Entertainment & Events
Annual Charity Event
1st: Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend
Downtown Alexandria, CampagnaCenter.org/ScottishWalkWeekend, 703-549-0111
The town of Alexandria has strong Scottish roots, so every year around the holidays you’ll see the streets filled with tartan and saltires, a parade down the main streets of the city, and a scotch tasting. Proceeds from the event benefit the Campagna Center.
2nd: Heritage Charity Classic 5K/2K Walk/Run/Bike, Gainesville, HeritageHunt.net, 703-743-2000
3rd: Light the Night Walk, Reston, LightTheNight.org, 877-586-9255
BOV20_Living_and_recreation
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Art Event
1st: Art on the Avenue
2301 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, ArtOnTheAvenue.org, 702-683-2570
This highly anticipated event takes place on the first Saturday of October every year. Stretching across 10 blocks of Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue, with more than 50,000 annual visitors, the multicultural Art on the Avenue celebrates community diversity through different forms of art.
2nd: Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston, RestonArts.org, 703-471-9242
3rd: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, (now known as the Old Town Art Festival), VisitAlexandriaVa.com, 703-838-5005
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Art Gallery
1st: Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St., Alexandria, TorpedoFactory.org, 703-746-4570
Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria, Torpedo Factory Art Center was a naval munitions factory before it was converted into an art center. The nation’s largest collection of working artists’ open studios under one roof, it contains a wide variety of media, including painting, ceramics, and stained glass.
2nd: Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, WorkhouseArts.org, 703-584-2900
3rd: Center for the Arts, Manassas, Center-For-The-Arts.org, 703-330-2787
Museum
1st: National Air and Space Museum’s
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, AirAndSpace.si.edu, 703-572-4118
Two large hangars display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. The center also offers an IMAX theater, the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, and the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. Researchers will find a majority of the archives collection in the Udvar-Hazy Center reading room.
2nd: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, MountVernon.org, 703-780-2000
3rd: Manassas Museum, ManassasCity.org, 703-368-1873
Historic Site
1st: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., MountVernon.org, 703-780-2000
The home of the nation’s first president, George Washington, sits on the bank of the Potomac River south of D.C. Tour this historic home and its many outbuildings, gardens, gristmill, distillery, and more to learn what the first POTUS was like in his personal life. Visitors can even visit the tomb where he and his wife were laid to rest.
2nd: Arlington National Cemetery, ArlingtonCemetery.mil, 877-907-8585
3rd: Old Town Alexandria, VisitAlexandriaVa.com, 703-838-5005
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Tourist Attraction
1st: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., MountVernon.org, 703-780-2000
Combining an 18th-century mansion, lush gardens, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, first-rate dining, and shopping, Mount Vernon is an incomparable national treasure. Like a gateway back in time, George Washington’s Mount Vernon gives guests a look into the everyday life of the Washington family.
2nd: Old Town Alexandria, VisitAlexandriaVa.com, 703-838-5005
3rd: Great Falls National Park, McLean, NPS.gov, 703-757-3101
Food or Drink Festival
1st: Bands, Brews & Barbecue
9101 Prince William St., Manassas, VisitManassas.org, 703-361-6599
Nothing goes together quite as well as music, barbecue, and beer. The festival offers more than 25 breweries, three bands, and all the barbecue anyone could want, so it’s easy to see why people come back year after year. This year, country music joins the lineup.
2nd: Occoquan Chocolate Walk, OccoquanGuild.org, 703-491-1918
3rd: Art on the Avenue, Alexandria, ArtOnTheAvenue.org, 702-683-2570
Non-Food Festival
1st: Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show
314 Mill St., Occoquan, OccoquanVa.gov, 703-491-2168
For the past 50 years, the town of Occoquan has shut down for two days a year to celebrate its community and local artists. With food trucks and vendors set up throughout the festival, locals and visitors alike can spend the weekend enjoying many different types of art.
