I'm surprised to see this on Yelp! This site is near my house. Tales of terror haunt this…read morerailroad bridge. You can google the story and history of this spot, be aware, if you mess around near the bridge, the police will come and reprimand you. On Halloween night, the police post a squad car at Bunnyman bridge.

Smiling that some Kevin/Karen neighbor is complaining, and of course they have to waste the time of…read moreNorfolk Southern Police. It's a public area, and as much money as you might have, maybe if you had done your research you would have known. There's countless public records on the ridiculously silly Bunnyman Lore stories and the like. Doubtful it's true, as without evidence, the bunnyman and other legends don't exist. If young people mostly want to check this out, at least they're doing something relatively safe, compared to partying with booze or fentanyl. There's not really much to see here. To drive back here takes considerable effort for nada. A bridge. Big deal. Feel free to waste time with it, and if the Bunnyman stuff intrigues you, by all means have fun. On a plus note it is a pretty part of the county. I hope all who visit are respectful, but as it is a public place, people who live in the area should have done their due diligence.

If you want to take a step back in time and visit a small Virginia town, then take a beautiful…read morecounty drive to Clifton. There are NO chain stores here. In fact, there are only 1-2 shops and several restaurants. The main draw are the historical markers along the railroad tracks that describe their history and importance and the quaint 1900's architecture. The first railroad station, now gone, was built around 1850. The railroad was important during the Civil War with many battles fought near this border town. The town remains unchanged since the 1930's. Colorful homes line the street each telling a story. Amenities are limited. There is some street parking and a small parking lot behind Buckley's store. Parking is free. The only restrooms are in the restaurants. All the restaurants are good. Gas up before you come.

This is a nice town in Virginia. Surrounded by both Fairfax and Prince William Counties, bring cash…read moreand credit cards. Nothing is cheap here. In many ways it's a lot like Middleburg. On a plus note I do like the trains a lot. Also the caboose exhibit is a nice aspect. Yet do take care, as the main road can be fairly congested. Old Town Alexandria or Fairfax, are more foot traffic friendly. Is it pretty? Yes. The old church and general stores are very attractive. Seeing the old Texaco sign is always pleasant. There are some expensive craft shops and restaurants. Petersons Ice Cream, is higher than most, but I do love them for a dessert treat. Parking can be a challenge, but overall small and quaint.

So we ordered a $240 dinner for 5 for pick up. I cannot express how good the food was without…read morewriting a novel. Calamari actually had a light crispy breading and very tender. Ciopinno was amazing, along with the manicotti, chicken limon, carbonara, pizza bianca and not to be left out the Pistachio cheesecake! The chef is exceptional! Nothing was over-salted showing careful attention to creating bold flavors with careful and precise techniques with obviously fresh ingredients. Again, this was a pick up order and was still that good! I can't imagine how amazing the meals would have been dine in. Thank you!

First time, and it most definitely won't be our last!! Went…read morelast night to Ciao, nice vibe, greeted by the hostess immediately, we had a reservation and was seated promptly. As we were making our way to our table, the owner came by to welcome us, thanked us for coming in. Our server Gabe, immediately greeted us, went over the menu and took our drink orders, and appetizer order. We started with Eggplant Involtini, and the grilled octopus, both were delicious!!! We ordered our entrees, I ordered the eggplant parmigiana, one diner ordered the chicken Limone, and the rest of the table ordered Linguine vognole (clams). Everything was awesome!! Ciao has been around a long time, I'm sorry it took me so long to try this restaurant. This first timer will definitely be returning! If you haven't tried Ciao, get over here right away, you will not be disappointed!!!

