A young man smiles while paddling with his dog in a canoe on a river.

Recreation

Where Adventure is Around Every Corner

In Fairfax NOVA, our region is rooted in a “yes, and” mindset. And our culture reflects that in every way: in how we work, learn, and, most importantly, have fun. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Fairfax NOVA is where you can say “yes” to endless outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking the scenic trails of Shenandoah National Park to canoeing along the tranquil waters of the Potomac, “yes” to more than 100 museums and over 30 art galleries and “yes” to family-friendly fun, like a Sunday trip to Fairfax County farmer’s market, or to adults-only fun, like a tour of an award-winning Northern Virginia winery.

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Fast Facts

#2

Best County for Families in America to Call Home (Loudoun County)

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Craft Breweries in Loudoun, VA’s LoCo Ale Trail

LoCo Virginia Ale Trail
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Wineries and Tasting Rooms in Loudoun County

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Museums in Northern Virginia

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Dine Around the World in FFX NOVA

The courtyard in front of a mixed-use building with a restaurant on the first floor.

Culinary creatives and cocktail connoisseurs keep Fairfax NOVA’s taste buds excited and hungry for more. The region is home to several James Beard Award-nominated establishments, including Foode in Fredericksburg and Queen Mother’s in Arlington. Café du Soleil in Alexandria attracts visitors with its delectable French-inspired dishes, adding to FFX NOVA’s bustling café culture. For those seeking a personalized dining experience with certified organic, farm-to-table dishes, the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is a stellar example. Oenophiles can also indulge in Northern Virginia wine tours like D.C. Wine Country in Loudoun County.

The VA Destination for Immersive Experiences

The interior of the National Museum of African American History & Culture as guests admire the art.

Fairfax NOVA’s vibrant art scene boasts more than 30 art galleries, including notable venues like the Arlington Center for the Arts, the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria and The Loft Gallery in Occoquan. Live music aficionados can revel in the rich soundscape offered by award-winning venues like Jammin Java in Vienna, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and the newly established 1,500-seat Capital One Hall in Tysons. History buffs can rejoice here, too, with one of the largest Cold War Museum collections in the U.S., dozens of Civil War Sites and reenactments, and of course the historic home of one of our nation’s founding fathers, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens.

Get Outside and Get Exploring

A young girl with a safety harness walks across an adventure obstacle course while her parents watch in the background.

Tap into a mild, four-season climate that’s full of outdoor potential. Steeped in its hunting and farming heritage, FFX NOVA’s love of horseback riding is evident with dedicated equestrian centers like Morven Park and Lake Anna State Park. Nature enthusiasts can also explore five state parks and numerous local parks, as well as lush greenspaces nestled within cities and towns such as Alexandria and Manassas. And if you’re ready for an adventure, brave the Class V+ rapids on a kayaking venture at Great Falls Park in Fairfax or hike an extensive network of trails and paths at Prince William Forest Park.