things to do in northern virginia for young adults

Tickets can be purchased at either of the two box offices at the venue, online, or by phone. Your guided walk begins outside the Visitor Center on King Streetyoull know where when you see the costumed tour guides waiting with their lanternsand takes you on a six-block walk through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day except December 25. (<- This is something of a new trend among flower-lovers, BTW.). You practice some gentle yoga poses while local baby goats run around and, occasionally, jump up on your back. Northern Virginia is something of an enigma to people from outside the state. (And keep in mind that goats can sometimes pee or have accidents, so make sure youre not too precious about whatever mat and clothes you bring.) For the best experience, plan to visit in the Spring when the weather is nice and the iconic cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Plan your visit: Bears Den Overlook Hike in Bluemont Virginia: Alternate Routes and Tips. (There are also covered seats and picnic seating available.). 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. If you can tack it on to your tulip adventure, you can make a whole day of it! 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. 10 Things To Do in Northern Virginia - Outdoor Activities With its painstaking dedication to preservation, the Apothecary Museum captures the history of pharmacy in America with rarified authenticity. ^ Here, you can tour the archival, small-batch spirit production facility, but only from April-October. 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 Fairfax County park shows a beautifully preserved glimpse into farm life in the mid-1900s and is the last working farm in the county. Its collections include herbs and botanicals, medical equipment, and archival materials. Military Museums Speciality Museums. The Arlington County Fair is an annual community festival held during the final weeks of August in Arlington, Virginia. Guests can make a night of it with pre-performance discussions and dinner on the lawn or at one of the on-site restaurants. It's easy to visit this unique Northern Virginia hidden gem by bicycle or car. 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. There are two levels, so you can observe everything from a suspended view in the air or below on the ground. They also do a great brunch with cold-pressed juices and fresh seasonal ingredients. 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. We went with 2 adults and 3 teens. For starters, check out The Majestic Cafe or King & Rye for a representative taste of the local food scene. 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. Entrance to the park and its facilities is free. See all BEST SELLER 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. It's also a great spot for bird-watching. A small daily admission fee is collected at the entrance booth and supports the projects and facilities of the refuge. After your visit to the faithfully reconstructed working distillery, swing by the lively Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and enjoy the flavors of early America in a colonial setting. As the website aptly notes, Its almost like Holland in Virginia!. 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. Visit one of the premier Civil War graffiti sites in the nation at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim . Downtown Clifton is a National Historic District. 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. 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. Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia For Fun in Any Weather Best Things to Do in Virginia for Couples - Tripadvisor The Northern Virginia Disc Golf Association also has . Little bouquets of pink roses adorn the marble tea tables, and bauble-y chandeliers and light fixtures cast their glow on Instagrammably pink walls. You can also reach the overlook from the day-use area of the Bear's Den hostel. This is a great summer hike because the trail is shady and you can cool your feet in Difficult Run. 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. For a start, families can experience history at places like Colonial Williamsburg. You'll enjoy nice views of the marina, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and National Harbor in the distance. and the shaded woodland areas are a lovely place to wander with a stroller or a friend locked in deep conversation. (Here, they periodically have free Bluegrass concerts and car shows, in case those are of interest.). The staff here are super friendly and knowledgable, and guided tours are available for those who want the most educational experience. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite. More ideas: Day Trips from DC, 3949 Pender Drive, Suite 120B, Fairfax, VA, Phone: 703-648-3130. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you plan to visit a few times during the year, buy a National Park Annual Pass and save. Themed tours and special events to celebrate the holidays include moonlight zip tours, the Tree Top Egg Drop, and Christmas in Middleburg. Whether it's brain games or good old fashioned physical exercise, check out these places to go to make sure your kids have a blast. This lovely bridge and a nearby swing offer pretty spots to enjoy the view and take pictures. as well as a novelty candy shop, featuring everything from giant whimsical lollipops to cotton candy, and chocolate truffles sold by the each. 1,418. (This large, dramatic butterfly is Virginias state insect! The "Freedoms Fight in Alexandria" tour focuses on the citys early history of urban slavery prior to the Civil War and inspiring stories of the runaway slaves, freemen, and abolitionists who helped others escape via the Underground Railroad, as well as others who stood up against slavery in a time when most wouldnt. 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. The emphasis is on history at the Northern Virginia hidden gems below, but many of them also allow outdoor activity. 