HALLOWEEN IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

Start planning your Fairfax County trip now to be here to take part in all the festivities happening for Halloween. Whether you're looking to be scared silly or just have some good old-fashioned family fun this year, check the events to find your perfect activity. And beware, you never know what could turn up amongst these hallowed grounds.

NATURE AND PARKS

If you enjoy mother nature and parks, then you've come to the right place! There are many things to do in Fairfax County, and nature lovers will simply love all their options when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors.

Autumn at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Visits to Fairfax County, Virginia are not complete without a stop at Mount Vernon, George Washington's beloved home. Mount Vernon is the most visited historic estate in the United States, and was recently named as one of the Top 10 Best Home Estate Tours in the U.S. by Fodor's Travel. Why should you make this a stop on your trip? Mount Vernon allows you to get to know the real George Washington, from his boyhood to his wartime service, to his agricultural entrepreneurship and of course, though his presidency. In the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center, explore the fascinating array of George Washington related artifacts and hands-on exhibits, watch original films, and browse beautiful galleries. Nearby, visitors can also stop by George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill - only three or so miles from the Estate to learn about Washington's whiskey business. The distillery and gristmill is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31 and operates on a 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Mount Vernon is located 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 and can be contacted by phone at 703-780-2000.

Mount Vernon hosts a number of special events throughout the year, so be sure to keep tabs on the calendar for any festivals, commemorations, activities, and events happening during your visit. The Estate is open 365 days a year, and looks forward to welcoming you soon.

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the companion facility to the museum on the National Mall. The two sites together showcase the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases located on the floor, and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. The Udvar-Hazy Center also features flight simulators, a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre, an observation tower overlooking Washington Dulles International Airport and enough special events to keep you coming back for more., including Don't miss the annual Air & Scare and various Family Days throughout the year! The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center can be reached by car (parking fee $15) and is also accessible by public transportation from the Washington, D.C. area via Metro and Fairfax Connector bus.

Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center

The Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center is located between Washington Dulles International Airport and Washington, D.C., in the heart of Northern Virginia. The Museum & Visitor Center and the City of Fairfax provide a strategic base for visiting the District, Manassas, Tysons Corner and Northern Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley and Skyline Drive.

Staffed by museum professionals and dedicated volunteer work force, the Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center is housed in the former Fairfax Elementary School, built in 1873 as the first two-story brick school in Fairfax County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the facility is handicapped-accessible.

The visitor center provides general visitor information for both tourists and residents, including lodging, restaurants, transportation and historic and natural attractions. The visitor center also is the place to find out about special events in and around the city.

The museum produces special exhibitions on city history, provides educational outreach to school and youth groups and offers walking tours of Old Town Fairfax and the city's historic buildings in the spring and fall.

The facility's gift shop stocks books, art prints and souvenirs related to Fairfax and Virginia history.

ITINERARIES

Wondering what to see and do on your visit to Fairfax County and the Washington, DC region? How about a vacation that's more than just a vacation? Immerse yourself in the history, the stories, and the culture that you will find in Fairfax County. Spend a day in George Washington's shoes, sift through discoveries on an archaeological expedition at George Mason's Gunston Hall, travel back in time to 1771 to help a farm family with their chores, or climb inside of a flight simulator to feel the thrill of piloting your own plane.

Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or a full week, we have some exciting ideas to help you plan. Take a look through some of our favorite itineraries for an adventure of a lifetime.