Simply throughout the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Arlington is brimming with historical past, tradition, and indoor and outside actions. The town is walkable and simply accessible because of its handy Metro throughout the area. There are additionally many out-of-the-box issues to do, given all of the county’s charming neighborhoods, lovely parks, tasty eating places, and breathtaking historic landmarks within the metropolis and close by. Whether or not you’re a well-weathered native, customer, or fascinated with shopping for a home in Arlington, VA, listed below are 15 distinctive issues to do in and across the Arlington space.
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Go to Quincy Park
Go to Arlington’s four-acre Quincy park is a sensory-rich setting for everybody. This park options six tennis courts, a basketball court docket, and a sand volleyball court docket. There may be loads of house to play, whether or not you’re trying to get your train in, take a pleasant stroll along with your canine, or picnic at a reservable shelter.
“My household’s favourite factor to do is play on the fields at Quincy Park. We’ll throw a frisbee, hit tennis balls, and kick soccer balls. We love that we will deliver a bag stuffed with sports activities tools to entertain the entire household,” says Steven Inge, Arlington resident and founding father of Wedmatch.
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Stroll throughout the Key Bridge
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, often called the Key Bridge to locals, spans over the Potomac River, connecting DC and Virginia. This lovely arch bridge is a widely known landmark in the neighborhood and has a whole lot of locals crossing day by day. The bridge was coined as a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 1996. Each side of the bridge enable pedestrians to additionally cross from areas in Georgetown and Rosslyn, with wonderful views.
Superb artwork and portrait photographer, Jessica Monte, says she likes to “exit for an early run throughout the Key Bridge, all the way down to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Alongside the way in which, I can soak up views of the Potomac River, Georgetown College, the Kennedy Middle, and the Washington Monument.
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Discover Theodore Roosevelt Island
“Since I like the outside, I additionally get pleasure from climbing and kayaking at Theodore Roosevelt Island Park,” recommends Jessica Monte. The island was beforehand often called Mason’s Island within the Nineteen Thirties. The once-neglected farmland is now often called Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial park devoted to America’s twenty sixth president. Miles of trails, dry-wooded uplands, and swampy, moist bottomlands honor the good outdoorsman.
At the moment, guests can get the within scoop on the island by means of ranger-led packages. Guests can schedule safaris with Rangers and Park Volunteers to discover the historic options and nature of the island. Wildlife viewing, strolling, working, and kayaking or canoeing the Potomac River beside the island are among the many different actions to take part in.
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Get a fast chunk at District Taco
Jessica Monte swears which you could’t go fallacious with District Taco. Swing by District Taco’s unique meals cart positioned in Rosslyn (a neighborhood in Arlington), since 2009 for some scrumptious, do-it-yourself, Yucatan-inspired meals by Osiris Hoil, founding father of District Taco.
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Go to the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial
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“In case you occur to be by the Arlington Cemetery,” says Matt Sutton, Model Coordinator of USA Guided Excursions from DC, “it’s best to undoubtedly try the missed Service provider Marine Memorial, on Mount Vernon Path, with nice views of Washington, DC.”
The Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial commemorates World Warfare I sailors of the USA Navy and the USA Service provider Marines. The memorial additionally honors those that have skilled devastating points in maritime disasters whereas serving their nation. The memorial could be seen beside the Mount Vernon Path in Girl Chook Johnson Park. Locals love to go to this park to see flowers, trip bikes, and take a day stroll beside the Potomac River.
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Catch some views on the Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Near the Navy-Service provider Marine Memorial, Matt Sutton additionally recommends visiting “the opposite aspect of Mount Vernon’s riverfront path, the place the Potomac Overlook Regional Park affords wonderful scenic views and a nature middle.”
This park has practically 70 acres of land, offering entry to breathtaking views of the Potomac river and native wildlife, comparable to numerous species of birds. Hike as many miles of trails as attainable whereas following interpretive shows to study Virginia’s wildlife.
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Go ice-skating on the Medstar Capitols Iceplex
Within the up-and-coming Ballston neighborhood, Matt recommends skating at “the Medstar Capitals Icepex, the official coaching middle for Washington Capital’s NHL workforce. Right here, you possibly can hire a pair of skates, take classes, and be a part of pick-up video games year-round.” So drop in on the ice to choose up some new hockey strikes, go in for a enjoyable public skate session, or watch a Capitals apply free and open to the general public.
