A Visitor's Guide to the Washington DC and Northern Virginia Area

On Hiatus

2010-07-31T08:30:00.003-04:00

Thank you for stopping by.

It's been a while since any updated posts, but plan to be back soon with more regular postings, hopefully late summer or in the fall 2010. In many instances, most of the activities and places are still relevant and are annual events. Most posts from 2009 have links to the sites where current dates and times can be found if interested in a particular attraction, event or activity.

Happy Summer!

Thanks,
Leigh

Sugarloaf Craft Festival, December 11-13, 2009, Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA

2009-11-29T14:37:00.013-05:00

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival comes to the Dulles Expo Center on Friday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13, 2009. Whether you're looking to do some holiday shopping, are interested in the arts and craftsmanship, or looking to do something fun with the family, the Sugarloaf Craft Festival might be just what you're looking for.

This special event will showcase more than 250 artists from all over the U.S, many of which are very well-known local artists. Many of the artists who will be showcasing their work have exhibited in galleries and museum shows.

This artists' marketplace has lots of great things happening throughout the weekend on their schedule. For instance, visitors can enjoy a variety of family entertainment and learning which include demos, live musical performances, and children's activities. There's even a puppet show put on by Middle Earth Studios.

The expertise visitors will get the opportunity to see first hand includes ceramics, metal spinning, wood turning, culinary arts, and the chance to sample some specialty foods (also available for purchase!). There is a list of craft demos and times listed on the Sugarloaf schedule.

Admission to the festival is $7 if purchased online or $8 at the door; children under 12 are free! Parking is free and you can even print out a discount coupon on the Sugarloaf Craft Festivals website.

The Dulles Expo Center is located in Chantilly, VA, conveniently located off Route 28 (very close in proximity to I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road). Please click here for directions. To learn more about the show information, see artist profiles and view other special offers, please visit Sugarloaf's Facebook page.

Sugarloaf looks like a great opportunity to do some excellent holiday shopping!

Bull Run Park: Annual Festival of Lights, Centreville, VA

2009-11-21T08:27:00.001-05:00

The Bull Run Park has been actively setting up this event for a long time now. Visitors to the park probably noticed all of the activity going on since October.

Well, the time is almost here!

This week the Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Holiday Village opens in Bull Run Park in Centreville, VA.

Festival of Lights
From November 25, 2009 through January 10, 2010 the Festival of Lights will once again be returning to Bull Run Park. Every year this event brings thousands+ of visitors who ride through the park and view the many lighted displays from the comfort of their cars.

The Festival of Lights opens at 5:30 p.m. daily and runs until 9:30 p.m. on Monday - Thursday and on Friday - Sunday (including Christmas and New Year's Eve) until 10:00 p.m.

I'm not clear on how much the Festival of Lights costs for 2009, but I think last year was around $15. The Park typically offers lower prices on Monday - Thursday than the weekends if memory serves correctly.

Carnival
The Winter Wonderland Holiday Village will feature food, carnival rides, ice skating, more lighted displays and an animated Christmas tree. Santa will also be appearing.

The Carnival will be open (weather permitting) on Thursday - Sunday for the following weekends:

November 26 - November 29, December 3 - December 6, December 10 - December 13, December 10 - December 13, and then will be open daily from December 17 through December 31. Wristbands are $15 a person (all you want rides) or you can purchase single tickets for a dollar.

I recommend if you plan to stay and enjoy the carnival to dress pretty warm. In previous years it's been pretty cold and in the evenings it can be bitter, the wind really seems to kick up sometimes.

To receive a coupon for admission t The Festival of Lights, please visit the Bull Run Park website for more details and instructions on how to get the discount.

For those of you not familiar with this area, Bull Run Park is in the western side of Fairfax County and is located right near I-66 (although I think you may have to get off on Route 29 or one of the other exits as there isn't a direct exit off I-66, I can't remember exactly).

Northern Virginia Holiday and Chrismas Events Weekend of December 5, 2009

2009-11-16T14:17:00.007-05:00

Hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner as the temperatures are in the mid to high 60s this week. Yet the signs of holiday festivities are there.

The malls and stores are decorated and playing holiday songs and Santa is already at the Fair Oaks Mall. I was in Old Town Alexandria yesterday and they were putting lights up in the trees.

Saturday and Sunday December 5-6, 2009 is a busy weekend here in Northern Virginia. There are many Christmas and holiday events going on this weekend.

Here are a few ideas if you're looking for something to do:

City of Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols
This annual event is held at Old Town Hall and Kitty Pozer Garden at 3999 University Drive, in Fairfax.

During the day families are invited to come out and have lunch with Santa. There are three seatings, 11:30 am, 12:15 pm and 1:00 pm. This special luncheon is for kids 12 and under and cost is $5 per child with a maximum of 5 tickets (lunch will be Chick-fi-A).

Tickets for this event went on sale November 2nd and can be bought at the Parks and Recreation office located at 10455 Armstrong St and Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Rd or call 703-385-7858.

Between 5 and 6 pm there will be caroling and bell ringing. The event ends at 7 pm, and I believe the lighting takes place after the caroling, although I am not 100% sure on that. Looks to be a fun day in historic Fairfax. This event is free except for the luncheon and if you want to take pictures with Santa there is an additional charge.

City of Falls Church Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
This event features more than 60 crafters selling tons of handmade items and homemade foods. The event's advertising promises lots of kid friendly activities! Kids under 12 are free and .50 for children over 12; adults are $1.00.

The show will be held at the City of Falls Church Community Center located at 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA. The show is open on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

McLean Holiday Craft Show
The McLean Community Center is hosting a holiday craft show December 4-6, 2009. The weekend promises a variety of arts and crafts (over 70 vendors) and festive holiday music played by local school musicians.

The show will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Adults pay $2.00 admission and kids 14 and under are $1.00 (this admission fee is good for all 3 days!).

If you visit the Community Center's website, you can get a coupon for $1.00 off adult admission.

Holiday at Rippon Lodge
As a visitor you can experience historic tours of Rippon Lodge, enjoy holiday crafts for children and savor 18th century refreshments as you learn about the holiday customs from the 18th century period.

This event is a one day event on Saturday, December 5 and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rippon Lodge is located at 5500 Blackburn Rd. in Woodbridge, and the admission fee is $5.00 per person. For more information you can contact 703-499-9812.

Lake Anne Village Center: Santa Arrives by Barge and Tree Lighting
Lake Anne celebrates the holiday season on Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free to the public and is full of holiday spirited entertainment, a holiday market and Santa arrives by barge at 12 p.m.

Later at 6 p.m. visitors can enjoy Lake Anne's annual tree lighting, caroling and the lit up decorations. The Center is located at 1609 Washington Plaza in Reston.

Afterwards the Washington Plaza Baptist Church invites visitors for a special Christmas Concert at 6:30 p.m.

Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Craft Show and Tree Lighting
Located at 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW in Leesburg, this show will feature over 90 local and regional artisans selling hand made items...
Please visit the About.com page for more information, they offer a wealth of details on Leesburg's holiday events and celebrations on the weekends of December 5-6 and 12-13.

These are only a handful of events, as I read about more events or visit locations, I'll be sure and post about them. In addition as another possibility of a festive event, you may want to consider visiting the Bull Run Festival of Lights which opens for the season on November 25, 2009.

November and Thanksgiving Events in Northern Virginia

2009-11-10T09:49:00.012-05:00

In anticipation of the Holiday Season there is lots of stuff happening locally. Many events start in November, here are a few things I came across that's happening in the area in the month of November

Heritage Farm Museum
The Heritage Farm Museum in Loudoun county is hosting "Let's Talk Turkey" this coming weekend on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Kids can learn about turkeys and enjoy hands on activities, stories and games.

Visitors will have to pay regular admission fees to the museum, but the activities are free. Entrance fees are $5 adults, $4 seniors, and $3 ages 2-12. The Heritage Farm Museum is located at 21668 Heritage Farm Museum in Sterling, VA. You can learn more about this event and other information about the museum if you visit their website.

7th Annual Pentago Row Holiday Festival
This coming weekend, on Saturday, November 14 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm the annual festival takes place. There will be a festive snow fall, free horse and carriage rides, Santa comes to town, balloon art, face painting and more. For directions and more information about the event and the ice skating rink, please visit the Pentagon Row website.

Thanksgiving Weekend Art and Craft Showcase
The Vienna Community Center is hosting it's 27th annual Thanksgiving Weekend Art and Craft Showcase on Friday, November 27 and Saturday November 28 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. and on Sunday, November 29 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The event will feature more than 80 local artisans from the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild. There are lots of creations including gifts, home decor, art and more. You can learn more about the Handcrafters Guild and this event on their website.

Holidays Happen at the Reston Town Center
On November 27 from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, there's a big day planned out at the Reston Town Center as the holiday shopping season officially kicks off.

The festivities begin at 7:30 am when kids prepare to run "The Reston Mile". This event benefits www.neediestkids.org (please visit the website for sponsorship and registration information).

At 11:00 am the annual Holiday Parade kicks off. The parade is in it's 18th year. They'll be large balloons, Santa, Mrs. Claus, musical groups, dancers, antique cars and more! After the parade the kids can have an opportunity for a photo op with Santa beginning at 12:30 pm.

At 6:00 pm the holiday tree lighting and sing along begins. The Reston Chorale and brass quintet will be performing and playing along as everyong sings holiday songs. In addition, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm visitors can tour the Town Center in a horse drawn carriage ride.

The Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market St., Reston. You can learn more about this event and other Reston Town Center events on their website's calendar page.

In addition as another possibility of a festive event, you may want to consider visiting the Bull Run Festival of Lights which opens for the season on November 25, 2009.

Christmas and Holiday Events in Alexandria, VA

2009-11-10T09:26:00.009-05:00

Despite the warm seasonal temperatures currently happening in Northern Virginia, the holiday season is right around the corner. There are lots of events coming up in the next few weeks as the holiday season approaches.

Here are a few events happening in Old Town Alexandria:

Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting
This fun event is open to all as the City of Alexandria starts the holiday season with music, entertainment and a visit from both the Mayor and Santa! During the festivities visitors will get the chance to see Alexandria's tree lit for the first time of the year. The event is held rain or shine at Market Square/City Hall on Friday evening, November 27 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Campagna Center's 39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Weekend
This annual event is taking place from Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, December 5 from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. The parade, which honors Alexandria's Scottish heritage, will feature over 100 Scottish clans dressed in traditional garb and play Scottish music as they march through Old Town. As a part of the festivities, there will also be history reenactment units present. The Campagna Center is located at 418 S. Washington Street, and you can learn more about the other festivities surrounding this event on their website.

Torpedo Art Factory's Holiday Open House
On Thursday, December 03, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the Art Center becomes a holiday shopping center. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and music as they shop in the various studios. If you are shopping for the art aficionado in your life, this may be a great place to get your shopping done. The Art Center advertises gifts for every taste and budget. The Torpedo Art Factory Center is located at 105 Union St., in Old Town right on the waterfront.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum's Ornament Decorating Workshop
On Saturday, December 5 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm the Museum is hosting a free event where visitors can decorate and take home dough ornaments. These ornaments are designed to replicate the museum's own pottery collection. Sounds like a great hands on event for the kids! The Alexandria Archaeology Museum is located at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (3rd floor) at 105 N. Union Street.

Parade of Lights Holiday Boat Parade
This annual parade takes place on Saturday, December 5th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm down on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. Boat owners decorate their vessels and compete for prizes. Visitors can see the boats cruise along the Potomac's waterfront.

Kwanzaa Craft and Game Workshop
This event happens on December 12 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Alexandria Black History Museum. Visitors can learn about Kwanzaa and learn how to make Kwanzaa gifts (zawadi). The event is free and fun for all ages! The museum will provide all the necessary supplies. For more information, please visit the Alexandria Black History Museum's website. The museum is located at 902 Wythe Street in Alexandria.

Holiday Favorites with the Colonial Handbell Ringers
This event happens on December 20 from 2:00 p.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. at the Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum. The Colonial Handbell Ringers will play holiday musical classics with more than 60 bronze bells. Visitors are welcome to sing along with Christmas Carols. The Lyceum is located at 201 South Washington St., Alexandria. The event is free!

Late November and December looks to be a busy time in Alexandria. If you're looking for something to do, one of these events may be just what you're seeking.

Things to Do with the Kids: Smithsonian National Zoo, Washington D.C.

2009-11-09T07:28:00.001-05:00

If you're visiting the Washington D.C. Metro area with the kids, the National Zoo is a great place to spend the day, or even a few hours. The zoo's layout is pretty straightforward and for the most part, easy to navigate with kids.

Highlights of the National Zoo are the giant pandas, elephants, big cats, great apes (and other primates), invertebrates, the Asia Trail, and the Think Tank. (You can learn more about the Think Tank on the National Zoo's website). There's even a Komodo Dragon. I'd never seen one before...

In addition there are many other neat exhibits and hands on activities for the kids. For instance the Kids' Farm lets kids get close up and personal with the animals as children can learn about taking care of animals and also learn the fundamentals of farming. There are also lots of daily activities and occasional special events at the zoo.

These are some shots from the Giant Panda Exhibit:

The Gorilla exhibit was pretty amazing. These shots are only a small angle of the view of the entire exhibit. Unfortunately it was tough to get center and close enough during the time we visited.

Inside the Invertebrates House

Elephant exhibit is a lot of fun to watch! Quite playful too.

Simply majestic. There is no other word to describe these great cats (if you click on any one of the pics in this entry you can see any of these photos enlarged to show much better detail).

The zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC and is easily accessible by car or the Metro (Red Line). If you decide to take the Metro, you can get off at the Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan station or the Cleveland Park stop. The Woodley Station is a bit of an uphill walk, but not too bad, especially if it's a nice day.

If you drive, parking is a bit pricey, and costs $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. During peak times, it may also be difficult to get parking, so the Metro is a good choice. Traveling with the kids on the Metro isn't too difficult to maneuver.

For food, there are 3 food locations within the zoo, each having a different emphasis on the kind of food. There are also many separate vendors spread about the park. Another option is to bring your own lunch (there are some stores located just outside the zoo also where you can purchase drinks, snacks, etc).

The zoo is a fun outing for the family. Best of all it's free! Although, if you want a map of the zoo's layout, this will cost $2. (All proceeds from any kind of sale at the zoo go towards funding the zoo). Additionally there is a gift shop and many other carts throughout the zoo that sell souvenirs.

A Visit to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, Washington DC

2009-11-08T05:04:00.000-05:00

A visit to Washington DC isn't complete without a trip to the National Mall to visit the memorials. The World War II Memorial is one of the newer dedications located on the National Mall in Washington DC. It was opened in April of 2004 and was dedicated on May 29, 2004.

This Memorial was built to honor the 16 million military members of the armed forces, the 400,000+ who died and everyone who supported the war effort back on U.S. soil. Visiting the Memorial evokes a lot of emotion for the visitor. There are usually a lot of visitors on the site at any given time of the year and it is not uncommon to see many WWII Veterans and their families visiting the Memorial leaving bouquets of flowers and setting down to visit different locations in the Memorial (all photos can be clicked to enlarge).

