5 Great Places To Visit in Vienna

Vienna is a town in Fairfax County, Virginia with a population of 14,453 at the 2000 census. Since then Vienna has increased in population by about 3%. Significantly more people live in Vienna zip codes that are outside of the town of Vienna. Given below are some great places to visit in Vienna.

Washington And Old Dominion Trail

The Washington and Old Dominion Trail is a 44-mile long, rails-to-trails bike path that follows a historic railroad line. The stretch of trail from Hunter Mill Road to downtown Vienna is a very scenic place to walk, bike, or rollerblade. Once you reach the Vienna Virginia town boundary, the trail gets busier and frequent road crossings require extra caution. Stop at the historic train station to check out a vintage red caboose and admire the large Vienna mural.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is truly a hidden gem of the Washington DC region, and a must visit for nature lovers. This beautiful park in Vienna Virginia is one of the favorite places for an adventure with young children or a multi-generational outing. When the flowers are blooming, or fall foliage colors the trees, it’s perfect for a romantic stroll too.

Freeman Store And Museum

The Freeman Store and Museum and country store occupy a central spot in Vienna Virginia, at the intersection of the W&OD bike trail and Church Street. The building has been central to the community since it was built: in 1858 by Abram Lydecker. It operated as a general store serving Ayr Hill (now Vienna) for many years, and that history is preserved today. The small museum houses permanent and rotating displays on two floors. The Freeman Store is also an active General Store, and it’s a fun place to shop for gifts and toys with a throwback feel.

Wolf Trap National Park For The Performing Arts

Wolf Trap National Park is an indoor/outdoor venue hosting major musical acts and theater throughout the year. During the colder months, acts are housed indoors at the Barns at Wolf Trap. From May to December, the entertainment takes over the 7,000-seat Filene Center and the children’s-oriented Theater in the Woods. The Filene Center offers a combination of covered and lawn seating that is especially fun on a beautiful evening.

Jammin Java

One of the coolest and most intimate music venues in Vienna Virginia is Jammin Java. Jammin Java regularly sells out concerts in their intimate space and is regularly recognized by Pollster Magazine as one of the Top 100 Venues in the world according to ticket sales. Recently Sols at Vienna  

What Is In The Lyceum?

lyceum The Lyceum is a historic structure located in Alexandria, Virginia. The structure was built in 1839 by a group of men who called their group The Alexandria Lyceum. The group, together with the Alexandria Library Company, built an enormous hall to provide a place for scientific research, quiet reading, and lecture. Continue reading

Area Museums and Historical Sites

Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country, and it has always been in the forefront of the restoration field. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America and is open 365 days a year. Mount Vernon was the home of our first President George Washington. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself. Alexandria Lyceum is a grand hall built in the late 1800's to provide a place for lectures, scientific experiments and quiet reading. Since that time, it has been a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building and the nation's first Bicentennial Center. In 1985, The Lyceum became Alexandria's History Museum, providing exhibitions, school programs, lectures and concerts, volunteer opportunities and space for rental functions for the community. The Lyceum Museum Shop carries a wide variety of maps, books, note cards and special items related to Alexandria's history. The present-day Lyceum Company serves the museum as a membership and fund-raising organization. Walk to Old Towne! Old Towne is filled with historic landmarks, carriage rides and walking history tours. Just a few miles down George Washington Parkway is the nationally renown collection of museums called the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a wonderful zoo. Civil War enthusiasts might want to inspect Fort Willard just as President Lincoln did. Fort Willard has long since abandoned its military use and is now a quiet park like Fort Hunt. If you are interested in architecture and local history visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House or the Woodlawn Plantation. The Collingwood Library and musuem is dedicated to providing information about our national heritage to the American Public. Collingwood is available to anyone who cares to learn of the heroic efforts made by American Patriots, particularly members of the Masonic Fraternity, in founding and developing this, the greatest nation on earth.
Collingwood is a resource as a local library but also interesting place to visit in it's own right. For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

About Gadsby’s Tavern

tavern
Gadsby's has been a landmark in Alexandria since colonial days.

Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria is an Early American-style restaurant which holds a great history behind. It is a museum of 18th century where the buildings are noted for exquisite Georgian architecture with a colonial appearance.

Gadsby's Tavern was named after Englishman John Gadsby who was a great leader in the City of Alexandria.

