2020-11-30 08:29:58
Destination: FAIRFAX COUNTY Ready for a week of fun with the family? Want to learn more about the area’s immersive history? Or maybe Fairfax County is your convenient home base for a tour of our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – as it should be. These themed trips will get you out and about to explore this vibrant part of Northern Virginia. Did someone say… ROAD TRIP?! FULL-ON FAMILY FUN After you’ve introduced your children to the history of Mount Vernon and the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, cut loose at other attractions that ramp up the fun. • For the young and young at heart, enjoy a high-ropes course or zip-line adventure at GO APE! ZIP LINE & TREETOP ADVENTURE. • Make a splash at one of Fairfax County’s popular outdoor waterparks: WATER MINE FAMILY SWIMMIN’ HOLE in Reston, PIRATE’S COVE WATERPARK in Lorton or ATLANTIS WATERPARK AT BULL RUN in Centreville. • Each spring, meet other “young families” of goats, pigs and monkeys at FRYING PAN FARM PARK or ROER’S ZOOFARI. • Don’t forget the area’s many outdoor nature centers or “make your own” pottery studios. Or for something very different, play a round of FOOTGOLF AT PINECREST GOLF COURSE! FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY History touches just about every corner of Fairfax County and the National Capital Region. Whether you’re interested in colonial or military history, or want to learn about women’s history or African American heritage, there are fascinating stops here just for you. • While you may associate George Washington with colonial times, the experiences found at his beloved estate, MOUNT VERNON, not only explore his time leading the Continental Army and as our nation’s first president, but also educate visitors about the lives of those enslaved here and how a group of women were the ones to save this now historic site for the rest of us to enjoy. • Dive into the U.S. Army’s comprehensive history at the new NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY, the Army’s first official museum in its nearly 245-year existence. • For more military history, explore the area’s deep ties with the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR by visiting various battlefields and memorials, or stand amid some of the most famous and heroic pieces of wartime aviation in history at the SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER. • Take a journey to reflect on the sacrifices and vital contributions that African Americans have made throughout history by visiting GUM SPRINGS MUSEUM or the LAUREL GROVE SCHOOL – then hop across the river to see the vast SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE or the MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL in Washington, DC. • Explore the story of the women’s suffrage movement by learning about the “Silent Sentinels” imprisoned at the reformatory that is now the Workhouse Arts Center. Visit the site’s LUCY BURNS MUSEUM to hear their stories and learn about the nationally significant TURNING POINT SUFFRAGIST MEMORIAL, currently being built nearby at Occoquan Regional Park. TOUR OF WASHINGTON, DC The monuments and memorials that attract millions to our nation’s capital each year are just minutes from Fairfax County. Anchor your stay here and venture into DC for some truly monumental experiences. • Home to the legislative branch of government, the U.S. CAPITOL’s dome rises over the city as a symbol of freedom. Free tours to this inspiring architectural example are first-come, first-serve. You can also contact your local member of Congress or embassy in advance to arrange a tour of THE WHITE HOUSE. • Don’t miss the majestic white marble memorials that pay tribute to the American heroes who shaped history. Standing on the steps of the LINCOLN MEMORIAL, at the exact spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, you’ll feel the impact these leaders had on our nation’s story. • The world-famous SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS preserve our heritage while helping visitors discover new knowledge about our past. From art and history to architecture and the American experience, some of the Smithsonian’s 18 museums and galleries should be must-sees on your list. • Washington, DC pays tribute to our nation’s history like no other place, and most attractions are free. But from the WWII MEMORIAL honoring the 16 million Americans who served to the haunting VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL listing the names of the 58,000+ Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice, moving military memorials are a lasting reminder that “freedom is not free.” • Art lovers can choose from some of the world’s most famous collections and galleries, including the NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART and the HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN. Or if theater, music, opera or ballet are more your scene, take in an unforgettable performance at the KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. LOVELY SCENIC DRIVES Northern Virginia is a beautiful place to visit throughout all four seasons. Hop in the car and take a drive down these scenic byways for a different perspective of this historic destination. • The iconic 25-mile GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY stretches from Great Falls Park in the north all the way to George Washington’s Mount Vernon in the south. In between, you’ll catch glimpses of the DC skyline and the majestic Potomac River. Plus, there are ample opportunities to pull off and explore other parks and attractions. • Take a short excursion down CLIFTON ROAD, which brings you directly through the quaint Town of Clifton, a National Historic District that is home to award-winning restaurants, antique shops, Fairfax County’s first winery and extraordinary ties to the Civil War. • Designated the first Virginia Byway for its scenic value back in 1974, GEORGETOWN PIKE offers 12 miles of curves, hills and fields that wind past extravagant estates, prime hiking spots and the entrance to Great Falls Park. Stop for a coffee in Great Falls Village or enjoy destination dining at the famous L’Auberge Chez Francois. • Perhaps one of the most famous drives in America, SKYLINE DRIVE is about an hour to the west and runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. Prepare to open your windows, feel the breeze and experience every scenic curve of this jaw-dropping, vista-filled route. FAIRFAX COUNTY’S Quaint Towna Fairfax County is also home to a variety of charming small towns and neighborhoods, each offering their own vibe and unique experiences. From local boutiques and independent cafés to period architecture and a thriving arts scene, be sure to explore the neighborhoods of Fairfax County at FXVA.com/neighborhoods! For more suggested trips, visit FXVA.com/things-to-do
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ROAD TRIPS
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