The design of the Memorial is beautiful and awe inspiring:

When visiting Washington D.C., the WW II Memorial is located on 17th Street between Constitution and Independence Avenues. From the monument, the Lincoln Memorial sits behind it, and the Washington Monument sits ahead in front of the entrance (there is a bit of a walk between the Monuments). You can visit the WWII Memorial 24 hours a day, and the site is open daily.

Veteran's Day Events in Northern Virginia and Washington DC

2009-11-05T22:19:00.007-05:00

This coming Wednesday, November 11th is the observance of Veterans Day. There are many local events in the Northern Virginia area taking place to recognize the heroism and acts of those who have previously served or continue to serve in the military.

Here are a few of the local events taking place to remember our Veterans and pay tribute to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Manassas Veterans Parade
On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the first ever Veterans Parade in Manassas will take place. The parade is hosted by the American Legion Robert V. McMaugh Memorial Post 10, and will start at 11:00 a.m. in Old Town Manassas. For more information please visit the parade's website.

Arlington National Cemetery
The National Veterans Day service and wreath-laying ceremony will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11:00 a.m. on Veterans Day. It is recommended that visitors arrive early, at least a half-hour, before the ceremony because seating in the amphitheater is limited.

Veterans Ceremony of Remembrance
This remembrance ceremony will take place on November 11 at 10:30 am at the Fairfax War Memorial (located at the corner of Route 236/Main St., and Route 123/Chain Bridge Road) in Fairfax, VA. The ceremony is hosted by the American Legion Post 177 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8469.

Veterans Day Tours at Fort Ward
To recognize Veterans Day, this Saturday, November 7, 2009, Fort Ward will have a special event where visitor tours are led by a Union soldier in period uniform. Each tour is one hour and will "introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th-century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War." (Fort Ward website).

There are two tours, one at 10:00 a.m. and one at 2:00 p.m., and the event is free. The Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.

World War II Memorial
There will be a special wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on November 11, 2009 at 8 a.m. at 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW Washington, DC.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A special wreath-laying ceremony takes place on November 11, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Memorial at Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC. There will be Color guard, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate.

Vietnam Women's Memorial
This event takes place down on the National Mall on November 11, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW Washington, DC. Vietnam-era veterans and the children of veterans tell stories "in their own voices" about their experiences. (About.com).

Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
On November 11, 2009 Mount Vernon salutes Veterans by hosting special activities on Veterans Day.

These include a "patriotic community concert by the all-veteran barbershop chorus at 11 a.m., at 2 p.m. wreathlaying at the tomb of our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, and "Martha Washington" talking about her work with veterans at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Little Theater" (Mount Vernon.org). Active duty military personnel and veterans are admitted free of charge. All other visitors will be admitted with regular admission fees to Mount Vernon.

Wherever you are on Veterans Day, or any other day, please take a moment to remember and thank those brave men and women who serve.

Visiting the Historic Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria, VA

2009-11-05T04:53:00.000-05:00

Christ Church is an active parish and has been since the 18th century. Over the centuries many people have come to Christ Church to meet their spiritual needs, and today the number of parishioners exceeds two thousand members.

Three Sunday services are offered with Holy Communion at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. There is also a Morning Prayer Service held at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

The Church is open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are offered by the Church's Docents, and visitors are given a lot of background information including architectural descriptions, interesting facts and historical stories of the Church. The tour is very informative and a wonderful opportunity if you're in Old Town Alexandria.

Construction of the church began back in 1767 and was completed in 1773. These photos were taken from the exterior of the Church. The first photo is of the entryway and the second picture is the front door which is very elaborate in design and beautiful. The Church's bell tower was built in 2 phases, the information provided by the Church indicates the second addition was added somewhere around 1820.

Clicking on any of these photos will greatly increase the detail and clarity of each shot.

The interior of the Church is absolutely beautiful. I don't feel the photos I've taken truly show the beauty of Christ Church. If you click on each photo, this gives a better detailed view.

The first photo is of the Wine-Glass Pulpit which was installed in 1890's. There are no records to indicate where the original was placed, but this one was installed traditionally in design, location and with consistency to liturgical practices of the 18th century.

If you click on these two photos you can see the Hand-Lettered Tablets which contain the Apostle's Creed, Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Amazingly, these are original to the Church and have never been retouched; records indicate they were originally white but now are golden in color. They were painted by Colonel James Wren who also was the one who designed the Church's architectual drawings and specifications.

The pews are much like they were in the 18th century. Back in colonial times people 'owned' pews. The first photo is taken from the rail of the pew where George Washington worshiped when he was in Alexandria. The second photo is of another pew located nearby.

On our tour we were told that it is customary for every President of the United States to visit Christ Church at some point during their time of office. Robert E. Lee was also a parishioner and was confirmed and later married to Mary Custis (George Washington's step-great granddaughter) in Christ Church.

Christ Church is located on 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information about the congregation and complete history you can visit the Church's website at www.historicchristchurch.org.

Northern Virginia: Fun Things to Do with the Kids

2009-11-04T05:12:00.000-05:00

If you live or plan to visit the Northern Virginia area with kids, there are a gold mine of things to see and do that are bound to perk your child's interest.

Northern Virginia is a very family friendly oriented area and there are many various places you can take the kids throughout the year.

Here are a few top picks...read more...

Christmas Events at Mount Vernon Estate, Virginia

2009-11-03T01:17:00.000-05:00

The Christmas season will be soon upon us and events are already planned in much of Northern Virginia. Mount Vernon is no exception. Here are a couple events which are going on at George Washington's famous estate:

Mount Vernon by Candlelight
Tickets are now on sale (as of November 1) for "Mount Vernon by Candlelight" which runs from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This special after hours event will feature a delightful evening hosted by Mrs. Washington herself. The evening promises candlelight tours, dancing, music, fireside caroling, ginger cookies and more. During the event you can expect to see visitors from the 18th century come and ring in the holidays with visitors for what sounds like a great time.

The cost of admission for adults is $18 and children 11 and under are $12. I'm not sure if/how fast this event sells out, so if this event is something you're interested in you might want to inquire about this.

Christmas at Mount Vernon

This event runs from November 27, 2009 to January 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Christmas is a special time at Mount Vernon as themed Christmas trees, gingerbread, chocolate making demos and more happen during this time.

In years past the estate has opened up the rarely seen 3rd floor which is not open during the rest of the year because it is small space and cannot handle the high volume of visitors. I'm not sure if that is happening again this year, but it's pretty neat to see if they do.

Christmas is a special time at Mount Vernon, but you can also experience the regular tour and visit the grounds.

You can learn more about these holiday events if you visit the Mount Vernon website.

Northern Virginia Christmas Market: Dulles Expo, Chantilly, VA

2009-11-02T07:01:00.001-05:00

The leaves are falling, temperatures have dropped, and this means the holidays will soon be upon us. If you haven't started Christmas shopping yet, the Northern Virginia Christmas Market is taking place at the Dulles Expo Center from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15, 2009.

The annual holiday Christmas Market is in it's 16th year. This year will showcase over 250 art and craft exhibitors who travel to Northern VA from all over the United States.

Shoppers can peruse many fine arts, pottery, stained glass, wood, jewelry and photography. In addition the market advertises many "one of a kind Christmas collectibles". One admission price covers all three days. The cost is $8 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

The market takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Dulles Expo Center is located at 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA 20153.

For more information on this annual event, please visit the Christmas Market's website. In addition there is a discount coupon offered if you donate canned food to the Capital Area Food back. See their website for the necessary form to receive the coupon.

Car and Carriage Caravan Museum at Luray Caverns, Luray, VA

2009-11-01T03:53:00.002-05:00

The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum in Luray is an interesting place to visit. If cars and old time transportation are an interest or hobby of yours, you'll love this museum.

It's a little off the beaten path for the Washington D.C area, but a fun day trip if you're looking for things to do. The caverns are a great tour and the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum is a bonus when you go to visit Luray Caverns.

In the museum there is a large collection of different modes of transportation which each showcase the milestones and progress made in transportation from 1725 to 1941. In the collection are carriages, a baby buggy, bicycles, delivery vehicles and of course cars. These modes of transportation have been restored beautifully.

This museum has a lot of interesting history contained within it's walls and it's a great side excursion when visiting the caverns. Here are a few pictures of some of the historic vehicles (if you click on any of the photos you can see much more detail).

Whether you're interests lie with cars, history and the development of transportation, this is a neat museum. As you tour the exhibits you get a distinct realization of the progress society has made over the centuries.

The museum is free with a paid admission to the Luray Caverns. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and you can read more about it on the museum's section of the Luray Caverns website. For more tips and pictures on visiting the caverns please visit this entry which offers a review, travel tips and photos.

Halloween in Northern Virginia: Places to Trick or Treat in Fairfax

2009-10-31T05:47:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween!
Still a few Halloween events going on. If you're still undecided where to take the kids trick or treating today or if you want to try somewhere new outside the neighborhood, here are a few organized events in Fairfax County that are going on today:

Fairfax Corner Halloween Spooktacular
This event starts at noon and runs until 4:00 p.m. Activities include a Mad Science Halloween show, costume contest for the kids, pet costume contest, face painting, games and more. The location is at the Fairfax Corner Intersection of Monument Dr. and Fairfax Corner Ave., Fairfax, VA. Admission is free! Please visit their website for the times of each event and other activities scheduled.

National Firearms Museum Trick-or-Treat
The museum is hosting their 1st trick or treat event this year. Children are welcome to dress up and trick or treat through the exhibits. You do have to pay admission to the museum, but the the museum will be decked out in Halloween decor and the kids can trick or treat between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. The National Firearms Museum is located at 11250 Waples Mill Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030

Ghost Train Rides at Burke Lake Park
Kids are welcomed and encouraged to come in costume for this seasonal event. Kids can ride the train (and under 6 must have an adult accompany them) and at the end of the line receive a treat from the Great Pumpkin. The Ghost Train Rides are running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last ticket for sale is at 4:30 p.m.). The "train station" is located at Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, VA. The cost is $4 and age 1 and younger are free! Please visit the Parks website for more information about the event.

Fair Oaks Mall
This year the Fair Oaks Mall is hosting it's 22nd annual Halloween event. Kids can dress up and go trick or treating through the various stores in the mall between 5:30 - 7:30 pm. The Fair Oaks Mall is located at 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033

Fairfax Christian Church
This year the Fairfax Christian Church will be hosting their 1st Halloween celebration. The event is open to the public and they'll have games, food, music, costumes and fellowship. Visitors are welcome to bring desserts, games or music. The party begins at 6:00 p.m. and runs until ????. Fairfax Christian Church is located at 10185 Main St., Fairfax, VA and you can visit their website for more information.

Whatever you decide to do today and this evening, have fun, be safe. Happy Halloween!

Fall Things to Do: Corn Maze in the Plains, Northern Virginia

2009-10-28T18:17:00.022-04:00

Corn Maze in The Plains is a great family day. The farm is located in Northern Virginia, and while the corn maze is the primary attraction, there's also lots of other great stuff to do too.

For the kids there's a whole play area set up, complete with slides, swings and obstacle courses. There's also some animals and other fun activities to enjoy, such as a hayride.

The corn maze and hayrides are also enjoyable for adults and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the farmer's market is open. Visitors can purchase organic and locally grown produce and baked goods, or other homemade items.

Here's a shot of the play area:

What fall farm event wouldn't be complete without pumpkins for sale!

The main event --- the bridge that takes you to the exit of the corn maze. It's located right near the entrance, but you can't get to it so easily! Lots of walking and mazes to go through before you can reach and cross that bridge.

Visitors are given a pole with a flag to carry along their journey through the maze in case someone loses their way or needs assistance. Throughout the corn maze visitors have to find seven tables (or maybe it was six?) where a question is offered and depending on your answer, a clue is given on which direction to take. An incorrect answer will lead you in a circle or off in the wrong direction, but a right answer will get you another step closer to the exit!

The view from the inside of the maze is gorgeous...

Corn maze in the Plains is a great day and gets a thumbs up. The day we attended was a beautiful autumn day and the family thoroughly enjoyed it. You can find out more about Corn Maze in The Plains on their website.

The festivities began on September 26, but runs until November 8, so there is still time to check it out if you're looking for this kind of event. The farm is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on Friday and Saturday nights, visitors are invited to try the moonlit maze. That looks like a challenge!

Corn Maze in The Plains is conveniently located immediately off I-66 and is about 60 minutes west of Washington D.C. (if traffic is kind on that day, for a Friday night, I'd advise alloting much more time for this trip due to commuter traffic on I-66). In addition, you can obtain a $1 off ticket (up to 4 people) off the Corn Maze in The Plains website.

Fall Things to do in Northern Virginia: Corn Maze in the Plains

2009-10-25T08:44:00.005-04:00

Corn Maze in the Plains is a farm located Northern VA that looks like a great family day. The corn maze and fall seasonal events opened September 26, however there is still time to check it out as the fall festivities run until November 8th 2009.

Celebrating their 10th year, the Corn Maze in the Plains also advertises hayrides and live entertainment on the weekends, and on each weekend in October through November 7th, visitors can enjoy a moonlit maze. Their are also other fun things such as face painting, pumpkin painting, corn husk doll making and more.

Corn Maze in the Plains is conveniently located off I-66. Their location is at 4501 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, VA 20198. Also, their website also has a coupon good for $1 off admission for up to 4 people.

From their website: "More than a walk thru stalks. There is something for everyone, from toddlers to teenagers, and of course there is a days worth of fun for adults too! "

Sounds intriguing and fun for all ages! My family plans to attend in the daytime in the very near future (if the weather cooperates and we can make it, I'll post pictures and a review).

Haunted Hayrides at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA

2009-10-22T14:22:00.005-04:00

If you're looking for seasonal things to do in the Northern Virginia area, or just some Halloween Fun, Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon is offering a limited number haunted hayrides this Halloween season.

For those who like to get a little spooked, "Fright Night Wagon Rides" takes place on Saturday, October 24 from 7 to 10 p.m.

The farm is a happy and cheerful place during the day, but during this evening after the sun goes down, the creepiness begins and the farm becomes inundated with monsters, ghouls and even zombies. Admission to the haunted hayride is $8 a person and reservations are recommended.

For those who are afraid of the dark and terrifying woods, if you wait a few days until the monsters, ghouls and zombies have left town for the year, little ones and those afraid of spooky creatures can enjoy the "Hardly Haunted Hayrides". These trips through the farm are offered from Monday, October 26 - Wednesday, October 28th at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.

To make reservations you can call the farm at 703-437-9101. Frying Pan Farm Park is located in Herndon at 2709 West Ox Road.

If after this you're appetite for haunted events still is longing for more, check out some of the other haunts and ghost tours going on in Northern Virginia.

Fall Festivals: Ticonderoga Farms, Chantilly, VA

2009-10-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ticonderoga Farms is located in Chantilly on the western side of Fairfax County. Their annual Pumpkin Festival began on September 17th and runs until November 10th.

This years events highlight hayrides, animal petting, log forts, a tee pee village, panda bamboo puzzle, spooky barn, slides, tetherball, and more (check their website for full details).

We'll probably check this one out when the rain lets up. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and looks like a great time for the kids. Admission is $7.95 a person on weekdays and $11.95 on weekends. Kids under age 2 are free!

