Its creator, Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio originally came up with the concept when he visited a company called Insulated Business Systems. How do you like your chicken wings? Address: 401 N 18th St, Richmond, Virginia, United States. Visit this Virginia site to pay respects to those passed, or simply to bask in its historical relevance. 13 Spring & Summer Activities in Virginia for $25 or Less Arlington National Cemetery covers 624 acres of ground and has been the final resting place of many who lost their lives in national (and international) conflicts since the year 1864. Dont forget to check out the immersive programs and exhibits in the first US presidents name! Perhaps this funky little setup might catch your fancy. Since 1976, when the US supreme court reinstated the death penalty, it had carried . Either way, visitors will have plenty of fun here. Its a cool part of history thats well worth the visit on its own, but there are other boundary stones to be found in the area, including a USGS marker. The museum was promptly rebranded and is now one of the most influential and important art museums in the southeast of the nation. The Freshman VA A coffee shop that turns cocktail bar whenever you might need, The Freshman is a welcoming environment where you can get work done on the go and stay for a cocktail. It was designed by an architect named Horace W. Peaslee and a sculptor named Felix de Weldom, inspired by a picture from combat photographers Joe Rosenthal that showed six Marines on Mount Suribachi waving a flag during the Iwo Jima battle. This museum devoted to the gothic author holds such interesting ephemera as his socks and walking stick. This is when the train shuts down and visitors are allowed to trek through the cave, allowing them to walk right on the tracks. Virginia is for mountain hikers, beach-chair-sitters, oyster-shuckers, brewery-hoppers, museum goers, andwell you get the idea. Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia For Fun in Any Weather You might think that a garden is otherwise pretty boring, but the grounds are actually buzzing with all sorts of activities as well. Jockey's Ridge is the tallest sand dune system in the eastern United States and Jockey's Ridge State Park encompasses. Other endangered animals you may spot include the likes of the piping plover and sika deer as well! The Haunt walk-through trail is open nightly during Halloween weekend. Or for the more engineering-minded, watch specialists at work in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar restoring and reconstructing all sorts of rare artifacts. THE 10 BEST Northern Virginia Fun Activities & Games Fun Activities & Games in Northern Virginia Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Even if youre not much of a fan of sand, the boardwalk offers plenty of space for fun through cycling, skating, and just walking to explore, with lots of shops, statues, and dining establishments to try out. Open Road Stylish and modern, this updated, all-American eatery has a passion for music and the spirit of the open road. Decked out in Christmas lights as far as the eye can see this fun Italian eatery has the ultimate vibrant atmosphere with tasty Italian dishes to boot. Ms. Peacocks Champagne Lounge Hands down the chicest cocktail lounge around, Ms. Peacocks takes you back in time with plush, mid-century furnishings and timeless libations. Good Company Doughnuts & Caf A local cafe specializing in hand cut doughnuts- known to be the best in town! 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia (+ Map) Also known as the National Maritime Centre, the Nauticus was established in 1994 and was dedicated to the commercial and military naval history in Virginia. Virginia Beach Main Focus Media / Shutterstock Is it really a visit to Virginia if you don't go to Virginia Beach? No wonder its among the best places to visit in Virginia! The spot is essentially a theme park, suited for all ages, ranging from activities for kids to roller coasters with 74-foot drops and multiple hills for adults. An aviary of half an acre sits in the middle of the venue, an outdoor nature trail offers insight into even more animals, there are feedings of the very rare sea turtle to watch, and a small fee will let you swim with seals! This highly photogenic replica is a tourist destination that should be on your list of fun things to do in Virginia. Virginias Natural Tunnel is located in the Appalachian Mountains, and many consider it one of the most beautiful places in Virginia. Fun things to do in VA often include exploring abandoned spaces, right? Take a riveting 45-minute tour of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, the pharmacy that served Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. There are trolleys available for the disabled and elderly as well. One of the popular exhibits here is the Bay and Ocean Pavilion, which showcases bodies of water of the state and their journeys through it. No one really knows where the ponies came from. Image courtesy Instagram user@cityscapesgram. George Washingtons dentures, for example. This silly, whimsical park brings you through a path that shows the Union Armys demise to the huge dinosaurs, all in sometimes gruesome detail, set to thematic music. Over 700 different species of animals live in this vast establishment, with a total of more than 12,000 individual animals of all kinds living across various habitats and 800,000 gallons worth of exhibits! Kiptopekes Concrete Fleet is a rather special and one-of-a-kind, fun spot among the tourist attractions of Virginia. The Monticello is one of the most visited homes in America, not just in Virginia, and its for good reason. You can even book a supper in advance, should you want to watch any nighttime shows. 