City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue
2. Green Spring Gardens Park
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 642-5173
Address: 4603 Green Spring Road
Description: This 27-acre garden-filled Fairfax County park proves a beautiful and popular spot for strolls and outdoor weddings. Demonstration gardens offer inspiration to both budding gardeners and those with green thumbs. The historic Manor House, open select days and hours, features a gift shop, art exhibits, and special programs such as Full English teas. Visit the Horticulture Center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
3. Huntley Meadows Park And Visitor Center
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 768-2525
Address: 3701 Lockheed Boulevard
Description: This 1,425-acre park—the largest operated by FCPA—draws nature lovers of all ages, who love to explore the meadows, forests, and 2⁄3-mile boardwalk trail through the wetlands. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, from butterflies and songbirds to deer, beaver, and waterfowl. Park naturalists conduct hundreds of programs annually at the visitor center, which features exhibits pertaining to the area’s natural resources. The park also proves a popular destination for local school and Scout groups, who arrange guided tours by appointment. Visitor center hours vary throughout the year, but generally run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except Tuesday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during warm weather.
4. Sportrock Climbing Centers
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 5308 Eisenhower Avenue
Description: These indoor climbing facilities feature 30- and 40-foot walls with a multitude of routes. Novices can learn beginning climbing skills, and more experienced climbers can hone their techniques with indoor practice sessions. The centers are open noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Discount passes and memberships also are available, along with rental gear and special beginners’ sessions. (See our Kidstuff chapter for information about children’s programs here.)
5. Washington Sailing Marina
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 548-9027
Address: 1 Marina Drive
Description: The Washington Sailing Marina, about 1½ miles south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, will rent you a cute little Sunfish sailboat or a 19-foot Flying Scot by the hour.