18th Century to Outer Space in Fairfax County

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Sart your itinerary with the most visited historic estate in America, George Washington's Mount Vernon. One of the nation's most beloved historic sites, Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life through interactive experiences, immersive programs, tactful conversations, intriguing museum exhibits, magnificent gardens, and an acknowledgment of George Washington's life and legacy. After arriving, you should start your visit at the Ford Orientation Center, where staff will help you plan your day, and you can pick up your estate map, which can help you make sure you see everything that piques your interest.

The estate is made up of the historic mansion where Washington lived, the Ford Orientation Center, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, the outbuildings inhabited by formerly enslaved individuals that helped sustain the bustling estate, and the gardens and landscapes that Washington devoted much of his time to. Also on the property is Washington's Tomb. Dignitaries from around the world have visited this location to pay their respects to General and Mrs. Washington. Be sure to take a tour if possible while visiting, which will give you a greater perspective into the estate and will ensure you don't miss any of the special areas on the property, such as the Slave Memorial and the Pioneer Farm. Events are held throughout the year, and you can even travel to the estate by boat, so check their website for all the details before you come.

You could spend a full day here, so we highly recommend going to Mount Vernon Inn for a scrumptious meal before heading to your next location. While there, you can savor regional and colonial cuisine in one of six intimate dining rooms. Need another reason to go? With historic meals easily accessible, you can literally get a taste of the past and have delicious desserts like this great cake, recipe courtesy of Mount Vernon Inn, associated with Martha Washington! 

George Mason's Gunston Hall

To continue the exploration of the past for America's 250th, head down the road a little bit to visit another Founding Father's home, George Mason's Gunston Hall. A visit to Gunston Hall begins in the Visitor Center with an exploration of the center's exhibits, which highlight details of George Mason's civic career and the lasting influences of his most famous document, the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This document laid the groundwork for the U.S. Bill of Rights. Exhibits also focus on facets of his personal life and other aspects of 18th-century plantation life.

Perfect for exploring, and just to the east of the house, is a group of reconstructed buildings including a kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, and laundry. They surround a well that resides on its original 18th-century foundation. These self-guided buildings replicate the typical support buildings for an 18th-century plantation household. 

Enjoy the view of the Potomac River from Mason's newly reconstructed garden overlook, or take a peaceful hike down to the banks of the river. A short distance from the house is the Mason family graveyard. During the warm weather months, archaeologists can often be found on the grounds discovering more information about Mason's plantation.

No visit to Gunston Hall is complete without a stop at the Museum Shop. One can find books and other printed materials in this shop about George Mason, Gunston Hall, and 18th-century life, as well as a variety of unique gift items. 

Sully Historic Site

End this section of the itinerary at an oasis of the past. Sully Historic Site reflects the history of Fairfax County and constantly finds new ways to introduce the public to its 200-plus-year history. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle. On the National Register for Historic Places and accredited by the American Association of Museums, Sully Historic Site also includes original outbuildings, representative quarters of the formerly enslaved, and gardens. Along with the history of the estate, the aforementioned structures have also helped the site to be named a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom by the National Park Service. Guided tours highlight every well-earned accreditation with information on the early 19th-century life of the Richard Bland Lee family, tenant farmers and formerly enslaved African Americans.

National Museum for the U.S. Army

Ready for more ways to commemorate America's 250th? Elevate your experience at the National Museum of the United States Army with living history. The first comprehensive and truly national museum to display and interpret the Army's story, the museum tells more than 250 years of military history through immersive multimedia exhibits. While there, be sure to explore the exhibit CALL TO Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War on the second floor. But don't wait - this exhibit is only open until 2027. Excellently descriptive with an inside glimpse into the past, the exhibit explores the lives of hidden revolutionary figures and even includes the famous sword of General Cornwallis' surrender.

After you finish on the second floor, venture back to the first floor to explore several galleries that track the U.S. Army's history from the very beginning to the present day. From the perspectives of soldiers to the testimonies of families, the galleries on the first floor are designed to showcase real stories that connect to the humanity of the Soldiers themselves. You don't need to be a veteran or know someone in the service to appreciate the sacrifices and the courage that you will learn about within these walls.

The Workhouse Arts Center

After leaving the National Museum of the United States Army, make a short trip to the former prison-turned-Workhouse Arts Center to see modern-day art through the lenses and perspectives that make up the America we know and love. The Workhouse supports more than 100 professional and emerging visual artists by providing them with affordable studios and galleries in which to create and exhibit their work. As such, the Workhouse is a cultural hub of stunning visual arts, breathtaking performances, the Military in the Arts Initiative, the Art of Movement program, and large-scale community events. Offering more than 800 arts education classes and workshops in a broad spectrum of art disciplines, this is a great stop to observe American art history in real time and contribute to the American story with your very own creation. 

In addition to the amazing arts opportunities, the Lorton Prison Museum & Lucy Burns Gallery is definitely worth a visit while at the Workhouse. Another amazing way to connect the past to the present day, this small museum adds incredible context to the 19th Amendment and the hard-won right to vote for women. The museum documents the story of the suffragists who were imprisoned on this site and connects their triumph over adversity to the votes that connect every American in solidarity. Visitors can see artifacts, learn more about their history, view original log documents, and even walk through a remodeled cell block. In building W-16, steps away from the museum, visitors can also marvel at the stunning mural by artist Sunny Mullarkey entitled "Equality for All," commissioned by the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission, which depicts several famous suffrage leaders.

After you're finished creating your own history and examining your current place in the American voting system, venture over to Bunnyman Brewing Cafe before you head to the next location. Serving craft beer, a full food menu, plus coffee and pastries, this on-site eatery is an amazing place to fill up for the last leg of the day.

Turner Farm

Recognizing that we exist under the same sky as America's Founding Fathers and America's future generations is a very powerful thing. Wonderfully encapsulating the beauty of the present, end this section of the itinerary by exploring the night sky with a visit to Turner Farm Park. The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Analemma Society work in partnership to provide an amazing observatory experience. Stargazing in Observatory Park is open to the public for viewings of the night sky every Friday night beginning at sunset, weather permitting. Weather and sky conditions can be monitored by viewing the weather watch on the park's website. To determine whether it is a good night to come out, here is the rule of thumb we go by: If you can see clouds, no. If you can see stars, yes. If you do visit, bring telescopes and cameras. You may also want to bring chairs or blankets and snacks. The Friday night viewings usually last about an hour, starting at sunset.

LEGO® Discovery Center

How do YOU envision America's future? Are there flying cars? Has the world come together to terraform Mars? In your mind, the possibilities are endless, and with LEGO, you can build the future you want to see! This family-friendly space is wonderful for all ages to explore the possibilities of tomorrow. Dedicated to creation, LEGO Discovery Center offers a highly interactive indoor LEGO experience where families are free to play, explore, craft, and laugh together. The 32,000-square-foot attraction features 12 zones to build the future with your own two hands.

From launching LEGO space ships to 4-D Experiences, there's plenty to do for everyone, no matter your age (be sure to check out our events page for Adult Only Nights). And who knows, maybe what you make at the LEGO Discovery Center could be in the blueprint for America's next 250 years.

Will you be hungry after all the creativity? Highly probable! For a few themed eats and a quick recharge, check out the LEGO Café before heading to the last location in your 18th-Century to Outer Space itinerary.

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Center

Finish up your 18th-Century to Outer Space itinerary at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F.Udvar-Hazy Center. Perfect for envisioning all the places we as a country are yet to go and the U.S. history yet to be written, the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Its two huge hangars - the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar - display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery. The Center also offers the Airbus IMAX® Theater and the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, which gives you a 360-degree bird's-eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area. The Udvar-Hazy Center hosts special programs throughout the year, and you should check the museum's website before you visit to see if something extra exciting is happening when you're going to be there.