Circa 1925. Arlington Beach. An amusement park in the general vicinity of today’s Pentagon
Arlington Beach, 1925
These photos are from 1925 at Arlington Beach. An amusement park in the vicinity of today’s Pentagon, removed in 1929 to make way for an airport expansion.
Fort Hunt Park consists of 105 acres located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria. The Park is a part of the over 7,000 acres that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands of Fort Hunt Park were originally a part of George Washington's personal farm then became a military outpost and now serve as a picnic area and nature park.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Fort Hunt.
So that all may better understand the history of Fort Hunt, the Park Service has begun research to uncover the names of the many veterans who served at Fort Hunt when it was a military outpost.
Fort Hunt Park was converted into a fortification during the Spanish - American War. In 1897 the fort was modernized for military operations. During War World II the fort was used as a top secret military intelligence outpost.
After both World War I and World War II, Fort Hunt was virtually abandoned due to military cutbacks. The National Park Service now administers Fort Hunt Park as a recreational park for public use. Fort Hunt has been a focal point of personal dramas of all kind throughout its history, but now it's dedicated to public recreation.
Hours are 7am until sunset year round for general use. From April - October reservations are needed to use some areas of the park. For information about homes and neighborhoods near and around Fort Hunt Road check out Fort Hunt Info.
Historic Carlyle House in Old Town
Spring is at its zenith and so are the blossoms at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.
Julie and I stopped in to tour the gardens and I took a number of pictures. The Carlyle House is a historic piece of Alexandria's colonial heritage and is a must see if you're in Alexandria VA. I personally think the house is a little more impressive than George Washington's Mount Vernon. The tour starts in the basement below the house and explores nearly every room in the finely-crafted and meticulously restored structure. John Carlyle was a contemporary of the likes of George Washington, Lord Fairfax, Henry "Lighthorse" Lee and General Braddock. This house is a key part of Alexandria's colonial heritage and revolutionary past.
The tour starts with a slick-production that explains who John Carlyle was and why he is a person of interest. In this video presentation, paintings, computer-generated scenery and historians provide context and background for the Carlyle House and John Carlyle. These pictures really don't do the blossoms justice but they hopefully they'll inspire you to visit the gardens before spring is gone.
Carlyle House
Old Town Alexandria in bloom
Carlyle House flower
Garden Centerpiece
bluebells at Carlyle House
The gazebo at Carlyle House
Carlyle House azalea blossoms
Behind the Carlyle House
blossoms at Carlyle House
dogwoods at the Carlyle House
bloom at Carlyle House
tree blossoming at Carlyle House
An azalea bush appears to be on fire at Carlyle House
Carlyle House is in 22314
Carlyle House dogwoods
Behind the Carlyle House is a mixture of formal and informal ornamentals, flowers, flowering trees and bushes.
This is a remarkable little enclave found right at the heart of Alexandria. It's just two blocks from the waterfront and only block from King St. and a public parking garage.
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
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
Barcroft Park
Barcroft Park is 65 acres of highly-maintained family oriented recreational facilities. Barcroft supports a variety of sports and family activities. Barcroft is the home for several baseball leagues as there are 5 baseball diamonds with bleachers here. Four of these fields are for youth; one is for one adults. There is a batting cage to support the baseball community.
Barcroft has a a lighted rectangular playing field for sports like soccer, football or rugby. This field has a synthetic surface, concession stand, restrooms, and goals. Other sports are also supported by:
a basketball court;
two new tennis courts (opened in 2007);
a volleyball court;
a handball court;
and horseshoe pit.
At this location, Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center has a gymnasium to support several indoor sports. The gymnasium has everything needed
for a boxer to train. This includes a boxing room with speed and punching bags, sparring ring, and floor exercise area. The gym can also host basketball, floor hockey, and indoor soccer. On-site, there are a variety of classes such as
aerobics,
boxing/kick boxing,
and gymnastics.
For the benefit of picnickers and visitors the park has three water fountains, a rental picnic shelter, picnic tables, charcoal grills. There is also a paved path throughout the park to walk, jog or bike. That path has a bridge, and stream.
Hours for the park are sunrise to half hour after sunset except on lighted facilities. The facilities are open Tuesday, Thursday and weekends.
4200 South Four Mile Run Drive
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 228-0700
Baseball field at Barcroft Park
Barcroft is a part of what makes Arlington such a great place to live.
Mount Vernon RECenter
2017 Belle View Road
Alexandria, Virginia
Contact Number: 703 768 3224
The Mount Vernon RECenter offers its community with an array of activities with its well furnished facilities. It is situated at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road and Belle View Boulevard.
The Mt. Vernon Recenter has an ice rink
The Mount Vernon RECenter has an ice skating rink
The RECenter is a great place to volunteer at
Mount Vernon RECenter is at the corner of Fort Hunt and Belle View Bvd.
Mount Vernon RECenter has ice skate rentals
Mount Vernon Rec Center early March
The Rec Center has year round ice skating and ice hockey.
Mount Vernon Rec Center is at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road and Belle View Boulevard
Facilities at Mount Vernon RECenter:
25 Meter Heated Indoor Pool
Poolside Spa
Beach Area with Play Features
Locker Rooms
Showers
Saunas
Fitness Center Furnished with Cybex VR2 Equipment
Pro Shop
Dance Room
Multi-Purpose Room
200 Foot by 85 Foot Indoor Ice Arena.
The Mount Vernon RECenter facility schedule is from Monday to Thursday 6am to 9pm, Friday 6am to 7pm, Saturday 7am to 7pm and Sunday 8am to 6pm. The pool area is open at the same time for Monday to Thursday and Friday, except Saturday when it is open from 8am to 7pm and Sunday 9am to 6pm.
The County also offers the use of indoor pools at Lee District Rec Center and George Washington Rec Center. Fort a more updated list of swimming activities and other pool facilities, please visit the Alexandria Masters Swim Club.
Homes recently listed for sale near the Mount Vernon RECenter
Alexandria City Park
Oronoco Bay Park is an Alexandria City 4.5 acre park found at 701 North Lee Street, on the Potomac River . Once known as Texaco Bay owned by John D. Rockfeller of the Standard Oil Company. In the 1980’s the property was acquired by the city and the name was changed. Indians had lived in the Alexandria area during the time Captain John Smith had sailed up the Potomac in the mid 17th century.
Wooden sun decks out into the river with a wooden boardwalk path connecting the path to the point where the bay and river joins near the Rowing Facility building. Anyone can enjoy the scenery from the allotted sitting and picnic areas. They can jog, walk or bike along the river’s path as well. The “Red Cross Waterfront Festival” is held in the park along with other festivals and events. The Oronoco Bay Park also allows private events to held in the park as well.
Oronoco Bay Park
Old Town Commons (a townhouse community) is close to Oronoco Bay Park
Oronoco Bay Park is close to Founders Park
Oronoco Bay Park is right in front of the Potomac River
Old Town Alexandria is home to numerous associations and non-profit foundations.
Old Town Alexandria is very popular with tourists and visitors to Northern Virginia.
The pier at Oronoco Bay Park makes a good spot for a liesurely stroll.
The Potomac River separates the Commonwealth of Virginia from the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Boating is popular on the Potomac River and the area has several nearby slips and docks.
Spring blooms are just beginning to open but here's a look back at 1980. The image depicts sring tulips and dogwoods on the George Washington Memorial Parkway at Lady Bird Johnson Park in 1980.
1980...Spring tulips and dogwoods on the George Washington Memorial Parkway,
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
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.
