Things to do in Northern Virginia

 

Northern VA offers residents and visitors a bevy of must-do fun activities and interesting things to do ranging from cultural, natural to historical attractions. It boasts some outstanding museums that you wouldn’t want to miss. History buffs will be blown away by the majestic battlefields while any gardener will definitely appreciate spectacular colonial gardens such as Mt. Vernon Estate & Gardens.  There are lots of parks and natural sites waiting for the outdoor-enthusiasts’ exploration. In other words, there are many things to do in Northern Virginia.

 

Pay Old Town Alexandria a visit. This bustling tourist destination welcomes you to an aura of nostalgic charm, executive dining, extravagant shopping options and a connection with history that runs ever so deep. It has numerous buildings from the 18^th and 19^th century. All these are well-preserved and repurposed as independent boutiques, intimate museums, and culinary hotspots. While here, be sure to drop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center for a dose of art coupled with such a detailed storied past.

 

The Oatlands Historic House & Garden. This national landmark is owned by a descendant of Northern Virginia’s first families going by the name George Carter. This 400-acre piece of property is open for 9 months each year, welcoming visitors to have a clear picture of the plantations back in the 19^th century. The experience here is not restricted; guests can go on a paranormal guided tour of the entire place, or they can choose to test their exploration skills on their own.

 

Spend some quality time with your kids at the Children’s Science Centre Lab. This is a well-loved facility that offers kids and their parents, guardians or ‘grownups’ an opportunity to engage in a fun and interactive STEM-oriented exercise. All the hands-on activities are more of a display of science in action. There are lots of special programs including field trips, camping, birthday parties, and community events. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance as this center is always buzzing with activity.

 

Some amazing whiskey moments at the George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill. This place is part of Mount Vernon Estate, owned by George Washington. Both the gristmill and distillery have undergone renovation to become fully functional. Any entrepreneur will definitely fall in love with the business scene here. The small-batch spirits that are readily and easily available at the shops will definitely appeal to all whiskey lovers. While visits to the gristmill and distillery are included in the estate visit price, guests will be required to use shuttled to get to the exact facility as it is more than 3 miles from the main entrance.