spots in numerous categories from the Ashburn-based magazine. 

A good handful of honors also went to places located nearby in Leesburg and Sterling. 

Ali Vonal, editor of I am Modern, recently spoke on a local TV news program about the results.

“We received tens of thousands of votes over a period of a month," he said. "The survey was dominated by small independent-owned businesses ... companies that offered urban-chic sophistication without the high prices”.

, a women’s clothing store in Brambleton Town Center, received top honors as Best Clothing Boutique. “We are very excited because we are a new business about to celebrate our one-year anniversary," said co-owner Kim Hutchings. "This is a pretty big deal for us and over the past week people have come in to the store saying they have read about us in the magazine. It’s just wonderful”. 

The Dandelion Patch, which recently opened a store in the Village at Leesburg, was listed as Best Gift Shop. Also in Village at Leesburg is Charming Charlie, which was listed as Best Accessories.

In the Best Restaurant” category, in Ashburn received the honor of Best Mediterranean. Co-owner Bernie Spencer said, “We were very surprised, any good review is great and every little bit helps.”

Other local restaurants mentioned on the list were Carolina Bros. in Ashburn for Best BBQ, Hooked in Sterling for Best Sushi and Windy City Red Hots in Ashburn for “Best Hot Dog Spot”.

If you are looking for a place to host a birthday party, it might be good to know that in Ashburn was ranked as the Top Birthday Party Spot. "We pride ourselves in unique parties with superior customer service, so we are thrilled to be recognized by the I AM Modern Readers for the Best Birthday Place in Suburbia," said Jumping Jack Sports owner Ellen Sundra. "We have a strong customer base in Ashburn/Leesburg, so we are excited about reaching Modern readers outside our local area."

Here are some other notable "Best of ... " businesses mentioned in the I Am Modern reader survey:

Best Music School was in Ashburn,

Best Swim School was in Ashburn. 

Best Gym honors went to Lifetime Fitness in Sterling. 

Best Pediatrician went to Loudoun Pediatric Associates in Ashburn.

Best Pet Shop went to DogGone Natural in Ashburn. 

– For a complete list of “Best in Suburbia”, visit iammodern.com.