Exploring the Northern Virginia Area
Activities Near the Hyatt Fairfax at Fair Lakes
Ø Hike in Great Falls National Park: http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park. At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. There is a $5.00 charge per car for a three-day pass.
Ø Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport: www.nasm.si.edu
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center provides dramatic views of an aerobatic airplane hot-dogging upside down, World War II fighters angling for a victory, and numerous engines, rockets, satellites, gliders, helicopters, airliners, ultra-lights and experimental flying machines. Watch air traffic leaving from and arriving to Washington Dulles International Airport from the 164-foot Donald D. Engen Observation Tower. The tower displays air traffic control equipment that replicates those used in an operating airport control tower. The center has an IMAX theater and offers flight simulator rides for a fee. There is a cafeteria and museum store. Admission is free; however, parking is $15.
Ø Frying Pan State Park: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fryingpanpark
The park preserves and interprets a 1920s through 1950s farm, the agricultural process, and rural community life and landscape. There are wagon rides, a country store, and visitor’s center. The on-site farm raises horses, chickens, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, and pigs. Call or check their website for a special event schedule which may include musical performances and festivals. Admission is free.
Ø NextStop Theatre: http://www.nextstoptheatre.org/industrial-strength-theatre
NextStop Theatre Company’s Industrial Strength Theatre was established in 1988 as one of the very few municipal experimental theatres in the United States. Most “black box” theatres were found either on college campuses or in converted buildings of the inner city. The Elden Street Players “liberated” a warehouse from other industrial uses in November, 1988, when they staged “Freedom of the City” inside the concrete space in nearby Herndon. Check their website for current performance schedules.
Activities in Washington, D.C.
Reston is located about 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. To get there, use the Metro subway system from the newly opened Wiehle Avenue-Reston Metro station on the silver line. Access a subway map at http://www.wmata.com
Ø Bus and Trolley Tours: http://www.dctours.us
There is so much to see in Washington D.C., and with heavy traffic and extremely limited parking, one way to see the sights is to take one of the hop on and hop off tours. Double-decker buses or trolleys go to the White House, the Capitol, the Smithsonian, and Arlington National Cemetery. Costs and stops vary. Check the websites for ticket and itinerary information.
Ø Smithsonian Museums: http://www.si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution—the world’s largest museum and research complex—includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park. The scope of objects in Smithsonian collections is staggering—from ancient Chinese bronzes to the Star-Spangled Banner; from a 3.5 billion-year-old fossil to the Apollo lunar landing module; from the ruby slippers featured in The Wizard of Oz to presidential memorabilia. Scholars and scientific researchers at the Smithsonian and around the world use these vast collections in their research to expand human knowledge. Check the website’s map for directions to each museum. While there may be a small fee to access some theatres inside the museums, entrance is free.
Ø Spy Museum: http://www.spymuseum.org
The Spy is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. It features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Many of these objects are being seen by the public for the first time. General admission is $21.95. Check the website for hours and special events.
Ø The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: http://www.kennedy-center.org
The Kennedy Center, located on 17 acres overlooking the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., is America's living memorial to President Kennedy as well as the nation's busiest arts facility. The Center, which opened on September 8, 1971, continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages. Tickets to current performances may be purchased online.
Additional Historical Sights Nearby
Ø Old Town Alexandria: www.visitalexandriava.com/about-alexandria/old-town-alexandria
Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city on the Potomac River waterfront. Fine dining connoisseurs head to the city's gourmet hubs for palate-pleasing dishes. In search of stylish steals and high end clothing, hailed by The Wall Street Journal for having "some of the best stores and galleries in the [DC] region." Get up close and personal with artists at the 82 artist studios in the Torpedo Factory Art Center or tuck into cozy venues for live theater and music. Whether you're traveling by the free King Street Trolley, bike, boat or on foot, Alexandria is an easily accessible hotspot for those seeking vibrant history and culture in a thriving city. Minutes from D.C., Old Town Alexandria is conveniently located near Reagan National Airport and is serviced by the King St-Old Town Metrorail station.
Ø Arlington National Cemetery: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
The grounds of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honor those who have served our nation by providing a sense of beauty and peace. The rolling green hills are dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age and complement the gardens found throughout the 624 acres of the cemetery. This impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery welcomes visitors to explore the rich history found within the cemetery grounds. ANC Tours by Gray Line provides an interpretative tour busservice with stops at the John F. Kennedy gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Arlington House (The Robert E. Lee Memorial). Entrance to ANC is free; however, there is a fee for the Gray Line tour. See the website for more information.
Ø Mount Vernon: www.mountvernon.org
Guests visiting the estate can view Washington’s Mansion and many other original structures. The historic footprint also includes the tomb of George and Martha Washington and a memorial dedicated to the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate. Interpretive spaces such as the Pioneer Farm and George Washington's Gristmill & Distillery provide a rich understanding of Washington's enterprising and profitable business ventures. The $17 general admission ticket includes one day admittance to the Mount Vernon Estate and George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill. Plan to allow at least three hours for a visit.