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! 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. 5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-780-2000. 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. Making Mental Health Cool. Free ($2 donation for parking requested). Guests are welcomed all year round at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands host a wide variety of migratory birds and other animal species. They also offer 6 weeks of sunflower picking in the Summer, as well. 1. George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA, Phone: 703-757-3101. 21 Top Things to Do in Virginia Either way, guided tours last approximately 30-45 minutes. 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. Parking is usually free, and entry is about $30 per person though seasonal pricing can fluctuate. Or, lounge on hand-made wood furniture and watch the birds flit along the shoreline. . Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. $10 with discounts for seniors and children. Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. 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. Look, but dont touch, of course. Plan your trip: Visit George Washingtons Distillery and Gristmill in Mount Vernon Virginia. (Not for the faint of heart, FWIW.). 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. In pastoral peanut fields like the hilltop farm at Hollins Farm in Delaplane, Virginia, you can dig-your-own peanuts for roasting, cooking, making your own farm-to-table peanut butter, and more. Northern Virginia - Virginia Is For Lovers We love the food and vibe at this pioneering Farm-to-Table restaurant in Tysons, which also has locations in Reston and DC. Check the events page for a look at upcoming pop-ups and other goat-related programming. General admission tickets can be purchased online for guests who want to skip the (sometimes) long entry line. Mobile axe throwing! Its a beautiful, meandering walk below the canopy along the rivers edge. Great Falls Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail, McLean Chase waterfalls, hike along beautiful Mather Gorge and play on land once surveyed by George Washington at Great Falls Park, part of the US National Park system. The 95-acre garden is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon checking out its walking trails, lakes, cherry trees, irises, peonies, extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, and butterflies. 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. If you are looking for cool places to visit in Northern Virginia, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary is a great choice. Admission is $10.00, or you can purchase a ticket that also includes admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon. On your way home, you can also stop at Cooters in Luray, VA to visit the Dukes of Hazzard Museum. as well as sumptuous appetizers like the blue cheese bacon dates, fried green tomatoes, and skillet cornbread. Free. In September and October, fall foliage colors the banks and reflects in the stream, creating lovely photoshoot locations. Old Town Alexandria is a bustling tourist destination rich with history and nostalgic charm as well as distinctive dining and shopping options. Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. Looking for fun activities in Northern Virginia? Only one teen hadnt done an escape room before. Pretty stunning!). The riverside Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is especially interesting and scenic. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, honors the many Marines who have died defending the country since 1775. Witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee. In the spring, the cherry blossoms, azaleas, lilacs, and crabapple trees bloom beautifully. Free. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. 21 Top Things to Do in Virginia Virginia has plenty to offer from mountain getaways to city vacations. Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is located in the beautiful Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Virginia. The center is open daily with the exception of a handful of holidays, and there is no cost to visit the exhibits and see artists hard at work creating one-of-a-kind pieces. That being said, this is a perfect place for a cheery family photo-op! So if you are looking for things to do in Virginia with kids, we are here to help! Plus, you can bring home fresh produce to make pies, jack-o-lanterns, and other baked goods. During the busy season, you can Uber or rideshare to any of the parks many access points. Prince William, Virginia is renowned for its historic American Battlefields, vibrant shopping destinations such as Potomac Mills, IKEA, Manassas Mall, and Cabela's, its rocking outdoor music concert venues such as Farm Brew Live and Jiffy Lube Live, and the largest collection of outdoor hiking and recreation space in all of Northern Virginia. Plan your visit: Hike Seneca Park and the Potomac Heritage Trail in Northern VA. An entryway of woven branches welcomes hikers, birders, and equestrians to the beautiful woodland and riverside trails at this Northern Virginia hidden gem. Posted on Friday, May 31, 2019 Don't let bad weather "rain on your parade" - there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy inside. 50 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Virginia Individual tickets can be purchased at the companys website. Her events typically take place in DC-adjacent areas like Arlington, Alexandria, and Del Rey. This Federal-style manor house lies on the grounds of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park near Middletown. They include fun destinations for family time or a quiet solo escape. Basically, the loose constellation of D.C. suburbs known collectively as Northern Virginia comprises what is essentially the cultural epicenter of Virginia. Things to Do Features 13 Great Mini Golf Courses in NoVA Things to Do Features 17 Activities to Add to Your NoVA Summer Bucket List Best of NoVA View Directory Restaurants 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. We love it! Guests should stop by the Henry Hill Visitor Center on the south side of the park for a look at the exhibits and displays that tell the story of the first battle of the Civil War and the Confederate victory that took place on the same grounds just over a year later. 