(Northern) Virginia

*This section is currently written about northern Virginia for those stationed in the DC area – make sure to check out the complete DC guide here. However, my husband and I also spent a year and a half in Charlottesville, VA as he worked towards completing a post-baccalaureate program at UVA. Although there is not a large military base here, I’m hoping it may be helpful for the small amount of military stationed at / attending the JAG Legal Center and School. I am working on updating this section.

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Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia (NoVa) is made up of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford counties and the independent cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park. It’s HUGE. Most people I’ve meet who are stationed in Virginia just say they are “stationed in DC” (make sure to check out the full DC guide!), but for those who are stationed in Virginia and like to stay more exclusively in Virginia, here’s a page just for you with some ideas and resources.

There are millions of things to explore in these area. To help narrow it down, below is a list of my favorite local parks, trails, and battlefields, important places, venues to enjoy an adult beverage outside of the big cities, and farms/u-pick options. Click here for further away day or weekend trip ideas. Or, check out this page devoted to kid activities if that’s your current life situation. And don’t forget to check out this map for help with adventure planning!

Alexandria
NoVa Green Areas
Not-to-Miss NoVa Spots
NoVa Drinks
NoVa Farms / U-Pick
Map

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Alexandria

A friend recently mentioned that I needed a full section on Alexandria, and after remembering all the amazing things to do here, I couldn’t agree more! If it were more convenient to Walter Reed I would have chosen to live in Alexandria in a heartbeat…it has small town charm with all the benefits of being next to a big city. There’s history hiding along every cobblestone street and tons of restaurants, museums, shopping, etc…PLUS, it’s right on the water and quant AF. If I didn’t live exactly on the opposite side of the beltway, I would be spending a LOT of time exploring this “suburb” of DC. Anyway, whether you are a hop, skip, and a jump away or have to brave the beltway like I do, don’t miss checking out Alexandria at least once.

For those who need some direction, here are a few of my favorite things to do in Alexandria (or, maybe even better, check out this awesome list from the experts at Washington.org):

• Explore the famous King Street Mile via foot or free trolley
• Do all.the.things. in Old Town / Waterfront
• Take a selife in front of the narrowest houses in America at the Spite Houses
• Find the Fairies of Del Ray
• Imbibe at Lost Boy Cider / Port City Brewing Company
• Play at Jones Point Park
• Visit GW’s OG home at Mount Vernon
• Catch great views of DC along the Mount Vernon Trail

And here are a few other top pics:

• Stabler Leadbetter Apothecary Museum
• George Washington Masonic National Memorial
• Carlyle House Historic Park
• Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
• Christ Church
• Torpedo Factory Art Center
• Larz Anderson House / Society of the Cincinnati

There are a million more ideas to add. Also Alexandria has a TON of fun festivals (Holiday Boat Parade, Scottish Walk, Presidents Weekend festivities, and more!). Take a look at VisitAlexandria.org or comment below with anything I may have missed!

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Northern Virginia Green Areas

There are so many beautiful areas and parks to explore in Virginia! Here are a few of my favorite “local” options. Click here for further away day or weekend trip ideas. And here’s a map in case it’s helpful.

• Bull Run Regional Park
• Burke Lake Park
• Gravelly Point
• Great Falls National Park
• Green Spring Gardens
• Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
• Huntley Meadows Park
• Jones Point Park
• Leesylvania State Park
• Manassas National Battlefield
• Mason Neck State Park
• Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
• Mount Vernon Trail
• Occoquan Regional Park
• Potomac Overlook Regional Park
• Prince William Forest Park
• Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
• Shenendoah National Park
• Sky Meadows State Park

Here’s a map of some of my favorite green spaces from across the DC area in case it helps:

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Not-To-Miss Northern Virginia Spots

Air Force Memorial

Beautiful monument with a gorgeous view that overlooks the city. Check it out!

Arlington National Cemetery

Everyone is familiar with the symmetrical rows of white grave stones and the rolling hills of Arlington National Cemetery, but there’s so much other beauty to honor at the final resting place of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice! Besides walking around and reflecting, don’t miss stops at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s Gravesite (here are other notable graves), or the Memorial Amphitheater. The welcome center is chock full of great info, and if you are looking for an even mre meaningful experience, the annual Wreaths Across America event is a great way to pay tribute to those who lay in peace (and it’s a really fun community event!). To note: There is ample parking (compared to the National Mall) but be prepared to do a lot of walking as roads are only open to those who have family passes.

Iwo Jima / US Marine Corps Memorial

The U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (also known as Iwo Jima) is not only a beautiful memorial itself, it also boasts great views of the downtown monuments. Located right across the bridge from Georgetown, next to Arlington National Cemetery, and the Netherlands Carillion, it’s also easy to get to (with lots of parking options). Go at sunrise for a treat, or at sunset during the summer, when the park plays host to weekly military band concerts.

Mount Vernon

You could spend an entire day visiting George Washington’s home – there are gardens, distilleries, grist mills, scenic river views, GW’s tomb, and of course, the beautiful mansion. You can opt for itineraries for kids or for the most knowledgeable American history buff. There is a fee to enter, so make sure to ask about the military discount!

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Located right next to the actual Pentagon, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is a very serene and moving place to visit at all times, but especially if you have the opportunity to visit on September 11th. To get to the Pentagon, you can take the Metro or park at the nearby Pentagon City Mall and walk…there is no public parking.

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Udvar-Hazy Center is the second building that makes up the National Air and Space Museum and it’s located in Virginia, about 30 minutes outside of DC. This museum is basically two GIANT aircraft hangars that holds hundreds (thousands?!) of aviation aircraft. The museum has an iMax theater, simulators, an observation tower and more – make sure to check out the floor plan to guide your route in this humongous space. Top highlights are the Space Shuttle Discovery (yes, the actual, life-sized space shuttle!), B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, a stealth bomber, Air France Concorde, and Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird among so many other cool things. I’ve been here countless times and it never gets old seeing these larger-than-life famous aircraft!

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

A National Park for the Performing Arts including an outdoor amphitheater as well as an indoor space; hosts performances of all genres with options for everything from kids to opera lovers. The best part about this venue? You can bring in your own food and booze if you opt to sit on the lawn! Their typical season runs in the summer, with an option for holiday concerts in December too.

Women’s Military Memorial

The Women’s Military Memorial is located in the “Hemicycle”, the ceremonial entrance to the Arlington National Cemetery. I have been to the Cemetery numerous times but didn’t know this existed! It is on our list for our next trip!

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Northern Virginia Drinks

By no means a complete or comprehensive list – just a few favorite “outside the big city” options that have delicious brews or gorgeous views – or both!

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Map

This is the complete map, so click the layers on the left hand key to filter for what you are looking for. I find it helpful to see what is around wherever I am going, so I can combine adventures, such as something historical with fun drinks!