Your email address will not be published. In the summer, there are free classical music concerts (most recently: every Sunday in September!) The main room of this preamble to a traditional pharmacy is preserved exactly as it would have looked in 1860. The museums collections include artwork, exhibits, and displays that tell the history of foxhunting in North America and pay tribute to the men who distinguished themselves in this pursuit. See all LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour 61 Bus Tours from The sculpture symbolizes flight and the flying spirit with three stainless steel spires soaring 270 feet high, representing the contrails of Air Force Thunderbirds as they disperse during a "bomb burst" maneuver. Anyone traveling busy route I-95 will notice a dramatic 210-foot stainless steel mast, angled to mimic the flag-raising on Iwo Jima, that soars from the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The museum is open daily (except for December 25) and admission is free. This guide gives you both a birds eye view and an insiders look at the best things to do in the region. The venues more than 7,000 seats overlook the performance stage while also looking out towards the parks tall trees and rolling hills under open skies. Unique Things to Do in Northern Virginia - Hidden Gems | FXVA Walk around the pond for a glimpse at snapping turtles and gorgeous, absolutely GIANT lotus flowers the latter is one of the most photographed botanical features on the property. Three different beaches stretch across the span of 14 miles, providing sand, surf, and boardwalk galore. We have bays, rivers, and wetlands; rolling hills across the Virginia Piedmont; and the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore. These Northern Virginia hidden gems offer beautiful places, fascinating history, and unique things to do at lesser-known destinations. The state-of-the-art Medal of Honor Theater plays the documentary We, The Marines on a giant screen daily, which follows recruits from boot camp to deployment. You can also extend your trip with a loop hike on the Run,Ridge, and River Trails. As the website aptly notes, Its almost like Holland in Virginia!. Great Falls National Park is a lovely place to hike in the spring, summer, and fall, when the weather really showcases all that is beautiful and lush about Virginia. Step back in time for a close-up look at businesses built by George Washington in the 18th century. Things To Do With Kids In Northern VA & Washington DC | FXVA 10 Things to Do for Veterans Day in Washington, D.C. Open central rooms were designed to bring people together. Read more about how to dig your own peanuts, and how to roast them after picking, here. After 25+ years living here, we are still surprised by the diversity of places to visit and things to do in Northern Virginia. Overview Fun Things to Do in Northern Virginia After a productive work week, enjoy one of the many fun things to do in Northern Virginia, whether it's spending time at a favorite winery or brewery, exploring historic sites and estates or taking in beautiful vistas from a state park. For starters, check out The Majestic Cafe or King & Rye for a representative taste of the local food scene. Visit the nearby Workhouse Arts Center Lucy Burns Museum for a powerful introduction to the events at Occoquan that helped turn the tide and gain support for womens suffrage. Free. 15 Top Things to Do in Northern Virginia By Rachel Cooper Updated on 01/01/22 drnadig / Getty Images Northern Virginia is home to a variety of attractions ranging from memorials, museums, and historic sites to state and national parks, guided walking tours, and scenic hiking trails. It's odd to think that part of the national park system can be a Northern Virginia hidden gem, but we frequently meet locals who have never visited Prince William Forest. Its a beautiful, meandering walk below the canopy along the rivers edge. The family-run pharmacy that once served Martha Washington, Nelly Custis, and Robert E. Lee still stands in Alexandria and is now home to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. Some of the links in articles may be affiliate links where we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For the best experience, plan to visit in the Spring when the weather is nice and the iconic cherry blossom trees are in bloom. By VacationIdea Staff on June 15, 2023 - Updated. Fairfax County is home to a host of unique and one-of-a-kind experiences. Online reservations for the tour must be made 14 to 90 days in advance and fill up quickly. Whether you're dealing with last-minute school cancellations or looking for an adults-only escape, we've got ideas. Best of NoVA: How Northern Virginia Magazine Readers Stay Entertained Whenever you're bored or looking to have some fun, these places, activities, and people have you covered. Posted on Friday, May 31, 2019 Don't let bad weather "rain on your parade" - there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy inside. Ultimately, the Arlington