For more seasonal Fall and Halloween things to do, I invite you to visit my other entries that list and/or review the many haunted events, ghost tours, and corn maze s in the region.Also, Pumpkinville in Leesburg is another family fun day.

Great stuff happening in Northern Virginia in fall 2009!

Restaurant Review: Lotus Vegetarian, Chantilly, VA

2009-10-12T14:59:00.007-04:00

Have you ever found a restaurant that you enjoy so much you return to over and over? You know the kind -- delicious food, good service and a pleasant atmosphere.

That's how I feel about Lotus Vegetarian in Chantilly, VA. We stumbled upon this restaurant as we drove through the Metrotech/Sully shopping center one afternoon several months ago. On a whim we stopped in Lotus Vegetarian for some takeout (as a former vegetarian, I still love good vegetarian food), and have been avid customers ever since, either picking up takeout or having a sit down meal.

Every visit has been a pleasant dining experience, staff is very friendly and I would highly recommend this restaurant. I've often found it hard to find good vegetarian food, and the food on this menu is the real deal.

While everything we've tried on the menu is great, my personal faves are the Orange Eggplant and General Tso's Surprise. The Crispy Sesame Burdock with Tofu is rather good too. I didn't even know what Burdock was the first time we ordered it, but I'm a bit adventurous when it comes to trying new things, and it didn't disappoint.

For the lunch specials, you can order either spring rolls, soup or salad. I typically go with soup or salad. The soup is tasty, the salads are very generous portions, and you can't go wrong ordering either side.

My kids are hard to please when it comes to vegetarian eating because they are definite meat-eaters. You know food is good when you have a 12 year old boy who loves his burgers and fries and still frequently asks to go to "the vegetarian place". The food is THAT good.

Lotus Vegetarian is located at 13872 Metrotech Drive in Chantilly (to the left of Lowe's). If you want to check out Lotus Vegetarian's menu, you can visit their website for more details.

Photos of the Manassas National Battefield in Northern Virginia

2009-10-08T02:31:00.001-04:00

The Manassas National Battlefield located in Northern Virginia holds an important piece of American history. When visiting the park you'll find there are a lot of different areas to explore.

A good place to start is the Visitor's Center where you can purchase your pass, talk to staff and volunteers who are very knowledgeable, see a movie or visit the small museum located inside.

As you begin your tour you can choose either the walking tour or the car tour. I've yet to do the car tour, but in our several visits there we've explored many of the walking areas. These shots are in the vicinity of the Visitor's Center (much better clarity and detail can be seen if you click on each photo -- especially of the Stone House).

The historic Stone House has an interesting history behind it. During the Civil War the former Tavern served as a field hospital and later as a residential home (I believe it was residential until somewhere around the 1940s if memory serves correctly).

During the warmer seasons visitors can visit Stone House on the first floor. The house has been restored to Civil War era and set up the way it looked from the days when it was a tavern. The guides who give the tour are very knowledgeable and you can really learn a lot about this piece of early U.S. history.

The Henry House has been reconstructed and rests on the Battlefield in the area it did during the war. This home was owned by the Henry family during the First Manassas Battle and Mrs. Judith Carter Henry, who was in her 80s and bedridden during the battle, refused to leave her home.

Unfortunately she became the first civilian casualty in the Battle of Manassas when she was hit by a bullet intended for a sniper. As you can see the family burial grounds still exist and are a short distance from the home. There is also a memorial located in the rear of the house to commemorate those who died in the battles (for better clarity you can click on any photo to enlarge and get a closer look).

Halloween 2009: Haunted Events in Northern Virginia

2009-10-07T01:25:00.001-04:00

If scary events are your thing, Northern Virginia has many haunts going on that are designed to scare your pants off. I've never attended any of these events, but wanted to share some of the Halloween haunted events that are going on locally.

I found this interesting because when I was growing up the rage seemed to be haunted houses or barns, but it seems these days the woods is the happening hauntings.

Unlike the ghost tours happening this time of year, most of these events listed below do not seemed to be rooted in history, but are designed for Halloween fun.

Halloween Woods
This event takes place in a haunted forest in Sterling. Halloween Woods is advertised as being pretty scary and younger kids are not recommended for this tour.

The tour takes visitors through Algonkian Regional Park and visitors should be prepared to be scared. The story that is the premise for the haunted forest is pretty creepy. For visitor information and how to take this tour please visit the Halloween Woods website.

Cox Farms Field of Fear
This is a new event at Cox Farms in Centreville and only takes place for 6 days this year (perhaps this may increase in the future if the event takes off?) . The days it takes place are October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31. Reservations are recommended since tickets are limited, but tickets can be bought on the same day.

Visit the Cox Website for more information about the Cornnightmare, Haunted Hayride, Autopsy Table and more.

Wicked Woods Haunted Forest
This event, located in Spotsylvania, takes place over a 1/4 mile of walking and sounds pretty scare intense. Check out the Wicked Woods website for more information, there is just so much to read about the attractions and places you'll enter during this tour. This tour is not recommended for kids under the age of 12.

Air & Scare at Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Museum
If you have younger kids, this event is probably more suited than the above mentions. The event is a one day scarefest which takes place on October 24 from 2 pm to 8 pm. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy trick or treating, face painting and more. Please visit the Udvar-Hazy Air & Scare section of the museum's website for more information.

Beautiful Architecture of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

2009-10-06T02:30:00.003-04:00

Old Town Alexandria possesses a special charm and whether you're a history buff, architectural buff or even a business/economics enthusiast, Old Town Alexandria has a lot to offer visitors.

One of the more interesting and spectacular aspects of Old Town's charm is the beautiful architecture that still stands after centuries. When walking around Old Town I never bore of examining the old buildings, whether they are now museums, commercial businesses or private residences.

Here are a few shots taken this past summer in Old Town Alexandria.

This photo is the steeple of Christ Church

Wise's Tavern is recall the location where George Washington was first addressed as "Mr. President". Alexandria was the first of many cities where President Washington stopped on his way to New York to deliver his inaugural address. If you click on these photos you can enlarge to see more detail and to also read the plaque.

The next few shots are random shots which unfortunately for some of them I don't recall the name and/or historical significance of each structure. These were buildings I took photos of when walking around Old Town, most are private residencies.

This photo is of the famous Carlyle House. Hard to imagine just a few decades ago this structure was in serious disrepair and dilapidated before it was rescued and preserved. To read more about this grand home and it's history and to see pictures of the interior please visit my Carlyle House entry.

Just another random shot I found interesting. As I passed this railing by I couldn't help but wonder how old it was.

Alexandria is an old city rich with history and full of interesting places to see and explore. If you're ever in Northern Virginia and are looking for something to do, I'd highly recommend Old Town Alexandria.

Haunted Tours in Northern Virginia

2009-10-05T04:19:00.004-04:00

Halloween is rapidly approaching and it's the time of year many people seek out events that highlight the spooky and ghostly aspects of Halloween. Northern Virginia is full of stories that relate of hauntings, ghostly and paranormal activity.

Here are a few of the tours listed in the Northern Virginia region that may whet that appetite to be terrified, amazed or simply curious:

Footsteps to the Past
Footsteps to the Past is a local historian group that offers tours in Old Town Alexandria. Their regular ghost tour is pretty good as I can attest from personal experience, and this fall season they have listed additional special events for haunted tours.

Check out the Footsteps to the Past website for some of the excellent sounding events which include "Dr Summoned to the Carlyle House", "Death Comes to the Carlyle House" and a special event which is a joint event with the Potomac Valley Paranormal where visitors can "participate in a ghost hunt where you will meet ghost hunters and see and use paranormal investigation equipment". Keep in mind the special events are by appointment only.

Ghost & Graveyard Tour
This tour also takes place in Old Town Alexandria. I've never been on this one, but hope to catch their ghost tour sometime soon. You can learn more about this tour on the Alexandria Colonial Tours website.

Leesburg Ghost Tour
This is another that's been on my "to see" list for a while, but since the tours don't start until 9 pm around this time of the year, it's been tough. However, I've heard fantastic things about this tour and it is a 2 hour tour as opposed to the traditional one hour ghost tours I've seen.

This tour takes you through downtown Leesburg and "learn about paranormal research, paranormal event investigation, and see the tools of the trade first hand." It seems to be highly interactive with visitors and tourists can also learn about the history of Leesburg as well. You can learn more about this tour on the Virginia Scientific Research Association website.

Ghosts of Fredericksburg Tour
This tour is also reasonably priced and lasts for 90 minutes. The tour takes you through Fredericksburg to see haunted streets, buildings and learn all the ghostly tales this historic city holds.

Tickets for this tour must be purchased in advance. This tour takes place on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm to 9:30 pm. Check the Ghosts of Fredericksburg website for all the details.

Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry
This one is over the border of Virgina and in West Virginia, but worthy of inclusion because it's so close. I found the Ghost Tours of Harper's Ferry on another webpage, DC Hauntings (check this website for other nifty haunted places to visit!) and this tour looks intriguing enough to visit. You can learn more about this nicely priced and what appears to be full of interesting ghost tales at the Ghost Tours of Harper's Ferry website.

October is a great month for a haunted tour, but some of these tours are also seasonal which run from spring through November. It's a good idea to check the website of the tour you're interested in to find out when it's offered.

Fall Fun for the Kids: Pumpkinville at Leesburg Animal Park

2009-10-04T09:59:00.011-04:00

Every fall at Leesburg Animal Park the annual Pumpkinville festival begins. This year the big event began on September 26 and runs through November 3rd. This is a terrific day trip for the family and kids of all ages can enjoy Pumpkinville.

In addition to the park's normal activities, the park sets up a special section full of moon bounces, slides, a hayride, face painting, a spooky pirate ship with slides, swings and other fun, a tractor pull, a hay maze for the little ones, and lots of other fun fall activities.

The day we attended had a great magic show put on by magician Michael Chamberlin. His show was great fun, highly interactive with the audience, and it seemed everyone enjoyed his act, I know my family did. I got the impression each weekend day offers a different kind of live entertainment.

In addition there is a snack stand set up where the family can feast on all you can eat apples and apple cider. Although if you're still hungry, there is a food stand set up where you can purchase food off of a standard festival type menu.

Also the kids are invited to take a free pumpkin on the way out. Check out the Pumpkinville website for price information and other details regarding family fun at Pumpkinville.

There are lots of fall family fun events happening in the Northern Virginia area. To see my other entries of autumn events in the area please visit Fall 2009 Festivals and Corn Mazes. Also Washington D.C.'s National Zoo has it's annual Halloween fest as well.

Free Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria

2009-10-02T17:20:00.000-04:00

It's often hard to find affordable things to do, especially if you live in a popular tourist region. There are some exceptions though. Fortunately for those living in and around the Washington D.C. area, there are lots of free things to do.

The City of Alexandria is one such location where there are lots of fun things to do that won't cost you a cent. Here are a few top choices: Read more...

Living History at Sully Historic Site: War of 1812 Muster

2009-10-02T04:50:00.000-04:00

Every season Sully Historic Site hosts many reenactments to represent many important eras of American history. On Saturday, October 10th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sully will host the annual War of 1812 Muster.

During this event visitors will get to see reenactments of various Army and Navy exercises from the 19th century. In addition, visitors get the opportunity to visit with the Navy surgeon and learn all about 19th century medical practices on land and at sea.

In addition they will be fun for the kids with period era games being offered. If this event is anything like Sully's other historical events, it should be a good time for all.

Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for kids. To learn more about Sully Site's history or to find out more about events offered on the property, please visit the Sully website for more information on this event and others.

Fall Halloween Events in Washington DC: National Zoo

2009-10-01T01:30:00.001-04:00

Every year the Washington D.C. National Zoo hosts weekends of Halloween fun. This year's events are as follows:

Boo at the Zoo
On October 23-25, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the zoo hosts their annual Halloween event. The zoo provides hands-on activities for the kids and they can listen to orated talks about the zoo's spookiest creatures and visit with the animals as they celebrate Halloween.

Kids are invited to attend in costume and enjoy the above activities and candy, snacks and other treats throughout the zoo stations positioned in the park. The event takes place rain or shine and tickets are $25, unless you are a zoo (FONZ) member, and in that case tickets are $15.

Night of the Living Zoo
This event takes place on Friday, October 30th from 8 pm to midnight. No children are permitted, this is an adult only event. The admission fee is $15 for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) and $25 for all others.

For more information on either of these events, please visit the National Zoo's webpage for more details.

Fun for Kids in Northern Virginia: Frying Pan Farm Park

2009-09-29T00:29:00.000-04:00

Frying Pan Park is a great place for kids. Parents like it because it's got enough for the kids to see, but isn't an overstimulating experience, not to mention the price is right because admission is free!

The farm park is open daily from dawn until dusk and there is a lot of things to see and do. At Kidwell Farm kids can get a good personal and close up visit with the farm animals which include cows, horses, pigs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, sheep, goats, a turkey and even a peacock.
Kidwell Farm is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Frying Pan also offers wagon rides from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday through Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sundays through the months of March - November. There is a $3 charge for the ride for everyone ages 2 and up.

Other things to see and do are the Country Store, Visitor Center and Activity Center. Additionally, there's also a wooded hiking area, some tractors the kids can climb on and even a playground.

Frying Fan Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA and you can learn more information on their website.

Fall Family Fun: Take the Kids to A Corn Maze in Northern Virginia

2009-09-27T05:09:00.000-04:00

Looking for fun? Try getting lost in a corn maze in Northern Virginia

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. and it's suburbs in Northern Virginia, sometimes it's hard to believe there are rural areas, but they're there, and what a nice reprieve from the traffic of the district area. Until this year I never realized just how many farm and rural areas Northern Virginia has, and it's been fun exploring them.

The fall months are special times which come alive for visitors and residents due to the autumn festivities. Many of the local farms and parks host a variety of seasonal fall events, and one popular activity around the region are corn mazes.

Here are a few of the corn mazes located within an hour or less ride from the Beltway areas:

Corn-n-Cows
Located in Midland, VA, less than an hour's drive from Washington D.C. and the Virginia suburbs. Lots of fun! This maze looked huge. The day we went, it was rather hot, so we probably only got through about a 1/3 of it; seemed like there was much more to explore. Please check out my other entry on this farm for photos and more information.

The Maize at Temple Hall Farm Regional Park
About 30-40 minutes west of the District is the Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, located in Leesburg (Loudoun County). Every year the Park creates "the Maize" where people can wander about, get lost and have loads of fun.

According to their website, visitors "can go to the pick your own pumpkin patch, go shoot the corn cannon, ride on the cow train, or take a hay ride" (link above). Sounds like a fun filled day!

Corn Maze in the Plains
This one is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning September 26th. In their 10th year, the Corn Maze in the Plains advertises hayrides and live entertainment on the weekends.

Beginning October 9th and every weekend in October, and also through November 7th, they also offer a moonlit maze. Sounds intriguing. Their website also has a coupon good for $1 off admission for up to 4 people.

Hartland Farm and Orchard
This one is a bit further out, perhaps 75-90 minutes from downtown D.C., but right off I-66 which makes it pretty convenient. Looks like a good potential outing for the family.

If you've never done one and are looking for something different, a corn maze might be just the kind of fall outing you're looking for (maybe I'm just a big kid, but I love this kind of stuff!)

