Fun things to do and see in Northern Virginia near Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church. Includes parks, shopping, sightseeing, recreation and events.
Shirlington is a neighborhood in Arlington
In 1944 Joseph Cherner established the Shirlington Corporation and had several stores built in the area. In the 80's the area was home to more office buildings. By 2000 Shirlington began to boom with opportunity. Today Shirlington is nicknamed the "Arts and Entertainment District". There are plenty of things to do in Shirlington from shopping, entertainment, and dining. WETA-TV, WETA-FM and USPTO satellite offices are located in Shirlington.
Shirlington is served by the Shirlington Bus Station and is a transfer center for Metrobus and Arlington Transit. Commuters have no trouble moving about as extensive network of Metro bus routes shuttles them to and from Pentagon City and Crystal City Metro stations as well as other locations. The Shirlington Station is situated at 2975 South Quincy Street.
Mount Vernon as seen from the Potomac River.
The Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because Mount Vernon Estate was the plantation home of the first President of the United States, George Washington. The Mount Vernon District is named for this landmark mansion which is found along the banks of the Potomac.
The mansion itself is built of wood in neoclassical Georgian architectural style, and the estate is located on the banks of the Potomac River. The main house is located in the center of these support buildings and was once the hub of all the activity at Mount Vernon. The house has two levels and is topped by a hipped roof with dormers. Two large chimneys pierce the roof at either end and a cupola rests in the center of the house. The cupola is topped with a dome and a spire with a gilded dove of peace. The house is framed by two covered walkways leading to servants hall on the left and the kitchen to the right. A circular courtyard completes the grand appearance of the house.
Although in George Washington's day the property was much larger, the estate currently consists of 500 acres with the main buildings, including the mansion, located close to the river front. English boxwoods, taken from cuttings sent by Maj. Gen. Henry Lee III "Light Horse Harry" (Governor of Virginia and father of Robert E. Lee), were planted in 1786 by George Washington and now crowd the entry path. The main homestead area is skirted by a carriage road with a large bowling green located in the center. To each side of the green is a garden, contained by a red brick wall. These gardens grew the household's vegetables, fruit and other perishable items for consumption. The upper garden, located to the north, is bordered by the greenhouse. The Botanical Garden; the Museum, dedicated to the life and death of George Washington is on the grounds and contains George Washington's survey equipment, weapons, and clothing, as well as dentures worn by the first President; ice house; overseers quarters; spinning room; salt house and gardener's house are between the garden and the house.
The lower garden, or southern garden, is skirted by the storehouse and clerk's quarters, smokehouse, wash house, laundry yard, and coach house. A paddock and stable are on the southern border of the garden. The old tomb is located along the river front, while the new tomb, containing George and Martha Washington, is located along the fruit garden with the slave burial ground just off this path. A Forest Trail runs along the property, and a George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site, a 4-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn.
Nesbitt Realty serves Mount Vernon VA
Clemyjontri Park is a very unique public park. Like any other park, kids at Clemyjontri can enjoy playground fun. But Clemyjontri is unique in Fairfax County because this is a place where children with and without disabilities can play side-by-side.
The distinctions are subtle: Clemyjontri Park is like any other playground, with swings, slides and fun play-equipment. But this park is design with simple changes such as swings with high backs for children who need extra support or nice wide colorful pathways. Most of the grounds are non-slip and with a porous design that provides a greater level of access for children.
The playground has two acres of STUFF! Stuff to climb on, stuff to touch, stuff to read, do or create. Kids love stuff like the Rainbow Room; the Schoolhouse; the Maze, Picnic Area, Movin' and Groovin' Transportation Area; and the Fitness and Fun Zone. The pride of Clemyjontri is at the center of the park: the carousel!
The kids that visit love the racetrack. The playhouses have crawling nooks and places to explore. Many children enjoy the balance beams. There are community areas, and places where kids can play alone. There are bright sunny places to play and shaded benches and play areas as well.
An asphalt trail connects the site to trails that encircle the park.
This playground is for all children. Help us keep it clean and safe.
No smoking, food or beverages are allowed on the playground.
Use playground and equipment for its intended purpose only.
Bicycles, skateboards, etc. are not permitted in the play areas.
Children and visitors should use age-appropriate playground equipment only.
No pets of any kind are permitted on the playground.
Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike
McLean, Virginia 22101
703-388-2807
The Nation’s oldest farmers market has been said to be the Farmer’s Market at 301 King Street, City Hall in Alexandria VA 22314. It was established in 1753.
The Farmers Market feature local produce vendors, art, handicrafts, wearable art and fresh baked goods that are offered every Saturday from 5:30 am till 10:30 am all through the year. Other vendors sell homemade ice cream, freshly made orange juice, honey comb, beeswax hand cream, scones, aromatics, quilts, dairy products, edible nasturtium blossoms, figs and so much more. Vendors are accommodating as well and offer samples of their goods.
Alexandria’s Farmers Market is situated 3 blocks away from the Potomac River.
Owned by Simon Malls Incorporated, Potomac Mills is a great outlet for just about everybody. Their vast range of stores include several outlets where customers can find the best deal for their favorite shops. This mall has recently been renovated and new tenants are jumping to become part of this new beautiful project. The mall is one story and is a very spacious center with golden blonde wood floors and a bustling consumer populace.
