Sterling was established as the first planned community in Loudoun County in 1962. Today, Sterling is the ideal small-town suburban neighborhood with outdoor amenities and big city access. Residents who lead an active lifestyle have access to a full range of recreational opportunities in Sterling, Virginia. Golfers can choose from a large selection of 18-hole golf courses, including several award-winning facilities. On the shore of the Potomac River, Algonkian Regional Park has a challenging golf course, boat launch, water park, hiking trails, and pavilions available for picnics. Sterling residents indulge sophisticated tastes at an array of restaurants, where authentic international cuisine, such as Italian, Asian, and Israeli foods are on the menu; classic and upscale American fare is also available at locally-owned establishments. Sterling also offers a spectrum of shopping experiences, from the friendly neighborhood atmosphere of the Cascades Marketplace to Dulles Town Center, home to 185 stores. Sterling continues to be a coveted location to live, close to major commuting routes of Route 28, Route 7, and the Dulles Toll Road.