Washington D.C.: Experience Historic Union Station

2009-09-26T05:00:00.001-04:00

Union Station is a pretty busy place. As a central hub for train travel, there's typically a lot of activity going on. Many travelers use the Amtrak and VRE (a commuter rail) systems to get to their final destinations. Additionally the Metro's Red Line stops at Union Station.

While the Station is primarily a place to hop the train and head off to another location, a visit to the historic Union Station is so much more than your standard train station.

Whether you're traveling or just passing through during a visit to Washington D.C., there is plenty to do at Union Station. The building contains an upscale mall and lots of eateries, ranging from casual to fine dining. You can shop the stores, buy souvenirs or simply browse all there is to see (please click the photos to see better detail and clarity).

Let's not forget to mention the beautiful and marvelous architecture. The history of Union Station is pretty amazing. It's incredible to think a mere couple of decades ago this beautiful piece of architecture was almost bulldozed...

Fortunately that decision was reversed and today many people can enjoy the beauty of the revamped, restored and revitalized Union Station (these photos can also be enlarged if you click on each individual shot).

Great Tours in Old Town Alexandria, VA

2009-09-25T19:30:00.000-04:00

Old Town Alexandria is one of the quaintest and wonderful cities I've come across in Northern Virginia. I just love this place and never tire of visiting.

In addition to it's pleasant atmosphere there are some great tours. Here are a few of my top picks for great tours in Old Town Alexandria:

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
This museum is so interesting it's hard to even come up with words to describe it. In fact, I was so mesmerized by this museum, I wrote two blog entries about it. The first entry describes the lower floor which was the shop from 1792 - 1933 when the Great Depression hit. The second floor is the workspace of the Apothecary and the exhibits on display up there are simply amazing.

Whether you're interested in history, medicine, society or business/economics, this is a great tour. If you visit either of the two links, you can see pictures and get more details about visiting the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary.

Gadsby's Tavern
Touring Gadsby's is also a pretty intriguing experience. This historic tavern and hotel has seen many important events and it's rooms filled with prominent people. If the building's walls could talk, I am positive they would tell some tantalizing tales.

For more information please visit my entry that goes into detail with photos, history and visitor hours/prices for tours.

Carlyle House
Carlyle House's unique architecture for the time period and region is pretty interesting. Designed after a Scottish style home, Carlyle House has been around since 1753 and has also rich historical ties to early American history and has seen many historical moments and prominent visitors.

To learn more about this tour and see some photos of the home, please visit this page for more details.

Ghost Tour
If you're in Old Town after dusk, why not try a ghost tour? In addition to walking the blocks of Old Town and seeing the sights, you can learn all the city's history and the tales of ghosts which are said to still frequent particular buildings.

I'm aware of two tours, the Ghost and Graveyard Tour offered by Alexandria Colonial Tour s and the other offered by Alexandria's Footsteps To The Past. These are seasonal, so be sure and check dates and times for a ghost tour if this is what whets your appetite.

Christ Church
Christ Church is an active congregation that has strong ties to Old Town Alexandria. If you are in the area, this Church is a must-see. I've visited Christ Church twice so far and learn something new each time. For photos and more information please visit my June entry.

Other Ways to Tour Old Town

There are also many walking professional tours available for a fee if you'd prefer to be led around the city by a knowledgeable tour guide who will give the history of many of the buildings and locations throughout Alexandria. I hear these are quite good, although we've primarily stuck to self-guided tours.

If the self-guided tour is your cup of tea, if you stop by the Ramsey Visitor Center (which is a historic house as well!), you can get maps, brochures and other useful information to take as you self-tour.

There's lots to see and do in Alexandria if you're looking for a great tour. In addition to these locations, there is the Friendship Firehouse, Lee-Fendall House, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Freedom House Museum and much more. If you visit this website, you can find out what else there is to see in Old Town Alexandria.

Ford's Theatre: A Brief History Behind this Historical Building

2009-09-22T04:05:00.000-04:00

Ford's Theatre was opened by John T. Ford, a successful theatrical entrepreneur who hailed from Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Ford decided to bring his expertise and success to Washington D.C. in 1861.

Initially a musical theatre was located at the First Baptist Church on 10th Street, but unfortunately a fire destroyed that location in 1862 (National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior).

The fire did not deter Mr. Ford's spirit and he took the task of raising funds for a new theatre. In February 1863 he laid the cornerstone for the new building at its current location on 10th street. Performances commenced in August 1863 until April 1865.

Ford's Theatre is best known as being the location of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. On April 14, 1865 just as the Civil War had reached its end and the Union preserved as one nation, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln as a part of an elaborate and carefully planned out assassination.

The theatre closed immediately after Lincoln's assassination so an investigation could be done. Once the investigation was completed, the theatre was given permission to reopen, however Mr. Ford received threats of arson if he reopened and the War Department decided to close the theatre completely. The building then became a government office building (National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior).

In 1932 the building was opened as a museum on the first floor. The theatre restoration to its 1865 appearance didn't come until much later; it wasn't until 1960 that Congress budgeted funding for this project. Finally in 1968 the theatre reopened and resumed performances to become the working theatre and popular visitor attraction it is today.

For more information about visiting Ford's theatre for a tour of the museum and theatre, click here to learn more.

Family Fun: Fall 2009 Festivals in Northern Virginia

2009-09-20T05:54:00.011-04:00

Northern Virginia has a ton of fall festivals going on in September and October 2009. If you're in the area and looking for fall festival and seasonal fun, some of these events may be just what you're looking for.

Many of these festivals are annual events designed with family fun in mind. Some are one or two day events while others run throughout the fall season, so keep in mind any specific dates if you're looking for a particular activity.

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest
This event takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The festival, in it's 17th year, is held on the grounds of the Fairfax Government Center and admission is free!

There's a lot of kid-friendly fun events listed including hayrides, model trains, pony rides, a midway with carnival rides and even scarecrow making. All this and much more. The festival runs from 9 am to 6 pm and most activities are free too, but there are a handful of activities that do charge a fee. Check out the Fairfax KidsFest websit e for more information.

Clifton Day
On Sunday, October 11th, the town of Clifton will be holding it's annual celebration. The celebration includes arts and crafts, antiques, demonstrations, a flea market, live music entertainment, activities for the kids and food. There is a rain date set for October 18th. To learn more about this event, please visit the Clifton Day webpage.

Cox Farms
Each year Cox Farms throws a big fall bash and this year's fun begins on Saturday, September 19th. The Fall Festival runs through November 8th and promises to be full of family fun. To see hours, admission prices and all else that's at Cox this fall, please visit their Festival page.

Leesburg Animal Park's Pumpkinville
This is a great day trip for the family. While we haven't attended pumpkinville just yet, we have visited the park, and it was a great day of family fun. Pumpkinville begins on September 26 and runs through November 3rd.

There's hay mazes, giant slides, a pumpkin patch, apples, cider, scarecrow making, pumpkin and face painting, tractor rides, live entertainment, a spooky pirate ship, and some other new things listed for 2009. Check out the Pumpkinville website for price information and other details.

Corn-n-Cows
A corn maze, pumpkin picking and lots of other family fun farm fall activities. Check out my recent blog entry that describes our visit and what there is to see and do. This day trip was a blast for all the kids.

Burke Nursery's Garden Centre's Fall Festival
Opening on October 1st, Burke Nursery will be hosting their 15th annual fall festival and pumpkin playground. The festival is open from 9 am to 9 pm every day and this looks like a good local event. We've never attended but will be keeping an eye out for a good day to go check it out as the site states there's fun for all ages. Please visit the Burke Nursery Garden Centre's website for more information.

Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
This is one I've never heard of but came across on the web at Our Kids Activities and looks like there may be some good fall events to check out. The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is located on the web and upcoming events include the Fall Farm Color Tour, Autumn Apple Festival, and Let's Talk Turkey.

There are a ton of other Fall activities going on in the Northern Virginia and Maryland regions. The Our Kids website seems to have listed many, if not all, of the family fun fall festival events for 2009. Check 'em out!

Things to Do With Kids in Northern VA: Cows-n-Corn Farm

2009-09-19T20:12:00.003-04:00

If you're looking for a couple of hours or a day of family fun, Cows-n-Corn is a great day trip. Cows-n-Corn is a working farm which offers tours, activities and events on the weekends.

The farm is located in Midland, Virginia which is only about an hour south of Washington D.C. and Fairfax County, VA. Not too far for a day trip, especially if you live in the area and are looking for someplace different to take the kids.

There's a tractor pulled wagon tour of the farm and visitors can get an in-depth informational tour of how the farm operates. You also learn a lot about cows and the farm industry.

There's also a small tractor pull that is great fun for big kids and small! We thought there would perhaps be a weight or age limit, but the teens, moms and dads were welcomed to go for a ride too.

In addition to the farm tour and tractor rides, there's lots of other great activities for the kids. There's go-karts, farm animals, a playground, butter making demonstrations and, oh yeah, terrific ice cream! All but the ice cream is included in the admission price.

This time of the year is a particularly fun time to visit because there's the annual seasonal themed corn maze. The day we visited was kind of hot, so we only got through probably a 1/3 of the maze, it was huge! Great fun though. Here's a shot of the opening to the maze which doesn't really do it justice...

And what farm tour is complete without getting a close up and personal visit with cows!

Unfortunately I didn't realize today was their annual Barn Dance and Dinner, I've heard it is a great time. This is something to watch out for next year.

Cows-n-Corn is seasonal and the farm closes for the year on November 1st. For hours, events and directions to Corn-n-Cows you can check their website for further details.

Annual Mount Vernon Craft Fair to be Held September 19-September 20, 2009

2009-09-14T03:30:00.001-04:00

Mount Vernon's annual 18th Century Craft Fair arrives this coming weekend! This is one annual event the family loves.

In previous years, we've been treated to 18th century entertainment including Signora Bella the Equilibrist, Otto the Sword Swallower, and Dr. Balthasar, Miracle Medicine for Man and Beast shows up and gives his sales pitch. All fascinating to watch.

It's my understanding all of these 18th century entertainers will be appearing at this year's event as well. Here are some photos from year's past:

In addition to the great entertainment, you'll get to explore an 18th century marketplace where vendors sell their wares, which often include demonstrations, samplings, educational information and more entertainment.

There is a lot of other action that goes on during the craft fair. In addition to having the experience of shopping with real craft vendors who specialize in different craft areas, visitors are treated to military lifestyles, regimental drills and historical re-enactments.

As a special treat in years past special appearances have been made by George Washington and his talk is always interesting. If history repeats itself, I suspect he will be present once again this year.

Visitors who get passes early can also enjoy a free ride with Potomac River sightseeing cruises. Admission to the event is free with a paid regular admission ticket. If you live in the area, you may want to consider purchasing annual passes as it usually pays itself off in just two visits and there are always great things happening at Mount Vernon throughout the year.

The next Craft Fair is coming up will be September 19th and 20th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m . If you're going to be in the area, or if you live in the area, this is a terrific family fun event.

Great Things to Do in the Washington DC Area September 2009

2009-09-06T03:33:00.000-04:00

Even though summer season has officially come to a close and the kids are back in school, this doesn't mean the fun has to end. In Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, the post Labor Day weeks have plenty to see and do with the many events taking place in the area for September.

Here are a few good picks:

Sully Historic Site Quilt Fair
This year is Sully Historic Site's 36th annual quilt show, and the fun takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. During this occasion there will be demonstrations and orations on quilting, quilt appraisals, a door prize and children's activities; the event will be held rain or shine.

Admission fee is $9 for adults, $6 for children and $8 for seniors. The admission fee includes a tour of the Sully House.

Looking ahead, on Saturday, October 10th will be the War of 1812 Living History day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. See troops drill, cannons firing and learn many other 19th century things. For more information on this and other Sully events, please see Sully's website.

Edgar Rohr Memorial Antique Car Meet
On Saturday, September 19th is the annual Edgar Rohr Memorial Antique Car Meet. This year the event celebrates its 34th year and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car meet is sponsored by the Manassas Museum and Bull Run Region AACA and is free to the public.

The viewing takes place on the lawn of the Manassas Museum. Additionally, if you want to tour the museum it is $1 fee. It's been a while since we visited the museum, but it's an interesting place. If memory serves, it is not very large, but there are a lot of historical and regional things to learn about which are definitely worth a view.

For more information about Manassas Museums, please visit their website.

Cox Farms
Each year Cox Farms throws a big fall bash and this year's fun begins on Saturday, September 19th. The Fall Festival runs through November 8th and promises to be full of family fun. To see hours, admission prices and all else that's at Cox this fall, please visit their Festival page.

Alexandria Festival of the Arts
On Saturday, September 12th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 13th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this very popular annual event takes place.

Admission is free and visitors can wander along King Street in Old Town from Union to Washington Streets and see more than 200 artists who display and sell their work. There will be a special performance by Swing Command at Market Square on Saturday the 12th at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Vernon 18th Century Craft Fair
If you're going to be in the area, or if you live in the area, this is a great family fun event. The next Craft Fair is coming up the weekend of September 19th and 20th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You'll see an 18th century marketplace where vendors sell their wares, which include demonstrations, sampling and lots of entertainment. In years past special appearances have been made by George Washington and his talk is always interesting. Visitors who get passes early can also enjoy a free ride with Potomac River sightseeing cruises.

This is a fantastic family event that the kids will love! Admission is included with regular admission to the estate (adults, $15; $7 for youth (6-11); and free for children 5 and under).

Adams Morgan Day Festival
This years Adams Morgan Day festival takes place on Sunday, September 13th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year the festival is in its 31st year and is held on 18th Street. The festival is characterized is full of cultural, music, arts and dance activities.

This annual event first began in 1978 and has strong ties to the international and cultural diversity of this area of D.C. For more information please visit the Adams Morgan Day Festival website.

Chances are there are plenty more events going on and as I either attend or come across ideas I'll post about them.

Nationals Stadium: Free Opera Showing of The Barber of Seville

2009-09-04T06:23:00.004-04:00

The other day one of my blog visitors (Thanks Monica!) posted about this event and it's definitely worth another mention and a new entry.

On Saturday, September 12th at 7 p.m. the Washington National Opera is going to present a live simulcast of The Barber of Seville on its opening night. This event is free to the public and the Nationals Stadium gates open at 5:30 pm.

Visitors who come early can expect to join in the fun by seeing a screening of Warner Brother's famous cartoon "The Rabbit of Seville", autograph signing by Miss DC, Jennifer Corey and photo posing with the Red M&M.

Additionally they'll be a family fun pack giveaway, and a t-shirt toss. Pretty great opportunity for those living or visiting the D.C. area next weekend.

For more details, please visit the Washington National Opera's website.

Travel in Northern Virginia: A Guide to Visiting Manassas National Battlefied

2009-09-02T02:01:00.000-04:00

Nestled between the bustle of Washington D.C. and the serenity of the Shenandoah Valley region of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Manassas National Battlefield Park. The park, located just west of Centreville, VA, is the site where two prominent Civil War battles occurred.

The first battle of Manassas, commonly known as the First Battle of Bull Run, occurred over these fields on July 21, 1861, the Second Battle of Bull Run happened in August of 1862. Today this national park commemorates these historical events in American History. Read more...