8/11/20 Today I saw…read morea Summer Cicada on the ground. Its colors were black body with shades of green with to white dots on its hips. I had only heard them up to this point.  One managed to get inside the General Dynamics building  and is chirping up a storm.   "The loudest cicadas can emit a sound at over 100 decibels, which can be heard over a mile and a half away. If you suspect that cicadas make sound the same way that the cricket, that other noisy summer insect, does then you'd get points for effort, but no points for being correct."Aug 25, 2017https://www.naturemuseum.org ' blogIt explains the possible females trying to get inside the building and being denied.  While looking at this new batch of cicadas  it reminded me of the cicadas infestation of 1987. I remember seeing them everywhere.  The roads, sidewalks  and everywhere else were covered with them. These red eyes, black body with purple wings and sides scared the hell out of me.  For a while I had no idea how I was going to get to my yellow school bus from my house.  Then one day my mom told me to go outside and collect some for her friend.  I don't know if this was true or not, but I reluctantly did as she asked. Fear was all over my body as I stepped outside to collect these bugs. Well just like Christian Bale did with his fear of bats years later, I overcame my fear.   Just like a tarantula,  the cicadas have a very soft touch. I liked the feeling of them walking on my skin.  I collected a number of the cicadas and later on found out my mom had a fear of them, bit got over it with the help of me getting over my fear.  I helped some my friends get over  fear of them too.  I think about what  Falcone said to Bruce Wayne "Carmine Falcone : People from your world have so *much* to lose. Now, you think because your mommy and your daddy got shot, you know about the ugly side of life, but you don't. You've never tasted desperate. You're, uh, you're Bruce Wayne, the Prince of Gotham; you'd have to go a thousand miles to meet someone who didn't know your name. So, don't-don't come down here with your anger, trying to prove something to yourself. This is a world you'll never understand. And you always fear what you don't understand. Alright." I think about the cicadas I killed when I was afraid of them. I see myself going back in time and having a talk with myself. In 2004 I was a Century Pool Manager at property in Maryland. I remember when the 17 year cicadas came again.  I remember these cicadas had black bodies with shades of orange. Their eyes were red.  I did my best to help the cicadas  when they ended up on their backs and stuck. I knew if birds saw them, they were dead. The first thing birds did was rip off their wings. After that the cicadas were defenseless. Apparently there is a wasp that has a taste for these cicadas too. They are known as "Sphecius speciosus, often simply referred to as the cicada killer or the cicada hawk, is a large digger wasp species. Cicada killers are large, solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae." The year is now 2020 and next year the 17  cicadas are making another come back.  Somehow I don't see an infestation like the 1987 time. Speaking of time, in my subconscious my mind plays back a trip to the park when I was a student at The Lab School Of Washington.   I remember cicadas were everywhere too. I believe this might have been the same day I got over my fear of them.  Maybe this is why my mind plays back this memory whenever I visit the dentist.  Guess there are worse things that can get played back, but I am happy to have this memory.  I look forward to seeing what colors the next batch of cicadas will look like... https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distribution/public/amp/news/2013/3/130329-cicadas-coming-sky-locust-swarm-animal-science

They're here! But,…read morenot in DC proper and not in the close-in suburbs either (not yet anyway). For now, they can be found in and around Manassas about 30 miles from the city. There's a plentiful smattering of cicadas in the woods along the Fairfax County/Prince William County line (although not in dense clusters as is characteristic of them). Few are clinging to trees, and none are overwhelming the nearby ground. Instead, they are appearing in small patches...with individual cicadas and groups of two or three scattered sporadically about the waist-high foliage on the hilly shoreline above the rain swollen waters of Bull Run. Along a meandering course, following a well-worn dirt path that locals have trampled out, it was easy pickings as the cicadas rested on leaves that provided a perfect platform for them to be plucked up by their wings. Offering no resistance and seemingly oblivious to impending danger, they, sometimes, would even grab onto my hand with their legs as if moving onto another leaf. In fact, others in my troupe of cicada enthusiasts who suffered some initial hesitation and fear quickly got the hang of catching these docile critters (realizing that the cicadas' dark appearance and haunting red eyes aren't really a portent of attack). They don't bite, are nearly blind, and are, at best, clumsy and reluctant flyers. In the space of a half hour, the five of us (with our bare hands reaching and snatching at regular intervals) had captured roughly fifty cicadas in total (which we placed in three hand-held insect boxes that we had brought with us). As each transparent box filled with captured specimens (crawling and buzzing inside), we had gotten enough of them to satisfy our curiosity and made our way out of the woods onto the cicada-free lawn of an adjoining playground, next to Bull Run, to debrief and marvel at our find. Maybe, in a week or two, this East Coast brood of periodical cicadas will begin to emerge in the immediate suburbs and in the city itself (likely in Rock Creek Park but, perhaps, in more unlikely spots like the grounds of the U.S. Capitol or the North or South Lawn of The White House). What a great photo opportunity that would provide to both locals and tourists alike. In the meantime, the cicadas are biding their time and waiting for an opportune moment to burst out of the ground in greater numbers. I suppose, they will blanket DC soon enough. When they do, don't miss out on seeing this brood. Seventeen years, even from the accelerated perspective of one who is aging, is a long time to wait for its next appearance.

Haymarket Day 2024 was a huge success! First of all, the weather could not have been more…read morebeautiful. The entire event was extremely well organized, starting with the shuttle bus that took visitors to and from Tyler Elementary throughout the day. The parade began promptly at 10 AM and was well organized. Great assortment of vendors along the parade route and a fun Kidzone was set up in the park. It was an overall wonderful, fun-filled day for all.

Haymarket Day 2011 was held today - Saturday, September 17, 2011! (It's still going on as I type…read morethis). As in years past - the main route through Old Town Haymarket was closed to vehicular traffic for the all day event (Route 55/Washington Street). An awesome parade was held (pretty awesome for a small town!). Started the day with a nice cup of steaming hot delicious coffee from Cupcake Heaven, then found a spot along Washington Street to watch the parade and take photos. Lots of entertaining participants in the parade: The Battlefield HS Marching Band, cheerleaders, several local dance troops, several martial arts groups, the Fairfax County Police motorcycle officers (in precision formations), Cub/Boy Scouts, musical groups, local politicians, church groups, civic groups, local businesses, the Geico Gecko, the Chik-fil-A cows, Santa Claus, and a lot more! The parade was considerably longer with more participants than ever. There is also a large vendor area in front of Town Hall and down Washington Street with lots of vendors of all sorts, arts and crafts, games, food and beverages, stages with music, and a lot more! The weather was perfect, cool and overcast, no rain, the place was packed with local residents. It is a great event and it's so wonderful to see so many folks come out with their kids, many brought their dogs, and everyone seemed to be well behaved. I really like the small town atmosphere of Haymarket and the sense of community we have here!