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Watch a efficiency at Synetic Theater
Matt additional recommends visiting Crystal Metropolis’s neighborhood to see the distinctive “Synetic Theater, which affords progressive theater performances that highlight dancers and acrobats.” The theater is beloved by locals for its potential to mix progressive methods of stage lighting, choreography, costume designs, and music right into a single story that captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.
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Stroll by means of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery
Established Could thirteenth, 1864, Arlington Nationwide Cemetery is certainly one of two nationwide cemeteries that’s run by the USA Military. Nearly 400,000 individuals are buried right here on practically 640 acres. There are quite a few historic websites to see on the cemetery, in line with Daniel Minchew, founder and personal tour information of DC with Daniel:
“I completely love taking guests by means of the hallowed grounds of Arlington Nationwide Cemetery. Witnessing the Altering of the Guard on the Tomb of the Unknown Troopers, visiting President Kennedy’s Grave, and strolling amongst over 400,000 burials of well-known and common men and women, which instills a deeper appreciation for his or her service. Each December, volunteers conduct Wreaths Throughout America, a wreath-laying ceremony over each grave website.”
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Ebook a free tour contained in the Pentagon
Positioned simply outdoors of DC, the Pentagon Memorial, often called the USA Division of Protection, is open to all guests. Enjoyable reality: the 5 wedge-shaped sections of the Pentagon symbolize the 5 branches of the US Armed Forces. Daniel offers one other useful tip saying, “With prior association, ebook a free 45-minute tour contained in the Pentagon utilizing this hyperlink.” You possibly can request tickets 14 to 90 days upfront. Tour guides are pleasant and educated army members in full-dress uniforms. In keeping with many locals, there are some nice picture alternatives and souvenirs.
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Arlington County Truthful
In keeping with Matt Richard, Arlington County Truthful Chair, Arlington’s truthful occurs to be “One of many largest free city gala’s on the east coast.” Held in Thomas Jefferson Neighborhood Middle, the truthful has been offering high-quality leisure to the Arlington neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods for over 40 years. Over 84,000 folks go to the county truthful annually. “Whether or not it’s our range of meals distributors, the aggressive reveals entered by members of our neighborhood, or the rides and video games for teenagers of all ages, it actually brings out the most effective of Arlington,” says Matt.
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Tour the oldest secret of Arlington County: The Ball-Sellers Home
Cathy Hix, President of Arlington Historic Society, describes visiting the John Ball Home as certainly one of her favourite issues to do, “Once you come to Arlington, drive previous the skyscrapers and journey again in time, by visiting the Ball Sellers Home, one of many best-known secrets and techniques and oldest current homes within the county, you can be transported to 1750 when The Ball Household lived on this tiny construction.” The historic house is positioned at 5620 Third Avenue, South, within the Glencarlyn neighborhood. The residence has housed three generations of relations. At the moment, the farmhouse has been restored to its colonial look. Inside excursions of the oldest home in Arlington county are free on Saturdays, from April by means of October.
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Return in time by visiting the Arlington Historic Museum
When visiting the historic museum, you’ll see all of Arlington’s historical past in a self-guided tour housed contained in the oldest current schoolhouse within the nation. Inbuilt 1891, there are 12 separate reveals, together with a brand new Public Well being and Drugs in Arlington exhibit. Cathy says she at all times makes it some extent to go to the museum as a result of, “It jogs my memory of all of the historical past on this tiny county, that our previous helps us do higher sooner or later.”
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Run by a brewery
Brewery Operating Collection holds nationwide 5k-ish occasions across the nation for runners, joggers, and walkers, together with canine homeowners, working strollers, spectators, and extra. All members full a pleasant and untimed competitors round an area brewery. In Arlington, Virginia, Tanner Mason, VA Occasions Director of Brewery Operating Collection, explains that the race “begins and ends on the Board Room VA, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a refreshing pint after your race. All members can get a swag merchandise.”
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Climb at Mosaic Park
Mosaic park is full of thrilling options, together with a multipurpose court docket, rain gardens, a garden space, a play tools part, and a colourful climbing wall. The park’s entryway additionally greets you with an interactive water characteristic. Photographer and Arlington native, Marie Elizabeth, recommends “the climbing wall; it’s an effective way to set free power. As a bonus tip, seize a espresso at Compass Espresso close by.”
