From the 18th Century to Outer Space, and Everything in between, It’s Here in Fairfax County

Itinerary Details

DAY 1

See the wonders of nature and take in the incredible beauty of Great Falls Park. As part of the National Park Service, the park provides several vantage points to take in the magnificent views of the Potomac River as it displays its thunderous power. The park also features miles of trails and paths to enjoy a walk or take in a hike. 

After convening with nature, witness another wonder; The Space Shuttle Discovery, at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center. Marvel in the moment and envision yourself in space, or as a pilot of one of the other nearly 200 aircraft on display dating back to the dawn of aviation.

Enjoy lunch after a morning of exploration at Willards Real Pit BBQ where the locals will tell you to come hungry. The menu is as big as the portions, and you may need to loosen your belt afterwards. Nearby visit Honor Brewing Company. Founded by a local Army veteran, every brew they create is a celebration of soldiers past, present, and future. Indulge in any one of their sixteen specialty beers on tap in their tasting room.

Indulge in a creative and delicious experience at River-Sea Chocolates. This artisan Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory offers tasting flights, tours and chocolate bar making classes. 

Finish the day at Wolf Trap National Park for The Performing Arts, the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite wine as you sit back and relax under the stars while enjoying a performance from artists and acts from around the globe.

DAY 2

Fuel up for the day at Rare Bird Coffee, and nearby Preservation Biscuit Company, featuring both sweet and savory, daily made biscuits dressed up with all the fixings. 

Get those creative juices flowing for a visit to the Workhouse Arts Center. This former prison reformatory, transformed into an artist colony, provides visitors the opportunity to explore their own creative sides. Take part in a class and learn from local artists while creating your own work of art or simply explore the over 65 talented artists and their studios and watch them at work while shopping for that next favorite one-of-a-kind treasure to take home.

Explore the recently opened National Museum of the United States Army. The museum celebrates over 245 years of Army history and honors our nation’s Soldiers – past, present, and future -through interactive exhibits and galleries. While you are there, enjoy lunch at the on-site café. 

End the day by walking in the footsteps of our nation’s first president, George Washington, at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Tour the estate, visit his beloved mansion and gardens, and experience the museum and education center. After, enjoy a hearty meal on-site at the Mount Vernon Inn serving traditional American fare in a colonial setting. The Inn also serves period favorites such as Peanut Soup and Hoecakes.

DAY 3

Begin the day at The Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim. Blenheim is famous for its graffiti covered walls left by Union soldiers as they were stationed in Fairfax in 1862. 

After learning about Fairfax County’s role in the Civil War, travel to Manassas National Battlefield Park and walk the grounds where two major Civil War battles were fought. Site interpretation gives context to the war, and how it impacted the future of our nation. 

On your way to Washington, DC, stop and have lunch at either Trummers Restaurant, Trattoria Villagio, or the Main Street Pub in the small historic town of Clifton. After lunch treat yourself and see why Petersons Ice Cream Depot was voted Northern Virginia’s Best Ice Cream. 

Close the day in our Nation’s Capital. From here, explore its iconic monuments and memorials as you stroll the National Mall taking in the sites.