1 Day "From the 18th Century to Outer Space" Tour Summary
With just one day in Fairfax County, you can step back in time, stroll through history, and soar into space. At George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, learn about the man who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." A new $110 million expansion brings history to life through interactive, multi-sensory experiences. In the City of Fairfax, in addition to enjoying its quaint charms, you'll see where some of the Civil War's defining moments, among a host of historical happenings, took place. Wrap up your day with a visit to the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, where you can get up close and personal with the Space Shuttle Enterprise, test your skills in a flight simulator, and enjoy an IMAX movie-all in one building!
2 Day "From the 18th Century to Outer Space" Tour Summary
Sure, you can see a whole lot of Fairfax County in just one day—but give us two and oh the places you’ll go!
On Day One, we recommend starting at Gunston Hall, home of Founding Father George Mason, featuring astounding craftsmanship, fun festivals, and hands-on activities. At the Woodlawn Mansion, and Frank Loyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House, see two stellar examples of American architecture on one site—one a gift from Washington to his nephew and step-granddaughter, the other an example of modern design and innovation from one of America’s most revered architects! Learn about the man who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. A new $110 million expansion brings Washington to life through interactive, multi-sensory experiences. Down the road apiece, at George Washington’s Gristmill & Distillery, see corn ground into meal and watch distillers demonstrate the 18th century techniques used to produce Washington’s “liquid gold.”
On Day Two, we recommend starting with a visit to Sully Historic Site, once the home of Virginia’s first congressman, Richard Bland Lee. Tours of the home and gardens, including unusual artifacts like a (stuffed) white squirrel once kept as a pet by the Lee children, are offered. Next, fly high with a trip to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. See the Space Shuttle Enterprise, test your skills in a flight simulator, and enjoy an IMAX movie, among many exciting offerings. In the City of Fairfax, in addition to its obvious quaint charms, you’ll see where some of history’s defining moments took place, much of it during the Civil War era. Finish up the day with a visit to Historic Clifton, whose winning charms include enchanting shops, a general store (and community meeting place) that harkens back to an earlier time, and wonderful restaurants—one of Nancy Reagan’s favorites among them.
5 Day "From the 18th Century to Outer Space" Tour Summary
There’s no need to leave any stone unturned with five days to spend in Fairfax County and the Washington D.C. area. The region’s most fascinating historical sites and attractions are all within easy driving distance, and our five-day tour will take you to all of the places you’ll want to see, in the county and beyond.
We recommend spending the first day of your tour in the southern region of Fairfax County—including stops at Gunston Hall, the former home of Virginia statesman George Mason, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, where a recent $110 million expansion brings Washington to life.
On Day Two, take to the skies with your first stop, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum, in the northwest corner of the county. See the Space Shuttle Enterprise, test your skills in a flight simulator, and enjoy an IMAX movie, among many exciting offerings. You’ll also have the opportunity to see a 19th century water-powered gristmill in action, tour the home of Robert Bland Lee, Virginia’s first congressman, and enjoy a stop at Frying Pan Farm Park, a re-created 1920s-era farm.
Head east on Day Three with a trip first to Arlington National Cemetery. The graves and monuments to our fallen soldiers are just some of what you’ll see. While there, make time for a tour of Arlington House, Robert E. Lee’s home on the grounds, and be sure to see the remarkable changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Later stroll through beautiful Old Town Alexandria, and end the day with a trip to the National Mall, where some of the country’s most important memorials can be found, as well as the offerings of the legendary Smithsonian Museums.
Day Four promises a full slate of fun. Start at the majestic Great Falls National Park and see nature in all its awesome glory. Also on the agenda is a trip to Claude Moore Colonial Farm, where you can watch an 18th century farm family in action. In the afternoon, head on up to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, featuring a host of fantastic attractions—museums, shopping, restaurants, the National Aquarium, and well-known Camden Yards, now home of the Baltimore Orioles.
Finish your visit on Day Five with a morning trip to the National Firearms Museum, at the NRA Headquarers in Fairfax, featuring firearms owned by notables from Napoleon to Annie Oakley, and more. Next stop at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Quantico, where the history of the Corps is interpreted through thousands of artifacts, photographs, letters and documents. End the day with an afternoon in Historic Fredericksburg, the boyhood home of George Washington, and the location of a number of historic landmarks and Civil War battlefields, among other attractions.