Local area

Discover why George Washington was "First in war, first in peace, & first in the hearts of his countrymen!". Visit the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens at www.mountvernon.org. Tour the Mansion House and more than a dozen outbuildings, and stroll through the four gardens. Hike the Forest Trail and explore the George Washington: Pioneer site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn. Guest admission now includes 25 galleries and theaters.

www.gunstonhall.org Gunston Hall was once the center of a 5,500-acre tobacco and corn plantation. Its owner, George Mason IV, was a fourth generation Virginian who became a senior statesman and one of the era’s most influential figures. Today, Gunston Hall is a National Historic Landmark. Each visitor will receive a guided tour of the mansion; the 550 acres of grounds and hiking trails are open until 6:00 p.m. A variety of special events are presented throughout the year.

www.manassasbullrun.com For four years, Prince William County & Manassas, Virginia will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War and the events that forever changed our nation. In partnership with the Commonwealth and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission we will explore the impact of the conflict on all Americans from civilians to soldiers, from slavery to emancipation, and from secession to surrender.

http://www.nasm.si.edu/visit/ The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall. The Center displays many more artifacts including the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay and Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Discover the wonders of flight at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Featuring an extensive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, it's a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and families. Explore historic artifacts, learn about space exploration, and experience the history of aviation in an engaging environment.

Visit the Museum & Visitor Center at http://www.fairfaxva.gov/museumvc/mvc.asp. The center is closed on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (half-day), and Christmas Day. Explore the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, learn about City History, and visit Historic Buildings & Sites. A Map of History is available to guide your visit.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn and historic site honoring the nation's military heroes. Wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds, witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and pay respects at the graves of notable figures. This national treasure provides a place for reflection and memory.

Visit the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first congressman. Grounds include outbuildings and a representative slave quarter. Tours daily, except Tuesdays and some holidays. Entry fees are $5/adult, $4/student, $3/senior and child. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle.

Discover the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum and the role it played during the Civil War and its importance to both the supply and medical evacuation effort. Learn about Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross and hear about the vital role of the caboose in early railroad operations. The Fairfax Station Museum is a great place to view model train displays. Come explore Civil War history, railroading, and the fascinating story of our local community. Phone: Mailing Address:

http://www.spymuseum.org/index.php The International Spy Museum is located in Downtown, Washington, DC within the Pennsylvania Quarter neighborhood. The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage. The stories of individual spies: Learn about espionage and its impact on current and historic events. Two restaurants: Zola and Spy City Cafe. the Metro Center station, served by the ORANGE, BLUE, and RED lines.

Public tours of the White House are available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. Tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

To take a guided tour of the Pentagon, you must make a reservation in advance at http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/. Note that tour schedules can fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book your tour well in advance of your visit. Please review our Tour Guidelines and Security Information before requesting a tour. Hours: All guided tours of the Pentagon are free and available by reservation only.

Discover the history of firearms at the National Firearms Museum. With an extensive collection of firearms from various eras, interactive exhibits, and educational displays, the museum provides an in-depth look at the role of firearms in American history and culture.

Blenheim was owned by the Willcoxon family and completed about two years before the start of the Civil War. The beautifully restored Blenheim estate opens to the public throughout the week. Guests can tour the majestic facility and its landscaped grounds. The attic of the home is a highlight with its notes, drawings, and signatures carved into the walls by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

By Appt Only. Built by Richard Ratcliffe in 1812, this house is one of the city's oldest residences. This house-museum interprets the daily activities of some of its twelve owners and occupants, illustrating commercial and domestic change along Main Street during the 19th and 20th centuries. The last two private owners were Kate Waller Barrett, prominent social reformer, and her daughter, Kitty Pozer. Pozer, a respected gardener, deeded the house to the city in 1973.

Explore George Mason University, a leading public research institution. With its beautiful campus, diverse academic programs, and vibrant student life, it's a center of learning and innovation. Visitors can attend events, explore the grounds, or visit the university's museums and galleries.

Dive into local history at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. The museum features exhibits on Fairfax's rich heritage, from colonial times to the present. Learn about key historical events, explore artifacts, and enjoy educational programs that bring the region's history to life.

Tysons Corner Mall, located in the heart of Tysons, VA, is one of the largest shopping centers in the region. Featuring over 300 stores, including high-end retailers, popular brands, and unique boutiques, it offers a diverse shopping experience for all visitors. Enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, and entertainment venues like a state-of-the-art movie theater. Tysons Corner Mall is a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Enjoy outdoor recreation at Burke Lake Park, offering a wide range of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park features scenic trails, a mini-golf course, a carousel, and a playground, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers.