Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Northern Virginia Musts
20
items Northern Va is close to DC, but take some time to appreciate what NOVA has to offer, then go to DC.
Sections
6
Outdoor activities
Restaurants
Arts and entertainment
Botanical Garden
Attractions
Tea spots you can’t miss
Outdoor activities
Northern Virginia has the loveliest weather and seasons for outdoor adventures. Don’t miss these!
Burke Lake Park is a surprise in the suburbs with its natural beauty, walking trails, ice cream shoppe and do not skip the train ride.
Burke Lake Park
The campgrounds and biking trails here are our favorites. There is also a water park and beautiful picnic areas. If you like hiking don't miss this lake.
Lake Fairfax Park | Park Authority
We love the Farmer's Market in Burke. It is family friendly, has the freshest produce and baked goods, and is a lovely walking area.
Farmers Markets | Park Authority - Fairfax County
The waterfalls are absolutely astounding! There are hiking trails, boating and picnic areas.
Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Restaurants
Located next to the charming town Occoquan River, this restaurant has lovely garden outside dining and do not miss the French Toast. It is unlike any other you have ever had. Take a walk in the town after dinner by the river.
The Secret Garden Cafe
Family friendly, delicious breakfasts all day, kid’s menu, under about $30. Viena is a beautiful town to explore and maybe even get lost in.
Carnegie Diner & Cafe
Try the tagliatelle! Then walk around the Mosaic District. This is our go to walking and watching people spot in Fairfax.
Alta Strada - Fairfax, VA
Try the lobster ravioli or go home. Chef owned and operated and their desserts are spectacular especially the tiramisu. Charming neighborhood for walking after dinner.
Bellissimo Restaurant - Fairfax
Try the green tea ice cream! A popular bar with various Asian foods. Look around carefully before making food decisions because they have some amazing dishes that you might not have tried before.
Annandale, Virginia | The Block Foodhall & Bar
Arts and entertainment
Live performances, puppet shows- if you have kids don’t overlook this gem.
Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods | Kids Activities DC - Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap hosts all kinds of talented performers: pop, country, folk, blues, classical music, dance, theater, and opera. Something for everyone and such a beautiful park venue.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
You will learn so much about American history on this scenic walk: George Washington, the American Revolution and delightful well researched stories you will love. This tour makes history entertaining and beautiful.
Alexandria History Tours
Botanical Garden
Virginia knows how to do a botanical garden like no place else.
There are 30 diverse gardens, lakes, and forests.
I love the Korean Bell Garden. My kids love the restored 18th Century log cabin. You haven’t seen anything like this before.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens - NOVA Parks
I go here when I need to escape the world. This is probably the Garden of Eden. The stream, a valley, a naturalistic native plant garden, a greenhouse, and a plant shop (be careful here!). When you leave you will have forgotten all your worries.
Green Spring Gardens | Park Authority - Fairfax County
Attractions
I may have rolled my eyes when my husband said we should see this place. I mean aviation?? Butwe saw the Shuttle Discovery! They also have a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde. You will learn so much just by being in this place and will leave a space ...
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | National Air and Space Museum
Take the boat tour! Just do it. They have people dressed in period costumes and they make this tour extra fun and funny. The estate is astounding and the stories are well researched and told. This is something you have to see so just go.
Mansion at Mount Vernon
We love this place! Go in the morning when you are sharp because you will be immersed in solving puzzles and mysteries in immersive rooms. Go even if you don’t have kids.
Bonds Escape Room - 15 Escape Rooms (Fairfax and Arlington)
Tea spots you can’t miss
I have driven over an hour for their Matcha Milk Tea. Their menu goes on forever.
AYE TEA LOUNGE - 4030 Gateway Dr, Fairfax, Virginia - Yelp
The coziest place to sit and drink tea. They have tea tasting parties and blend your own tea events. I love to go when I need to get away and do computer work in a calm atmosphere. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.
Elden Street Tea Shop and Events
Such a calm and cool vibe to study or work. They handcraft their drinks. I love their iced lattes.
Bn Tea House