This is incredible. Much like the "Graffiti House" near Culpeper, if you're a civil war history…read morebuff, add this to your list. City of Fairfax has done well with this. The Blenheim House is the main attraction, as it was used as a makeshift hospital by US and confederate soldiers. On the walls are signatures of it's residents, and some of them are quite funny. You will see US or confederate soldiers writing crossing out one another's, or a regiment definitely showing you "we were here." This is good for all ages. The property is stunning. I love the wood fences, and the grounds has plenty to explore. Once a year is civil war day. By all means a complete recommendation, as cannon demonstrations, and living history type of events. This is a gem of northern Virginia. By all means spend time and learn really interesting information.

I'm not sure why I have never thought to review Blenheim before, but this came up on my Yelp…read moreactivity as a 3 star place, which is simply not true! I would like to describe my very personal experience. Five years ago I got married here. I toured countless venues in Fairfax county and Fairfax city. This was the first place I went to that I couldn't really see myself being married at, and the price was right. As a wedding venue, there are great indoor and outdoor spaces, and it is especially beautiful on a fall day. The staff went above and beyond with professionalism. Kaveh, who works for the city of Fairfax, was the person who ran the show, and he could not have done a better job. The wedding had about 100 guests and I would say that it's absolutely perfect for that size. As mentioned in previous reviews, this historic property changed hands during the Civil War several times. It was primarily used as a union encampment/hospital. The most interesting aspect is the preserved building with around 115 Union soldiers' signatures inscribed in it. If you choose to get married here, you can even have a tour aspect to your wedding as an add-on, which certain family members like my grandfather loved. This is a beautiful property and the staff work very hard to preserve it and share it with others. As a wedding venue, I thought it was perfect. It's also a nice place for a picnic and the grounds are open when they don't have events.

It has been a long time since I have been to a musical. I had been eyeing this one for a hot minute…read moreafter seeing the ads for it. My one colleague had just seen it and told me it was a great show. I was sold, bought my ticket to attend after work one day and the rest is history. I had no idea this was part of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, let alone a theater to begin with. I have been near here on several occasions and just walked on by. The building in unassuming from the street. But then when you enter, you definitely know it is a theater. A hallway takes you to the lobby area and signage lets you know which side of the theater to enter. In the lobby area there are a couple of different areas, merch, snacks, drinks. Some small seating and entrances to the restrooms. The actual theater, not a single bad seat in here. And, if you were like me and went by yourself, there is one row that has a single seat, accommodating to say the least. I saw '44 the Musical' and I have not laughed and had a song stuck in my head from a musical in a long time. The show was great, the cast was amazing, and I am still humming along to the song since I have seen the show.

Great theater running both Shakespeare and non Shakespeare productions. Another peek of living in…read moreDC.

I have walked by this small domed area without realizing it. The structure almost looks like a…read moresnack bar. Just walk beside it to the entrance and go downstairs. There are a lot of hidden gems underground. The Ripley Center is beside the Smithsonian Castle. and the Freer Gallery. You can take Smithsonian metro or the Red line Circulator bus ( stop 4 if you don't mind walking across the grounds or stop 13 if you have an extra 25 minutes and want to be dropped off out front). The Ripley Center is a popular stop for schools. There are wonderful programs for students. The lower level has classrooms where groups can make art projects and learn about art. The building also has a lecture hall, the Discovery theater and wonder exhibits that change from time to time. The National Museum of African Art is connected to the building. You don't have to exit to see the exhibits. The Freer Gallery is on the same block. These are just three of the gems right beside each other. It is especially convenient when the weather is hot or rainy. If you have time for another adventure, the castle is just a few yards away from the domed shaped structure. It is a perfect meeting place outside. The museums are free. The circulator buses are currently free. Win-win.

Lecture Hall Under the Mall! I attended my first Smithsonian…read moreAssociate Program (8/2/19). The Venue: The most exciting thing is the S. Dillion Ripley Center is located Below Ground-under The National Mall. You enter the Via a small circular Building across the street from the Smithsonian Metro Station. Note: You Must Walk Down Many Stairs once inside. The place is very spacious, once below ground W/towering high ceilings. The center includes: Several lecture halls, movie theater space & conference rooms. The Food: Coffee, Bottled Water, Pastries & Snacks Available for purchases just outside lecture hall. The Program: "The Splendors Of The English Country House" 400 years in 7.5 hrs on the art, architecture, decor & people who created these homes & history. The program covered historical periods & significant architectural themes including: Elizabethan, Palladian (Neo-Classical), Victorian. I was most interested in learning more about Neo-Classical Architecture & it's driving force Robert Adam. He is credited w/popularizing This architecture in America. Most notable "The Federal Style" we see here in Washington, DC i.e. the Capitol & the National Archives best examples in my opinion. The lecture hall is quite comfortable-well padded Seats. We had a (1 hr) lunch break-eat on your own. I left the venue & got a polish sausage from a vendor on the mall & bottle water & a croissant From vendor outside our lecture hall. All tasted good. The Smithsonian Associates Program: Is an annual membership based program. Members receive a reduced cost per program And receive a monthly program via U.S. Mail Detailing upcoming programs. Non-Member pay a slightly higher ticket price For programs & learn about programs Via members or the Associate's latest programs Via the Smithsonian website: "Smithsonian.edu" It was a very informative day overall. A few participants I met had been to many Of these lectures, speaking well of the presenters. The staff I engaged w/all professional/courteous. Worth another visit.