County Fair is a late-summer community event worth checking out, whether youre visiting the area from elsewhere or a local trying to complete your neighborhood Bucket List. Visitors stroll along, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk allowing close-up views of the many birds, amphibians, and other wildlife in the park. 21. The Art League School hosts classes and workshops for children and adults for a hands-on visitor experience. The Turnpike passes three general stores along the drive, including the Philomont General Store, which has been in continuous operation since 1913. This is a great summer hike because the trail is shady and you can cool your feet in Difficult Run. The entry fee is $20.00 per vehicle, which is waived on national free entrance days. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers an amazing waterfront monuments tour that goes from Alexandria to D.C.. In addition to the caverns themselves, the property has several other interesting attractions, including American Celebration on Parade, The Yellow Barn, and Main Street of Yesteryear. George Washington traveled the road as a surveyor. The National Park Service and its partner agencies offer guided tours of the battlegrounds, the Belle Grove Plantation, and the Hupps Hill Civil War Museum. Here are fun indoor activities in Northern Virginia, for adults and families, to escape winter's chill, spring rain, or a humid summer day in the Washington DC region. Free. as well as a novelty candy shop, featuring everything from giant whimsical lollipops to cotton candy, and chocolate truffles sold by the each. As one of Americas longest-running family businesses, the shop was continually in use for 141 years. ), Ultimately, the mission of the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is to collect and display plants native to the Potomac River Valley and plants from around the world [as well as] to provide educational opportunities in gardening, horticulture, botany, and conservation of plant diversity; and to provide a place of aesthetic beauty to foster the stewardship of nature for public enrichment.. Between the charming historic architecture and the awesome, well-attended Saturday Farmers Market, theres a lot to explore in downtown Alexandria. Nearby, the only authentic 18th-century distillery in the United States creates fine whiskey, brandy, and other spirits using the arduous methods of Washington's time. I loved the twists and turns and special effects . Theres nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country. Admission is $10.00, or you can purchase a ticket that also includes admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon. (Great for kids!) That western view makes this one of the best places to watch the sunset in Northern VA. Browse VA beaches, 214 S. Main Street, Edinburg, VA, Phone: 540-984-8400. The changing of the seasons in Fairfax County means more opportunities to participate in several spring activities, so you can get outside, explore some new places to visit in Virginia in Spring such as hiking trails, attend some excellent events happening throughout the region . This popular facility offers kids and their grown-ups an interactive STEM-centered experience that is fun for the whole family. The Pope-Leighey House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized by the American Institute of Architects as the greatest American architect of all time. Wright designed homes to encourage living in connection to, and harmony with, nature. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. Check out Wolf Traps calendar of events here. You can rest in quieter areas or be right in the heat of the crowd. ^ Here, you can tour the archival, small-batch spirit production facility, but only from April-October. View a map of the parks best hiking trails, here. (The specific hours of operation change seasonally; check the website for hours.) ^ This entry point also accesses all the most picturesque loops. They were made of ivory and animal teeth, set in a lead contraption. 8. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map and get advice on the best trails for your group. No visit to Old Town Alexandria is complete without a stop at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. ), Related: A Weekenders Guide: 7 Cool Things to Do in Leesburg, Virginia. Originally owned by George Carter, a descendant of one of Virginias first families, the 400-acre property is open 9 months of the year and provides visitors with an up-close look at plantation life in the 19th century. Also: a giant bubble foam party! Part of George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate, the distillery and gristmill have been faithfully recreated and are fully functioning. Advanced reservations are required. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Its light on the yoga and heavy on the play, and ideal for animal lovers looking for photo ops. Forget what you know. The Arlington County Fair is an annual community festival held during the final weeks of August in Arlington, Virginia. The 26 Best Washington, D.C. Monuments and Memorials, How to Get From Washington, D.C., to Mount Vernon, 10 Best Things to Do in Prince William County, Virginia, Get to Know Washington, D.C. If you want a longer and more challenging hike to a view, try Raven Rocks just across Route 7. Free. 16 Fantastic Virginia Day Trips Near Washington DC - Fun in Fairfax VA The 32-foot-high sculpture was inspired by a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph depicting the memorable scene of a flag being raised at Mount Suribachi by U.S. Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Check out our list of the top 10 places in Virginia for young adults. Virginia is the so-called Peanut State, and as such its one of the few places in the country where you can harvest or rather, dig, your own peanuts! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park was created to commemorate the Battle of Cedar Creek and to preserve Belle Grove. We love it! They have the WWII plane that dropped the atomic bomb, an actual spaceship thats been in space, cool fighter jets of all varieties and ages, etc. Dogs are not allowed (tulips are toxic to dogs), but baby strollers are. The distillery and gristmill are open seasonally, from April 1 through October 31. Its a must-stop for apple lovers! Things to Do in Spring in Northern Virginia | Visit Fairfax - FXVA The emphasis is on history at the Northern Virginia hidden gems below, but many of them also allow outdoor activity. 16 things to do in Northern Virginia before summer ends Here are the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Northern Virginia. Things to Do in Fairfax County - Tripadvisor Natural Northern Virginia Hidden Gems Northern Virginia is a happy place for nature lovers. But too few locals stop to explore the excellent immersive displays and multi-media experiences that tell the story of the strength and heroism of the Marines Corp throughout history. That being said, this is a perfect place for a cheery family photo-op! Tickets can be purchased at either of the two box offices at the venue, online, or by phone. The first Civil War engagement of Loudoun County took place at the battlefield at Balls Bluff. Head to Shenandoah National Park, one of the most iconic parks in the United States, for some memorable hiking opportunities, or visit a few of the 39 Virginia State Parks, spread all across the state. But that doesn't mean you won't find memorable oddities within. and the shaded woodland areas are a lovely place to wander with a stroller or a friend locked in deep conversation. More ideas: Beaches Near DC, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA, Phone: 703-780-2000. Several pleasant trails criss-cross the woodlands here, leading to the Potomac River. 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia, Phone: 703-255-1900. The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, are beautiful in the Spring and early Summer, which are the best times of year to go. Its lovely! Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but due to the popularity of the center, advanced reservations are recommended. The city is 1 hour and 37 minutes (105 miles) from Richmond and 14 minutes (4.5 miles) from Washington DC. Artwork can be purchased in the gift shop or in the artists studios. The Henry Hill Visitor Center features a 45-minute orientation film, while a museum displays Civil War-era uniforms, weapons, and artifacts. In the high summer, expect heat-loving warm weather blossoms like hibiscus and an extensive collection of multi-colored daylilies. Great Falls is the marquee destination within the park. With great schools, public transit, family life, and nightlife, young professionals have been flocking to the area for years. The Best Indoor Activities and Things to Do in Northern Virginia Prince William, VA is full of indoor activities ranging from indoor sports & games facilities, top-notch museums, movie and planetarium complexes and a variety of craft beverage locations to enjoy. Opt for a 50-minute or an 80-minute treatment (go longer if you really want to treat yourself in this immersive experience). (Its very walkable.) The glassware, the furnishings, the fabric, and even the contents of the containers-unicorn root, dragons blood, worm destroying drops, and moreare all original. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont. Special programs include camps, field trips, and birthday parties, and the center offers family and community events in addition to its on-going exhibits. 