20+ Ways To Celebrate Black History Month in the DC Area All Year Long February 17, 2022 by Visit Fairfax The African American experience is intricately entwined in the rich tapestry of Fairfax County’s history and in America’s story. As you celebrate America’s Black history this year, you’ll have the opportunity to visit sites around the region in person, or online, to reflect on an inspiring journey of hope, sacrifice, liberation, empowerment, and beauty. Here are a few places that should be on your “must see” list, not just during Black History Month, but any time throughout the year. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Image courtesy National Museum of African American History and Culture This gem of a museum offers a multitude of exhibitions, and collections that explore the complete African American experience here in America. The only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture, this national treasure explores the topics of history, culture, race, and social justice through thought-provoking collections, stunning exhibits, and interactive multimedia. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Free timed-entry passes are required for entry, be sure to reserve yours to ensure you can visit on the day and time of your choosing. George Washington’s Mount Vernon Image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon Mount Vernon gives historical accounts of what life was like for enslaved African Americans which can give you a unique perspective on the struggle for freedom these people yearned for. The Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour is the best way to learn personal stories from those who worked the estate and allows you to walk in their footsteps with a guide taking you on a 60-minute history lesson. The tour is free with paid admission. You can also browse the Lives Bound Together online exhibit to learn more about the enslaved population who lived on the Mount Vernon estate. Where: Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Immediately following this tour, accompany the guide down to participate in a moving tribute at the Slave Memorial and Cemetery. The 1983 Memorial comprises three circles, symbolizing faith, hope, and love. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy, this is the first memorial on the National Mall devoted to a citizen activist for civil rights and peace. The MLK, Jr. Memorial is a tribute to a man of conscience, the freedom movement, and his message of equality, justice, and love. Where: Tidal Basin, Washington, DC Hot tip: Combine this stop with a visit to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Gum Springs Image courtesy Gum Springs Gum Springs is a town of 2,500 residents that was established in 1833 by West Ford, a freed slave. It became a haven for former slaves, both freedmen and runaways, creating a self-sufficient community that thrived into one of the oldest African American communities in the United States. Read more about this incredible story here. Where: near Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Visit the Gum Springs Historical Society’s Museum & Cultural Center, open Monday-Friday from 6-8pm and Tuesdays/Saturdays from 1-3pm. It’s advisable to call to confirm hours before visiting. George Mason’s Gunston Hall Image courtesy Gunston Hall Located not far from Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall is the historic home of George Mason, the outspoken proponent of civil liberties and author of Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, yet also a former slave owner. This sprawling site includes restored structures and interpretative actors throughout the grounds that depict the varying contributors, including slaves, that made the 18th-century household work. Where: Mason Neck, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Read more about this Founding Father’s complicated relationship with slavery before you visit, to get a better understanding of his viewpoints. Purchase of a general admission ticket grants access to the grounds, museum, and limited access to the mansion. A Grounds Pass is available for you to explore the grounds on your own. Laurel Grove School Museum Closed in 1932 and restored by family descendants and interested citizens, Laurel Grove tells the unique story of a community’s refusal to narrow its ambitions. Of all the “colored” schools that opened in the region, only Laurel Grove exists today as a “living museum.” Read more about this incredible story in our blog feature article. Where: Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: The schoolhouse is currently closed due to COVID restrictions, but check their website as restrictions ease in the coming months to plan your visit. Sully Historic Site Image courtesy Don Sweeney/Fairfax County Park Authority On the National Register of Historic Places, Sully Historic Site includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarters, and gardens in addition to the main house. Guided tours highlight early 19th century life of the family, their tenant farmers, and enslaved African Americans. It is also a site along the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail. Learn more about its connection in our feature blog article. Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Forgotten Road Tours of the outbuildings and representative slave quarters are offered by reservation only from December – mid-March, at 2 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting. You can reserve your tours online in advance. Historic Pleasant Grove Church Image courtesy Friends of Pleasant Grove This community landmark and historic church was built in 1895 by and for African and Native Americans. On-site, you can also visit the Frances K. Moore Memorial Museum, named for a descendant of the church founders. It features a unique collection of late 19th and 20th-century household furnishings, tools, photographs, and memorabilia. Where: McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Keep an eye out for the many cultural and community-wide programs and events held by the Friends of Pleasant Grove throughout the year, including the annual Black History Celebration which features the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Ensemble. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has a fantastic online exhibit, African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space, which showcases amazing stories of some of the greatest African American Air and Space explorers and innovators in American history. When you visit in person, be sure to look for interesting artifacts including several related to Neal V. Loving, the first African American (and the first double amputee!) to be licensed as a racing pilot. (Like the Loving WR-3 airplane, which was homebuilt!) Where: Chantilly, Fairfax County, Virginia Hot tip: Don’t miss the online exhibit Black Wings, which details the stories about how African Americans shared the widespread enthusiasm for flying, but they found themselves routinely denied access to training as pilots and mechanics. Tinner Hill Historic Park & Monument Image courtesy NOVA Parks Tinner Hill is recognized as the location where the first rural branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was initiated in the United States. Today, a 15-foot monument constructed of pink granite honors the men and women of Tinner Hill who made this happen and nearby, visit the historic site and Zig Zag Monument, a sculpture that follows the original location of the segregation line. Learn more about Tinner Hill’s incredible story in our feature blog article. Where: City of Falls Church and Fairfax County, Virginia border lines Hot tip: Plan to visit the park when you can or watch the Tinner Hill Remembered video that was broadcast on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2021. African American Civil War Memorial & Museum As the nation’s only memorial to African American Civil War soldiers, this site is inscribed with the names of more than 200,000 members of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Union Army. Nearby, the museum tells the stories and preserves the roles these brave soldiers played in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag. Where: U Street Corridor, Washington, DC Hot tip: Check out this overview of the museum on YouTube to see all the things you can expect to find. Frederick Douglass Historical Site Cedar Hill is open to the public to walk the grounds and is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and the hours vary by season. The Visitor Center and Historic Home remain closed. There will be no Ranger-led tours, but visitors are invited to ask questions of park staff. Where: Anacostia, Washington, DC Hot tip: You can take a virtual tour of Cedar Hill online. Smithsonian National Museum of African Art The museum is currently open and timed tickets are not required to enter. Many of the current exhibitions delve into the profound history of Black culture both domestically and abroad. This is America’s only museum dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. Docent-led tours are available throughout the week and special events occur throughout the year. Admission is free. Where: National Mall, Washington, DC Hot tip: Make sure to check out their educational resources for both students and teachers. Other notable spots: Alexandria Black History Museum Anacostia Community Museum (closed until further notice due to COVID restrictions) Freedmen’s Memorial Monument “Black Broadway” – the U Street Neighborhood Blues Alley The National Archives Mary McLeod Bethune Council House The Lincoln Memorial (“I Have a Dream” speech location) African American Heritage Trail Black-Owned Restaurants Visiting all of these important sites and attractions are sure to stir up an appetite. Lucky for you, there are hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants in Fairfax County. But if you want to support local, black-owned eateries, there are many cuisine options to choose from as well. Grab a taste of the islands at Caribbean Plate in Falls Church, treat yourself to a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Enatye Ethiopian Cuisine in Herndon, find comfort in delicious southern home cooking at Della J’s Delectables in Springfield, or take home a mouth-watering pie from Pie Gourmet in Vienna. For an evolving list of black-owned restaurants in Fairfax County, click here. Did we miss a spot? Share your favorite places to celebrate African American history and culture below. Check our calendar of events for Black History Month events and programs happening all month long.
5 Ways to Enjoy Your Staunton Staycation February 10, 2022 by StauntonVA Not ready for far-away travel just yet? You might want to skip that mid-winter trip out of the country. Why not take a Staunton staycation instead? We’ve rounded up five ways to have a blast and make new discoveries right here in Staunton. Here are our tips for seeing our beautiful city through fresh, new eyes. Fill Your Days With Local Fun How well do you really know Staunton? Why not find out with one of the unique tours you can take when you download the Traipse app on your phone. Combining trivia with touring, Traipse brings Staunton to life in over 12 themed tours. Level up your history game with a tour of the Frontier Culture Museum or the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library, and the Camera Heritage Museum. Little ones will love the Antique Fire Engine Museum at the fire station, starring the oldest motorized fire engine in Virginia. Try a New Outdoor Adventure Venture a little way out of Staunton for some of the best outdoor adventures in the country. Glide downhill at one of the area’s four awesome ski resorts: Wintergreen Resort, Bryce Mountain Resort, Omni Homestead Resort, and Massanutten Resort all offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Bridgewater’s Generations Park has a stellar skating rink. Shenandoah National Park and George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are packed with interesting trails in a range of difficulties, though you should check online before visiting for an area’s opening status. Head underground at Grand Caverns, the country’s oldest show cave. Another way to get underground is by exploring the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail that follows an old railroad bed under Afton Mountain! Skip the Souvenir and Invest in Something Unique and Meaningful Do you sometimes waste money buying silly trinkets when you’re on vacation? Why not take all that money you’ll be saving and put it toward something you’ll really love, something that will bring your room together? Consider heirloom-quality furniture from Concepts Created, which uses reclaimed wood to create custom dining tables, hutches, benches, mantles, and more. Buy some exquisite art glass from Sunspots Studio, or make your walls pop with work from a local artist from the CoArt Gallery. If you like to personalize your space with words, check out the gorgeous custom signs from Blair Made. And if your kids are pining because they didn’t get Mickey Mouse ears, take them to Pufferbellies Toys & Books and let them pick out something they’ll love even more! Make Take-Out a Fine Dining Experience If you’re still hoping to wait a bit before hanging out in a crowded restaurant, why not take carry-out to the next level? Iron the fancy tablecloth and use those fancy forks you got for your wedding. Shake things up by ordering something new from your favorite restaurant. Most Staunton restaurants offer takeout, so you could even order different courses from different spots. Start with a bottle of wine from Yelping Dog Wine and a loaf of fresh bread from Newtown Baking. Enjoy entrees from Table 44, Chicano Boy Taco, or the Depot Grille. Still hungry? A decadent pie from Firkin Pie or a sundae from Wright’s will taste just right at the end of your night. Your Home Away From Home Clutter and day-to-day tasks overwhelming you? Leave your baggage (physical and emotional) behind and check into a Staunton lodging property. Not only will you enjoy some focused time with just the essentials, but you’ll also see your city with new eyes. Best of all, someone else will make the bed! Book a room in a luxury historic hotel, a convenient brand hotel, a well-appointed bed and breakfast, or a unique vacation rental. Stop by the front desk or the Visitor Center for some brochures and ideas about where to spend your day. Staunton has much to offer both visitors and long-time residents. Get out there and have fun like a tourist!
Date Night on Colley Avenue in Historic Norfolk, VA February 10, 2022 by Visit Norfolk Date Night on Colley Avenue Whether this is your first date or date 100, here are some inspiring ideas for you to make it that much sweeter! Norfolk loves love so grab your special someone to have a romantic night out on Colley Avenue. To Do Movie Catch a film at Colley’s iconic 1936 single screen movie theater, the Naro. Bright marquee letters light up Colley Avenue and the ever rotating movie selections are perfect for a date night with your special someone. Stroll Just before the sun begins to set, discover Norfolk’s oldest independent coffee shop, Elliot’s Fair Grounds. You can grab a latte to go or savor the comfort of a hot cup of tea. With liquid warmth in hand, stroll the quaint neighborhoods of Ghent where houses date back to the 1800s with beautiful landscaping and architecture. @michellezil, Instagram Create Looking for a more hands-on activity? Check out the upcoming classes atPendulum Fine Meats for you and your loved one to partake in. One of our favorites is the Charcuterie class where you get to taste charcuterie and create your own charcuterie board. They also have a sausage making class where you can then take the sausage home and cook a romantic dinner together. To Eat The Green Onion A dining favorite in Ghent, the Green Onion, is an unpretentious bistro that locally sources food for their French-inspired menu. One of their most beloved dishes is the Prince Edward Island mussels, spinach, garlic and butter broth that is perfect for dipping a toasted French baguette into. Sip on some French wine, indulge in their Steak Au Poivre (pepper encrusted rib eye, pommels frites, spinach topped with a rosemary Demi glacé) and enjoy the company of your sweetheart. LeGrand Kitchen This 28-seater intimate “finer-diner” restaurant is nestled at the northern end of Colley Avenue and has an ever-changing menu due to sourcing the freshest ingredients for your taste buds. We love their unique dishes like beef tongue with creamed chanterelles or their decadent sea scallops with grilled cauliflower, Asian pear, smoked peanut and nuoc Cham. A must-try is LeGrand’s burger which has made a name for itself in Norfolk and is absolutely mouthwatering. Fellini’s Italians are romancers so what better way to treat your loved one than to an Italian dinner! This family run business has had their home in Norfolk for over 20 years and continues serving tasty plates of fresh pesto and slices of warm pizza. Get cozy inside while sipping fine wine and devouring delicious Italian cuisine! To Drink Elation Brewing Company Their big leather sofas make for a cozy spot to cuddle up with a local brew, but they are also offering local Virginia wines and ciders for you to enjoy. If you are looking for entertainment, they also have live bands and acoustic players on the weekends. Evening Night Cap at Press 626 With the cozy house atmosphere and lit fireplace, Press 626 is arguably one of the most romantic places along Colley for a night cap. Their wine list is very extensive, but with an extremely knowledgeable team it instantly feels less intimidating. Although Press 626 is known for wine, their cocktails are equally as delicious. Whether you like a smooth whiskey or old-world red wine, Press 626 will set the mood for a loving evening.
10 Reasons to Travel to Norfolk, VA January 25, 2022 by Visit Norfolk 10 Reasons You Should Travel To Norfolk, VA! Don’t let your vacation days go to waste. Everyone deserves a getaway! We decided to help you out and give you 10 reasons why you should spend those hard-earned vacation days in Norfolk, VA! 1. Swimming. Boating. Kayaking. All types of fishing. Sailing. Sunset cruising! There’s water everywhere in Norfolk and more than enough opportunities to enjoy it. So whether you want to be in it, on it or just take in the view, you’re in the right place. @cammy_huston, Instagram 2. Filled with a vibrant mix of chefs, farmers, and bakers, Norfolk has blossomed into one of the South’s most dynamic foodie destinations. The city’s captivating urban appeal and history lure visitors in, and the culinary creations keep them here. From fresh interpretations of traditional favorites to more adventurous modern fare, Norfolk serves up its own take on Southern Classics. Glass Light Hotel, pictured above 3. Check out The NorVa theatre downtown, dubbed one of the nation’s best live music venues by Rolling Stone magazine. Roll into the later hours of the night with dancing at one of the downtown clubs; or catch live music at Gershwins, Hell’s Kitchen and more! Crowd surfing optional. 4. If you just like looking at huge aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and historic battleships this is the place. Welcome to the world’s largest Naval installation. Two-hour base cruise tours leave three times daily from the downtown waterfront or head over to Naval Station Norfolk and enjoy a narrated bus tour of the base. Hooyah! @rovercruises, Instagram 5. It’s easy to blend in here, for our Navy town is an ever-changing place of people from all around the world. So we will help you learn how to pronounce Norfolk like the locals. Right now, you are probably calling it “Nore-folk.” We understand. Everybody does that. The locals, you should know, pronounce it “Naw- fok .” That second syllable can be kinda’ tricky, so be careful with it. Or not. 6. Shop til you drop! Norfolk Premium Outlets houses stores such as Banana Republic, Coach, Gap Outlet, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. The newest addition, IKEA, is an experience in itself. Don’t forgetMacArthur Center in downtown Norfolk, antique shopping in historic Ghent or the local shops downtown and along Granby Street! 7. Norfolk’s craft beer culture is hopping with several great breweries, gastropubs all over, and one of the country’s best craft beer bars. To make the wine drinkers happy, we even have our own urban winery. So put a cork in it! Looking for some tasty eats after a night out? Check out the Brick Anchor Brew House on Granby. 8. Legend has it that Abe Doumar invented the first waffle cone in Norfolk in 1904. A billion tons of ice cream and scores of imitators, impersonators, and false claims later, you can still have the World’s Original Waffle Cone at Doumar’s in Norfolk. Rolled right in front of your eyes on the original four-iron waffle machine. 9. What can you see in Norfolk that you can’t see anywhere else? Automobile heir Walter P. Chrysler Jr.’s incredible fine art collection for one. And one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of art glass and rare Tiffany for another. It’s all inside the Chrysler Museum of Art, and you can be, too. Check out the glass blowing studio and NEON Arts District while you’re in the area! 10. Why are there Mermaid statues and Mermaid pictures and Mermaid things and Mermaid places all over Norfolk? Any seafaring maritime culture worth its salt knows that if you believe in mermaids, you’ll always be protected. Norfolk is still standing after almost 400 years, so thanks to those Mermaids, it’s still a really great place to visit! Click here for a guide to the mermaids. @andrewjamescooperphoto, Instagram
New & Noteworthy for 2022 in Fairfax County, VA January 25, 2022 by Visit Fairfax Fairfax County, located in the heart of Northern Virginia just across the river from Washington, DC, has a slew of new attractions, retail, entertainment, and experiences on tap for 2022. Plus, exciting new restaurant and beverage openings and major infrastructure changes are on the way – including direct Metro access from Washington Dulles International Airport to the nation’s capital. History & Entertainment Image courtesy Capital One Center Fairfax County attractions are working on some exciting things for the coming year, from new exhibits to performing arts and even some pick-your-own experiences and putt-putt in the sky! George Washington’s Mount Vernon will unveil an all-new exhibit at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum entitled “Becoming Mount Vernon” in February 2022 that will take a broader look at how Mount Vernon came to be, from Native Americans through Washington’s ownership and into preservation efforts. New specialty tours include the Founding Flowers garden tour and the Hamilton: The Musical tour. Also new: a free app that pairs with virtual reality devices to give users an immersive tour of the property. George Mason’s Gunston Hall is restoring its magnificent river-side garden, which will enhance the authenticity of the historic property, reveal much about the Founding Father himself, and provide an educational setting as distinctive as Mason’s original garden design for the signature landscape feature of his home – the Home of American Rights. The restoration is the culmination of more than four decades of archaeological research. By now, hopefully, you’ve heard about the incredible lifestyle and entertainment options that Capital One Center has brought to Tysons, including The Perch, a 1.2-acre Skypark located 11 stories above the region’s newest performing arts center, Capital One Hall. This spring, there’s even more fun to be had at The Perch, when an 18-hole mini-golf course will open for business, as well as an innovative food truck experience featuring a double-decker London tour bus, an Airstream, and a vintage Flxible bus. (ICYMI: Video of when they craned the food trucks up, Mission Impossible-style!) Also, keep an eye out for the second annual Perchfest event and a slew of restaurant announcements at the Center, slated to open in late 2022. The Workhouse Arts Center has a slew of exciting announcements coming down the pike, including a new performing arts season comprised of live main stage productions, matinee family productions, stand-up comedy, and more that will continue throughout spring 2022. Summer 2022 will bring back the popular Workhouse Brewfest and some major infrastructure improvements are on deck for the near future that will bring vibrant commercial and performing spaces to the campus. When the Gibbs family decided to open Hidden Gems Farm in Centreville, it was initially to create better food and products for their family. Eventually, they wanted to share that with the community. Today, Hidden Gems Farm is truly a bespoke treasure in Fairfax County, offering the public intimate Pick-Your-Own opportunities for blueberries, strawberries, sunflowers, and pumpkins seasonally, animal interactions, food products, and a line of home and beauty goods made from goat’s milk. Retail & Sports Image courtesy Mosaic District From new shopping experiences to some new heart-pumping fitness centers, you can enjoy a number of retail and sports-related activities this year in Fairfax County: Trendy urban village Mosaic recently landed the first-ever location of Bloomie’s, an exclusive retail experience from Bloomingdale’s. The highly curated boutique concept also serves up cocktails, coffee, & small bites from the Cuban-style Colada Shop, plus a monthly calendar of lifestyle services. Luxury landmark Tysons Galleria is unveiling new dining & entertainment options that include a CMX CinéBistro, a Bowlero, an outdoor plaza & streetscape, showrooms for retailers like Arhaus and Crate & Barrel, and upscale common areas for recharging or resting. Aslin Beer Co, known for its innovative brews and sour ales, has launched its own coffee brand that will focus on the consumer, farmers, and the planet through sustainable sourcing, environmentally friendly packaging, and advanced brewing methods. Leading the charge for Aslin Coffee will be Danielle “Dani” Moreno, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Beans are available on AslinCoffee.com and at both tasting rooms until physical locations open later this year. For fitness lovers, Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness brings bouldering to Tysons, with the opening of a new facility in April of 2022. The center will offer one-of-a-kind training, 9,000 sq. ft. of bouldering terrain and a 2,000 sq. ft. coffee bar and full café. In Reston, it was announced that The St. James Performance Club will open at Reston Town Center in spring of 2022, an extension of its flagship location in Springfield and offering state-of-the-art training equipment, services, and classes. Beer & Spirits Image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon Fairfax County is home to a number of wonderful craft breweries and unique wineries, but the insatiable thirst for local Virginia beer, wine, and spirits means that the scene continues to grow. Check out some of the new opportunities coming that will keep your glass (more than half) full this year: Merrifield-based Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. celebrated its third anniversary in 2021 by announcing it will open a second location in Fairfax County in the spring of 2022. Settle Down Easy – Oakton Tasting Room will specialize in SDE Belgian drafts, but also serve up a rotating selection of other Fairfax County breweries, in addition to local wine and cider. Gourmet paninis and other fresh fares will be served up by The Fermented Pig, in an exclusive partnership that gives the local vendor its first-ever brick-and-mortar space. Juicy Brewing Co., a new startup brewery, aims to open a small taproom in Herndon in early 2022 and will feature a mix of fruity sours to hazy IPAs. George Washington’s Mount Vernon has released its first-ever 18th century-inspired beer in a partnership with Northern Virginia brewery Dynasty Brewing. Inspired by George Washington’s love of porter, the first two releases are Mount Vernon Virginia’s Porter and Mount Vernon Rye Cask Aged Porter. The latter beer was aged in barrels previously used for whiskey production at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill. In March 2022, seasonal beers inspired by Washington’s Rules of Civility will be released regularly. Beers can be purchased at the Shops at Mount Vernon. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located 3 miles from the Mount Vernon estate, still produces Washington’s famous Rye Whiskey using his 18th-century recipe and methods. While the site has begun doing limited spirits tastings, visitors will be able to enjoy a new, permanent tasting room on the property in 2022. Coming soon to Tysons will be Northern Virginia’s first roaming outdoor lifestyle experience – a Biergarten made of shipping containers with varied food and drink concepts called Shipgarten. Also, coming to Herndon: the 2,000-sq-ft, Bavarian-style Herndon Biergarten with 60+ drafts and rooftop deck. Visit Fairfax has launched a new digital passport that allows guests to check in at area breweries and wineries to collect deals and incentives. Fairfax County’s Locally Poured Field Guide can be added to users’ phones at no cost and easily shown at participating taprooms for redemption. Where to Stay Image by Kip Dawkins Photography for Archer Hotel Tysons Weekend getaways, vacations, and even staycations have never sounded better after the few years we’ve mutually endured. And lucky for you, Fairfax County has some brand-new additions to its vast hotel collection, as well as some stunning renovations waiting to be enjoyed. Here are a few hotels to consider for your next trip: The Archer Tysons is a 178-room boutique hotel in Tysons, and only the seventh property for the award-winning boutique brand that places major emphasis on local discoveries, with a distinct nod to the destination each property calls home. The Archer Tysons greets guests with a spirit of casual elegance – lofted ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial-chic design – and hones in on the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand featuring an impressive variety of Virginia-focused art and products. Nestled in Tysons’ up-and-coming neighborhood, Scotts Run, and adjacent to the new Capital One Center complex, The Archer Tysons also features a buzzy hotel bar called AKB, stylish event space, and unique design palettes. The Watermark Hotel is a 300-key, all-suite elevated residential-style property located at Capital One Center, the new entertainment complex at the corporation’s headquarters in Tysons, Virginia. The hotel has been thoughtfully designed with oversized suites, upscale furnishings and convenient access to Northern Virginia & Washington, DC’s amenities. The property’s lobby opens up to The Perch and is also home to Wren Tysons, a Japanese American fusion dining experience, which was already included in a round-up of the “Hottest New Restaurants Around DC” by Eater. The Archer Falls Church joins Washington, DC-area’s innovative retail and entertainment district, Mosaic, as its headquarter hotel property. This transformation of a former Hyatt House to the new Archer brand will feature chic new interiors, dramatic lighting, locally curated art and fabulous finishes, touches and trims, a new lively bar under the AKB brand, redesigned suites and guest rooms, complimentary amenities and thoughtful touches like turndown treats, bathrobes and slippers, and a drink + dine credit for direct bookings. The hotel will remain open for guests throughout the renovations, which are currently underway. Tysons Corner Marriott recently completed a $25 million floor-to-ceiling renovation. Some of the enhancements included a new lobby, 400 fully transformed guest rooms, over 12,000 square feet of reimagined event space and two additional event spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, a refreshed dining space inspired by a sophisticated Gastropub, and the addition of a 24-hour M Club for Marriott Bonvoy members. Quick Run Down of Hot Dining Spots Image of Bluestone Lane, courtesy The Boro Lest you get hungry after enjoying all of this fun, try a few of these exciting new restaurants coming to or already opened in Fairfax County: Popular Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão will be opening at Reston Town Center in mid-2022 Chevy Chase, DC favorite Little Beast recently opened a location at RTC West, also offering cupcakes from Red Velvet Cupcakery Shake Shack will be opening at the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in 2022 In Tysons at The Boro, look for new additions to include taco & tequila favorite El Bebe, brunch staple Circa, and the already-opened, Australian coffee shop Bluestone Lane, among others If you haven’t been by Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee in Vienna yet, give this gorgeous Instagrammable cafe a shot. It’s the only place in the USA to serve Lokma, an Iraqi dessert. Jake’s Ice Cream, an artisanal small-batch ice cream shop partly staffed by differently-abled adults, opened in Falls Church this past year. KitchenCray Cafe, a Black-owned restaurant with a modern take on Cajun and Soul food, opened its Alexandria location last year and is quickly becoming a hidden gem in the southern part of #FXVA. Honest Grill, a premium Korean BBQ spot in Centreville, features high-end meats that aren’t always available in the area. And finally… Image courtesy WMATA For the first time since Dulles Airport opened in 1962, travelers will have a fast, easy, inexpensive rapid transit option for getting from Dulles to parts of Fairfax County and other points throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, DC when the Silver Line Metrorail extension opens – sometime this year! Read on FXVA.com, or for more information on any of the above, contact Ali Morris at Visit Fairfax at [email protected].
Your Guide to Arts & Culture in Staunton, VA October 15, 2021 by StauntonVA From Shakespeare performances to giant metal sculptures to delicate glass art, Staunton offers its residents and visitors a wealth of artistic experiences. Make sure you help keep the arts and culture scene alive and thriving in Staunton. You’ll also enrich your life! American Shakespeare Center Staunton’s most famous contributor to the arts and culture scene is American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse. Not only does the playhouse perform Shakespeare’s masterpieces (and more), it also lets you get a sense of how the plays were actually performed in the space. Visitors to the Blackfriars can attend performances that include scholarly lectures or talk sessions with the actors. They can take behind-the-scenes tours of the space and sign their kids up for camps. During the pandemic, the Blackfriars shifted gears and offered performances in alternative spaces, including outdoors on the lawn at the Blackburn Inn. The Blackfriars also filmed seven productions to air digitally on BLKFRSTV. Camps still educated young people, but they were virtual. The ASC SafeStart program will bring “safe, live theatre to audiences online, outdoors, and inside in our beloved Blackfriars Playhouse.” Staunton Augusta Art Center Located in the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art, the two galleries at the Staunton Augusta Art Center host regular shows of work by regional artists. With the beautiful, historic hotel building designed by T.J. Collins in 1893 as a background, the curated exhibits will inspire you. Original work is available for sale in the gift shop as well as the annual Art for Gifts sale each winter holiday season. The SAArtC also hosts the annual, juried Art in the Park Festival. Enjoy a day in Gypsy Hill Park exploring the vendor’s open-air displays while live music happens on the bandstand, and kids take advantage of a number of free activities. The art center runs workshops and summer camps for children. There’s a community arts calendar on their webpage that gives you a centralized schedule of all the upcoming arts happenings in the area. CoArt Gallery & Beverley Street Studio School After you contemplate paintings, photographs, and more by local artists at the CoArt Gallery, you should buy your favorites to take home and display on your own walls. Serious art students can sign up for a class with the Beverley Street Studio School. Lectures, workshops, and classes for teens and adults are held in a variety of forms including in-person, Zoom, and outdoors. Love nature? Sign up for plein air painting this June or a course devoted to drawing trees. Staunton Music Festival The Staunton Music Festival presents nearly 40 concerts each year, featuring more than 80 acclaimed professionals from around the world. The highlight of each season is the annual Summer Festival in August, a time when each day offers visitors multiple concerts of chamber, vocal, and symphonic music. During the Spring and Fall, SMF presents more intimate concerts often focusing on specific repertoire, from Baroque to Modern. Heifetz International Music Institute The Heifetz International Music Institute educates young musicians in their artistic growth and treats the community to a variety of world-class listening opportunities. After a year of online programming and virtual concerts during Covid, Heifetz will perform live music again as part of its Ensemble in Residence concert series. Sunspots Studio & Glassblowing You don’t have a Sunspots glass ornament hanging in your window or on your Christmas tree yet? Don’t worry. Not only can you purchase glass art, glassware, vases, and jewelry at Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing, you can make yourself comfortable in the onsite studio and watch the artists making the art. The live demonstrations happen every day, and the artists will explain what they’re doing in each step of the blowing, coloring, and shaping process. Once the glass cools, you can come back and take it home with you! Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artmobile The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Artmobile travels around Virginia carrying selections from the VMFA collection to share with visitors. As visitors view the art, they’ll actually be connected with museum educators via Wi-Fi, so they can get a real-time lesson! If you miss your chance to see the artmobile in Staunton, you can catch it at Waynesboro’s Fall Foliage Art Show. Murals Make time to walk down West Beverley to the corner of North Central Avenue to visit the “You Belong Here” mural. Painted in 2019, by Charlottesville artist Christy Baker, this colorful painting covers the entire side of a building with its welcoming message and Shenandoah Valley imagery of cardinals and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby Waynesboro also boasts murals along its Street Arts Trail. More than a dozen interesting and beautiful works have been created during the annual Street Arts Festival. Giant Metal Sculptures You can’t miss the giant watering can as you turn under the railroad tracks and head into Staunton’s downtown, but did you know you can find more giant metal sculptures if you know where to look? Ferguson Metal Fabrication created carbon steel flower pots, nuts, books, eyeglasses, crutches, and shoes for the city and area businesses, and they bring a surprising touch of whimsy to the urban landscape. Oak Grove Theatre and ShenanArts Staunton is home to two community theaters that, in normal years, offer robust schedules and a chance to enjoy lots of local talent. Oak Grove continues to offer virtual programming and hopes to resume some of its outdoor productions this summer for its 68th season. Each year ShenanArts produces an ambitious schedule of plays and musicals by and for participants of all ages, always striving for material that appeals to the broad tastes of the community, to promote a culture of excellence and inclusion. Shops Offering Handmade and Fair Trade Crafts The Potter’s Daughter Studio is home to both a pottery and painting studio and Concepts Creative constructs custom furniture out of reclaimed wood and other materials. If you’re looking for handmade and fair trade crafts, clothing, art, and jewelry by both domestic and foreign artists, make sure to visit Harmony Moon, Latitudes, Blair Made, and Made; By the People, For the People. The Sparrow’s Nest and Medieval Fantasies both carry cool, handmade products.