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The Northern Virginia attraction offers a variety of activities, scenic vistas, and walking trails to help give you a better feel for the size of the battles that took place here so many years ago and the lives that were lost here. The puzzles were challenging and the surprise findings were outstanding. 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-780-2000. From giant red hibiscus to dapper yellow daisies, voluptuous pink crepe myrtle, and cheerful digitalis, there are little pops of color everywhere, and it all changes with the season. Note that due to the nature of the tour and stories told, this experience is recommended for children ages 9 and up. Then, you can take that bulb home and plant it in the ground for tulips that will bloom annually a perfect little reminder of spring for years to come! Plan your visit: Dyke Marsh and the Mount Vernon Trail. Volunteer staff lead guided tours of this culturally significant plantation, which is still being farmed today. They're perfect for a local's outing or a day trip for Washington DC visitors. A childrens garden, gazebo and pond, and small bridges entertain families; and the Korean Bell Garden adds cultural interest. and the shaded woodland areas are a lovely place to wander with a stroller or a friend locked in deep conversation. Picnics are allowed and encouraged (BYO) and there are portable restrooms on-site. The Henry Hill Visitor Center features a 45-minute orientation film, while a museum displays Civil War-era uniforms, weapons, and artifacts. Outside, kids (and curious adults!) Popular spots like Great Falls Park and Shenandoah National Park call us back regularly. (For wine drinkers, they also offer a Ros Tea Service that also books in advance.). Witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee. The gardens are especially beautiful when cherry blossoms bloom in spring. The meticulously restored mansion and outbuildings, four separate gardens, a working farm, various memorials, and burial sites including Washingtons tomb all give tourists a fascinating glimpse into the life of the first U.S. president. There is a $15 entry fee per car, but you dont have to pay if you park on a neighborhood side street. Bowling Laser Tag Cliftons compact downtown is a Northern Virginia hidden gem blessed with interesting and well-marked history. 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. For the best experience, plan to visit in the Spring when the weather is nice and the iconic cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Picnic tables are available for those who want to enjoy a meal as they explore the plantation at their leisure. The Northern Virginia Disc Golf Association also has . Step back in time for a close-up look at businesses built by George Washington in the 18th century. Tysons Corner Shopping The Workhouse Arts Center What are the most unique things to do in Northern Virginia? In the summer, there are free classical music concerts (most recently: every Sunday in September!) Combine your visit with a stopat nearby Purcellville for tasty dining, shopping, and craft beverages. "Stills Underground Railroad Walking Tour" takes a closer look at abolitionist William Stills 1872 book, The Underground Railroad, and what the experience was like for the fugitive slaves who used it to escape to freedom. Clifton makes a perfect day trip, with several delicious restaurants, good hiking, and a winery to explore. See all LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour 61 Bus Tours from (The sheer variety of it all makes for a great culinary educational experience.). This guide to a handful of surprisingly cool things to do in Northern Virginia demonstrates what is so special and unique about the region. Visits to the distillery and gristmill are included in the general admission price for the estate, but guests will need to take a shuttle from the mansion and gardens, as the buildings are strategically located almost 3 miles from the main entrance. Climbthe Observation Tower, one of our favorite romantic spots in Virginia, for more expansive views and a rest. April 12, 2023 by Molly Beauchemin Leave a Comment. Self-guided and specialty tours are also available for individuals and groups. Open April to December, tours are $15, or $20 for a combined tour with Woodlawn Plantation. 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA, Phone: 703-361-1339. And did we mention that the deviled eggs are some of the best in the world? Read more about her Goat Yoga classes here. Historic battlefields will appeal to history buffs, while gardeners will appreciate such colonial gardens as Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. King Street is the main epicenter of activity, in terms of history and entertainment. If you are looking for cool places to visit in Northern Virginia, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary is a great choice. Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is located in the beautiful Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia. On your way home, you can also stop at Cooters in Luray, VA to visit the Dukes of Hazzard Museum. Those who do visit will enjoy 37 miles of beautiful hiking trails, a 9-mile scenic loop drive, and paved and gravel bike roads. History comes alive with actors portraying people who were part of his world, and educational programs offer hands-on activities for a family-friendly visit. Burnside Farms in Nokesville is a gorgeous place to get out with friends or family for a day of frolicking in the flowers. (Theres also an indoor venue for the winter months, as well.). In Spring and Summer, the entire estate is in bloom and lush with greenery, which makes it an ideal time to bring a blanket and lounge under the shade of an ancient tree on the main lawn. Thatll give you the quintessential view of the famous landmark, without too much direct sun or strain. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Grace & Lightness Magazine. In February, Woodlawn hosts a fantastic Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition. As of this writing, the spa is only open Thursday through Sunday. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 17263 Southern Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 703-777-2414. For shopping, be sure to check out Old Town Books and the Made in ALX Store, featuring a wide range of products from local makers, including handcrafted spices, artisan crayons, apparel, home decor, stationery, jewelry, and more! Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but due to the popularity of the center, advanced reservations are recommended. Even though it falls under the Smithsonian umbrella, this is not your traditional museum. 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. And all of these unique places have more interesting stops nearby, perfect for a DC day trip. The 5,000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas during the Civil War. If you can tack it on to your tulip adventure, you can make a whole day of it! After wandering around and picking tulips like a scene from the Sound of Music, visitors wrap their tulips (and optional bulbs, which can be purchased for $1 and planted in the ground at home) in charming brown bouquet paper, which makes for a pretty photogenic bundle. FWIW, we like the view of the Falls from scenic overlook #3 the best. Youll also find an IMAX theater, several simulator activities, and exhibits for children. Virginia Creeper Trail. More popular segments pass through Great Falls Parkand Riverbend Park. Its super fun, especially for plant lovers, foodies, and agro-tourism buffs. George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA, Phone: 703-757-3101. Nature enthusiasts will love this 800-acre national park on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., where the Potomac River spills over rocks and through gorges to create dramatic waterfalls visible from the multi-use trails along its path. In the Fall, its a particularly beautiful outdoor activity that draws people from all over region. Near the parking area, signs explain details of a historic calvary crossing during the Civil War. The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, are beautiful in the Spring and early Summer, which are the best times of year to go. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing cruises and water taxi transportation on the Potomac River. These ideals became the foundation of the United States Bill of Rights. They also have quaint outdoor seating in a private garden patio with adorable pink Adirondack chairs perfect for toddler-aged kids. Plan your trip: Visit George Washingtons Distillery and Gristmill in Mount Vernon Virginia. This Northern Virginia city has been recognized over the years as a great place to live and was even awarded the "Best City to Live in the United States" in 2020 by Niche.com and for good reason. Pack the car full of beach toys and snacks and take a day trip to Rehoboth Beach before the end of summer. 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA, Phone: 540-869-2028, The Childrens Science Center Lab can be found at the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax and is open 7 days a week. $10 with discounts for seniors and children. 261 Caverns Road, Quicksburg, VA, Phone: 540-477-3115, Tourists who want to learn about the history of the Shenandoah Valley should make a stop at the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum, housed in the legendary Edinburg Mill. Dyke Marsh is also a popular destination for birdwatching. Here, you can pick pumpkins and apples in the glorious Autumn sun before stopping by the Harvest House to shop for house-made cider, local honey, jams, jellies, salsas, and hot sauces, as well as local cheese, eggs, Virginia peanuts, and fresh baked goods. Dogs are not allowed (tulips are toxic to dogs), but baby strollers are. This is a great activity for kids and animal-loving adults, alike. Built during World War I as a munitions factory, the building houses a visual arts center consisting of three floors featuring 84 working studios, five galleries, two workshops, the Art League School, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. There are a number of pretty hiking and equestrian trails throughout the acreage, as well as paved and dirt roads that are handicap and stroller accessible. ^ This somewhat hidden gem is relatively undiscovered given that many area history buffs know about Mount Vernon (George Washingtons former estate which is now a popular tourist destination), but fewer people actually make it to the distillery other than those who live locally and know whats up. Those who dont understand what NoVa means have a hard time understanding why super