4 Places to Look for Pokémon in Fairfax

1. Parks

Fairfax County's parks are a great spot to look for those magical little creatures. We've heard Pokémon have been spotted at parks including Huntley Meadows, Burke Lake, Great Falls Park (see photo), Lake Newport, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and many others. Gardens are another great place to search: Green Spring Gardens has a gym, a number of PokéStops and yes, stunning flora beyond the phone screens. River Farm, a former farm owned by George Washington with beautiful gardens, invites players to come #catchemall and then stay for a self-guided tour and a glass of lemonade. And for a different kind of park, swing by Roer's Zoofari to look for water Pokémon and a stock up at the PokéStop.

2. Shopping Centers

Shopping centers are major pedestrian zones, so it makes sense that Pokémon have congregated here. Many a sighting has occurred at Tysons Corner Center, Reston Town Center, and Mosaic District. Be on the lookout for lures, PokéStops, gyms and Pokémon. Others have been spotted at Fairfax Corner (see photo) and the various smaller shopping plazas around the county. Shopping areas may also be great places to connect with other players and make new friends!

3. Historic Sites

Yes, it's true! Even Pokémon like to soak up some history. George Washington's Mount Vernon had some unexpected visitors recently (see photo to right). Also, the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - home to the Space Shuttle Discovery and the fastest jet in the world, the Blackbird SR-71 - has free parking after 4pm, which may be a great time to explore this site. Players can also look at Ox Hill Battlefield Park, a major Civil War site in Fairfax. In nearby Washington, DC, you may find Pokémon at places like the Smithsonian National Zoo, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Mall.

4. Music Venues

Wolf Trap - the nation's only National Park for the Performing Arts - has seen a few new patrons after a Pokémon was spotted hanging out with its mascot, Wolfie (see photo). The George Mason University campus, located in Fairfax and home to the EagleBank Arena and the Center for the Arts, has been reported to have dozens of PokéStops, a gym and a variety of Pokémon.

Washington DC Pokémon Go Tips

Become the Very Best in Washington, DC

From where to capture Pokémon to finding your local gym, here’s what you need to know

Since launching this July, the mobile game Pokémon Go has become a viral sensation, and that couldn’t be more true anywhere than in the nation’s capital. As one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., Washington, DC is primed for the free-to-download, augmented reality game in which users stroll the streets in search of capturing adorable Pokémon or battling to control the various gyms scattered throughout the city.

The National Mall is crawling with the adorable digital critters (plus lots of trainers looking to add to their collections), and you’ll also find more Pokémon inside restaurants, museums and other attractions around the city. Get a leg up on the competition and follow these tips when playing Pokémon Go in Washington, DC.

1. Go to the National Mall to capture Pokémon

There’s no better place in the city to find your favorite type of Pokémon than on the National Mall. With 150 different characters to add to your Pokédex, you “gotta catch ‘em all.” Collect as many as you can so you can transfer them to Professor Willow, and level up in no time.

2. Gather all your Pokémon supplies at various Pokéstops throughout the city

In order to be the best, you need to collect Pokéballs, potions and eggs. You’ll discover various Pokéstops to do just that on almost every block throughout DC, including well-known attractions, like the International Spy Museum, to lesser-known spots.

3. Become a Washington, DC expert

As you visit Pokéstops and gyms throughout the city, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Washington, DC. Make sure you read the descriptions at each Pokéstop to find out about local history and culture in our nation’s capital. Some of the coolest Pokéstops where you can grow your DC knowledge are Neighborhood Heritage Trails. And, per usual, make sure to continue catching Pokémon along the way.

4. Get out, walk around and hatch your eggs

As any trainer knows, the more you walk, the quicker your eggs will hatch. Considering Washington, DC was recently named the second most walkable city in the nation, reducing that incubation time should come easy. Get walking and your eggs will hatch in no time. Here are 10 popular spots to walk and run in DC.

5. Level your Pokémon up and get ready to battle at gyms, found at many major attractions

At level 5, it’s time to pick your team: Team Valor (Red), Team Mystic (Blue) or Team Instinct (Yellow). Once you’ve decided on your faction, then head to the nearest gym to take control of DC. Some popular gyms to include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Verizon Center and the White House. Happy battling.

Alright, now you’re ready to dominate DC in Pokémon Go. Remember to be safe. Look up from your phone when crossing streets and walking on sidewalks, respect local businesses and be on the lookout for other trainers.