(Click here to see more photos of the Manassas National Battlefield, Henry House and Stone House which are located on the Manassas Battlefield Site and a part of the National Park Service)

Business Review: Century 21 Milliennium and Kelly Normand

2009-09-01T05:01:00.001-04:00

If you're looking for a good real estate agent in the Northern Virginia area, a terrific one is Century 21 Millennium's Kelly Normand. The agency is located on Westfields Blvd. in Centreville, VA.

Kelly was our agent and we can't say enough great things about her expertise and professional demeanor. In addition to her professionalism, Kelly is friendly, courteous, prompt, honest, and quite knowledgeable about the local housing market and surrounding areas. Kelly possesses a wealth of information and expertise in the real estate field and has lots of ideas which are invaluable to those looking to either buy or rent in the area.

To learn more about the housing market in Northern Virginia, properties for sale or to contact Kelly, you can visit her website that gives options for e-mail or telephone.

Happy home hunting!

Washington D.C.: Tips for a Ford's Theatre and Petersen House Visit

2009-08-31T05:02:00.001-04:00

Whether you are visiting Washington D.C. for a vacation or for the day, Ford's Theatre is definitely worth a visit.

Touring this historic theatre used to be as easy as walking up to the building, but there have been a lot of recent changes.

Today visitors need tickets to view the museum and/or the tour. For those of you who have visited in the past, this can be a little confusing if you aren't sure what to look for. Another change is a ticket is also needed to view the Petersen House, which is the location President Lincoln passed away.

When you arrive be sure and read all the posted signs because there are now specific times for tickets for both the museum and the theatre. Not all time frames include a tour of both, and you may end up getting the wrong tickets for what you want to see if you aren't careful.

I made this mistake and we missed out on seeing the museum on our last trip and was only able to tour the theatre.

The good news is tickets remain free for all visitors unless you reserve your ahead of time. If you order your tickets online (there is a $1.50 charge for this convenience and a $1.00 Ticketmaster fee). The downside to walk-ins is you may not get the timeframe you want if you are visiting on a busy day.

Regardless of which ticket you get (just the theatre or the museum/theatre), the Petersen House across the street is a part of the package. You can go over there at any time you want during the same day your ticket was issued.

A word of advice, once the theatre tours let out, the lines get long. You may want to go view Petersen House either before your tour time or come back at another time of the day. This tour is a brief one, but in our experience there can be long wait times if you don't time it right.

My family was able to walk right in on the day we visited, so during off seasons you may have no problem getting a ticket. If you are traveling from a distance and/or if your visit is during prime season, you may want to consider reserving your space to ensure you get a time slot. There are no exchanges or refunds for this method.

A thing to keep in mind is Ford's Theatre is still very much a working theatre and there are shows, rehearsals and other times the theatre area may be closed to visitors. In this case, the museum and Petersen House are still open during these times.

An Overview of Great Things to Do in Northern Virginia

2009-08-28T12:32:00.003-04:00

Northern Virginia is a region not only full of beauty, but it possesses a significant amount of historical value. Across the area you'll find many museums, historical battlefields and landmarks, and other buildings of interest.

In Northern Virginia, there is always something to see or do. From the majestic Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria and everything in between, there is no lack of options for places to go. There are many beautiful old houses and estates to visit or you can enjoy a leisurely and fun-packed day at one of the many parks in Fairfax County.

With the region's close proximity to Washington DC, Northern Virginia makes a terrific weekend or vacation getaway. In addition to the historical aspects, there are many parks and other nearby attractions that are fun for the whole family, such as Frying Pan Farm, Skyline Cavern s in Front Royal and the Leesburg Animal Park.

See some more of what Northern Virginia has to offer. Whether a resident, tourist or someone just on a weekend drive, the sky's the limit if you're looking for something to do.

(The photo in this article is a spring view of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon).

Virginia Family Fun: Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley

2009-08-26T01:42:00.009-04:00

Down in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley there are a lot of cool things to see and do. Luray Caverns is one of those places. This is roughly about 90 minutes off the beaten path from Washington D.C.

If you're looking for a day trip, Luray Caverns is well worth the trip. The natural handiwork that resides in these caverns is astonishing. I've been to a few different caverns before, but the vast size of the interior of the caverns was incredible.

If you're going on the weekend, you might want to consider getting your tickets early. We got there a little later than planned, maybe 11:00 a.m. and the kids were starving. We asked about tickets and were advised to buy them early because of long lines and that we could enter the cavern later if we wished.

So we decided to buy the tickets first, go eat, then take our tour. We were sure glad because our wait time was short purchasing, but just 30 minutes later, there was at least an hour wait to buy tickets (later on after our tour, the line to get inside the cavern, was at least an hour, maybe 2, so if you plan to arrive, I'd recommend doing the tour first or at least getting those tickets).

When you have tickets in hand, you can get on the line to go inside the caverns. Touring Luray Caverns is a self-guided audio tour. The headphones are included with price of purchase and you'll receive headphones just before you enter. Each set of headphones has two recordings, one for adults, and a more animated tour for the kids.

As you climb down the stairs the first thing you'll see is the discovery place marked. This sign and the stairs denote the entryway when the caverns were founded by Andrew Campbell, who was the town tinsmith, on August 13, 1878.

Then you'll climb down several stairs (there is a wheelchair lift) into a larger area where a guide will welcome you, give a short informational talk and then you're on your way to the self-guided tour.

These are called draperies. I'd never seen anything like this, and there were several in the cavern rooms. This was one of the more elaborate and prominent ones that was a real close up view (you can click the photo for larger detail):

On the day we went, it happened to be the anniversary of the cavern's discovery (we always seem to get lucky and hit places on 'special' days! Since this trip took place on a whim, we had no idea it was a special day). One of the special things done on discovery day is that a room that is closed off the rest of the year is opened to the public. There is no outlet, and it's narrow getting in. You have to exit the same way you entered.

We went to the back of the cavern room and saw there was another cave. It was very dark in there and was beautifully lit by hundreds of candles. We tried to zoom in the cave for a shot, but what was inside was left to our imaginations.

Another neat thing about Luray is the caverns have the world's only "Stalacpipe Organ" which plays music using the natural cavern formations. I believe they said every so often it is played live, but on any visit, a recording is played for all visitors. Pretty amazing!

Here are some additional photos of the interior of the rest of our cavern tour:

A day at Luray is worth the drive if you live or will be in the area for an extended amount of time. The caverns are wheelchair accessible and very friendly for strollers There are a few places you'll have to fold up the stroller and carry, but for the most part, touring the caverns is pretty spacious.

Entrance to the caverns is a little on the pricey side ($21 for adults, $18 seniors and $10 kids ages 6-12), but they do offer discounts for AAA members and if you hold a Giant grocery card, you can get a 50% off one adult ticket with the purchase of another adult ticket. There are a couple of other ways to get discounts, you can check their website.

In addition to the caverns there is also a Car and Carriage Caravan Museum which is included in the price of admission to the caverns. This was pretty neat too; I'll review that in a future post with some photos. There is also a museum being built that should be open in the very near future which I believe will also be included in admission.

There's also a Garden Maze which the kids (and adults) love. It's actually pretty hard! The maze is large and you can spend a good amount of time in here finding the clues for the mission and then trying to locate the exit. This is an additional fee for this attraction (I think around $5 or $6 dollars).

There's lots of other things to do in the area too, so you can truly make a weekend or a day of the trip to Luray Caverns. If we didn't have to get home, we would have stayed and explored more of the area.

Family Fun in Northern VA: Perils of the Lost Jungle, Woody's Golf Range, Herndon, VA

2009-08-24T04:55:00.003-04:00

Woody's Golf Range was rated by Newsweek Magazine as one of the "Top 5 Mini Golf Courses in America!".

So when we went searching for miniature golf in the area, this claim intrigued us enough to go check it out.

Woody's did not disappoint. Over the last year we've gone out that way a few times and each time is a fun time for all ages.

It is worthy to note if you've got little ones in the stroller, it's difficult because the course is not real carriage friendly, but as long as your kids can walk, the golf course is a real treat.

Each of the 18 holes offers animated characters, jungle themed life (with some real artifacts), and as described by Woody's website "You’ll come face to face with a killer komodo dragon, advance past quicksand and explore the mummy’s tomb. You’ll have to avoid the curse of the golden idol, the headhunter’s darts, and of course, SNAKES! The secret of your success lies in the clues given by Sir Nigel Bogey, the world-famous hazard explorer. Hold on to your pith helmet, cuz this is the craziest jungle this side of the Amazon."

Whether you are a miniature golf enthusiast or just looking to try something different, Woody's is a good course to 'explore'. You never know what you might encounter. There are a few surprises that pop up throughout the course that might catch you offguard. All in good fun!

In addition to miniature golf, Woody's also has golf practice ranges, batting cages, professional golf lessons and much, much more. You can find out more of what Woody's offers on their website. Located in Herndon, VA (Fairfax County, off Route 7 and not too far from the Beltway), this mini golf course is definitely worth a visit.

Oh yeah, as you're traveling the course, watch out for the quicksand!

Washington D.C. Region: Tips for Traveling with Kids on the Metro

2009-08-21T20:09:00.000-04:00

Tip for the day - consider the Metro for your travel needs when in the D.C. area.

The Metro is a great way to get around the Washington D.C. area. You can easily travel from Virginia through the District up to Maryland and back. This is great if you want to go sight-seeing or visit a specific attraction with the kids. No worries about driving around in circles looking for parking and the trains come frequent enough where you're not going nuts with the kids waiting for the next train.

It's also convenient to bring a baby carriage on the Metro, especially on weekends. It is a good idea to keep in mind if you're traveling during peak times or during a weekend where there is a big event or celebration going on, the room inside the trains can get a little tight. We discovered during the Cherry Blossom Festival last spring it was much easier to fold up the carriage and hold our toddler in our lap because the train was so crowded (although during really crowded times often it's standing room only).

If you plan to spend the day in Washington D.C., the Metro is a great choice for travel. The free parking in the District down by the National Mall and the Monuments usually fills up quick, and in the popular hot spots, it's often hard to find paid parking nearby too. There have been several Sunday afternoons we've spent driving around looking for parking only to be out of luck to get anything remotely near where we want to be.

Then we discovered the beauty of the Metro and problem solved. We either hop the train from Virginia and ride in, or drive into D.C. and park up in the parking garage at Union Station and take the Metro back downtown to see the sights. This is a lot more convenient than taking the kids in and out of the car and/or doing a lot of walking once parking is found.

Taking the Metro makes life a lot easier!

Things to do with Kids in Northern VA: Leesburg Animal Park

2009-08-21T15:12:00.015-04:00

If you're looking for a good time with the kids in Northern Virginia, Leesburg Animal Park is a neat place to go.

The park is located off a quiet highway in Loudoun County, but is one of those gems you're happy to find when you come across it.

Last week the kids and I decided to embark on a day trip. A web search yielded some things to do and we randomly chose Leesburg Animal Park because it was not too far of a road trip and sounded like a fun thing to do.

When we got there, the kids eyes lit up, even the older ones who usually roll their eyes when they hear they are being dragged out. Who wouldn't find enjoyment feeding beautiful animals out of their hand?

Leesburg Animal Park is pretty hands on and visitors get a good chance to get up front and personal with the animals. The area you see pictured in the above shots have the animals in open wooden pens, but there is an entire section (not pictured) where animals roam free and you can feed or pet the animals.

They are very friendly, but can be aggressive, so if you have a little one who knocks over easily or is fearful, you may want to pick them up. The baby goats were a big hit with our toddler in the open space.

Another cool thing to do (included in entrance price) is the moon bounce. There was no weight limit and the kids had a blast meeting other kids inside.

Another fun activity was the tractor ride. This too is included in the price and it's about a 10 minute ride to the back of the park. The wagon offers plenty of space and feels more like a real tractor ride than some other places we've been, complete with bumps and all!

Around the back are zebras (they were basking in the distance in the shade to escape the heat the day we went there, close enough for a view, but not a clear photo). After the zebras the driver makes a stop at the water around back. As soon as the fish heard the motor they came in swarms as did the ducks and geese.

Pretty amazing to see the fish jump all over one another (click the photo for a closer view). The driver gave every rider some food to feed the ducks, geese and fish. Everyone had a blast.

The park is not excessively large, but does offer enough to see and do. There are other domestic and exotic animals scattered throughout the park who are caged. The gibbons were a lot of fun to watch, and it was also cool to see the lemurs, peacocks, macaws, and even a porcupine.

The Aldabra tortoises are something to see!

For an additional fee, there are pony rides and (I think) occasionally camel rides. Not sure on the latter, I thought I remembered seeing that somewhere.

There is a small gift shop on premises where you can buy light snacks. Picnics are welcomed and there are plenty of places throughout the park to sit and enjoy your lunch. There's also a playground and plenty of open space for the kids to run about.

To learn more about pricing (there are some summer specials) and hours of operation, check out the Leesburg Animal Park's websit e for more information. There's something called "Pumpkinville" which starts late September. Apparently some schools even travel down from Maryland to visit during the fall for Pumpkinville. We'll probably check it out. I heard great things from some of the other parents and grandparents we met while visiting the park.

Another destination that gets a thumbs up!

Sully Historic Site: Photos of World War II Weekend 2009

2009-08-15T05:21:00.004-04:00

The annual World War II weekend at Sully Historic Site took place on July 11-12, 2009. The event is a pretty popular one which runs every summer.

Each year living history WWII reenactments from both Axis and Allies troops take place on the Sully Historic Site. Visitors can get an in-depth and up-close experience of how life was for soldiers and civilians during World War II.

Here are some photos from this summer's event. If you want to see more detail, if you click on a photo, you can enlarge each shot.

Here's a shot of U.S. soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division conducting weapons demonstrations. Visitors were shown vintage WWII firearms and viewed a firing demonstration.

This is a reenactor showing the M1 Garand to the audience:

This photo illustates a group of opposing WWII reenactors prior to the weapons demonstration.

This is a German anti-tank gun:

This photo is of a WWII Jeep:

Here's a picture of a 30 caliber machine gun which was used by Allied Forces in WWII:

This photo was taking during the reenactment battle which was the culminating event of the day:

The next photo represents a German Volkswagon with Red Cross Banner to denote its ambulance status. The picture below is of a Jeep with 50 caliber machine gun.

Throughout the year Sully Historic Site offers many themed weekends which are designed to be family friendly, enlightening and entertaining. To find out what other kinds of events are happening at Sully, please visit their website's calendar of events.

A Visit to Ford's Theatre, Washington DC

2009-08-13T15:26:00.012-04:00

Ford's Theatre has recently gone through some major renovations and if you've visited in the past, you'll quickly note that the procedure for visiting has completely been revamped along with the renovations. The reopening occurred just this past July 2009.

With the addition of administrative offices, a lobby, gift shop and concession next door to the theatre, visiting Ford's Theatre for tours is now structured very differently than in years past.

Today visitors need tickets to view the the museum and/or the tour. This can be confusing to those who are used to the old way of touring the building. When you arrive, be sure and read the signs because there are now specific times for tickets for both the museum and the theatre. Not all time frames include a tour of both, and you may end up getting the wrong tickets for what you want to see if you aren't careful.

Tickets remain free and a great addition to the tour is a Park Ranger talk given in the theatre with a history of both the theatre and the night President Lincoln was assassinated. I found the lecture to be quite interesting and informative. Regardless of which ticket you get (just the theatre or the museum/theatre), the Petersen House across the street is a part of the package. You can go over there at any time you want during the day.

A word of advice, the Petersen House line tends to get really long after a theatre lecture ends. My advice is to get your tickets early and go over to view the Petersen House first, or go do some other sightseeing in the area and come back when lines are a little shorter.

The below photos are of the theatre box President Lincoln was sitting the night he was assassinated. The photo of George Washington is the original that was situated in the theatre in 1865 to mark the Presidential box (if you click the photo you can enlarge and see more clarity).

Ford's Theatre National Historic site is located at 511 10th Street, NW in Washington D.C., the Petersen House is directly across the street. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas Day.

Ford's Theatre is still very much a working theatre and tours of the theatre are suspended during rehearsals or matinee shows, but the museum and Petersen House are still open during these times.

If you are able, I'd highly recommend catching a show at Ford's if you are able. We saw "Shenandoah" back in 2006, truly a wonderful performance! We are hoping to get an opportunity to see another show in the near future.

Weekend Events: Sully Historic Site's Civil War Weekend 2009

2009-08-10T05:52:00.001-04:00

Coming this weekend, August 15-16, 2009 is Sully Historic Site's Civil War Weekend. This is a terrific annual family event that takes place every summer. During the event visitors can see first hand what the lives of Union and Confederate were like during the 19th century Civil War.

People attending the event can see history up close and personal brought to life through reenactment and get a close glimpse of how a soldier's day went. You'll see demonstrations, lots of exhibits, listen to period music, and the kids can engage in hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.

This year's event runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 3:00 on Sunday. Admission fees are $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors and children. Sully is also offering a special for this event, if you want to attend both days, the cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and seniors.

If you're looking for something to do over the weekend, this might be just the event for you!

Things to Do with Kids: Kidwell Farm in Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA

2009-08-09T13:11:00.016-04:00

If you're looking for something to do for a couple of hours or more, over in Herndon, VA is Frying Pan Farm Park. There's lots to do within the Park, but one fun aspect is Kidwell Farm.

Frying Pan Farm Park is one of the last, if not the last, working farm in Fairfax County. The farm is self-sufficient and grows almost all the food they need for the animals (I'm not 100%, but I believe our guide told us it was somewhere around the nature of 95% - pretty awesome!)

During a visit you and the kids can get close up and greet cows, horses, goats and pigs. There are also many other animals (these are caged or set back) such as sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, turkeys and even a peacock.

Every day Daisy (pictured) gets milked at 4 p.m. Visitors are welcomed to watch and even participate if they'd like!

You can also take a tour of the Farm House (the house tour hours are limited, so you may want to check ahead of time for availability) and learn all about how people lived on the farm during the 1930s. The interior of the house is pretty interesting, especially if you're like me and have an affinity for old homes and history.

Another fun part of the farm is to take a tractor pulled wagon tour. The tour takes you all around the farm, through a wooded area and loops around. The wagon ride is a great way to get a good general overview of the property and other activities going on at Frying Pan Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable, personable and his tour was a great time.

If you're lucky, you'll get a chance to see some animals peek out of the woods to say hello. We were fortunate to see mama deer and two spotted fawns come out to greet us. Unfortunately the camera delayed and we didn't get the full shot.

In Kidwell Farm, there's also some tractors which are stationed for the kids to climb on, explore, 'drive' and have a fun experience.

The farm gets a thumbs up from our family. Frying Pan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Road in Herndon, VA, and Kidwell far is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, you can explore the Park's website to check out what other kinds of activities, events and classes are offered that you may be interested in taking a part in.

Washington D.C. Area: Things to Do on a First Date

2009-08-06T13:44:00.001-04:00

When one thinks of romance and dating, Washington D.C. may not be the first location that comes to mind. The thought of all those government office buildings located in the district isn't very appealing in terms of an atmosphere to take someone on a first date. However, the Washington D.C. area has so much more to offer than stuffy offices.

Granted, a lot of the district is geared towards the 9 to 5 crowd and the tourist busses, but there are many places that you can take your date. Depending on you and your date's interests, or what kind of date you had in mind, there are several great places to go. Read more...

Washington D.C.: More Ideas for Family Fun in the Washington Metro Region

2009-08-04T12:05:00.011-04:00

Yesterday I posted about the things you can do with the kids in Washington D.C. and really, it was just a small sampling of the many things you can do. I thought today I'd include a few photos of places the kids might be interested in seeing or doing.

Jefferson Memorial is one of the many memorials you can visit along the National Mall. Kids of school age who are studying American History will be especially appreciative of these amazing monuments.

Air and Space Museum - Kids love it! There are two locations. One located in Washington D.C. proper, and the other out in Chantilly, VA, which is about 20 miles west of the district. Admissions to both locations is free, but the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum does have a $15 parking fee.

The latter location is very large and there's plenty of room to walk around and marvel at the many aircraft on display there. Kids who are interested in space and airplanes in general are bound to enjoy both locations.

American History Museum houses a replica of the Wright Brothers' Airplane. There are pieces of surviving canvas located in the exhibit. Very cool for the kids to see!

The Natural History Museum not only has dinosaurs (which is bound to be a hit for most kids!), but also houses the famous Hope Diamond:

Mount Vernon always has great things for the kids to see and do. From the regular exhibits to special events, a trip to George Washington's estate is a good family fun day.

Perhaps a dance with General Washington at the annual Craft Fair in September is in order. President Washington is frequently seen at Mount Vernon during other times of the year also during special events or presentations.

Learning how to write with a quill and ink is fun for the kids too. Since the 18th Century Craft Fair is coming soon, if you're going to be in the area, or if you live in the area, this is a great family fun event. The next Craft Fair is coming up the weekend of September 19th and 20th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a fantastic family event that the kids will love!

Regiment and battle re-enactments are a common sight at many of Northern Virginia's historical locations. This one took place at Mount Vernon

Or stop by the Pioneer Farm nestled on the shores of the Potomac River on the Mount Vernon property. The kids love this one because they can run around a bit and get out some of that built up energy.

There are truly endless possibilities in the Washington D.C. region for a day of family fun. If you click on "Family Fun" in the categories of this blog, you'll find a plethora of more ideas of places to take the kids if you live or are visiting the area.

Washington D.C.: Ideas of Things to Do With the Kids

2009-08-04T08:52:00.003-04:00

Washington D.C. is chock full of things to do, but when you travel into the District with kids it can get tiring pretty quickly because of the high activity. Since it's such a popular tourist area, and is a busy place with government and business activity, during high volume days, the hustle and bustle can get a bit rough on the kids.

Long lines, crowded streets and lots of walking, chances are they'll get to a point where they are going to get a little tired and/or need to blow off some steam.

The good news is there are plenty of places you can go to let your kids blow off some steam or simply be able to enjoy the sights themselves without getting bored. There are plenty of museums, monuments, and buildings to look at, and if you know what to look for you can easily plan a kid-friendly visit to Washington D.C. region. Read on...

Northern Virginia: Summer Fairs 2009

2009-07-27T05:17:00.000-04:00

During the warmer months, many events in Northern Virginia come to life. Between all the cultural festivals, museum events and county fairs, there is lots to see and do.

Northern Virginia hosts some of the biggest County Fairs in the state. Here are a few that are coming up:

Loudoun County Fair
Sunday, July 26th - Saturday, August 1st 2009

This one almost slipped under my radar. The fair is running now, it opened last Sunday and runs through this coming Saturday, August 1st. Plenty to see and do including contests, a demolition Derby, Hansen's Spectacular Thrill Show, a magic show, Ball of Steel Motorcycle Stunt Show,
lots of animals, Carnival Midway and more. There are lots of daily events, fun for all ages listed, just check out the fair's daily Calendar of Events.

The fairgrounds are located at 17558 Dry Mill Road Leesburg, Virginia.

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Frying Pan Farm Park Show
Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

This annual fair takes place this coming weekend from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be all kinds of entertainment, animal shows, exhibits, contests, rides and more.

The fun takes place at Frying Pan Farm Park, located on 2709 West Ox Rd in Herndon. Admission is free, but there is a $5 parking fee for cars. You can learn more at the 4-H website.

Prince William County Fair
Friday, August 14th - Saturday, August 22nd
Billed as Virginia's largest county fair, the fair is celebrating its 60th year and it looks like this year has lots of events on the calendar. There's the Grand Stand Events, schedule of daily events which include all the judging and contests, rides, fun attractions for the whole family, and more!

The action takes place at 10624 Dumfries Rd, Rt 234, Manassas, VA. Your can visit the Prince William County Fair website for more information regarding admission, parking and more.

Arlington County Fair
Wednesday, August 19th - Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

The admission to this fair is free and there is a shuttle service priced at $1 per adult (children and seniors are free). If you want to learn more about the annual fair, please visit their website for more details. The fair takes place at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, located at 3501 South Second St., Arlington, VA

If you're looking for some family fun as the summer passes the mid-way point and begins to wind down, these are some great events to consider!

Things to do: Visit Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria, VA

2009-07-22T04:02:00.003-04:00

This grand home, built in 1753, has an interesting history. Designed and built by John Carlyle, a merchant, this Georgian Palladian style home was once the center of much social and political activity.

The architecture was truly innovative for it's time, having been built entirely of stone and not a common structure in colonial America.

Despite the home's rich connection to colonial history, Carlyle House spent a good amount of its lifetime spent in seclusion and in disarray. For many years, the front yard even housed a hotel which blocked the home's visibility.

Visitors are provided with a short video which details the history of John Carlyle and of the house itself. If you click on the 2nd photo you can get a detailed view of the glass. The guide told us back in colonial times the window did not have glass, but only wooden slats; burlap was placed over these as a shade.

The stairway leading up to the main floor of the home is extremely narrow and I tried to capture the essence of this through this photo. The size of the steps pretty much show the width of the entire stairway.

Here are some additional photos I took during our tour of the upper floors of Carlyle House. The architectural detail was pretty interesting to view.

Our tour guide, Mike, was knowledgeable in providing us with a pretty in-depth history of the house and was very helpful in answering questions from the group. It was an interesting tour; we'd taken the tour about 3 years ago upon first moving to the area, but we learned much more this time having been more familiarized with Old Town now.

Definitely a tour that can be taken more than once and still learn something new.

Located at 121 N. Fairfax Street, in Old Town, visitors are welcomed, no reservations are necessary. There is a small nominal admission fee, currently $4 for adults, and I believe children 6-12 were $2.

Things to Do: Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA

2009-07-21T05:00:00.001-04:00

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a historic building located on the coast of the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA.

Today the building is an art aficionados’ paradise. The building, which really was a factory that manufactured torpedoes during WWII, is now a building which boasts 82 artist studios, 6 art galleries, and the Art League School, also features a shopping section, and hosts the Archeology Museum.

In addition, torpedoes are placed throughout the factory center to reflect the building's rich history as a once real operative factory. Visitors are free to tour the building on their own, or attend one of the structured artist tours.

It's prime location on the waterfront makes a visit a really nice time. There's always an active calendar of events and admission to the building is free to the public. The building's hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day, except Thursdays, when hours are extended to 9 p.m. Keep in mind, individual art studio hours may vary.

Washington D.C. Area Summer Events: Cultural and Ethnic Festivals 2009

2009-07-19T18:09:00.010-04:00

This summer brings lots of local cultural events and ethnic festivals to the Northern Virginia area. Here are a few of the upcoming events which will be taking place in the region over the next few weeks:

July
2009 African Heritage Festival
This year's festival will be on July 25, 2009 from 1 p.m.- 7 p.m. This festival celebrates African cultures and is a day full of entertainment, arts/crafts and food. The event takes place at 201 King Street, Alexandria. Admission is free!

German Festival
The 109th Maryland German Festival takes place in 2009 on Saturday, July 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, July 26th from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Timonium. This event features German entertainment, food and drink. There is an admission fee for this event which is $6 adults, $5 seniors, but children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

Peruvian Festival
This annual event takes place on Sunday, July 26 at 12 p.m. in Arlington at the Gunston Arts Center, located at 2700 S. Lang Street. This event honors Peru's day of Independence (July 28th) and features Peruvian dance, music and food. This event is free!

August
6th Annual Asian Festival
On Saturday/Sunday, August 1-2, this annual festival happens at the Lake Newport Tennis Park in Reston. Each year the festival chooses one Asian country to showcase and this year's country is India. The event is free to everyone. You can learn more about this popular event on the festival's website. There is guaranted too be lots of culture, food, entertainment and fun for all ages!

2009 Irish Festival in Alexandria
This popular event takes place on Saturday, August 8, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Alexandria's waterfront park (1A Prince Street). Visitors can experience Irish culture including arts & crafts, food, refreshments, cultural dance and entertainment. The festival allows lawn chairs, but does not permit coolers to be brought into the festival. This is an annual event and open to all ages and entrance to the event is free.

23rd Annual Pakistan Festival
This increasingly popular event takes place this year on Saturday, August 16, 2009 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at George Mason University, which is 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. Visitors can expect lots of traditional Pakistani food, folk music and more. Admission to this event is free! You can learn more about this event on the Pakistan Festival USA website.

Cambodian Day Festival
This event occurs on Sunday, August 23rd from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The fun takes place at Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria. This festival will be a celebration of Cambodian culture, which will showcase folk and classical dance performances, live music, traditional foods and entertainment for the kids. You can learn more about the event on the Cambodian Community Day website.

September
Reston Multicultural Festival
The 2009 festival takes place on Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an annual event which celebrates the diversity represented in the community. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in attire to represent their own cultural background. There will be entertainment, music, dress, food and anything related to cultural diversity. The event takes place at the Lake Anne Village Center located at 1609-A Washington Plaza in Reston. Rain or shine! The event is free to all ages.

While it's true many of the cultural festivals in the area have already occurred, there are still lots of festivals left this summer in the Washington D.C. area.

Grand Homes of Northern Virginia: Photos of Historical Homes and Estates

2009-07-17T06:30:00.004-04:00

The Washington DC metro area has amazing historical value, much of which resides in the outskirts in Northern Virginia. From George Washington to George Mason to Robert E. Lee, many prominent Americans had roots and family ties to this region.

Many of these stately homes have been preserved and today are open to the public. Here are a few prominent residencies which hold significant historical value.

The majestic Mount Vernon was the estate of President George Washington and Martha Washington. The grounds are vast and truly beautiful. Visitors can literally spend hours on the property and still have more to see.

View of Mount Vernon from the Potomac River. Simply beautiful! The pictures do not do it justice.

Arlington House, home of General Robert E. Lee which is located within the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery. Visitors can tour the home, free of charge, and see the interior of this grand home.

Gunston Hall, home of George Mason, located in Mason Neck, VA. The estate is located just south Fort Belvoir. The property is beautiful. Have not had a chance to explore down as far as the waterfront, but will do that on our next visit.

British merchant John Carlyle built this home for his bride in Alexandria, VA. This home was a pivotal location for much social and political activity in the latter half of the 18th century. The house has an interesting history since it almost fell to ruin. Additionally a hotel had been built right in front of it and blocked the home from view. It wasn't until recent decades the house was brought back to the grandeur it possessed in the latter 1700's.