Some major stores include Costco, Bloomingdales Outlet, Last Call Neiman Marcus, Off Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom Rack. For those looking for off season discounts, there are even a TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory, and Marshalls.
The mall comprises of a good mixture of stores for both kids and adults; for example kids may play at the Lego store while adults browse the aisles of Banana Republic. Teenagers will also find a nice escape at stores such as Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, and Papaya Clothing.
The mall is located in Prince William County at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle Woodbridge, Virginia
Located in Centreville (Fairfax County), Virginia, Spa World is a great place for the whole family to relax and enjoy a day off. Spa World pays its tributes to the Traditional Korean Bath House Culture in which men and women (separately) openly bathe in a public pool. However for those who are a little reluctant to this not so private type of shower house, there are over six types of pools and several types of mineral saunas.
What makes Spa World unique in comparison to other day spas is the fact that it has mineral enriched saunas that use gemstone radiation for relaxation. There they have traditional wet and dry saunas with also an ice room for cooling off. Their most notable homage to the Korean culture is the full body scrub in which a masseuse exfoliates your entire body for relaxation and cleanliness.
The facilities are extremely well maintained and even includes a restaurant/juice bar, computer room, gym, and even a place to take a nap. For those who are always on the run, Spa World offers free Wi-fi on its premises. Spa World is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is located at 13830-A10 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20121. No appointments are necessary and walk in massages are available.
River Towers location near the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River provides nearby residents with accessible bike trails, hiking trails and jogging and nearby paths closed to motor vehicles.
The Mount Vernon Trail follows the river from Mount Vernon at 5 miles south of River Towers to National Airport at 5 miles north of River Tower and to Washington DC and beyond.
Bikers can easily enjoy the trip to the Marina. Both serious and recreational bikers can enjoy the Parkway or the easy local bike trails. These trails are also used by residents who bike to work or to the Metro.
Mount Vernon Trail south of Old Town
Big Wheel in Old Town Alexandria VA
Spokes Etc. Bicycles
Aubrey Nesbitt takes a break from riding his bicycle below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
The distinctions are subtle: Clemyjontri Park is like any other playground, with swings, slides and fun play-equipment. But this park is design with simple changes such as swings with high backs for children who need extra support or nice wide colorful pathways. Most of the grounds are non-slip and with a porous design that provides a greater level of access for children.
The playground has two acres of STUFF! Stuff to climb on, stuff to touch, stuff to read, do or create. Kids love stuff like the Rainbow Room; the Schoolhouse; the Maze, Picnic Area, Movin' and Groovin' Transportation Area; and the Fitness and Fun Zone. The pride of Clemyjontri is at the center of the park: the carousel!
The kids that visit love the racetrack. The playhouses have crawling nooks and places to explore. Many children enjoy the balance beams. There are community areas, and places where kids can play alone. There are bright sunny places to play and shaded benches and play areas as well.
An asphalt trail connects the site to trails that encircle the park.
This playground is for all children. Help us keep it clean and safe.
Clemyjontri Park
The Nation’s oldest farmers market has been said to be the Farmer’s Market at 301 King Street, City Hall in Alexandria VA 22314. It was established in 1753.
The Farmers Market feature local produce vendors, art, handicrafts, wearable art and fresh baked goods that are offered every Saturday from 5:30 am till 10:30 am all through the year. Other vendors sell homemade ice cream, freshly made orange juice, honey comb, beeswax hand cream, scones, aromatics, quilts, dairy products, edible nasturtium blossoms, figs and so much more. Vendors are accommodating as well and offer samples of their goods.
Alexandria’s Farmers Market is situated 3 blocks away from the Potomac River.
Located in Centreville (Fairfax County), Virginia, Spa World is a great place for the whole family to relax and enjoy a day off. Spa World pays its tributes to the Traditional Korean Bath House Culture in which men and women (separately) openly bathe in a public pool. However for those who are a little reluctant to this not so private type of shower house, there are over six types of pools and several types of mineral saunas.
What makes Spa World unique in comparison to other day spas is the fact that it has mineral enriched saunas that use gemstone radiation for relaxation. There they have traditional wet and dry saunas with also an ice room for cooling off. Their most notable homage to the Korean culture is the full body scrub in which a masseuse exfoliates your entire body for relaxation and cleanliness.
The facilities are extremely well maintained and even includes a restaurant/juice bar, computer room, gym, and even a place to take a nap. For those who are always on the run, Spa World offers free Wi-fi on its premises. Spa World is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is located at 13830-A10 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20121. No appointments are necessary and walk in massages are available.
River Towers location near the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River provides nearby residents with accessible bike trails, hiking trails and jogging and nearby paths closed to motor vehicles.
The Mount Vernon Trail follows the river from Mount Vernon at 5 miles south of River Towers to National Airport at 5 miles north of River Tower and to Washington DC and beyond.
Bikers can easily enjoy the trip to the Marina. Both serious and recreational bikers can enjoy the Parkway or the easy local bike trails. These trails are also used by residents who bike to work or to the Metro.