Petting cows and sheep Monster trucks…read moreWinning fair games Vibes Food It was a very fun time, but I was disappointed in the food AND dessert options

The huge price increase for this county fair that we've attended several times, along with some…read moredeceptive advertising, makes it truly feel like a rip-off. $25 entry fee (no re-entry only includes parking, the farm animal exhibits, and the one evening show. Ride wristbands (for unlimited rides) cost $35 (including the $2 "activation fee") and also charges a 3.5% fee for paying with debit/credit card (which makes it about $37.50 per person), and then the advertised pony rides, camel rides, and monster truck rides cost extra ($10 each per rider, cash only). Almost all of the games are $10 min. to play (some are $5 but give 1 chance while $10 gives 3 chances), and as expected, the food and drinks are quite pricey and each stand charges $1 or $2 extra transaction fee for using a debit/credit card. If you're sensing a trend, the biggest tip (if you still want to attend and ride the rides for $52.50 per person) is to bring plenty of cash so you can avoid all the extra transaction fees for everything you'll want to buy while there (as well as any of the "extra" rides that charge separately). All in all, we're coming away from it really feeling duped and like we did not get our money's worth!

6th Annual Persian Annual Spring Festival - Sizdah Bedar - Bull Run Regional Park - is like a…read morePersian Woodstock. It is all about peace, love for nature, fun and dance and family time. It is very inclusive, which is demonstrated with the beer garden next to the stage where DJ spun lively Persian pop music. When a person asked me to take a picture of their group in the Farsi language I felt as one with them, not looking different, or having a different accent that triggers the loaded question that comes with the cultural baggage, "Where are you from?" Every vendor thanked me so much as if they are the guardians of their culture and I am a VIP guest. It felt like they were so many bridges, not any walls between us. Food escapades started with the Ash Reshteh soup. I worried about it because it looked like they were too many spices and ingredients in the soup - you know what color you get when you use too many colors - mud. However, the soup felt like it was in the layers - so many tastes, not killing but supplementing each other. Cost $5. Next one was the tongue - the menu was in Farsi and lady pointed her tongue when I asked her to give me something that is most popular. I got the tongue in the nice broth and sesame bread. It was so soft that I could cut it with my spoon. It was so good, that I would drive 30 minutes to eat it again. I also had to try Persian tea which was stronger than I anticipated. Cost for both $4. I did get a kebab platter and it was not good looking but it tasted good. Cost $10. At the end the real treat was Persian ice cream with saffron and cream that was so different and so rich and sweet and presence of saffron, the most expensive spice in the World, adds a rich taste and makes you feel good, as long as you do not think about how laborious is to collect delicate saffron threads, plucked from flowers and dried. $5 The biggest compliment came from my 9-year old son on the ride back, who said - eating skittles after this great Persian food is kind of lame. In order to fully enjoy the festival next year, buy tickets in advance, bring friends, blankets and do not come before 1PM. Next event is April 1, 2018.

You cannot go wrong dining here. The only mistake you may make is if you don't have reservations…read morewhen they are busy. So, make reservations no matter what, even if it is lunch. They seem to be very popular and my guess is because their food is just amazing. We have yet to try something we did not think was great! Make sure you try the calamari. It is soooo good. The bruschetta is another winner. Plus the staff is absolutely fantastic. They are super friendly and attentive.

My family and I visited Bella Vita yesterday. We ordered tomato soup, chicken parmesan, chicken…read moremarsala, and the chicken Florentine. The food was great! I would probably change the pasta and Alfredo next time because I didn't think the Alfredo had much flavor, but it was light, which I liked compared to heavy cream. The service was decent, and the ambiance was family-friendly and welcoming.

We had an amazing experience on this Korean walking food tour in Annandale! We went with my wife…read moreand another couple, and it turned out to be such a memorable experience. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to answer all of our questions, which made the experience even more engaging. She also came up with some really fun games that helped everyone interact and made the tour feel very lively and memorable. I've lived in Northern Virginia for almost 30 years and have always been fascinated by Koreatown, but this tour gave me a whole new appreciation for it. The food was fantastic, and the overall experience was fun. You can really tell this is a great, well-run business--the owners clearly care about creating a high-quality and enjoyable experience for everyone. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone, whether you're local or visiting. We are already planning to do it again for a birthday celebration!

The Korean food tour was amazing! It was awesome to support local businesses while trying a ton of…read moredifferent Korean dishes. Such a fun way to try new food! Mina was a great host. She was so friendly and knowledgeable! She seemed to have a great relationship with all the businesses we went to as well, with the shop owners being super excited when we came in!

This event was great although it's a lot of work from securing tickets, gathering and lugging…read moreeverything, and walking in the Heat! I will go next year with better preparations!

What a farce - worse than Ticketmaster in trying to register. Not even a customary "sold out"…read morebefore you register which you only find out half-way through the "timed" process that you cannot advance in the system. Elegant? Yeah, right.