This home is located in Alexandria, VA, across the street from Christ Church, and I thought it would be a nice addition to this group of photos. I am not sure of the historical significance though, but it is a beautiful home.

Summer 2009: Fun Events in Northern Virginia

2009-07-14T09:48:00.014-04:00

Northern Virginia is a gold mine of great things to see and do if you're looking for something to do with the family on the weekend.

Here's a rundown of some of the 2009 events happening in the area in the upcoming weeks:

July 2009
*Civil War Camp Day and Skirmish
Fort Ward will be holding the Civil War Camp Day and Skirmish on July 18th. At this event there will be artillery demos, Civil War camps for both Union and Confederate Armies, drills, reenactments and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $10 for families with kids. The Fort is located at 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria VA 22304.

*Live Music with KUKU
At the Torpedo Factory Art Center located at 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria (Right on the Waterfront) KUKU will give a free performance for the public on July 23, 2009 from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. This self-taught musician will be performing music inspired by his African heritage. KUKU has a great bio located on his webpage.

*African Heritage Festival
This year's festival will be on July 25, 2009 from 1 p.m.- 7 p.m. This festival celebrates African cultures and is a day full of entertainment, arts/crafts and food. The event takes place at 201 King Street, Alexandria. Admission is free!

August 2009
*Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Frying Pan Farm Park Show
On the weekend of August 1-2 2009, this annual fair takes place from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sunday. There will be all kinds of entertainment, animal shows, exhibits, contests, rides and more.

The fun takes place at Frying Pan Farm Park, located on 2709 West Ox Rd in Herndon. Admission is free, but there is a $5 parking fee for cars. You can learn more at the 4-H website.

*Carlyle Housewarming
This annual event celebrates the day John Carlyle moved into his grand Alexandria home. The event takes place at the Carlyle House located at 121 No. Fairfax St., Alexandria on August 1, 2009 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. What's great is admission is free!

*Friendship Firehouse Festival
Each year the historic Friendship Firehouse holds an annual festival. This year the Company celebrates its 234th anniversary! They'll be all sorts of fun family events, including a birthday cake. The event place on August 1, 2009, from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Admission is also free! The Friendship Firehouse is located on the 100 block of So. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA.

*Tavern Day at Gadsby's Tavern
August 1, 2009 is a busy day in Alexandria! From 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. the Gadsby's Tavern is holding a special day full of fun. You can have a tour led by a costumed guide, listen to period music and enjoy light refreshments. The price for this event is also right -- free! Gadsby's is located at 134 No. Royal St., Alexandria.

*Irish Festival
On August 8th from 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. this fair takes place. Visitors can enjoy arts/crafts, dancing, and Irish cuisine and entertainment.The fun happens at the Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria, located at 1A Prince St. Admission is free!

*Civil War Weekend
The Sully Historic Site puts on some really good annual events. On the weekend of August 15-16, the Civil War Weekend takes place. You can read more details on my other blog entry Summer 2009 Events at Sully Historic Site.

*Prince William County Fair
Billed as Virginia's largest county fair, the fair will take place August 14th-August 22nd this year. The fair is celebrating its 60th year and it looks like this year has lots of events on the calendar. There's the Grand Stand Events, schedule of daily events which include all the judging and contests, rides, fun attractions for the whole family, and more!

The fun takes place at 10624 Dumfries Rd, Rt 234, Manassas, VA. Your can visit the Prince William County Fair website for more information regarding admission, parking and more.

*Arlington County Fair
On August 19-23 the Arlington County Fair takes place. Located at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 South 2nd St. in Arlington, admission to the fair is free and they offer a shuttle service which costs $1 per adult (children and seniors are free). I've never attended this event, but am considering it this year. If you want to learn more about the annual fair, please visit their website for more details.

Looking Ahead
The annual 18th Century Craft Fair at Mount Vernon will be held this year the weekend of September 19-20 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. I will be elaborating more on this in a later entry because it's such a fantastic event with fun for the whole family. My family attends every year when possible. There are no additional admission fees for this fair; it's included with the regular admission price.

Every year the Alexandria Festival of The Arts happens in September. Visitors can stroll along King Street and marvel over the paintings, sculptures, jewelry photos, and more! This event showcases many different styles of art and caters to different budgets. Visitors can browse, purchase and talk with the artists about their work. A pretty popular event! This year's event takes place on the weekend of September 12-13.

Family Fun in Northern Virginia: Enchanted Dragon Mirror Maze and Train Ride at Skyline Caverns

2009-07-12T02:37:00.001-04:00

Skyline Caverns is a great time for fun anytime of the year. However, if you want to escape the summer heat, this is a great day trip because it's nice and cool inside those caverns (they are about 54 degrees year round).

The tour is terrific and it's really fascinating to see all the stalactites, stalagmites and the rare Anthodites. While the cavern tour is great, what's neat is Skyline Caverns also has 2 other activities for the kids on their property.

First there is the Enchanted Dragon Mirror Maze. This is a cool place for the kids to wander around. Kids and adults can wander through this maze of mirrors and look for the dragons, large dragon egg and woodland fairies. This mirror maze is designed interestingly and is way better than any carnival house of mirrors I've been in due to the realism of reflections. There were many times I went to talk to someone and was facing their reflection instead.

Skyline Arrow Miniature train ride is another fun activity. The ride takes you around the loop 3x and through Houseshoe Curve, across Apache Flats, by Kissing Rock and Sinkhole Overlook, and through Boothill Tunnel. This ride is seasonal though. The kids love this one! Actually adults might find it kind of fun too.

If you're looking for some summer family fun, visiting Skyline Caverns may be the perfect destination.

Business Reviews: Fair Oaks Dodge, Chantilly, VA

2009-07-11T13:00:00.006-04:00

There's only one way to say it and that's to be straight to the point. Fair Oaks Dodge in Chantilly is horrible.

While it's true most of the time I'm more compelled to write good or glowing reviews of businesses, restaurants or other customer service experiences. This is one of those times I'm inclined not to stand by the adage "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

Recently a family member brought a vehicle in for a very minor problem. While it's true the car was overdue for service, what the service department found was one lengthy list. While my family member agreed to the services knowing regular maintenance needed catching up on, when he got the bill he was appalled to find they'd charged him for 4x4 service. All fine and good, EXCEPT he does not have a 4x4 vehicle!

In addition there were lots of little charges such as burned out lightbulbs, thermostats and other things (I can say I'm pretty sure there were no bulbs out when that truck came in). Since they so carelessly applied charges for a type of vehicle not even owned, it really makes you wonder what else was fudged on that excessive (over $1,000) bill?

The customer service was terrible and there is really nothing positive to say about this experience. Much better service was received from the previous owner before being bought out by the current owner. Looks like our family isn't the only one of this opinion. Check out what others have to say. Too bad my family member hadn't seen this before making an appointment (of course we didn't know the dealership had switched hands).

Needless to say Fair Oaks Dodge will not be getting a repeat customer.

Tips on Touring the National Monuments and Memorials in Washington D.C.

2009-07-09T05:41:00.000-04:00

A trip to Washington, D.C., isn't complete without a tour of the monuments and memorials located on the National Mall and along the Potomac River. A great thing about D.C. is that the National Park Service doesn't charge entry fees for the monuments.

The best way to navigate the district is on foot and by Metro. Parking is free by the monuments, but unless you're a real early bird, spots fill up pretty quickly and some lots limit parking hours. Paid parking is farther away and it's not cheap, however if you take the Metro and walk, you avoid wasting time with parking hassles, and you see much more if you're on foot anyway.

The Smithsonian Metro station is the most convenient stop because it's located in the center of the museums, monuments and the Capitol building. Plan to wear a good pair of walking shoes because while the monuments look close together on a map, in reality you'll have to do some walking. Read more...

Northern Virginia: Things to Do in Alexandria During the Summer

2009-07-08T05:14:00.002-04:00

Downtown Alexandria, VA always has something going on and summertime is a fantastic time to spend a day, evening or a week exploring this quaint and happening city. Alexandria rests along the Potomac River across the way from Washington D.C. and is a terrific destination to visit.

Old Town Alexandria is where most of the action's at and visitors taking a stroll along the streets can typically find lots of things to do. Old Town is a popular section of town for both locals and tourists as there are lots of museums, restaurants, ice cream shops, street shows, historical landmarks, live music and all sorts of other exciting activity typically buzzing. There are also many structured summer events going on in Alexandria. Read more...

Travel: Tips for the Metro Lines and Metro Stations in Northern Virginia

2009-07-07T05:05:00.003-04:00

If you want to pick up the Metro in Virginia, you have a few options because you can take the Orange, Blue or Yellow Line from Virginia. Taking the Metro is convenient because you don't have to worry about the car parking dilemma once you get to D.C., especially during special events.

Parking in general, special events or not, can be difficult and the free parking down by the monuments typically fills up quickly. It's more financially feasible to take the Metro in most cases rather than park in one of the pay parking areas in downtown D.C.

Here's a quick rundown of each Metro line and the stops you can access in Northern Virginia:

Orange Line
The Orange Line runs west in Fairfax County. The stops are located at Vienna (one end of the line), Dunn Loring-Merrifield, West Falls Church, East Falls Church, Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU (George Mason University), Clarendon, Courthouse and Rosslyn. After Rosslyn, the rail crosses the Potomac River and you'll hit the Washington D.C. stops which then lead to Maryland and ends at New Carrolton, the other end of the line.

Blue Line
The Blue Line picks up in Springfield, the only station in Fairfax County, then runs to Van Dorn Street on the outskirts of Alexandria. From here it goes into the heart of Alexandria at King Street. From King Street the train continues through Alexandria at the Braddock Road stop to the Ronald Reagan National Airport, Crystal City, Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery and then at Rosslyn. From here the line turns and heads into Washington D.C. through to Maryland at the other end of the line at the Largo Town Center.

Yellow Line
The Yellow Line also only has one stop in Fairfax County and this is located at the Huntington Station. From here it turns into Alexandria and stops at Eisenhower Avenue, King Street, Braddock Road, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Crystal City, and Pentagon. At this point, the Yellow Line goes east and heads into Washington D.C. proper.

There are several options for starting or ending your journey in Northern Virginia by Metro. The Orange, Blue and Yellow lines are pretty accessible and parking is available. Additionally many Metro busses run to the various stations.

You can view the Metro Rail Map on their website to give you a better visual of all the stops in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. This map includes the Red and Green Lines as well which may help you navigate any train transfers you may need to take in order to get you closest to your destination from Northern Virginia.

Washington D.C.: Things to see at the National Museum of American History

2009-07-06T04:07:00.001-04:00

Washington D.C. is home to the Smithsonian Institute. This network of museums has many neat things to offer to the public. The National Museum of American History is one of the most popular museums in Washington D.C.

This museum offers a diverse number of exhibits that showcase everything from early colonial times to sports and modern pop culture. You can see the exhibit The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, the Presidential Exhibit ("The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden"), an exhibit on American First Ladies, how electric lighting evolved, musical instruments, and you can even see Kermit the Frog. Let's not forget Dorothy's ruby red slippers are showcased in this museum too.

These honorable mentions are only a small sample of what awaits the American History Museum visitor. You can easily spend hours or days in this museum and not see it all. If you visit with the kids, don't forget to stop by the hands-on exhibit "Invention at Play"; the kids will have a blast.

In addition to the ongoing exhibits, there are often new exhibits which are special programs offered in the museum for a limited run. Check the museum's website before your visit to see if what new and exciting exhibits are being offered during the time frame you'll be in town.

Recently renovated and re-opened about a year ago, the museum is really a fascinating place to see. Its operating hours for summer 2009 are extended and the museum is open from June 12 - August 16 from 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and from August 17 - September 7: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Normally the museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. if memory serves correctly.

The Museum is open every day except Dec. 25, and admission is free. Located on the National Mall, at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., the National Museum of American History is easily accessible by the Metro. You can get off at the Smithsonian Station and the museum is a short walk, about a block, maybe two.

Northern Virginia: A Visit to the Skyline Caverns, Front Royal, VA

2009-07-03T05:00:00.008-04:00

OK, this one is a bit off the beaten path to be considered the Washington D.C. Metro area, but it is too good to pass up writing about.

Recently we decided to trek west and see what Northern Virginia has to offer in that direction. We found ourselves out in Front Royal which is about an hour from Fairfax County. Since the day's forecast expected to be another scorcher, we decided to spent a few hours at Skyline Caverns where it would be undoubtedly cool.

This was a good decision since we learned upon our arrival the inside of the caverns is a consistent 54 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to visit Skyline (or any cavern), it's a good idea to bring a jacket. Those who didn't carry one spent a lot of time rubbing their arms together.

Joseph was our tour guide. He was excellent, knowledgeable, interesting, and made for a good time as he offered a ton of information delivered with a keen sense of humor. The staff at the ticket sales and gift shop were also very friendly and knowledgeable.

The tour lasts about an hour and you should plan for a lot of walking; along with the jacket you'll want to wear comfortable shoes. If I recall correctly we walked a good distance once we got inside the caverns and navigated between the chambers.

Caverns are pretty amazing. Mother nature's handiwork is truly incredible. As you tour Skyline Caverns you get to see close up the talents she possesses.

Skyline is one of the few places on earth where you can view Anthodites. These formations are astonishing, in fact this word is an understatement. The detail is amazing and viewing them is a memorable experience, especially knowing it's such a rare thing. (You really can't see the detail of the Anthodites from this view, but if you click on each picture you can see much more of the incredible detail of these rare formations in different stages of growth).

You can see a fault line in this photo (the brown line). Fortunately Virginia doesn't have much, if any, seismic activity!

These are some other miscellaneous photos taken from the various chambers throughout the caverns (any of these photos can be clicked for closer detail).

Skyline Caverns is located about 90 minutes west of Washington D.C. off I-66. For information about tour times, admission and other relevant information, you can visit their website. It's a great trip whether you're a local or if you're visiting Northern Virginia for vacation. Highly recommended!

Restaurant Reviews: Family Fun at Pop's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream

2009-07-01T05:00:00.007-04:00

Whether you're young, or young at heart, if you are an ice cream fan, Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop is a great choice. The store is located down in the heart of Old Town Alexandria on King Street, about a block from the riverfront.

A terrific spot to stop off, rest and indulge in some homemade ice cream. If you enjoy and seek the ambiance of an old-time ice cream parlor, Pop's fits the bill. Not only is the old-fashioned ambiance nice and reflective of a time long gone by, but the made on premises ice cream is terrific too.

Pop's has the standard flavors and then some variety of unique flavors. I've been looking for a peanut butter ice cream flavor that rivals the one I had in Walt Disney World several years ago. Never been able to find anything remotely close.

Well...Pop's has it! If you like peanut butter, you will not be disappointed if you order it here! The other flavors the family tried were all good too and the kids were already planning the flavors they were going to order on the next time around in Alexandria. The sprinkled cones were a big hit too.

I couldn't find a menu because the Sunday afternoon crowd happened to be there at the time of our visit, so I am not sure if the shop has menus, but here's a shot of their outdoor menu (you can click to enlarge). This menu does seem to be missing the extensive list of flavors and prices for cups/cones -- I know the small was around $3.30 which is about average for this area.

The entire family gave Pop's Old-Fashioned Ice Cream a big thumbs up.