cultured, super liberal, beautifully landscaped Northern Virginia aka NoVa is so different from the rest of Virginia, which is much more rustic, agrarian, and rural by comparison. Here are some helpfultips for hiking the CCT with links to other trail segments. Its generally very quiet here even when groups are taking family photos or getting married on-site and there are seemingly always hidden pockets of seasonal flowers blooming. If you go on a Thursday, you can stay for Sushi Thursdays at Entyse Wine Bar + Lounge afterward. Individual tickets can be purchased at the companys website. Find this hidden photo spot with our guide: Van Gogh Bridge in Reston Virginia. Or, purchase a $5 grounds pass to hike the trails and see the gardens at Gunston Hall. The museum store has one-of-a-kind gift items available for purchase, including limited edition prints, exhibition posters, and notecards featuring the horses, foxes, and hounds that are all part of this gentlemens sport. Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon. A monument erected by the 1st Massachusetts Cavalrymarks the site ofa fierce Civil War cavalry battle. At Gunston Hall, the family home of George Mason IV, you can enjoya guided tour of the mansion and reconstructedoutbuildings, and explore 550 acres of grounds and hiking trails. Whether its purple feathered parrot tulips youre after or classic pink Easter-like tulips, Burnside Farms has a color and variegation to fit any flower lovers personal style. Five ziplines zig and zag across the 20-acre facility and offer spectacular views of the natural surroundings to participants zooming along at up to 30 miles per hour! The distillery and gristmill are open daily from April through October. Inspiring Wonder. These beautiful places in Virginia are fun for active outings and include some of our favorite places to take pictures and create memories. (Great for adults!) These Northern Virginia hidden gems are worth a visit all year long. Free ($2 donation for parking requested). The "Duke Street Black History Tour" highlights Alexandrias role as a major center of the domestic slave tradeDuke Street was formerly known as the Slave Trail of Tears since so many people were forced to march through here on their journey south to work on plantations as far as Louisiana. Food and drink are not permitted on-site, but there are nice bathrooms, a cute little gift shop, and extensive community artifacts as well as educational materials in the welcome center. The National Museum of the Marine Corps honors the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Marines and preserves its history through a variety of public exhibits and educational programs. Bookmark this list for easy reference later and if you live locally, consider this your new Northern Virginia Bucket List! Much more history can be found in Northern Virginia. The center and the museum are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Theres also a full steak and seafood menu, as well as a meatless portion of the menu for vegetarians. Visitors to this solemn site can witness the time-honored tradition of the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, enjoy the peace created by the trees of the Memorial Arboretum, and attend a remembrance ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater. After 25+ years living here, we are still surprised by the diversity of places to visit and things to do in Northern Virginia. Take mind that traffic will inevitably make this journey longer. (Great for kids!) The aptly-named Torpedo Factory Art Center is one of Old Town Alexandrias top attractions, located along the docks of the Potomac River. 1. This popular facility offers kids and their grown-ups an interactive STEM-centered experience that is fun for the whole family. 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. Tickets for the tours and special events can be purchased on the museums website. 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. You can rest in quieter areas or be right in the heat of the crowd. Artwork can be purchased in the gift shop or in the artists studios. Enjoy! 105-107 South Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia, Phone: 703-746-3852. Traveling Better. The wide, sprawling campus of this museum-inside-an-air-hanger cloaks the interior archive in an air of mystery; when you drive up, you have no idea what to expect until you get inside. 6. Basically, the loose constellation of D.C. suburbs known collectively as Northern Virginia comprises what is essentially the cultural epicenter of Virginia. George Washingtons Distillery and Gristmill, however, is a must for history buffs who want to experience a completely unique historical locale outside of D.C. proper. The U.S. Air Force Memorial, which is visible from both Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., honors the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force. Either way, guided tours last approximately 30-45 minutes. (Its very walkable.) Arlington National Cemetery might sound a little, um, dark but you dont need to plan your visit on Halloween. For these tours, advance ticket purchase is recommended, as space is limited and they do sell out. Bluemont Vineyard. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a 117-acre facility that schedules performances from one-man shows to fully fledged operas. 