Parks
Location and description of the many parks in Northern Virginia. Links to parks administration and suggestions for activities.
No. Virginia and Tourism – Perfect Together?
When was the last time you were a tourist in your own backyard?
Most residents of Fairfax County and the northern Virginia area think they live in the shadow of Washington DC tourism. Who can compete with attractions such as the White House, the Capitol, the historical monuments and the Smithsonian museums?
But a closer look at Northern Virginia makes one realize how much there is to see before trekking into DC.
Start with a trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Mount Vernon, VA. Open year round (including Christmas), Mount Vernon includes a restaurant, food court and shop, all recently renovated,
Fairfax County is home to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the nation’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Wolf Trap, with indoor and outdoor concert venues, is in Vienna, just off the Dulles Toll Road about halfway between downtown Washington and Dulles Airport.
When the Smithsonian ran out of room at its DC based National Air and Space Museum, it built a beautiful extension in Chantilly, VA. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay and the Space Shuttle Enterprise among others. There is also an Airbus IMAC Theater.
Nature lovers can visit Great Falls National Park for its hiking trails and beautiful views. Like Wolf Trap, it, too, is run by the National Park Service.
History, adventure, the theater and a hike? Sounds like a great vacation is just around the corner.
Surprising homes near Occoquan Regional Park
The Occoqan Regional Park is located in Lorton, Virginia, in Fairfax County, right across from the Town of Occoquan. It’s located on the Occoquan River. It opened in 2008 making it 1 of 29 parks in the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority. It has around 400 acres of recreational space. There are many different things to do there such as, hit the batting cage, have a picnic, get a snack at the snack bar in the marina, play your favorite sport on one of their athletic fields, etc. They also have a boat ramp and boat storage. Their hiking trail is 1.1 miles round trip and forms a loop. The trail is well maintained. Most say that the blue trail is a great running trail and is very well marked. Dogs are of course welcome in the park. Historic black kilns from the early 1900′s can be found on the property, reminding us of the women suffragists who demonstrated in front of the White House and were then imprisoned on the prison farm where these are found.
If you’re shopping for a home you might be surprised to learn just how affordable and pleasant some homes in Occoquan and near the park might be.
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$170,000 : 12709 Gordon Blvd #69, Woodbridge3 beds, 2 full baths
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$167,000 : 12705 Gordon Blvd #43, Woodbridge3 beds, 2 full baths
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$1,699,000 : 12523 Poplar Ln, Woodbridge4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
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$1,850,000 : 113 Poplar Ln, Occoquan5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
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Pool time Fun! Splashdown Water Park
Splashdown Water Park is a great place for recreation and fun for those living around Northern Virginia. This local water park is located in Prince William County at an official county park known as Ben Lomond Park. The park has facilities catered to a younger audience and is a great place for parents to relax.
Splashdown’s motto is “It’s like a day at the beach without the drive!” and the park lives up to this slogan. The park has 770 foot lazy river, a lap pool, activity pools, cannon ball slides, 4 story water slides, tropical twister water slides, lilly pad and log walks, and a huge sandy beach area with tons of sand. Prices are relatively low and parking is free.
The park hosts birthday parties and play date programs as well. There are cabana and life jacket rentals and the park even offers swimming lessons. Season passes and tickets are now available online. The park is located at 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas Virginia, 20109.
Homes for Sale in Manassas
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$240,000 : 9505 Park St, Manassas5 beds, 2 full baths
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$360,000 : 8158 Barnwood Rd, Manassas4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$165,000 : 9703 Sassafras Ct #B, Manassas3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$479,000 : 8512 Spruce St, Manassas6 beds, 4 full baths
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$235,000 : 7402 Langholm Way, Manassas3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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Fun fit for a King: Kings Dominion
Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Kings Dominion is a great place for families and children of all ages to enjoy a day off. The amusement park is owned by Paramount and is the only major theme park in Virginia (there is a Six Flags in Baltimore, Maryland). The park includes several roller coasters, a concert hall, and a water park is about two hours from Northern Virginia.