Dining at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town Alexandria is a unique experience. The food is excellent and the atmosphere exudes late 18th-century charm. Entertainment is provided and costumed staff provide friendly service.

Old Town Alexandria real estate
For help with real estate in Old Town Alexandria VA contact Nesbitt Realty

Aubrey NesbittAbout the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is an Old Town Alexandria attraction

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is know offering "Behind the Counter" tours. These tours include the examination of the building, archival materials, journals, letters, ledgers, orders, invoices and even actual prescription and formula books. Tours are monthly on the 3rd Saturday from 9:00a.m.-10:30a.m. and are limited to 12 people because of the exclusive access given. You must make reservations and there is a cost.  This includes a nice breakfast as well. For more information please contact: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105-107 South Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA. 22314 703-746-3852
Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Alexandria’s George Washington Masonic Memorial

Masonic Temple
Masonic Temple
As a tribute to our first president, George Washington, the Masonic Memorial was created.  The memorial looks like the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. With 9 floors in the edifice, it has something for everyone. The first floor is dedicated to the Shriner's, with the George Washington Memorial Theater joining along side. The second floor features the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. On the third floor is the Grotto Exhibit, an organization featuring the Master Masons. The fourth and fifth floors are covered with paintings, and historical documents. The sixth contains the Memorial Library. Once on the seventh floor you will experience murals of Masonic lessons. On the eighth floor is The Knights Templar Chapel. Finally, as  you make your way to the ninth floor you will see a replica of King Solomon's throne. This historical site is a must see. It contains many reflections of one of our founding fathers and a glimpse inside the mysterious. The Masonic Memorial is easily accessible near the King Street Metro. The Masonic Memorial has a spectacular view of King St and is right in front of the Alexandria Amtrak station. For more information please contact: George Washington Masonic Memorial 101 Callahan Drive Alexandria, VA. 22301 703-683-2007

Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is famed for its quaint historical atmosphere. Englishman John Gadsby operated a tavern here from 1796 to 1808. In those days, the tavern was the hub of political, business and social circles in Alexandria. Thus, Gadsby's Tavern is an important part of the 18th Century heritage of today's Old Town Alexandria.
tavern
Gadsby's has been a landmark in Alexandria since colonial days.
Today Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located on Royal Street, a few blocks from route of the King St. trolley. Admission is only $4 for adults and $2 for children. Children under 11 are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. The museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. While in operation, the tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. Prominent patrons such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette are part of the history of Gadsby's. At the tavern you can journey back to the 18th-century in a place where famous historical figures and everyday people dined and slept. The museum helps educate today's generations about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of the 1700's. There is a restaurant still in operation in the building. The tavern can be rented for weddings, banquets and any meeting where linen tablecloths and a post-colonial setting are appreciated. Please note some tour times are not available due to special events at the museum.  Please call in advance or check the online calendar for more information.

Protected by the First Amendment: The Newseum

The Newseum located in the heart of DC claims itself to be the most interactive museum in D.C. It is found on 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001 and is kid friendly. The newseum is a great place for younger audiences to interact with local and national headlines. It offers a balcony flaunting an excellent view of the capitol (pictured below).
View of the Capitol from the Newseum Balcony
A first Amendment Tablet made of marble is located on the front of the museum. The exhibits include a Great Hall of News, a Pulitzer Prize Photography Gallery, a 4-D film adventure theater, a Berlin Wall Gallery, a Documentary Theater, and a Sports theater. Special sites include a September (9-11) gallery of the news coverage of this landmark event and an archive of major news headlines ranging from the presidential impeachments to technological achievements. The museum is very visitor oriented; there is even a broadcast studio that guests can report the news themselves. It features a green screen and teleprompter that guests can read off of. Options even include a weather reporting station. Homes for Sale in Arlington

Properties in

National Musuem of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution
Museum of Natural History in Washington DC
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, the green-domed museum on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian building constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities.
Julie at Natural History Museum
Julie at Natural History Museum

Newseum — a museum dedicated to news

The Newseum is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. between the White House and the U.S. Capitol and adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. The exterior's unique architectural features include a 74-foot-high marble engraving of the First Amendment and an immense front wall of glass through which passers-by can watch the museum fulfill its mission of providing a forum where the media and the public can gain a better understanding of each other. The Newseum features seven levels of galleries, theaters, retail spaces and visitor services. It offers a unique environment that takes museumgoers behind the scenes to experience how and why news is made. The Newseum offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits.