Our List of Tourist Attractions Includes All The Fun Things to Do In Northern Virginia

Week of June 17: George Washington's Distillery

Mount Vernon

If you've ever wondered how George Washington made his famous rye whiskey, you can find out at his Distillery located a short distance from his Mount Vernon Estate. At the adjacent Gristmill, guests can find out how an 18th Century water-powered mill works and how it creates cornmeal out of corn. Once you've seen the process, keep an eye out for the rare announcement about when George's coveted whiskey goes on sale to the public!

Week of June 10: Sully Historic Site & Udvar-Hazy

Chantilly

This week is a double whammy! Every Father's Day weekend, Sully Historic Site and Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center (located adjacent to one another) hold subsequent events that every dad will love. Start your day with Sully's 40th Annual Antique Car Show and admire more than 400 classic cars on the grounds. Then head to Udvar-Hazy to Become a Pilot for the day and interact with real pilots, observe the many types of aircraft on the hangar and test your skills in the simulator! Check our calendar for more details.

Week of June 3: Lake Anne Plaza

Reston

The historic heart and soul of Reston, Lake Anne Plaza has become a community hot spot for locals and visitors to shop, eat, enjoy the lake, and attend events. This summer, the folks at Lake Anne have started a free Film Festival kicking off this weekend where you can watch some classic movies by the lake.

Week of May 27: Great Falls National Park

Great Falls

When the weather starts to warm up visitors and locals alike begin to flock to Great Falls. Aside from the majestic views of the Potomac crashing down the rocks (try overlook #3) there is plenty of walking trails to get in a workout. If you want to get a grill and picnic table, get there early as these first come, first serve hot commodities are in high demand.

Week of May 20: Gunston Hall

Mason Neck

Gunston Hall is the home of Virginia Bill of Rights author and Founding Father George Mason. Rich in history and stunning Georgian architecture, estate visitors can enjoy guided tours, hiking trails and onsite events. Don't miss the Memorial Day event on Monday, or the naturalization ceremony this Saturday!

Week of May 13: The Winery at Bull Run

Centreville

Want a little history with your wine? This new winery, located adjacent to the Manassas Battlefield Park, offers up a unique setting that dives into Civil War history. Try the Delaney wine, named for the owner's daughter, and stop by on the weekends for live music. This weekend, make sure you visit to take part in the Bluebell Music Festival!

Week of May 6: Ellanor C Lawrence Park

Chantilly

Nestled off Walney Road in Chantilly, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is home to 650 acres of open space with great spots to bird watch, hike, picnic, or attend a number of educational or cultural events. This weekend, moms and kids can celebrate Mother's Day with a special campfire at the park.

Week of April 29: Tysons Corner Center

Tysons/McLean, VA

Shop 'til you drop has never been more accurate when you walk in the doors at Tysons Corner Center. The 400-plus stores in this shopping mecca range from fashion to electronics to home goods to, well, even olive oil. And once your little feet are tired from all that walking, you can either get a pedicure or catch a movie ... not to mention a delicious meal or drink at one of the many dining options.

Week of April 22: Occoquan Regional Park

Lorton

Occoquan Regional Park's expansive acreage and historical location makes it a great place to visit during warm spring months. This weekend, the Park is teaming up with the nearby Workhouse Arts Center for Springfest Fairfax - a celebration of Earth & Arbor Day with scavenger hunts, kayak & bike rentals, fishing and games.

Week of April 15: Paradise Springs Winery

Clifton

There's nothing like kicking back with a delicious glass of wine, complete with live music and a scenic view surrounding you. Find all of that at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton (you can even bring your furry friend if you'd like), and keep an eye out for the clever events being hosted (Masters Chip-Off Golf Contest, Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Kentucky Derby parties, etc.).

Week of April 8: Laurel Hill Golf Club

Lorton

The weather is finally cooperating and you know what that means ... time to get out and work on your golf swing! This 18-hole course in Lorton features 7,010 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 71! It's a one-of-a-kind course surrounded by natural beauty.

Week of April 1: Freeman Store Museum

Vienna

This old-town general store in Historic Vienna was actually used as a makeshift hospital for injured soldiers during the Civil War. Today, you can visit the house museum to see furniture, artifacts, photos and more from that era. Also, this weekend, an all-day National Register of Historic Places celebration will take place in Vienna near the Store!

Week of March 25: Fairfax County Visitor Center

Tysons Corner

Your one-stop-shop for all kinds of information on things to do in Fairfax County! But, this week, during National Cherry Blossom Festival, you can pick up a free gift along with information on the fun event taking place March 30th from 12pm - 3pm. Don't miss it!

Week of March 18: TopGolf

Alexandria

Spring officially begins this week so it's time to start practicing your golf game. Or in the case of TopGolf, its time to practice your golf game, play some putt-putt, have some food and drink, and see if you can master some of their addictive range games hitting your hooks and slices from the convenience of their all-weather facility.

Week of March 11: Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Annandale

Located in the 52-acre Annandale District Park, the Hidden Oaks Nature Center features interactive exhibits, a pond, woodland trails and creeks with butterfly gardens and a nearby playground. Children can participate in workshops and other programs all year long, including the Shamrocks and Snakes class this Sunday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Week of March 4: Historic City of Fairfax

Fairfax

The Historic City of Fairfax has plenty to see and do regardless of when you visit, but on March 9th the streets of downtown will be filled with Civil War reenactors and events commemorating Mosby's Midnight Raid. This is the city's signature event during the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Civil War.

Week of February 25: Frying Pan Farm Park

Herndon

This family friendly park preserves and interprets a 1920s through 1950s farm and has events, activities and special programs throughout the year. New this year is the Bluegrass Barn at Frying Pan Farm Park which feature bi-monthly concerts by well-known bluegrass artists. See their website for details.

Week of February 18: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon

With Monday being Presidents Day and this week being George Washington's birthday week, where else could you possibly want to go than to Mount Vernon? Festivities all day on Monday and a great place to visit regardless of when you go. Happy Birthday General Washington!

Week of February 11: Riverbend Park

Great Falls

Has recent weather given you and your family cabin fever on the weekends? If so, we suggest you visit Riverbend Park in Great Falls. They have some great upcoming hiking sessions for adults and fun programs for the kids as well.

Week of February 4: Laurel Grove School

Alexandria

This tiny building on Beulah Road in Alexandria was deeded to the segregated Virginia school system by Georgianna & William Jasper in 1881 to educate colored children. It served the community until 1932 and exists today as the only colored school still standing in the region, a prized possession of a striving people. It is a living museum available to the public and area schools. Celebrate Black History Month by visiting Laurel Grove School!

Week of January 28: Jammin' Java

Vienna

This hidden gem of a concert venue in the heart of Vienna is a live music lovers dream. Great shows, ranging from kid friendly acts during the day to nationally known favorites at night, grace the stage virtually every day of the year. Make sure to go early for a show, check out the Lobby Bar and tell Jammin' Java Door Gal we say hello!

Week of January 21: Dulles Expo Center

Chantilly

The Dulles Expo Center hosts many events throughout the year, including home & remodeling shows, huge DC flea markets, golf shows, gun shows, jewelry shows and more. This weekend, you can catch the oft-returning Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, where you can find any number of handmade gifts, furniture, gourmet food and photography.

Week of January 14: Stuart-Mosby Civil War Museum

Centreville

The Stuart-Mosby Civil War Cavalry Museum recently opened in Centreville to display artifacts connected to Confederate stalwarts Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Co. John Mosby. Located near the site of one of the old Confederate forts, the museum touts Centreville as a trading crossroads, which was a factor that led to several Civil War fortifications by Confederate soldiers.

Week of January 7: Green Spring Gardens

Alexandria

Gardens in the winter? Yes, it's true! A year-round gold mine for children and families, Green Spring offers a museum, a national historic site and an outdoor classroom for nature enthusiasts. Sign up for some of the winter lecture series or painting classes, or just register for the many fun tea parties held in the mansion. You may be surprised at what you'll find at Green Spring Gardens!

Week of December 31: The State Theatre

Falls Church

Kick off the New Year right by catching popular band The Legwarmers at The State Theatre. The storied venue always has a great lineup of shows for music lovers of all kinds, so take a look at the schedule and find a show that suits your tastes for the new year!