Kings Dominion is home to fifteen roller coasters including the Volcano, the Anaconda, the Intimidator 305, Flight of Fear, and the Dominator. The park offers an extensive collection of water attractions as well, many that are great for young children.
Paramount and the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company has partnered with the children’s network Nickelodeon to provide genuine and authentic live action performances of some favorite novelty characters. Dora the Explorer, Spongebob, and Diego can all be seen at the park.
When planning a visit, be sure to purchase tickets online for a great discount. Starting in April, the park will be open on weekends and certain holidays/weeks. Season passes are now available online for the 2011 season. The park is located on 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047.
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$300,000 : 15085 Melody Hills Dr, Doswell4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$234,500 : 11143 Mount Hope Church Rd, Doswell5 beds, 3 full baths
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Reston Waterpark
I can think of a number of things my children prefer to do when the weather starts to get warmer. However, since learning how to swim the first thing they ask is to go swimming. I wasn’t all that familiar with my options and the fortunate thing is that many of the subdivisions around here come with clubhouses and swimming pools. Unfortunately, even that can get old to kids. I took a friend up on a suggestion to try a local waterpark in Reston. We had several to choose from and decided to give Water Mine a try.
Upon arrival, it was surprising that in a seemingly regular neighborhood a waterpark existed. We drove down this road that looks like we were going into the woods and up popped this waterpark. Obviously with all the screaming my kids were doing, they were definitely excited. We found a place to park and were happy that even though we forgot to pack a lunch they had a concession stand that offered all types of goodies to eat. The pricing was very reasonable and it was a beautiful day to take advantage of the all-day ticket. They had several slide options and the park was arranged in to sections suitable for certain ages.
We stayed for a few hours and decided to head home. I asked my kids if they would like to come back and they were excited at just the thought of returning. Although we are still hanging on to the last remnants of Winter, it is good to know that you have options when swimsuit weather returns and you don’t have to go far to enjoy it.
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$545,000 : 12507 Thunder Chase Dr, Reston4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$320,000 : 1660 Valencia Way, Reston3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$273,000 : 1712 Lake Shore Crest Dr #34, Reston1 bed, 1 full bath
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$565,000 : 12204 Dark Star Ct, Reston4 beds, 3 full baths
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$146,500 : 11611 Stoneview Sq #11c, Reston3 beds, 2 full baths
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Summer season at Wolf Trap a fun, eclectic lineup
If you like Broadway shows, but can’t afford the tickets; want a night at the symphony but can’t seem to make the time; or are ready to revisit those rock and roll songs from your youth, make a date with Wolf Trap this summer.
Located between the Dulles Toll Road and Leesburg Pike/Rte. 7 in Vienna, less than 4 miles from Tysons Corner Center, Wolf Trap’s Filene Center will host more than 90 performances this summer.
The concert season kicks off on Memorial Day weekend with an eclectic mix of comedy, concerts and symphonies.
Where else can you see The Monkees (yes, those Monkees) on a Sunday night and enjoy the Morman Tabernacle Choir the following Wednesday?
The amphitheater, nestled in the National Park for the Performing Arts, seats 7,028 including more than 3,000 lawn seats.
This year’s lineup includes perennial favorites Garrison Keillor (of Prairie Home Companion fame), Bill Cosby, The Beach Boys and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Broadway visits Wolf Trap with performances of “Sweeney Todd,” “Mamma Mia” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Take a step back in time with concerts by The Go-Go’s, Peter Frampton, The Temptations, The Four Tops and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Symphony lovers will enjoy performances by the National Symphony Orchestra with “Tcheers to Tchaikovsky,” and “Three Broadway Divas.”
Tickets are on sale now for many shows. For a full list of the summer concert series and ticket availability, see wolftrap.org.
Make plans for a great night (or two) under the stars where, as Wolf Trap says, “the arts come out to play.”