2nd: Christmas in Middleburg, 540-687-3600
3rd: Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, CelebrateFairfax.com, 703-324-3247
Historic Theater
1st: The Barns at Wolf Trap
1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, WolfTrap.org, 703-255-1900
Made up of two barns, each built in the 18th century, this theater looks more like a farm than a performance venue. One barn serves as front of house and the other is the large stage and seating area, proving that music and theater can be found anywhere.
2nd: State Theater, Falls Church, TheStateTheatre.com, 703-237-0300
3rd: Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg, TallyHoTheater.com, 703-777-1665
Music Venue
1st: Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, WolfTrap.org, 703-255-1900
Situated in Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts, this Fairfax County amphitheater is a great outdoor venue, and the only concert space located in a national park. About half of the seating is covered and the rest is a grassy, elevated area, so folks can take picnics to enjoy live music.
2nd: The Birchmere, Alexandria, Birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
3rd: Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, HyltonCenter.org, 703-993-8794
Professional/Regional Performing Arts Company
1st: Signature Theatre
4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, SigTheatre.org, 703-820-9771
Signature Theatre was established in 1989 with a mission to produce new works and create fresh takes on classic musicals. The small theater lends itself to a more personal audience experience, because patrons can see performances up close and fully immerse themselves in the stories.
2nd: Little Theatre of Alexandria, TheLittleTheatre.com, 703-683-5778
3rd: Manassas Ballet Theatre, ManassasBallet.org, 703-257-1811
Entertainment Center for Adults
1st: Topgolf
20356 Commonwealth Center Dr., Ashburn, Topgolf.com, 703-763-2020
With three stories of hitting bays and a full bar and menu, Topgolf has been changing the way the world looks at golf one putt at a time. From mini games to virtual courses, experienced golfers and rookies alike can compete to see who can hit the most targets.
2nd: Dave & Buster’s, Locations in Fairfax, Springfield, DaveAndBusters.com, 703-682-4300
3rd: Wine & Design, Alexandria, WineAndDesign.com, 571-882-9463
Travel
Bed & Breakfast
1st: The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
2 E. Washington St., Middleburg, RedFox.com, 540-687-6301
Situated in the middle of hunt country, the Red Fox Inn & Tavern features 22 guest rooms, suites, and cottages. With a tavern and pub featuring Southern fare in a historic setting, the inn offers travelers a comfortable home away from home.
2nd: Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn, Middleburg, BriarPatchInn.com, 703-327-5911
3rd: Manassas Junction Bed and Breakfast, ManassasJunction.com, 703-216-7803
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Hotel
1st: Ritz-Carlton
1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean
1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington, RitzCarlton.com, 703-506-4300
The Ritz-Carlton offers luxury accommodations and outstanding service at both of its Washington, D.C. locations. In McLean, the hotel is connected to high-end shopping at Tysons Galleria, while the Arlington location offers direct access to The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City; both are just a short distance from the iconic landmarks of downtown D.C. and serve chef-inspired menus at their restaurants.
2nd: Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, Alexandria, LorienHotelAndSpa.com, 703-894-3434
3rd: Morrison House, Alexandria, MorrisonHouse.com, 703-838-8000
Resort
1st: Salamander Resort & Spa
500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, SalamanderResort.com, 844-303-2723
Since 2013, this resort and spa has been serving Middleburg locals and visitors with luxurious and relaxing escapes and retreats. Go on a zipline adventure, enjoy fine dining at Harrimann’s Virginia Piedmont Grill, or meet the resort’s most popular guest––Cupcake, the miniature horse with a big personality.
2nd: Lansdowne Resort & Spa, Leesburg, LansdowneResort.com, 703-729-8400
3rd: Airlie, Warrenton, Airlie.com, 540-347-1300
Pets
Dog Park
1st: Vint Hill Dog Park
4263 Aiken Dr., Warrenton, VintHillDogPark.org
It’s in a dog’s nature to want to run and play with other dogs. In these 1.25 acres of fenced turf, your dog is free to do just that. With plenty of shade and water provided, dogs of any size can enjoy themselves at this park.