15 Top Things to Do in Northern Virginia By Rachel Cooper Updated on 01/01/22 drnadig / Getty Images Northern Virginia is home to a variety of attractions ranging from memorials, museums, and historic sites to state and national parks, guided walking tours, and scenic hiking trails. Planning to visit Williamsburg? The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial often referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial is a national monument recognized as one of the most iconic points of interest not just in Virginia, but all over the world. 15 Fantastic Fun Things to Do in Bluemont Virginia . Visiting this spot is among the most fun things to do in Virginia, especially if youre here with family. An endangered species unique to this barrier island, the feral ponies are largely stunted in size, thanks to their poor diet. A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. The chefs at SER hope to take you on a gastronomic journey through the many regions of Spain while keeping it Simple. Our Northern Virginia hidden gems are in two groups: natural gems and history-focused places. 4 Adventurous Outdoor Trips Within Driving Distance of NoVA These fresh-air excursions, from white-water rafting to camping getaways, answer the call of the wild or at least give you some exercise. Today, the Parkway remains one of the most beautiful drives in the country, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park. Vienna Restaurant WeekMarch 3-12, 2023. Halloween in Northern Virginia: Haunted Trails and Trick-or-treating A 300-yard long natural tunnel runs through a ridge deep in the Appalachian Mountains. It is a place that George Washington himself called his home for a whopping 45 years while he led a revolution army and supervised the construction of the home. 1. Drop on by to check out their events such as outdoor yoga, gardening classes, and even some unusual ones like PokMondays! Things to Do - Visit NoVA After the rescuers failed to find all the bodies, railroad officials decided it was too costly and sealed the tunnel for good. Address:8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336, United States. Kids and adults will love playing the games and getting to touch items that is a no-no in other museums. Looking for fun activities in Northern Virginia? The Chrysler Museum of Art also offers events in this Glass Studio. Bluemont Vineyard. Carrier Arboretums lined with a forest of Oak-Hickory, flowers, plants, and more. Look no further than Fun Land of Fairfax. American and European works, sculptures, and more make this one of the most interesting vacation spots for art-lovers. Today, this museum in Virginia hosts more than 30,000 different objects from different points of history, some dating back 5,000 years. Fredericksburg, Virginia Abandoned Virginia. . Now, though, and since 2016, the Natural Bridge is its own State Park. 2023 Atlas Obscura. There arent many activities to do here, but its still fun to visit! 9. Particularly famous places and spots of interest in Historic Jamestowne are the statue of Pocahontas, built in 1922 by William O Partridge, a triangular forts reconstruction that looks like it did when it was built by colonists, and sites that showcase cultural heritage. Staff, decked out in period attire, add to the scene. Walk around to the Colonial Herb and Flower Garden to learn about plants from the era, or head to the Colonial Living Farm to check out traditional farming methods and meet a pair of Red Devon oxen directly descended from those owned by Washington himself. The Lot A unique outdoor space featuring multiple container bars, food trucks, cabanas, a tiki bar and a rooftop lounge plus special events. These days, Foamhenge is located at Cox Farms in Centreville. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located in Alexandria, Virginia. 