Things to do in Alexandria, VA: Gadsby's Tavern Museum

2009-06-30T04:30:00.007-04:00

A historical jewel located in Old Town Alexandria is Gadsby's Tavern Museum. At one time a prosperous tavern and hotel were run at this location. Today the two buildings are split into two separate entities, one is an operational restaurant and the other a museum.

What is now the museum building was once an active and historically prominent tavern which opened somewhere around 1785. The current Gadsby's Restaurant was once the City Hotel, which opened in 1792. Back in colonial times Gadsby's was a location where many prominent and important people visited, ate, drank, socialized, and attended meetings or even performances.

George Washington was a patron as was John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and Marquis de Lafayette and many other domestic and foreign dignitaries.

Fast forward to modern day and visitors can still enjoy the buildings. The long-standing, 18th century Tavern is still in amazing condition. Tours are open to the public for a small nominal fee (at the time of this writing, the cost is $4 for adults and $2 for the 11-17 age group and under 11 are free with a paid adult ticket).

Even before famed entrepreneur John Wise purchased the business back in 1782, the building has a rich history. However today, the building reflects upon what the business existed as from the timeframe of 1785-1810.

The 30 minute tour itself is remarkable and visitors are treated to a professional tour chock full of interesting facts, fascinating history and full descriptions of historical events, day to day operations and everything else connected with Gadsby's deep historical connection to the City of Alexandria. The tour guide we had was fantastic.

Here are some photos of the interior rooms of Gadsby which were taken very recently. These shots were taken in the main tavern room from each angle:

These photos show the private dining area located on the first floor and the stairway to the second floor.

These photos illustrate the meeting room located on the second floor above the main tavern's rooms. Unfortunately I was not able to capture the size of the room, but it was quite large. The stairway leads up to the third floor where the tavern's sleeping quarters were located. The woodwork in this room is beautiful. The railing in the 5th photo leads to the upper floors of the restaurant, which were formerly part of the hotel. This area is included as a part of the tour and is separate from the restaurant downstairs (all photos can be clicked to see enlarged pics).

This are the third floor quarters for traveling men. The rooms look pretty much the way they would have in the 18th century. There were two rooms and it was common for traveling men to expect to share lodging quarters and even beds. Underneath the mattresses you can see the roped design to hold the mattress up.

These photos are from the section above the restaurant. If you visit the museum, you can very faintly see the number "8" indicating this room was number 8 in the hotel. Unfortunately my photo was not able to capture the outline where the number used to be. Pretty amazing the remnants of the number still exists so many years later.

This is the famous ballroom located above the restaurant. In this room many famous and historically prominent people have spent time for parties and other significant events. George Washington was honored at two grand birthday parties here as well as many other socially and politically prominent events. The room is rather large and elegant (these also can be enlarged for better detail).

The museum is open for daily tours and if you love history, Gadsby's Tavern is a wonderful 30 minute tour. For more information on tour times, please visit the Gadsby's Museum website.

Northern Virginia: A Review of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Alexandria, VA (Part 2)

2009-06-29T07:48:00.018-04:00

If you've read Part 1 of our visit to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, this is a continuation of that entry. Part 1 focused on visitor information and also highlighted the tour through the first floor where the day-to-day business transactions transpired.

This entry is going to focus on the second floor where the production and creation of the products the apothecary sold took place. As a visitor when you reach the second floor, you are immediately transported back to a place in time not likely ever seen before (unless you were an apothecary in the early part of the 20th century or prior manufacturing the products).

There are two rooms upstairs. The 1st room entered is currently, for the most part bare in comparison to the 2nd room, but does contain some items and an elevator lift. If you look at these photos, you can see the lift in the first picture; the 2nd photo is the opening in the floor where the lift used to reach the 1st floor (any pics in this entry can be clicked to enlarge for better clarity).

The second upstairs room is astounding. I was enchanted and mesmerized by the historical value in this entire building. There are rows and rows of hand-marked drawers which contain the ingredients the apothecaries used to make medicines, potions and anything in between. In these photos, you can read many of the ingredients on the compartments.

There were many more I did not get photos of, but I did try to capture the ambiance and essence of this amazing part of the museum. In the 3rd photo you can see actual items in the drawer; these are original and left in place by the Stabler-Leadbeater family many decades ago. There is a lining of plexi-glass to protect the items. Unfortunately I did not capture a photo of the name of the ingredient. The wonderful tour guide did talk about it some, but it unfortunately escaped my memory.

In these photos you can see the scales used by the Stabler-Leadbeater apothecaries and (I think) the filing system for 'recipes' (I'm not sure this is the appropriate word). The apothecaries also made paint. I don't have a photo, but there were paint samples on wood hanging over one of the counters which illustrated all the colors they'd blended for paint. The other photos shown below contain original miscellaneous items.

This museum is a must see for any history buff, person interested in medicine or even business operations. The tour guide we had was terrific, very knowledgeable and informative; a lot is learned during this tour.

The room looks as if the apothecaries were just there yesterday, everything is laid out, stacked much like it may have been during the time the Stabler-Leadbeater family operated the business. It is truly amazing how everything has sat literally untouched since 1933 when the family had to lock the doors and shut down in the Great Depression era.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is located at 105-107 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Only a short block away from the Ramsey Visitor's Center on King Street. You can also visit them on the web for more information.

Highly recommended!

Northern Virginia: A Review of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Alexandria, VA (Part 1)

2009-06-29T05:00:00.008-04:00

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is hands down one of my favorite tours in Old Town Alexandria. While most everything to visit in Alexandria is pretty amazing, or at least quite interesting, I was blown away by this tour.

The amount of detail, original layout, materials, working tools, products and everything in between that still exists is simply astonishing. Anything 'old' fascinates me and when I see so much original or historical pieces all together at once, I get giddy and dizzy with excitement, which is exactly how I felt walking through this museum.

The Apothecary was founded in 1792 by a gentleman by the name of Edward Stabler. This family business was operational for an amazing 141 years. The Leadbeater name came later when another family member took over the business.

This blog entry is going to focus on the first floor of the museum where everyday business transactions took place. This is where people came in to place orders and where customer service took place. The second floor was off-limits to customers and where everything was produced (I will write about the second floor in a follow-up blog entry).

The main shop still has a lot of the original glasswork located on the displays. If you click on these photos and look closely you should be able to see better detail of the amazing design and of the products displayed in the cases. Everything back then was glass, and it was fun to see familiar products, such as Peptol Bismol, in an old-fashioned bottle.

Our tour was very informative and the guide offered a lot of interesting information about both apothecaries in general and about the business' and building's history; his knowledge was extensive and he shared a lot of it. The great information he provided was so interesting it left me hungry for more; I'll be definitely returning for a second tour the next time I'm out in Alexandria.

These are some more first floor photos; the second is from the records found upstairs -- the one I've posted here is a request from Martha Washington (fortunately it seems the Statler-Leadbeater family was very meticulous on keeping records. There are several original documents on display in the museum, undoubtedly many more archived).

If you want to visit, the tour hours are pretty consistent through the year, but there are a couple of seasonal variations. In April - October the hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays/Mondays the hours are 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. From November to March the museum is open from 11 a.m - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and on Sundays/Mondays from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tours are offered every half hour.

The second floor of the museum where the apothecaries worked is just as amazing. There is a follow-up post with descriptions and pictures of the manufacturing end of the family business.

Admission rates are reasonable. Adults are $4, children ages 11-17 are $2 and the younger tots are free. This is one tour I give a major thumbs up!

Washington D.C. National Zoo: The Amazing Giant Panda Exhibit

2009-06-26T19:49:00.003-04:00

The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. has some pretty terrific exhibits. One of the best and most popular exhibits is the Giant Panda habitat.

There are 3 giant pandas living at the exhibit in the National Zoo. Mei Xiang and Tian Tian both hail from the China Research and Conservation Center. Mei Xian, the female panda, was born in July 1998. As of last summer (2008) she weighed 250 lbs. Tian Tian, came into the world in August of 1997. His weigh-in during the spring of 2007 came in at approximately 275 lbs. The pair had their first offspring in 2005, a baby boy. At birth he was 1.82 lbs, but now weighs in at a whopping 187 lbs.

Visitors are treated to seeing the giant pandas eat, lounge about or play. Watching these wonderful animals is fascinating and the pandas' beauty, gracefulness and funny antics always draw a crowd. Visitors will not be disappointed.

If you do plan to visit the National Zoo, do be sure to stop by and see this great exhibit. Make sure to bring your camera! Chances are one of them will be pretty playful and you can get some terrific souvenir shots.

Udvar-Hazy Event Review: Become a Pilot Day June 20, 2009

2009-06-23T19:31:00.010-04:00

This year was the 5th annual "Become a Pilot Day" at the Udvar-HazyCenter, National Air and Space Museum located in Chantilly, VA off Route 28.

Despite the morning's heavy downpour of rain, the event still brought a lot of visitors and this "family day and aviation display" event went off seemingly without a hitch.

Fortunately the rains stopped by late morning and visitors were able to get outside and tour, explore and climb inside some of the special visiting aircraft who flew down for the day. The displays included military, recreational, vintage and home built aircraft.

In addition the Spirit of Freedom C-54 few down for the day, and this was a treat since this year is the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. This event showcased a new exhibit at the museum dedicated to this event.

In addition to these special outdoor exhibits, there was lots going on inside the museum as well. Several members of the Tuskegee Airmen were present and available for greets, autographs, photographs and book signings. This group of brave men escorted bombers from England to Germany and back in WWII. To their credit, they never lost a single bomber to enemy fire. Meeting these men was a true honor and something my family will never forget.

An audience was treated to seeing a U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team performing a drill ceremony and demonstration. This was truly amazing! After the demonstration, visitors were entertained by U.S. Air Force Band's vocal group, Max Impact. What a wonderful performance!

There was plenty of hands-on activities for the kids of all ages. Simulators, crafts, aircraft related video games, storytime and more. The kids also had an opportunity to complete fun and educational activities in pursuit of earning (and learning!) their 'pilot certificate'.

Despite the early damper with the weather, it was a great day. As the weather cleared up, visitors flocked outdoors to see the exhibits and during the afternoon were able to see the visiting aircraft prepare and venture into takeoff.

Highly recommended as a day for family fun! Look forward to next year's 6th annual event at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

Washington D.C.: The Annual 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

2009-06-21T04:00:00.003-04:00

June is already coming to a close and before we know it, the 4th of July will be upon us! As summertime kicks into full swing, what better place to celebrate America's day of Independence than in the U.S. Capital?

Every year the large parade takes place along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street. The parade features invited bands, fife and drum corps, military units, colonial re-enactors, giant floats and balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIPs, national dignitaries and celebrities. This event is amazing and a grand event to celebrate America's birthday.

In 2009 the parade takes place on (what else!) July 4th and the parade begins at 11:45 a.m. I'd recommend you get there a bit early because parking is bound to be a nightmare and the Metro jam packed. You also want to ensure you get a good viewing of the parade so as not to miss a thing!

Here are some more photos from the 2007 4th of July Parade in Washington D.C.:

After the parade, there are still lots of events going on throughout the day down on the National Mall. The National Mall area opens at 10:00 a.m. for public access and keep in mind you do need to go through a security checkpoint in order to enter the area.

The spectacular and famous fireworks begin at dark, which typically falls around 9:15 p.m. (If you can't stay for the fireworks, these are also televised, it's not the same, but still a great event to see on TV!). In the event of rain, the fireworks will take place on July 5th.

Summer 2009 Events at the Sully Historic Site, Chantilly, VA

2009-06-20T08:10:00.009-04:00

The Sully home was built in 1794 and today has been restored to it's former glory with historical accuracy. The original owner was Richard Bland Lee, who served as Virginia’s first congressman. As you tour the house, you get a pretty good feeling of how life existed back in the 18th and 19th century, and the grounds are simply beautiful.

Sully Plantation is located near Dulles Airport in Chantilly, VA. The estate sits just south of the airport right off Route 28 and this historic location hosts many terrific events each season on the grounds. Any event day at Sully Plantation is fun for the whole family.

Here are a few of the events happening in 2009:

*Antique Car Show
On Father's Day 2009, June 21st, the Sully Historic Site will be hosting an Antique Car show. The event runs from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and will exhibit over 400 antique and classic cars for all to view. There will also be live music played. A great day for dads who love antique cars! The admission fee is $9 for adults, $6 for children and $8 for seniors. This fee includes a tour of the Sully House.

*World War II Weekend
The annual World War II Weekend takes place at Sully this year on July 11th and 12th. The event will showcase living history, encampment, demonstrations and a good close up look at life for both soldiers and civilians during the war. The living history members wear authentic uniforms and carry genuine equipment which is on display throughout the camps.

Now in its 3rd year, the World War II Weekend at Sully is a popular event. For 2009, the event will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. Admission fees are $7 for adults, $5 for children and $5 for seniors.

*Civil War Weekend
Each August brings the Civil War Weekend to Sully and this year the event takes place on August 15th and 16th. During this family fun event, there are living history members, demonstrations, period music, hands-on activities for the kids and lots of exhibits. We attended this event last year and talked a lot with the members who do living history and learned many of them traveled from quite a distance to attend this event. It was a great day for our whole family.

*Sully Quilt Show
This is looking ahead to the fall, but this annual event takes place on September 13, 2009 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This year is the 36th annual quilt show. During this occasion there will be demonstrations and orations on quilting, quilt appraisals, a door prize and children's activities; the event will be held rain or shine. Admission fee is $9 for adults, $6 for children and $8 for seniors. The admission fee includes a tour of the Sully House.

Washington DC Region: Best Spots to Go for a Run

2009-06-17T18:53:00.001-04:00

If you are a jogging enthusiast and are looking for a place to run when you're in the Washington D.C. area you'll be pleased to know there are several great places you can head to in order get your jogging fix.

The best part about taking your jog in the District is the beautiful picturesque and scenic areas you can go to take your run. You can choose to run along the many paths located in the heart of the D.C. where the action is at or you can opt to jog along the tranquil beauty of places such as the Potomac River. Here are a few of the top jogging areas located in the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Capitol:

Northern Virginia Restaurant Reviews: Dixie Bones, Woodbridge, VA

2009-06-15T16:37:00.004-04:00

Whether you're visiting Washington D.C. and looking to explore deeper into the surrounding region or live locally and yearning for a change of scenery and a new place to eat, take a ride down Route 1 in Virginia.

Located just south of D.C., about a 20 minute ride tucked away in Woodbridge, resides a little restaurant called Dixie Bones. If southern-style barbeque whets your appetite, this is definitely the place to go. The sandwiches are $5.25 - $5.95 and plates are $10.95 and up. Portions are generous, many of them are large enough to share, and the food is absolutely fantastic. The restaurant is not a chain, it's a one of a kind.

We accidentally stumbled into this gem of a place one evening when we first moved to the area and we weren't disappointed. The service is excellent and everything is made from scratch, no processed foods here!

Family favorites are the ribs, muddy spuds, collards and cornbread. I've heard the pecan pie is to die for, but with each visit, I've always been too full to give it a try. One of these days I'll have to save room for that . . .

Dixie Bones is definitely a jewel in the crown of Washington D.C. Metro area. They can be found at 13440 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191.