5400 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA, Phone: 703-255-3631, A visit to George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate is a must for any history buff! NoVa, as the region is referred to by residents, includes the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park as well as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford, and Prince William counties, providing plenty of places to check out on your next trip to this exciting part of Virginia, whether youre day tripping from nearby Washington, D.C. or plan to spend more time in the area. For more information on ticketing + an FAQ, go here. This is a great summer hike because the trail is shady and you can cool your feet in Difficult Run. Visit and discover such national treasures such as George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Workhouse Arts Center , Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and Great Falls National Park. Families can use the park facilities for fun days out you can rent picnic pavilions, campsites or cottages for weekend getaways. The hour-long guided tour covers a mile and a half of this massive office building and includes a visit to a memorial for the victims of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, the September 11th Memorial Chapel, and the Hall of Heroes, where the recipients of the Medal of Honor are listed. Things to Do in Alexandria VA, Established during the Civil War as a final resting place for those who served their country, the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery now house multiple monuments and memorials in addition to the graves of more than 400,000 servicemen and servicewomen. For a start, families can experience history at places like Colonial Williamsburg. Youll also find an indoor atrium, picnic areas, and educational facilities offering gardening and horticulture workshops, guided tours, concerts, and volunteer programs. The 16 Best Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia. Great Falls is the marquee destination within the park. Many of these activities are truly wonderful, and their websites dont do them justice. Virginia Beach Main Focus Media / Shutterstock Is it really a visit to Virginia if you don't go to Virginia Beach? There are a number of courses ranging from 9-to-18 holes throughout the area, including Burke Lake Park, Bull Run Regional Park, Pohick Bay Regional Park and Loriella Park. More ideas: Best Weekend Getaways from DC, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 703-777-3174. For an entertaining hourlong nighttime stroll complete with intriguing tales about some of Old Towns most famous former residents, dont miss the Ghost & Graveyard Tour by Alexandria Colonial Tours. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The Visitor Contact Station in Middletown distributes information and brochures for tourists who want to explore the battlefield on a self-guided driving tour. There is also a childrens playground and a disc golf course as well as the Occoquan Water Trail for paddlers. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. Goat yoga, moreover, is exactly what it sounds like. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Nearby Red Rock Wilderness Overlook also offers woodedhiking along a bluff and down to thePotomac River. Pretty stunning!). If you want a longer and more challenging hike to a view, try Raven Rocks just across Route 7. (And there are notably *pink* high chairs inside for those with small children, too. Luray Caverns is also an ideal location for observing Fall foliage, especially if you drive there via Skyline Drive, the scenic local highway that takes you through Shenandoah National Park. Featured artists past and present include Diana Ross, Sting, Brandi Carlile, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, Darius Rucker, Harry Connick Jr. and his band, Halsey, and many more. (Not for the faint of heart, FWIW.). There are plenty of places for lovers of cider, mead, and other distilled spirits to check out as well. The entry fee is $20.00 per vehicle, which is waived on national free entrance days. Open central rooms were designed to bring people together. Along the way, it passes through many of Fairfax Countys best parks and stream valleys. If you love the history of military flight and you're in the Virginia Beach area, you must go see this wonderful museum. The Potomac Heritage Trail(PHT) coversover 800 miles from Washington DC to Pennsylvania,withlocalsegments following the banks of the Potomac River in Northern Virginia. Entry to the tulip fields includes unlimited access to the grounds and (as of this writing) five flowers per person, which guests can pick from over 200 varieties of tulips and 30+ varieties of daffodils. Its well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings have been repurposed as culinary hotspots, independent boutiques, and intimate museums. 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. We love it! Opened in 2019, the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk Trail winds over a wetland in Prince William County. The 7 Best Places to get Cool Birthday Cakes in Washington, D.C. The city is 1 hour and 37 minutes (105 miles) from Richmond and 14 minutes (4.5 miles) from Washington DC. The tea room as well as a private 21+ club where they serve wine is upstairs think pink neon signs and a rose-lined flower wall. Wandering around this astounding natural feature is an other-worldly experience. 