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$998,000 : 9816 Spring Ridge Ln, Vienna6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
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$675,000 : 9615 Cinnamon Creek Dr, Vienna4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$799,000 : 1338 Stokley Way, Vienna5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$759,000 : 9722 Days Farm Dr, Vienna5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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$795,000 : 1810 Batten Hollow Rd, Vienna4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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About Lorton Station
Lorton Station situated on 300 acres is located in Southern Fairfax County, Virginia. It is a new planned community that offers residents a blend of conveniences from shopping to dining and outdoor excursions. This development consists of 950 homes south of Washington, DC off Interstate 95, with Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter train station within the community. Visit http://www.lortonstation.info/amenities_main.asp for additional information regarding Lorton Station.
Amenities
100 Acre Stream Valley – Joseph Plaskett Park
In the North section of the community lies an existing 100-acre Stream Valley Park. In 1999 the park was dedicated to the founder of Lorton, Joseph Plaskett. This park consists of a wooded walking / biking trail that extends through both ends of the park and the Pohick River which winds its way through the community.
Community Pools
Two outdoor swimming pools, sundecks and bath facilities, located in the North and South sections of the community.
Community Recreation Center
Located at the North pool and is the location where committee and board meetings occur. The clubhouse was designed to resemble a train station and provides a warm, rich setting for small parties and gatherings. The rental fee is $350.
Lorton VRE Station
Lorton Station has its very own Virginia Railway Express (VRE) train stop. This convenience makes Lorton Station a very desireable community. The station is minutes from any of the community’s homes and offers direct access to Washington DC and Metrorail. For information regarding the VRE, please visit: http://www.vre.org/
Tot Lots
There are three tot lots within the community.
Other local amenities include the nearby marinas on the Occoquan and Potomac rivers, several local and state parks, recreation facilities, museums, shopping malls, outlet centers, and fine arts and cultural foundations. This neighborhood is located in one of the nation’s top school districts (FCPS).
For other inquiries regarding the community, please contact:
Lorton Station Community Association
9050 Lorton Station Boulevard
Lorton VA 22079
Tel: (703) 339-3824
Fax (703) 339-3825
For sale at Lorton Station
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$210,000 : 9020 Lorton Station Blvd #203, Lorton2 beds, 2 full baths
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Mason Neck State Park
The Mason Neck Conservation Committee was formed in 1965 after two bald eagle nests were spotted. The committee, concerned about impending development on the peninsula, recommended part of the area to be used as a site for a state park. In August 1967 the commonwealth began purchasing land parcels from The Nature Conservancy.
Mason Neck State Park is on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The park attracts migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including tundra swans, herons, assorted species of duck and bald eagles. The park consists of several hundred acres of hardwood forests. Several wetland areas are also found at Mason Neck State Park.
The park is in southern Fairfax County, about 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Access to the park is via U.S. 1. From northern Virginia the drive time is approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., 45 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Roanoke, four hours.
Mason Neck is a day use park and has no overnight facilities.
Mason Neck offers hiking, biking and self-guided trails. Four miles of unpaved hiking trails and three miles of paved multi-use trails wind through the park providing a glimpse of nature by the bay. Elevated walkways allow visitors to explore some of the marsh areas in the park. Ten bicycles are available for rent by the hour.
Fresh and brackish water fishing are available, however, you must have a valid Virginia or Maryland fishing license. There are no facilities for boat launching via trailer. From April through October, kayaks and canoes are available for rent, an hour or all day, to explore Belmont Bay or Kane’s Creek – a great way to see eagles.
Other attractions the park offers include: hunting, festivals, workshops, a visitor center.
The park’s environmental education center has a gift shop with park-oriented merchandise and souvenirs. Educational programs include pond study, bird-watching, canoe trips, active volunteer program, night hikes, teacher workshops, hands-on experiential educational opportunities, and evening programs.
Programs include:
Your Backyard Classrooms program is a 40-activity curriculum guide for K-12 teachers
Junior Rangers: Junior Rangers is a day-long program for children 7 to 10. It offers hands-on environmental education that covers stewardship and strong conservation, recreation and protection ethics. Several sessions with varying themes are held each summer. Contact the park for dates and fees.
Wee Rangers: Wee Rangers is a two-hour program for children 4 to 6 with accompanying adults. It’s a fun, hands-on introduction to the natural world. Several sessions with varying themes are offered each summer. Contact the park for dates and fees.