9265 13 It's no secret why the state motto is "Virginia is for Lovers." Whatever you love to do, you'll find Virginia family vacations to suit your style. Providing a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreational facility, the Bull Run Regional Park covers over 1,500 acres of natural space where visitors can enjoy endless outdoor adventures. Huntley Meadows Park transformed a former asphalt testing facility into one of the most beautiful marshlandhabitats in our busyregion. (Getty Images) Virginia captures the attention of history-loving travelers. As you explore the history and beauty of Gunston Hall, youlllearn about George Masons lasting impact on Virginia and the very beginnings of our American democracy. Special events include family days, preschool playdates, and holiday programs. Plus, theres plenty of local and international cuisine on display, from fattoush salad to Polish sausage, Caribbean jerk chicken, steamed buns, and more. Free. Otherwise, feel free to meander at your own leisure. are constantly discovering new, fun things to do here. For a unique experience, visitors can go on a paranormal tour of the mansion and grounds or conduct their own investigation into some of the unexplained events that are said to have occurred at Oatlands! Walkers and hikers have access to a miles and miles of scenic and historic hiking trails, including the trailhead of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, which covers 19.7 miles. Dyke Marsh is also a popular destination for birdwatching. Plan your visit: Dyke Marsh and the Mount Vernon Trail. The experience can be as cute or kitschy as you want to make it, but theres no doubt about it: this fair offers all the classic, quaint trappings of an old time-y county fair, and its great for families. Making Mental Health Cool. On-site, theres also a moonbounce for kids as well as select farmstand treats like flavored honey sticks and popsicles available for purchase. The Great Marsh Trail is a paved, 3/4-mile accessible trail that is part of theElizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge on Gunston Road. Visit one of the premier Civil War graffiti sites in the nation at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim . Yes, the emphasis here is on American comfort food (specifically foods that are authentic to Virginia) but they also have fresh, modern additions like avocado toast, spicy ahi tuna poke, handmade gnocchi, boutique enchiladas, brie baked with onion jam + crisp apple, or scallops meunire with butternut risotto. Since then, it has become home to over 90 artists who display their work in studios and public galleries and host classes, workshops, and special events that can be scheduled through the centers website. Related: The 5 Most Charming Places to Go Apple Picking in Northern Virginia. Thatll give you the quintessential view of the famous landmark, without too much direct sun or strain. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA, Phone: 703-584-2900, Courtesy of Gennadiy Poznyakov - Fotolia.com, George Washingtons Distillery & Gristmill, Courtesy of Mircea Costina - Fotolia.com, Things to Do Near D.C.: Battle of Cedar Creek National Park, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Belle Grove Plantation House, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Childrens Science Center Lab, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: George Washingtons Distillery & Gristmill, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Great Falls National Park, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Meadowlark Botanical Garden, Things to Do Near D.C.: Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: National Air & Space Museum, Things to Do Near D.C.: Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Things to Do Near D.C.: Potomac Riverboat Company, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Salamander Tree Top Zip Tour, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Shenandoah Caverns, Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Fun Things to Do Near Me: Bull Run Regional Park, Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts, Things to Do in Northern Virginia: Workhouse Arts Center. 1. Housed in an old munitions plant, this landmark building is home to 82 working artist studios as well as galleries, workshops, classrooms, an archaeology museum, a gift shop, and Eatsplace, a caf and marketplace. 1. Read more about Burnside Farms Festival of Spring here. Fun Things to do in Arlington: A Trendy Neighborhood Guide Ultimately, Wolf Trap is easily the most beautiful concert venue in Northern Virginia. Virginia is for Lovers, as the state slogan goes, because it is a beautiful and enchanting place to explore. Once you finish the turnpike, continue your drive with a visit to charming, historic Waterford Virginia. Professional guides welcome guests and lead an orientation and safety training session before securing them with individual harnesses hooked to steel cables and letting gravity take over. Included in the admission price is a viewing of the film The Burning which tells the story of the mill itself. Apart from the Billy Goat Trail, you can do most hikes in Great Falls National Park wearing regular sneakers without much traction, as its mostly flat along the waters edge. Old Town Alexandria is a bustling tourist destination rich with history and nostalgic charm as well as distinctive dining and shopping options.
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