things to do in northern virginia for young adults

In September and October, fall foliage colors the banks and reflects in the stream, creating lovely photoshoot locations. 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. (For more casual/quirky dining, head to the Alexandria neighborhood of Del Ray.). This is a beautiful spot to watch for birds, including bald eagles that nest in the protected marsh. Pretty stunning!). 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. 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. Join me, Julie McCool, and explore the best of Northern Virginia parks, hikes, historic sites, restaurants, breweries, wineries, seasonal events, and more. This is a great activity for kids and animal-loving adults, alike. Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia For Fun in Any Weather For the classic experience, park near the Nature Center and hike along the River Trail to Great Falls. THE 10 BEST Northern Virginia Fun Activities & Games Fun Activities & Games in Northern Virginia Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Free. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing cruises and water taxi transportation on the Potomac River. 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. 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! 1. Daily tours and educational activities as well as scheduled lectures and events give kids and adults many opportunities to learn from the museums knowledgeable and engaging staff. This guide gives you both a birds eye view and an insiders look at the best things to do in the region. This makes for an intriguing and educational sight line up the hill when you first enter the field. Or, if you go during the day, stop at nearby Flower Child for an excellent healthy lunch on your way home. The trails are rated from easy to hard and are open to horseback riders, cyclists, hikers, and runners. Also: a giant bubble foam party! Things to Do in Fairfax County - Tripadvisor For a unique souvenir, guests should visit the gift shop and treat themselves to the museums private label tea. The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved multi-use recreation trail that follows the west bank of the Northern Virginia side of the Potomac River from Theodore Roosevelt Island, through Old Town Alexandria, and out to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. See All 278 Things To Do in Virginia Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Doumar's Barbecue 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. There is also a childrens playground and a disc golf course as well as the Occoquan Water Trail for paddlers. 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. 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA, Phone: 703-361-1339. Take a riveting 45-minute tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the pharmacy that served Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Plan your visit: Hiking and Eagles on the Mason Neck Peninsula in Northern Virginia. And did we mention that the deviled eggs are some of the best in the world? Spend the day splashing in the ocean and make sure to stop by the popular Surf Bagel or Touch of Italy for some delicious grub before you head home. Oatlands hosts a variety of educational programs and special events for school groups, families, and historians. The trails are also suitable for running, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Plan your trip: Visit Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Northern Virginia. The museum offers a variety of guided tours for individuals, families, and groups. In addition to the three performances venues, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and sledding hills for fans of the great outdoors. Then, a skilled massage therapist will determine how to best incorporate hemp-infused topical products that will leave your body feeling renewed and restored. Or, lounge on hand-made wood furniture and watch the birds flit along the shoreline. 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. 10 Best places to live in Virginia for young adults THE 10 BEST Fun Activities & Games in Northern Virginia (2023) Even though it falls under the Smithsonian umbrella, this is not your traditional museum. Downtown Clifton is a National Historic District. Virginia Family Vacations- 15+ Things to do in Virginia with Kids (The sheer variety of it all makes for a great culinary educational experience.). 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! Plan your visit to the Wonderful Wetlands at Huntley Meadows Park. Overall, Old Town is home to some of the areas best if a bit more traditional restaurants. Picnicking on the Bowling Green and exploring the robust kitchen garden and orchards at George Washingtons Mount Vernon estate is a lovely, family-friendly affair. The park was also the site of a critical turning point in the long fight for women's right to vote. The vineyard is nearly 1,000 feet above sea level along a ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it picture-perfect for a romantic day-long getaway. 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. Hands-on activities allow visitors to the museum an opportunity to see science in action. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Free. The spa is inspired by nature, incorporating ingredients like avocado, brown sugar, fresh berries, seaweed, and cherry bonsai seeds into their treatments but the CBD massage (featuring hemp-infused body products) takes this vision to another level. Neighborhoods, 23 Top Free Things to Do in Washington, DC, The Holidays in Washington, D.C.: Lights, Parades, and Festivals, 50 Best Free Things to Do in Washington, DC. We have bays, rivers, and wetlands; rolling hills across the Virginia Piedmont; and the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore. Local Reston restaurants at Lake Anne include a brewery and a coffee shop/wine bar. 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! (For wine drinkers, they also offer a Ros Tea Service that also books in advance.). General admission tickets can be purchased online for guests who want to skip the (sometimes) long entry line. Its well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings have been repurposed as culinary hotspots, independent boutiques, and intimate museums. Ultimately, we love the tender, succulent salads and the Fried Chicken & Jefferson Donut (a local classic!) Either way, guided tours last approximately 30-45 minutes. Included in the admission price is a viewing of the film The Burning which tells the story of the mill itself. Plan your visit: Pope-Leighey House Tour: Frank Lloyd Wrights Usonian Gem. Guided tours of the Pope-Leighy House explain how every design detail contributed to Wright's vision of happy family life. Basically, the loose constellation of D.C. suburbs known collectively as Northern Virginia comprises what is essentially the cultural epicenter of Virginia. Read more about how to dig your own peanuts, and how to roast them after picking, here. 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. This strategic Frisbee (and Frisbee-style discs) game ranks among the top things to do outside in Northern Virginia. The path is a favorite of area cyclists and runners and offers terrific views of D.C.s famous landmarks along the way. Spring Break - Virginia Is For Lovers The Northern Virginia concert venue, located in Vienna, showcases talent and offers educational programs all year long, while its 7,000-seat Filene Center makes an ideal venue for an outdoor summer concert. 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. At Washington, D.C.s National Air & Space Museum, guests can explore the universe by watching the programs in the IMAX theater and planetarium or by peering through specialized telescopes in the observatory. Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is located in the beautiful Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia. A gift shop offers commemorative items from local artisans. 1. 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. (Though admittedly the Billy Goat Trail is on the Maryland side of the park.). The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia is, frankly, awesome. Clifton makes a perfect day trip, with several delicious restaurants, good hiking, and a winery to explore. Its well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings have been repurposed as culinary hotspots, independent boutiques, and intimate museums. For a nice fresh-air jaunt with friends, its one of the regions best places to hike. 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. Along the way, it passes through many of Fairfax Countys best parks and stream valleys. Youll also find an indoor atrium, picnic areas, and educational facilities offering gardening and horticulture workshops, guided tours, concerts, and volunteer programs. Speaking of goat yoga: one of the best places to try this bucket list experience in Northern Virginia is with Beth Wolfe, a trauma-informed yoga practitioner who offers lovely animal yoga classes to support various charities. Advanced reservations are required. King Street is the main epicenter of activity, in terms of history and entertainment. For a dose of art and history, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a unique space with a storied past that is a must-see destination. Otherwise, swing on by this hidden gem in Old Town Alexandria and get your magical medical mystic on, anytime. Once you finish the turnpike, continue your drive with a visit to charming, historic Waterford Virginia. 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. Free, Plan your hike: Difficult Run Hike to the Potomac River on the Fairfax Cross County Trail. The museum is open daily (except for December 25) and admission is free. You can also extend your trip with a loop hike on the Run,Ridge, and River Trails. Grab a wicket and learn more about the popular international sport. Visitors should stop in at the Museum Shop for signature souvenirs and gift items made by local artisans. 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. 14 Awesome Things You Can Do In Virginia When It's Raining Today, the museum is open for self-guided and guided tours, which leave every quarter past the hour until 30 minutes before closing. 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. as well as a novelty candy shop, featuring everything from giant whimsical lollipops to cotton candy, and chocolate truffles sold by the each. The distillery and gristmill are open daily from April through October. Free. Things To Do With Kids In Northern VA & Washington DC | FXVA 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. See the blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and barns along with pigs, goats, cows, sheep, rabbits, and horses on this real-life dairy farm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but due to the popularity of the center, advanced reservations are recommended. 1,139. In summer, the Atlantis Water Park is the obvious antidote to the heat cool down in the pool or on the slides. Volunteer staff lead guided tours of this culturally significant plantation, which is still being farmed today. 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. Most of our favorite holiday shows in the DC area are back in 2022 and the holiday season is packed with fun things to do. Looking for fun activities in Northern Virginia? They were made of ivory and animal teeth, set in a lead contraption. In addition to having excellent food, the Tysons farmhouse is also close to Wolf Trap National Park and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (see below), so its a great spot to dine before or after your next adventure. Learn About Alexandria's Black History on a Walking Tour, Go On a Ghost Tour in Old Town Alexandria, Pay Your Respects at Arlington National Cemetery, See Nature in All its Glory at Great Falls Park, Honor the Marines at the Iwo Jima Memorial, Tour the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Marcus Qwertyus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0, See Great Art at a Former Torpedo Factory, Wander Through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Plan a Clifton Virginia Day Trip: A Charming Small Town Near Washington DC. Whether you're dealing with last-minute school cancellations or looking for an adults-only escape, we've got ideas. ^ They even bake their own bread, grind their own beef, churn their own ice cream, and distill their own booze in-house! We will make a small commission from these links if you order something, at no additional cost to you. 500 N. Pendleton Street, Middleburg, VA, Phone: 540-692-9471. Hip indie music, meanwhile, plays ambiently over the speakers. 6. ), but indoor skydiving provides all the thrill - regardless of the weather. 3 Beautiful View Points to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. Downstairs, Mocatinas displays the cutest menu of macarons (caramel pretzel or Teddy-Graham-topped smores macarons, anyone?) After 25+ years living here, we are still surprised by the diversity of places to visit and things to do in 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. Three different beaches stretch across the span of 14 miles, providing sand, surf, and boardwalk galore. More ideas: Best Weekend Getaways from DC, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 703-777-3174. More ideas: Day Trips from DC, 3949 Pender Drive, Suite 120B, Fairfax, VA, Phone: 703-648-3130. Check out Wolf Traps calendar of events here. For a full schedule of events, check out the fairs website, here. Enjoy the most stunning waterfall views near Washington DC from three overlooks, two of them wheelchair accessible. (This large, dramatic butterfly is Virginias state insect! The city is 1 hour and 37 minutes (105 miles) from Richmond and 14 minutes (4.5 miles) from Washington DC. Its super fun, especially for plant lovers, foodies, and agro-tourism buffs. They also do a great brunch with cold-pressed juices and fresh seasonal ingredients. Those who do visit will enjoy 37 miles of beautiful hiking trails, a 9-mile scenic loop drive, and paved and gravel bike roads.

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