Sometimes it’s difficult for people to think in terms of a region as opposed to a focal point like a large city or natural resource like a national park or preserve. Regions are so large and filled with so many options it can cause “choice paralysis,” where making any sort of choice seems impossible because there are simply too many options to narrow down effectively.
For reunion planners considering Fairfax County, Virginia, the choices are diverse indeed. Combining historical significance, natural beauty, outdoor activities and urban swagger, the area is ideal for family gatherings and convenient to all the sights of Washington, D.C.
The key differentiator for Fairfax County is its link to history. From Revolutionary War sites to Mount Vernon, Civil War battlefields and the Robert E. Lee Memorial, Fairfax County is the diary of American history that you can visit in person, walking the same fields your forefathers walked when shaping and defending this country. This adds depth to the reunion opportunities in Fairfax County.
The Blond County
Fairfax County was formed in 1742 and is named after Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. The family name “Fairfax” evolved from an Old English phrase meaning “blond hair.” In the late 18th century after the Revolutionary War, part of Fairfax County was ceded to the government to form a portion of the District of Columbia.
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Today, Fairfax County offers a near-perfect balance between untouched nature and the joys of urban living, allowing visitors to go from hunting, hiking and fishing activities during the day to a four-star dinner and cocktails at night. Although beautiful year round, spring and fall offer the best reunion opportunities in Fairfax County, with clear, warm days, cool breezy nights and plenty of sunshine.
What is There to Do in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County suffers from an embarrassment of riches when it comes to activities for your reunion group. History buffs, wine and craft beer enthusiasts, outdoorsmen and hunters, cultural mavens and foodies will all find plenty to occupy them and delight them when visiting Northern Virginia.
Historical Tours
Fairfax County history is American history, and some of the most important and fascinating historical sites in the country are located right here. A few highlights include:
- Mount Vernon: The country estate of George Washington, America’s most visited historic home, is a beautifully restored piece of history, offering mansion tours, interactive exhibits, movies and artifacts.
- Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial offers sobering perspective, located as it is in Arlington National Cemetery and dedicated to the most notable general of the Confederacy. A visit to this hauntingly beautiful spot, with panoramic views of our Nation’s Capital spread out below, is one of the great reunion opportunities in Fairfax County.
- Claude Moore Farm: A farm run as if time had stopped in Revolutionary times, this popular sight provides an intriguing glimpse into the past.
Mt. Vernon
Outdoors
There are plenty of outdoor reunion opportunities in Fairfax County:
- Great Falls National Park offers pristine natural beauty and plenty of hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, boating and kayaking. It’s an ideal day trip for the whole group, with plenty of grills and picnic areas for a group lunch.
- Golf: There are more than a dozen world-class golf courses in Fairfax County, giving your reunion’s golfers plenty of opportunities to get in a few holes.
- Burke Lake isn’t just a great place to camp out and enjoy the water, it also features a miniature train, a carousel, volleyball, golf course and driving range, horse shoe pits, a picnic area, playgrounds and hiking trails.
Culture
One of the greatest reunion opportunities in Fairfax County is its deeply-rooted and well-supported arts and music scene, offering plenty of entertainment and intellectually-stimulating moments for all visitors, including
- 1st Stage: One of the most celebrated community theaters in the country, attaining national prominence with the excellence of its programs and performances.
- Fairfax Symphony: Named one of the best orchestras in the country, the Fairfax Symphony performs more than 100 times a year, with a large proportion of performances being free of charge.
- Smithsonian Museums: The National Mall in Washington, D.C., abounds with treasures, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History.
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Where Can My Reunion Grab Some Grub?
Fairfax County is more than history and natural beauty – it’s also an urban center, close to Washington D.C. and featuring restaurants at all budget levels. Eateries that welcome group dinners include J.R.’s Stockyards Inn and Maggiano’s Little Italy. With just about every cuisine in the world on offer, including vegetarian options, Fairfax County makes meal time easy for reunion groups.
What are Some of the Accommodation Options in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County’s proximity to the Nation’s Capital means it enjoys one of the densest and most varied inventories of hotels, motels, resorts, and campgrounds in the country. These include pet-friendly options like the Hilton McLean Tysons Co, hotel complexes with meeting resources like the Embassy Suites Springfield, and even “green” options for the environmentally-minded, such as the Courtyard by Marriott Tysons Corner. However many rooms and in whatever combination your reunion needs, Fairfax County has them.
The breathing room and sheer number of options for lodging, dining and activities make Fairfax County an ideal choice for any reunion of any size. History, culture and natural beauty combine to make it a magnet for reunion groups.
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