During the last sunny weekend, my family and I did a little Church street stroll and stumbled…read moreacross the Freeman Store & Museum which is located right next to the W&OD trail. Not only did it provide a nice, quiet respite from the heat we had tons of fun exploring the remnants of the old post office, ogling over the old-fashioned candy aisle, and browsing through the great used book store selection in the basement. Both of my girls found a current children's book to bring home, and at 25 cents a piece it was a steal! I loved browsing through all of the Vienna ornaments, stickers, and other home goods they sold from local artisans. The back opens up to the town green and I saw lots of people enjoying having picnics on the tables. The shopkeep was so nice! I truly felt like I was in an episode of Gilmore Girls or Hart of Dixie while walking around.

So adorable! Amazing service, everyone is so friendly. The used book store in the basement is…read morestocked!!

We've been talking about visiting Weems Botts for years. We finally made the trip and guess what…read moreit was closed! It is closed for renovation until May 17. Unfortunately, this information was not on the website only via the phone advising that the property was under renovations. We did walk around the property which is a nice park. We took pictures in the stockade, read the markers and stood on the porch. So better luck next time.

I really love this little museum, the park, and the amazing historical cemetery right down the…read moreblock. I saw the two 1-star reviews from people that hadn't had the good fortune of actually being able to visit, and since I've taken the tour twice I suppose I too will leave my review. This place is great!!! Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly tour guide/property manager, and the history itself is very interesting. Five stars, and all the thumbs I possess UP.

The Taste of Woodbridge was hosted at the Potomac Mills parking lot this year. There were dozens of…read morefood vendors, shops, public service booths, child entrepreneurs, and local organizations. The main stage featured a variety of rotating performers from bands to student musicians. I tried a few of the food trucks, including a really delicious fish and chips and a refreshing lemonade, topped off with churros and horchata. It was an extremely hot day, and there was limited room for seating and shade. It would have been nice to have a cooling station available, although the mall is nearby if a break is needed from the heat. There was plenty of parking on all sides, so it was nice not to worry about traveling a long distance like some other local taste events. Overall, it was a nice visit, and I learned about several new businesses. I wouldn't mind visiting again next year.

Since Covid ended our family has been frequent patrons of the Kennedy Center, Wicked being our 4th…read moreevent in less than 1 year. I've always heard good things and knew nothing about the plot or story of Wicked. Did a weekday matinee which was much less stressful to get to, though there are a lot of students/kids which I hadn't figured on. I used the brand new Ashburn Metro station to go into DC and it was awesome. Set and costume design were amazing and the story was a interesting spin on the original that we're all familiar with. To be honest, the tunes were not quite as catchy as some of the others that I've seen this year but good nonetheless. I was in the top balcony b/c seats were very inexpensive but to be honest a bit hard to hear and a bit of a vertigo if you have to walk down the steep stairs. I think in the future, I'll try to keep everything at the orchestra level.

I have two dear friends who are history nerds like me, and one of them found out about the tours of…read morethis historic place. We went on 10/31 - BOO! We arrived early and spent several minutes enjoying the displays in the small visitor center. There is so much history there, we were surprised to keep discovering things none of us knew before. And one minored in history in college! After reading and admiring most of the displays, it was time to start the tour. It's a short walk from the visitor center, along a path made of oyster shells, to the house itself. It must have been so grand back in the 1800's - it's huge and the sweeping front drive would allow one to see the entire front of the building. We had a docent and their "shadow", a new docent learning the ropes, who were very informative and easy to be around. The tour actually starts in the "dependency", which we learned is just a fancy word for "outbuilding". ;) Fascinating to see how the enslaved persons would have cooked on a fireplace, although we weren't there for a demonstration. They do have those, though, so check for dates and times. Next was the big house and we covered the main rooms and a few rooms upstairs. Each room that is furnished had a story about the people who lived or visited. Many of the furnishings are original pieces; some returned from people who had acquired them over time, and some that remained when the last owner lived there. It's well worth an hour of your time if you like history and seeing some beautiful architecture, furnishings, and the like.

I enjoyed the demonstration. Kathy and Barbra taught me a lot. Between the cooking it felt like a…read morehistory lesson on much more, while also feeling like we were gossiping in the kitchen