1) Try Out Local Produce
With over 50 award-winning wineries and more than 30 craft breweries, Loudoun County, AKA DC’s Wine Country®, is a heavyweight when it comes to local refreshments. Good luck finding a better place to nurse a pint or a pinot in all of Northern Virginia. Fact. It’s not just drink that’s keeping Loudoun afloat, either – its strong agricultural roots make for some delicious local cuisine. Farm-to-table dining is pretty common around these parts, making grass-fed meats, seasonal vegetables, and local-caught scallops a given. Take your pick of gastropubs, BBQ joints, and seafood spots to get a true taste of Northern Virginia’s magic.
2) Explore the World-Renowned Public Art Scene
It doesn’t matter if you’re an art buff or looking to level up your step count – a public arts tour of Arlington is a no brainer. Since 1979, various artworks have been commissioned by the Arlington Public Art program to reflect the personality of the place. Arlington’s also home to the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Arts Arlington, Alliance Gallery at The Crossing Clarendon, and the Fred Schnider Gallery of Art. It goes without saying, if you’re due a dose of culture, this is the place to find it.
3) Unlock Historic Sites
Established in 1749 as a port city, Alexandria’s centuries-old houses and charming red-brick pavements could be ripped straight from a history book. Photo opportunities here are a must. Take a stroll down the iconic King Street mile for a look at over 200 boutiques and restaurants, many of which are in their original 18th- and 19th-century buildings, or take a trip to Spite House, America’s skinniest historic house. For those wanting to scratch beneath the surface, there are plenty of historical tours and graveyard walks to explore the best-hidden secrets Northern Virginia has to offer.
4) Unwind with Live Performances
Who doesn’t love letting loose to a bit of live music? Fairfax County is peppered with venues showcasing the best of local bands, musicals, and more. A stand-out pick is Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts – the only one of its kind. This venue is open year-round with live music kicking off from May – September. With dance tracks, opera, jazz, pop and country on the setlist – you can trust in Fairfax County to bring the vibes. This place also runs the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, an interactive outdoor gig for your little ones to run wild. Community theatres like Capital One Hall and The Center for the Arts are also great picks for evenings-worth of entertainment.
5) Discover Nature’s Finest
Mother Nature took her time on Northern Virginia. Bound by lush, forested horizons and the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s really no excuse for not getting your steps in. One of its most stunning nature reserves is Prince William Forest Park in Prince William County. Make the most of the open air with a range of hiking and biking trails spanning out across over 16,000 acres. Or stop by Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, another hotspot for nature buffs. The observation decks plunge you into the heart of the Creek, leading you to the famed Potomac waterfront where you can kick back in a kayak and take in the incredible views.
Hopefully a few things have caught your eye, because this is just the start of what makes Northern Virginia such an iconic destination. If you’re nearby, do yourself a favour and make that detour. Or, if you’re ready for a feast of culture, nature, and local cuisine, book your trip to Northern Virginia today.