Accessibility include: Picnic area with handicapped accessible restroom facility; fully accessible playground; six handicap parking spaces; a fully accessible paved hiking trail.
For more information about Mason Neck State Park,contact (703) 339-2385 or (703) 339-2380 (visitor center); email masonneck@dcr.virginia.gov
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$829,500 : 5714 River Dr, Mason Neck3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$624,900 : 10010 Old Colchester Rd, Mason Neck4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
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Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap
Early history tells that in 16th century wolves were prevalent in what is today’s Wolf Trap which compromised the safety of the community. Thus, to deal with the danger, rewards were granted for those who could trap those fierce creatures. A parcel of land in this region was purchased by Wolf Trap’s Founder, Catherine Filene Shouse who chose to preserve the name Wolf Trap. She developed the property into a farm intending to give her children solitude away from their home close to nature. Mrs. Shouse later on donated the farm to the country with her intention to have the property preserved as a park. That donation marked the birth of the nation’s first and only national park for the performing arts. What was once an agricultural farm now houses Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts commonly known as Wolf Trap.
It is a performing arts center that features both cultural richness and natural resources. It organizes various elements of the performing arts staged in multiple venues. While it showcases talents on pop music, opera, dance and theater, it also provides education on arts for different ages – from young children to adults. Wolf Trap’s venues include Filene Center, The Barns at Wolf Trap, Theater-in-the- Woods and the Center for Education.
Filene Center is an outdoor performance amphitheater with both covered and uncovered seating that can hold over 7,000 people. It hosts almost 100 performances covering different genre annually from May to September. Behind the Filene Center, at 1551 Trap Road stands the Theater-in-the- Woods situated in the middle of wooded and shady acres. If offers children-friendly performances covering music, storytelling, dance, puppetry and theater. The Barns at Wolf Trap is a casual indoor performance space inspired by the acoustical quality of the wooden barn Mrs. Shouse once visited for a concert. It seats almost 400 persons and provides cozy ambience ideal for jazz, folk and chamber music. Home to Wolf Traps education programs, the Center for Education offers a state-of-the art nonprofit resource center for artists, learners and educators.
Wolf Trap established the acclaimed Wolf Trap Opera Company in 1971 and is housed in the Center for Education. It is now recognized as one of the country’s highly respected companies in the operatic industry where professionals emerge and get careers at major opera houses.
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park was founded in 1985 as a nonprofit organization for the protection of Fairfax County’s wetland wildlife sanctuary with over 400 members.
Friends of Huntley Meadows Park is located at 3701 Lockheed Blvd in Alexandria, VA 22306. An array of nature activities for both young and old are offered to engage everyone with the purpose of protecting Fairfax County’s wetland wildlife.
Huntley Meadows Park is situated in wet lowland of the Potomac River providing a freshwater wetland for Fairfax County while purifying polluted water and preventing drastic results of floods and storms. The water from our households flow to streams that proceed to the watershed namely Dogue Creek, Barnyard Run and Little Hunting Creek flowing to Huntley Meadows Park therein providing clean water for the inhabitants of Huntley Meadows Park. With a plantation, research history and the like, 1,261 acres of Huntley Meadows Park was donated by President Gerald Ford in 1975 to the people of Fairfax County with the purpose of “exclusively for public park or public recreation purposes in perpetuity.” And in 1992, an additional 163 acres was purchased by the Park Authority.
Membership is offered to those interested in becoming a part of the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park at fees:
| Students | $10.00 |
| Senior | $10.00 |
| Individual | $15.00 |
| Family | $20.00 |
| Lifetime | $150.00 |
Proceeds of the membership shall be used on the maintenance of Huntley Meadows, providing skilled instructors for the education program, funding on Naturalist intern and many others including other benefits such as the opportunity of socializing with likeminded people with passion for outdoors and participate in exclusive member events, receive the quarterly newspaper and invitations to lectures pertaining to natural history and the environment.
For more information about Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, please visit http://huntleymeadowspark.org.