2nd: Shirlington Dog Park, Arlington, Parks.ArlingtonVa.us, 703-228-3000
3rd: K-9 Gunner Memorial Dog Park, Lake Ridge, PWCGov.org
Dog Training Company
1st: Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Northern Virginia
9823 Godwin Dr., Manassas, SitMeansSit.com, 571-208-1681
This training company had been open for 30 years before Ted and Sonny Madsen took ownership in 2011. One of the area’s most popular training services, Sit Means Sit trains owners as well as dogs, creating great outcomes for pet families.
2nd: WOOF! Dog Training Center, Arlington, WoofsDogTraining.com, 703-536-7877
3rd: Wholistic Hound Academy, Alexandria, WholisticHound.com, 703-962-6335
Pet Boarding/Day Care
1st: Dogtopia
Multiple locations, Dogtopia.com, 703-278-2101
Dogtopia ensures that every dog is happy and healthy, whether they are visiting for grooming or an overnight stay. But you don’t have to take their word for it—every facility offers high definition webcams in every indoor playroom, so you can see your dog enjoying its playtime no matter where you are.
2nd: Paws Awhile Pet Motel, Warrenton, PawsAWhilePetMotel.com, 540-347-4855
3rd: Old Towne Pet Resort, Springfield, OldeTownePetResort.com, 888-475-3580
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Veterinary Hospital
1st: Pender Vet Animal Hospital
4001 Legato Rd., Fairfax, PenderVet.com, 703-591-3304
This caring hospital provides quality veterinary care, boarding, support services, and animal education for Fairfax, Chantilly, and Centreville. With 24-hour emergency care and support, all pets will receive the care they need from the experienced veterinarians and staff.
2nd: Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Falls Church, CaringHandsVet.com, 703-942-8800
3rd: VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, Alexandria, VCAHospitals.com, 703-751-2022
Kids
Day Care or Preschool
1st: Bristow Montessori School
9050 Devlin Rd., Bristow, BristowMontessori.com, 703-468-1191
Bristow Montessori is celebrating 10 years of serving children from infancy through kindergarten. Through individualized and cooperative learning, this Montessori program helps children maximize their potential by nurturing independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
2nd: Kindercare, Multiple locations, Kindercare.com, 888-525-2780
3rd: Chesterbrook Academy Preschool, Fairfax, ChesterbrookAcademy.com, 703-803-7920
K-12 Independent School
1st: Burgundy Farm Country Day School
3700 Burgundy Rd., Alexandria, BurgundyFarm.org, 703-960-3431
Burgundy Farm believes that children learn best in an inclusive, creative, and nurturing environment that engages the whole child. With its hand-on approach to education, it cultivates independent thinking, promotes academic excellence, and instills respect for diversity.
2nd: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, Alexandria, SSSAS.org, 703-751-2700
3rd: Flint Hill School, Oakton, FlintHill.org, 703-584-2300
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Summer Camp
1st: Congressional Camp
3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church, CongoCamp.org, 703-533-0931
From horseback riding to swimming, this camp offers activities for children from preschool through eighth grade. On a mission to develop and encourage the personal, physical, and intellectual growth of each child entrusted to its care, Congressional Camp has been providing fun for kids since 1940.
2nd: Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, Freedom-Center.com, 703-993-8444
3rd: Camp Highroad, Middleburg, CampHighroad.org, 540-687-6262
Birthday Party Place
1st: Sky Zone
Locations in Manassas, Springfield, Sterling, SkyZone.com, 703-334-0323
Thinking of a way to create great birthday memories? Skyzone is a massive indoor trampoline park will entertain every member of your party with wall-to-wall aerial action. Once the party is booked, sit back and let the experts handle it—they’ll help with setup and cleanup, so you can enjoy yourself, too.