21 Top Things to Do in Virginia Virginia has plenty to offer from mountain getaways to city vacations. Explore the museum, but stay to wander the rest of the Workhouse Arts Center campus, which in and of itself, brings on the quirkit is an arts community housed in a former prison. Another one of the things to see in the George Washington Birthplace National Monument is the Visitors Center, which hosts artifacts from the original home and a 15-minute film that discusses the Washington family. Tacos El Chilango- Looking for a quick pick me up? Located in Richmond, Virginia, Church Hill seems to be a quaint hillside but it hides a relatively dark secret. Need some fun stuff to do while youre in Virginia? Up till 2010, one could travel to Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, to visit 43 giant busts of U.S. presidents, all sculpted by David Adickes. Salt A speakeasy of sorts located directly under Open Road, Salt is a sneaky underground cocktail lounge with dark, romantic vibes and a killer cocktail list. If you dont want to walk, you can take a tram, too, or perhaps ride the boat out onto Lake Whitehurst. Its odd to consider a home of the dead as one of the most popular Virginia attractions, but the Arlington National Cemetery fits the bill perfectly. The building is tall with a 333-foot height, built to look just like the Lighthouse of Alexandria of old. So if you are looking for things to do in Virginia with kids, we are here to help! Though it isnt connected to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, it is considered a part of it. Virginia Zoo in Norfolk: Adults $17.95, children 2-11 $14.95, children under 2 free (for a limited time, all tickets are only $11 due to ongoing construction) Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke: Adults $10, children 3-11 $8, children under 2 free. The National Firearms Museum is situated in Fairfax, Virginia and is one of the most fascinating historical points of interest you can find in the state. 16 things to do in Northern Virginia before summer ends Although it can feel expansive, the city is actually quite easy to navigate as it is separated into distinct neighborhoods, each with their own flavor and unique things to do in Arlington. It is Americas longest linear park and spans 469 miles of road, meant to join the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. Fun Things to Do in Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metro - Fairfax With 500 miles of hiking trails, 101 of which are a part of the Appalachian Trail, there is lots to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park. Spicy or sweet? Opened in 1792, this Colonial and Civil-war era drugstore is considered the "Oldest Best Preserved Pharmacy Post Revolutionary War." Just across Richmond Highway headed toward the airport youll find Crystal Drive, a lively street lined with modern buildings, cafes, and restaurants as well as a nice park for a casual lunch outside. Events and Festivals. 23rd Street South is lined with local bars and eateries inspired by international cuisine. Our region is known for its museums and historic sites. 24 of them were made, and they were brought here to protect the terminal from harsh weather at Kiptopeke Beach in 1948. These arent video games, but rather sophisticated motion-enabled, interactive simulators created for the nations premier aviation museum. Their all-day menu consists of fancy toasts, small plates, soups, salads and sandwiches made from high quality, local ingredients. One of the stops along the way is the Great Cavern, which is so huge that it has hosted weddings. Below are a few spots you dont want to miss: Quarter Market This is the holy grail of food courts. 10. from . Unusual Attractions in Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia President Heads Giant busts of 42 U.S. presidents are sitting in a field in Virginia. Perhaps it is this lack of fun that led to his exhausted death in October 1870. Theyre very self-sufficient, drinking from freshwater ponds and living off the grass. You can rest in quieter areas or be right in the heat of the crowd. The George Washington Birthplace National Monument isnt the former presidents home, as that was destroyed in 1779 in a fire. Did you know that the first federal monument in all of America is in Virginia? Things to Do in Northern Virginia - Tripadvisor Small, but well worth the stop! These works would become viewable by the public when the VFMA opened in 1936. Paranormal investigators claim this abandoned asylum is the most haunted spot in the eastern U.S. On Saturdays, the organist of the theater plays the organ, too! Top 25 Things to Do in Northern Virginia | HuffPost Life Years and years ago, the center was merely a troupe from Shenandoah Valley, touring as they could. If you opt to take a tour through the extensive cave system, youll probably be walking for between 45 and 60 minutes over the course of the 1.5-mile journey. Then clearly the solution is to add the largest water park in the state and one of the best places to visit in Virginia to your list of places to go! 125 S. Old Glebe Rd. You could find yourself at an at an iconic historic site, in a garden, visiting an art museum , performance . In the woods, this science fiction park sets the stage for an alternate reality version of the Civil War. Come in for trivia on Tuesdays or a variety of board games every other day, plus tasty beers. But that doesnt mean you wont find memorable oddities within. Medieval nerds would be familiar with renaissance faires all across the country, and Virginia is no exception to the rule. Easy. Ever wish you could step into an arcade, go-kart track, laser tag arena, and sky trail/zip line park all at once? Round Hill is a small town just east of Bluemont. America has made very little concrete ships in its time, and nine of them make up this collection, slowly decaying in a poetic, whimsical, and somewhat eerie manner off a nondescript fishing pier. Its