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA, Phone: 877-653-1775. A gift shop offers commemorative items from local artisans. You can also extend your trip with a loop hike on the Run,Ridge, and River Trails. Its lovely! Our 20 picks for Northern Virginia hidden gems include a nice mix of low-cost and free things to do in NoVA. Today you can explore the art and architecture on an easy walk around Lake Anne. With great schools, public transit, family life, and nightlife, young professionals have been flocking to the area for years. They include fun destinations for family time or a quiet solo escape. Displays capture important moments of American history from the perspective of Marines who participated in them. Take a riveting 45-minute tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the pharmacy that served Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Free. This super-photogenic springtime wonderland opens in late April every year, and theres usually a mad dash for weekend tickets, so plan to buy them early or go during the week. Guests can explore 17 rooms filled with visually stunning geologic formations on the mile-long tour. So, whether you're looking for an affordable place to live or want to be close to all the action, these are the best places for you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ), but indoor skydiving provides all the thrill - regardless of the weather. Making Mental Health Cool. The staff here are super friendly and knowledgable, and guided tours are available for those who want the most educational experience. The area is part of theCaptain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, explored by Smith in 1608. 1. Little bouquets of pink roses adorn the marble tea tables, and bauble-y chandeliers and light fixtures cast their glow on Instagrammably pink walls. Related: The 5 Most Charming Places to Go Apple Picking in Northern Virginia. But we also love to follow the road less traveled and uncover new local experiences. More ideas: Day Trips from DC, 3949 Pender Drive, Suite 120B, Fairfax, VA, Phone: 703-648-3130. (This large, dramatic butterfly is Virginias state insect! Special events are held throughout the year, and personalized experiences such as group tours, field trips, guided nature walks, and educational programs can be arranged with a call to the staff. 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. 13950 Dawson Beach Road, Woodbridge, VA, Phone: 703-490-4979. George Washington traveled the road as a surveyor. We have bays, rivers, and wetlands; rolling hills across the Virginia Piedmont; and the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore. 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! Advanced reservations are required. Entrepreneurs will be impressed by Washingtons business sense, and whisky lovers will enjoy the small batch spirits that are available at the Shops at Mount Vernon and the Inn at Mount Vernon. From bustling city centers to small towns with plenty of things to do, these places have something for everyone. Plan your visit: Bears Den Overlook Hike in Bluemont Virginia: Alternate Routes and Tips. The first Civil War engagement of Loudoun County took place at the battlefield at Balls Bluff. 20 Great Small Towns Near Washington, D.C. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont. A visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria, meanwhile, is a must for art lovers! Northern Virginia is a happy place for nature lovers. (Here, they periodically have free Bluegrass concerts and car shows, in case those are of interest.). 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. ^ The kids programming here, at the onsite Childrens Theatrein-the-Woods, is also lovely. Independence Avenue at 6th Street, SW Washington, DC, Phone: 202-633-2214. This list of 25 things to do in Northern Virginia will get travelers going. Read more about how to dig your own peanuts, and how to roast them after picking, here. Regional historical societies host a series of lectures throughout the year for history buffs who want to learn more about this historical site. Check out Wolf Traps calendar of events here. The trails are also suitable for running, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. 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 . Between the charming historic architecture and the awesome, well-attended Saturday Farmers Market, theres a lot to explore in downtown Alexandria. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers an amazing waterfront monuments tour that goes from Alexandria to D.C.. Spared from General Sheridans campaign to destroy all production facilities that supplied the Union soldiers with food, the Edinburg Mill is the perfect site to house the museums collections dedicated to the cultural heritage of the town and the surrounding valley. Free. Required fields are marked *. Popular Cities in Northern Virginia Manassas Virginia, United States Arlington Virginia, United States Alexandria Virginia, United States Leesburg Virginia, United States Ways to tour Northern Virginia Book these experiences for a close-up look at Northern Virginia. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of performances ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues music to classical, dance, theater, and opera.