Week of December 24: Fairfax Ice Arena

Fairfax

The holidays are here! What better way to celebrate than bring the kids and family to the Fairfax Ice Arena and enjoy their public skating sessions? They're open until 4:30pm on Christmas Eve and reopen the day after Christmas for skating throughout the week.

Week of December 17: Colvin Run Mill

Great Falls

Visit Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls for a peek back in time to see how the water-powered technological marvel works (built in 1811 and still in operation!). You can tour the massive waterwheel and gears, feel the stones that grind grain and hear stories about a man whose ideas revolutionized the milling industry. Also, stop in the general store to buy your own ground cornmeal, or during the holidays, observe the model train display in Colvin Run Barn.

Week of December 10: Sully Historic Site

Chantilly

Sully Historic Site reflects the history of Fairfax County. The country home of Richard Bland Lee (General Robert E. Lee's uncle), Sully continues to provide vivid contrasts between today's life and the everday realities of life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Northern Virginia. Also, around Christmastime, Sully hosts candlelight tours, special Civil War Christmas tours, and much more to illustrate the holidays of the past.

Week of December 3: Reston Town Center

Reston

Reston Town Center makes for an ideal downtown center, combining the vitality of an Italian piazza with the diversity of a French boulevard. In the winter months, the Reston Town Center Ice Rink opens for fun skating adventures. Shopping, dining, year-round special events and a multiplex movie theater round out what makes this town center a good place to get lost for a few hours.

Week of November 26: FFX Station Railroad Museum

Fairfax Station

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum hosts their annual Holiday Model Train Display on December 1st & 2nd. For 23 years this event has brought holiday cheer to Fairfax County and this year's event includes 10-15 layouts of trains brought in by local collectors, in addition to the permanent displays in the museum.

Week of November 19: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Vienna

You may think a Botanical Garden would be a good spot to stop during the spring and summer, but don't forget about the winter! Meadowlark has just started its first Winter Walk of Lights - a .6 mile walk filled with over 500,000 LED lights! Open now through January 6th.

Week of November 12: GMU Center for the Arts

Fairfax

All year long, the George Mason University Center for the Arts holds fine arts, theater and music performances. It is also home to the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, so you can be sure to always see a spectacular show.

Week of November 5: Workhouse Arts Center

Lorton

The site of the old Lorton prison, the Workhouse Arts Center is a haven for all types of art lovers. From galleries to performing arts, to farmers markets and glass-blowing demonstrations, to culinary classes and comedy shows, the Workhouse has it all. It's a one-of-a-kind treasure and a must-see for all visitors to the County.

Week of October 29: Air & Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy

Chantilly

You can't come to Fairfax County without stopping at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Not only can you see the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery front and center, you can also participate in exciting events like the annual Air and Scare on Halloween weekend. (Posing with Star Wars characters? Yes, please!)

Week of October 22: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is pretty much an awesome place to visit year round, but this week George Washington's estate welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days on October 27 and 28. This event is fun for the entire family and if you want to cruise to the mansion, Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price this weekend only!

Week of October 15: Bull Run Regional Park

Centreville

Bull Run's spacious fields accommodate groups by the hundreds, even thousands, for picnics, camping or special events. This week is no different as the park welcomes the 2012 NOVA Fall Brewfest featuring over 40 different beer makers and entertainment for the whole family!

Week of October 8: Angelika Film Center & Cafe

Merrifield

Fairfax County has recently welcomed a new cinema to the area - The Angelika Film Center & Cafe, located in the new Mosaic District of Merrifield. It's being hailed as a haven for film lovers and showcases a selection of the highest quality art, independent and specialty films out right now. You can also enjoy a menu of freshly prepared small plates, paired with a selection of beer, wine or champagne. See you at the show!

Week of October 1: Cox Farms

Centreville

Cox Farms is a family-owned farm that is celebrating 40 years this year. Every fall, they host an incredibly popular Fall Festival, featuring the haunted Fields of Fear, a corn maze, a harvest market, a Pumpkin Madness event, and so much more. This week they opened their doors for the 2012 season. Make sure you check them out if you're out near the Centreville area. The Fall Festival runs through the first weekend in November.

Visit Fairfax Site of the Week

Visit Fairfax Site of the Week

Things to Do in Northern Virginia

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