like a Chinatown with Pho. The Edith J. Of course, there are plenty of traditional and fun things to do in Northern Virginia but I mean, come on,a foam replica of Stonehenge? The Shenandoah River winds through the park, its valleys and water rushing by as the Skyline Drive, spanning 105 miles, does the same throughout the parks length with 75 lookout posts to stop at for the best views of one of the most loved natural Virginia attractions. Ballstons version is a 3 floor wonderland of beautifully designed spaces where you can bowl, play darts, visit the arcade all with a tasty cocktail in hand and delicious food to boot. A true wonder to behold, its one of the most stunning tourist attractions in the state, and its natural status adds even more to its value as a wonder of the world, and its North Americas largest natural bridge on land at 215 feet in length. The Virginia museum features 15 galleries, all divided into different eras, typically with titles that indicate the attitude and usage of the weapons displayed. Eventually, the terminal and its ferry shut down in 1964, as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel near to the area. George Washington's dentures, for example. So we made a list for you! The Mariners Museum and Park is an impressive maritime museum that has a bit of everything. It is located in Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg, on the campus of James Madison University, and is one of the few dog-friendly locations in Virginia that you can visit. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Later, in 1774, Thomas Jefferson would purchase a large amount of land that included the Natural Bridge from King George III. Snuggle with your date while sipping a glass of wine and taking in panoramic views of Loudoun Valley. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Washington D.C., Rosslyn is known for its spectacular views of the D.C. skyline, myriad of dining options and its lively, urban vibe. Its well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings have been repurposed as culinary hotspots, independent boutiques, and intimate museums. Please note: All event times/dates are subject to change in the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. It is a Victorian estate that formerly belonged to Major James H. Dooley and his wife Sallie Dooley. Hip, smart and cultured, Ballston is the place to go for good eats, drinks, art, and even sports! Address: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States. Sfoglina latest outpost of renowned chef and restaurateur, Fabio Trabocchi. For a start, families can experience history at places like Colonial Williamsburg. The architecture of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is made with pure granite. It is one of the worlds most respected theater companies and is a surefire must-see but it didnt start out that way! Yorktown is one of three historical cities that make up the historical triangle of Virginia, making it one of the top 10 places you should visit while in the city, even if its just for the sights. Here are the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Northern Virginia. Plus coffee, breakfast and lunch. Looking for cool things to do while youre in Virginia? If youre looking for where to visit that has such a rich history, this is the place to be. You can access it via a shuttle from Corner Market during the specified hours. Gateway Park is a beautiful 3-acre park with fountains, gardens, a dog park and an amphitheater that hosts a variety of events year round including the Rosslyn Jazz festival. It focuses on displaying aircraft used by the military during World Wars I and II, and it has one of the worlds largest private historical aircraft collections. Live entertainment, Bavarian bands, and dancers dressed in dirndl all make up the best features of Busch Gardens. It was built by Freemasons to honor the late first president of the United States. The Luray Caverns are a National Natural Landmark, situated 164 feet underground with a huge size and gorgeous features that make it one of the best spots to stop by during your visit to the state. Arlington is located in Northern Virginia and sits north of Alexandria and south of Washington DC. Theres also the Explorers Theater, which features opportunities to watch 3D movies in HD that feature the ocean and the underwater world. They were first stumbled upon by four men from Luray in 1878 and are now the biggest cave system of commercial variety in all of America. There are plenty of fun things to do here, whether youre cycling through the TransAmerica Trail, walking and dining on the Riverwalk, visiting museums, checking out old houses like the Moore House and Nelson House, or learning more of the states history. The Hollywood Guns gallery has famous weapons like the .44 Magnum of Dirty Harry, the space revolver of Mal Reynolds, and the shot barrel shotgun of the Joker. Winery has two separate venue areas . 