Mount Air was the home of a member of the Vestry of Historic Pohick Church. It was the church home…read moreof George Washington ( the father of the United States - our country) Visit the Church for a self guided tour and Docent tours are also given!

Is visiting the Mount Air Historic Site a destination? I don't think so, but I appreciate the…read morededication of activists to preserve history. Located in a subdivision, park on the street and follow the path to the ruins. There are three places with ruins- the foundation of the 18th century house, what's left of old Greek Revival columns, and two small wooden structures. All except the columns are fenced off. Several signs are scattered throughout the space, but half are almost impossible to read due to wear and tear. It's worth noting that even though the land was used as a plantation whose owner enslaved people, there is no mention of that and how evil that was. It's a huge miss since acknowledgement and condemnation is one small step toward creating a more equitable society for all.

Where as the Manassas National Park Visitors Center is focused on the First Battle of Manassas,…read morethis building is dedicated to Second Manassas (aka, Second Battle of Bull Run). Like the main visitors center, Brawner Farm has a terrain map with lights that depict the flow of the battle, but is much smaller. There are also numerous hiking trails in the area, with various historical plaques where the action occurred. The battle is hard to imagine. While the plaques try to explain things, the thick forest conceals the main avenues of the Confederate advance (just as it did during the battle). Unless you watch the show in the farm house, you are unlikely to understand the disposition of forces any more than poor General Pope did (which is why he was beaten back).

Don't miss a stop at this spot when visiting the battlefield. Tucked away North of 29 on Pageland…read moreLane (just a short drive up off of 29) to the right. There is limited parking here but if you snag a spot you will be close to nice quiet trails. Very scenic. There is a bathroom in the parking lot here. A kick walk on a cement path abutted by nature will bring you to the Brawner Farm House. Inside, you will find a park volunteer to provide information and displays about the Second Battle of Manassas. If you go further on the trails be aware that the area has ticks and copperhead snakes. Be prepared.

Established over a century ago, this monumental and historical edifice in the heart of Fairfax city…read moreis a prominent setting for matrimonial, diners or business events. Presented as a wedding gift from Mr. Wilson Farr to his wife, from a visit to this place I witnessed this colonial style house features, library, a grand dining hall, handicapped facilities, gourmet kitchen, lavishing gardens and ample space for driveway and parking. Here are some of its photos.

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.

Watch for poison ivy and ticks. Looks like they are converting many of the fields to "historic"…read moreforests and meadows of poison ivy, briar patches, saplings and weeds. Doesn't seem to be in line with a battle for this area, which would have been fought on farmland which had animal pastures and crop fields. When it is mowed properly it looks beautiful and is a safer walk for kids and dogs. The paths are well kept and nicely mowed.

Nice spot for a casual walk, and cool dog-friendly trails nearby…read more Visited here in the wintertime, there was less mud and walk was pleasant overall. Spent a good half an hour here. Highlights: - Tiny log cabin near the start, a reconstruction of cabins built by Confederate soldiers in Civil War era - Nearby Lake, which is pretty nice view - Wide open pasture with lot of grass in a clearing, calm and peaceful walk. There are various plaques with historical bits of the Civil War dotting the area. Cool and laid-back spot for walking your dog. Interesting views too. Check it out. Last visited: 1/7/23

Vint Hill is located between Gainesville and Warrenton. It is an emerging destination for locals…read moreand visitors. Vint Hill is a historic place. The U.S. Army operated a cryptology school and an intelligence gathering station at the former sheep and cattle farm during World War II. After the war, the Army used Vint Hill for research and development. The Army discontinued use of the property in 1997. Vint Hill now is open to the public. It is a scenic spot that offers many things to do. For food and beverages, there currently is a brewery, a winery, speciality food shop, cafe serving lunch, and more... These places are all located close to the Cold War Museum. There is a public swimming pool open seasonally. The tiny base movie theater still shows movies. There is a popular dog park. There are a number of park areas that are great for jogging, walking, or just relaxing. At the edge of Vint Hill, is Lake Brittle where you can go fishing, or rent a boat (seasonally). There is also a snack bar here open seasonally. Unfortunately, the park areas and the lake both lack bathroom facilities beyond port-a-potties. There are a number of businesses located at Vint Hill and one church that I am aware of. A lot of land is available for development. I heard that an independent coffee shop is slated to open. That would be great. I only hope that development does not get out of hand and ruin the nature areas that exist here. There is already extensive housing on the backside of Vint Hill. Traffic is not a problem here at present. Fingers crossed that new development is not overwhelming and that no more trees are cut down. Check Yelp reviews for the places located at Vint Hill and plan a visit!

The Native American Veterans Memorial is located right next to the museum. Very accessible by…read moremetro. 10/10 would recommend spending some time here and at the museum.

National Native American Veterans Memorial - This memorial has very strong symbolism while also…read morefeeling modern and peaceful. The architecture is well thought out; the circular design and the water create a harmonious space for reflection. I appreciate that it is a place of respect, designed not to be pompous but dignified and quiet. You can truly feel the recognition of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to the country.

The George Mason Memorial is close to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and is a lesser known one. In…read morefact, I didn't even know about it until we saw it on our way to the Jefferson Memorial. It's near the Tidal Basin and south of the FDR Memorial. George Mason is long forgotten as a founding father. He was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights which inspired the U.S. Bill of Rights. There is a sculpture of him crossing his legs, and while there was a lot of space for the memorial there wasn't much else. The little water reservoir was empty and it just looked plain and desolate. George Mason was a forgotten father and this felt like a forgotten memorial.

If you are visiting DC seeing the monuments and memorials are a must. The George Mason Memorial is…read moreon the Hains Point Loop trail, we were not familiar with this memorial so we checked it out. George Mason was an author and his writings inspired several important documents. The memorial itself is smaller but nice. If you want a break you can sit near the fountain on a bench for a rest.