21. 8. Extend your visit with a stop at Mason Neck State Park for beautiful birding, hiking, and boating. ICYMI: You can also go Peach Picking and Peanut Digging in Northern Virginia, as well. Ultimately, the National Air & Space Museum is a super family-friendly destination thats great for kids, machine buffs, and aviation lovers. Plan your visit: Pope-Leighey House Tour: Frank Lloyd Wrights Usonian Gem. This Northern Virginia outpost of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum near Dulles International Airport displays the massive space shuttle Discovery, a Lockheed SR-71, and several other impressive aircraft and spacecraft as well as other aviation-related artifacts. The Lake Anne Plaza opened in 1966 to national acclaim and was even compared to Venice's Piazza San Marco by an architecture critic. 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. Families can use the park facilities for fun days out you can rent picnic pavilions, campsites or cottages for weekend getaways. We have bays, rivers, and wetlands; rolling hills across the Virginia Piedmont; and the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore. Step back in time for a close-up look at businesses built by George Washington in the 18th century. The Mount Vernon Trail, a paved bike trail along the Potomac River, passes through the marsh. These beautiful places in Virginia are fun for active outings and include some of our favorite places to take pictures and create memories. These Northern Virginia hidden gems are worth a visit all year long. Manassas National Battlefield Park commemorates the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. 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. Here, in no particular order, are 20 Northern Virginia hidden gems to explore. If you go on a Thursday, you can stay for Sushi Thursdays at Entyse Wine Bar + Lounge afterward. 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. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, George Washington's home along the Potomac River, is one of the most historic attractions in the region. This surprisingly inspiring cemetery is humbly uplifting and a brilliant feat of landscaping as well as monument construction. Opt for a 50-minute or an 80-minute treatment (go longer if you really want to treat yourself in this immersive experience). 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! || Image via the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Museum / G&L's Guide to the Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia is, frankly, awesome. Part of George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate, the distillery and gristmill have been faithfully recreated and are fully functioning. See all LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour 61 Bus Tours from Links offer additional information, tips, and photos to help plan your outing. (Follow Mocatinas on Instagram for the latest updates on their programming. Fun Things to Do in Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metro Virtual reality simulators transport the most adventurous into space, while those who are content to remain grounded will enjoy seeing the exhibitions and collections on display throughout the facility. *** A Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. Virginia Beach Main Focus Media / Shutterstock Is it really a visit to Virginia if you don't go to Virginia Beach? (For wine drinkers, they also offer a Ros Tea Service that also books in advance.). From bustling city centers to small towns with plenty of things to do, these places have something for everyone. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing cruises and water taxi transportation on the Potomac River. The Meadowlark Visitor Center serves as an interactive exhibit space and also houses a gift shop and a library. Its a must-stop for apple lovers! Started by former Alexandria City Councilman John Taylor Chapman in 2016, Manumission Tour Company takes visitors on a guided walking tour of Old Town Alexandria, focusing on the experiences of the citys African and African American residents during the 18th and 19th centuries. FWIW, we like the view of the Falls from scenic overlook #3 the best. Take a riveting 45-minute tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the pharmacy that served Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. Get Active with These 10 Social Sports Leagues for Adults in NoVA (Theres also an indoor venue for the winter months, as well.). Coincidentally, Fall is also the best time of year to visit Luray Caverns as thats when the combination of nice weather + only moderate crowds makes the experience most pleasant. Once you finish the turnpike, continue your drive with a visit to charming, historic Waterford Virginia. 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-746-4570. We have bays, rivers, and wetlands; rolling hills across the Virginia Piedmont; and the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore. Trips Experiences Courses Places Foods Stories Newsletters This Instagram-worthy spot is located less than 2 hours from Washington, D.C., making it a perfect day trip for families and groups. 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. (Mushroom Gruyre Reubens, anyone?) She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. They even have a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the kind of plane the president uses to fly around the world at top speed. Discover 28 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Arlington from Dark Star Park to George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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