9265 13 It's no secret why the state motto is "Virginia is for Lovers." Whatever you love to do, you'll find Virginia family vacations to suit your style. Manassas National Battlefield Park was the site of two different American Civil War battles, so history buffs should add it to their list of things to see while in Virginia. Taking up 125 acres of land, the Edith J. THE 10 BEST Northern Virginia Rainy-Day Activities Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Northern Virginia Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Fun & Games The memorial is dedicated to Marine Corps since 1775 who have passed away in service to the US. SER Colorful and bright, this Spanish-inspired eatery is a true testament to Spains love of food and drink. This comfy coffee shop not only serves up some of the highest rated coffee around but it also doubles as a pop-up cinema screening independent films. Theres also the cemetery outside, home to 32 graves of Washingtons family. La Bettola Italiano Fun, casual environment offering up Italian staples with red checkered tablecloths and outdoor seating. Thomas Jefferson's estate is home to hundreds of varieties of historic fruits and vegetables. Spread across 5,500 square feet, the museum has an incredible exhibition full of indigenous species in their natural habitats, all arranged along a mile boardwalk. Bring on the quirk and unusual! Weekend Fun: Improv, Espionage, and a Book Signing Unwilling to destroy or be parted with them, the Houston-based artist moved them all to his own family farm. Lee made a lot of tough decisions over the span of his life. During air shows in fall and spring, some plans are flown and showed off in an incredible spectacle, alongside other activities! She lives in Alexandria with her two dogs, Mystic and Bodhi. It all came to a head in 1925, where 190 feet of the tunnel collapsed, trapping a locomotive, its cargo, and the men repairing the tunnel deep under the earth. When he passed away, his wife chose his final resting spot (which is the same as it is now! Address:1290 Richmond Ave, Staunton, VA 24401, United States. The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a huge limestone arch, carved out over the span of multiple millennia by the flowing of the Cedar Creek. In the coming months, his administration kicked off a massive roadway project to connect Skyline with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway was born. The first and second floors are open for public viewing, containing meeting rooms and halls. A scale model of Richmond, as it would have been in Poes time, is also set up at the museum, which has the worlds largest collection of items related to the author. Apart from all the intricacies that make this one of the most fun things to do in Virginia, cat lovers will be delighted by Edgar and Pluto, two resident black cats on the property! Nine stories are dedicated to a wide range of relevant topics. 8. It sits on 800 acres of land and can be found in the north of Fairfax County, just along the Potomac Rivers banks, close to some remains of Americas early canals, the Patowmack Canal. Theres something for everyone here, no matter what your idea of fun is. Its Biblical in theme and can be a little odd, but if youre seeking what to see, its something to add to your list! Different gardens include the rose garden, a desert garden, the butterfly area, the Annette Kagan Healing Garden, the childrens garden, and the Japanese garden, all stretched out along 12 miles of walking space. Busch Gardens is among the most famous places in Virginia, with an interesting southern Germany theme. This brewery doesn't sell food but encourages you to order delivery, pack your own, or use the BBQ Food truck they have there on the weekends to bring your own food while they provide beer. 'We're making our way': how Virginia became the most progressive With great schools, public transit, family life, and nightlife, young professionals have been flocking to the area for years. Virginia's Eastern Shore has rallied around a sweet, centuries-old local delicacy. Dinosaur Kingdom II is one of Virginias most unique places to visit and probably the most fun! Jockey's Ridge State Park. The Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center tells of the struggle to secure that right, including the infamous Night of Terror when 33 suffragists arrested for picketing outside the White House endured a night of brutality at the hands of their jailors. If so, this Spanish themed soccer bar is for you. Links offer additional information, tips, and photos to help plan your outing. Address: 1732 Popes Creek Rd, Colonial Beach, VA 22443, United States. Carrier Arboretum is among the top things to do in Virginia. Made up of three bustling neighborhoods Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard (Alexandria) National Landing is home to Amazon HQ2 and plenty of fun things to do in Arlington, particularly eat, drink, and relax. Japanese gardens and Italian gardens wind through the grounds. A 90-foot pyramid serves as a memorial for the lives that have been lost. Much of the appearance of the building looks dated in other words, it hasnt changed much over the years, making it one of the historical places of interest in the state. 40 boundary stones were used in Washington, DCs plotting, and while most have been lost to time, those that remain are fascinating to see.

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