2nd: Launch Trampoline Park, Herndon, LaunchTrampolinePark.com, 571-386-1800
3rd: Children’s Science Center Lab, Fairfax, ChildSci.org, 703-648-3130
Family Entertainment
1st: Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, WolfTrap.org, 703-255-1900
With an assortment of concerts and performances year-round, the Filene Center provides entertainment for all ages. More than 100 acts perform at the open-air amphitheater every summer. Picnics are welcome on the lawn.
2nd: Harris Pavilion, Manassas, ManassasCity.org, 703-257-8453
3rd: Great Country Farms, Bluemont, GreatCountryFarms.com, 540-554-2073
Playground
1st: Clemyjontri Park
6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-388-2807
Kids are allowed to be kids at this park, with its unique playground that allows children of all abilities to play side-by-side. With ramps connecting structures and a soft rubber surfacing, it is accessible for children who use wheelchairs, walkers, or braces as well as those who have sensory or developmental disabilities.
2nd: Burke Lake Park, Fairfax Station, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-323-6600
3rd: Chessie’s Big Backyard, Alexandria, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-922-9841
Outdoors & Active
Dance Studio
1st: Tiny Dancers
Locations in the D.C. Metro Area, TinyDancers.com, 703-385-5580
When owner Donna Rathe opened Tiny Dancers in 2001, it shared space with a karate studio. Since then, it has grown to three locations with more than 1,000 students. The studio’s mission is to acknowledge the physical and emotional aspects of each child’s development and provide all students with personalized instruction.
2nd: Chris Collins Dance Studio, Alexandria, ChrisCollinsDance.com, 703-370-7808
3rd: Showcase Dance Studio Inc., Manassas, Showcase.dance, 703-368-0555
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Golf Course
1st: Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club
6901 Arthur Hills Dr., Gainesville, HeritageHunt.net, 703-743-2000
This Arthur Hills signature golf course is designed to provide just the right experience for both experienced golfers and those just starting out. Its amazing staff, putting greens, driving range, and professional shop have made it one of the best golfing destinations in Virginia.
2nd: Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, ANCC.org, 703-521-6800
3rd: Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, RTJGC.com, 703-754-4050
Gym or Fitness Studio
1st: Native Barre Studios
8 Jay St., Middleburg, NativeBarre.com, 540-687-4643
Every day holds new and exciting classes taught by motivating and passionate instructors at this studio. Native Barré’s method helps build a strong core, creates long and lean muscles, lifts the seat, increases flexibility, and improves posture. It provides amazing exercises made for people who hate having to work out and love having fun.
2nd: Life Time Athletic, Fairfax, LifeTime.life, 703-323-8700
3rd: Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, Freedom-Center.com, 703-993-8444
Hiking or Biking Trail
1st: The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
21293 Smiths Switch Rd., Ashburn, NovaParks.com, 703-729-0596
Built on a roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, this 45-mile-long paved trail traverses the urban heartland and countryside of northern Virginia. Built for running and biking, the trail lies adjacent to a bridle path for 33 of its miles. The trail has multiple parking areas for convenient access.
2nd: Great Falls National Park, McLean, NPS.gov, 703-757-3101
3rd: Manassas National Battlefield Park, Manassas, Facebook.com/ManassasBattlefield, 703-361-1339
Park
1st: Burke Lake Park
7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-323-6600
Burke Lake Park has something for everyone in its 888 acres. Friends and family can gather here four outdoor activities ranging from hiking to disc golf. Plus, the park’s marina allows patrons to explore the area by water as well.
2nd: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-437-9101
3rd: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, FairfaxCounty.gov, 703-759-9018
Illustration by Chiara Vercesi.
Marina
1st: Prince William Marina
12849 Gordon Blvd., Woodbridge, PWMarina.com, 703-494-6611
While offering the highest quality marine products and services, and creating a place for the community to gather, Prince William Marina houses up to 660 boats at all times. Its restaurant, yacht club, volleyball court, boardwalk, and other amenities ensure that guests keep coming back for more.
2nd: Bull Run Marina, Clifton, NovaParks.com, 703-250-9124
3rd: Belle Haven Marina Inc., Alexandria, SailDC.com, 703-768-0018
