1. Westfields Marriott
City: Chantilly, VA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (703) 818-0300
Address: 14750 Conference Center Drive
Description: You’d never know this 335-room hotel was part of a chain. Westfields’ stately Georgian facade and 1,100 manicured acres give the impression of an old, established Virginia resort. The facility, however, is the product of the boom days of the 1980s. It exudes elegance, from its state-of-the-art conference rooms to its outstanding restaurant and ornate guest rooms decorated in marble, country prints, and rich carpets. Dulles Airport is 7 miles to the north along Route 28. The hotel is also about equal distance from U.S. 50 and I–66. This is an ideal venue for a corporate retreat, large or small; a wedding reception; or any other special occasion. Don’t miss dinner at the Palm Court (see the Restaurants chapter). Rooms feature three multiline phones and refrigerators. There’s a tourist desk, pro shops, a business center, free valet parking, an indoor heated pool, outdoor pool, spa, health club with steam bath, tennis courts, an on-call physician, and nearby championship golf.
2. Gmc Capital Home & Garden Show
City: Chantilly, VA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 274-6948
Address: 4320 Chantilly Place Center
Description: The Capital Home Show is a good place to see what’s new in remodeling and decorating products and services. The show offers more than 300 exhibitors for homeowners to speak with to receive free expert advice, helpful hints, and tips for projects for inside and out. The show is also held in September. Admission fee applies.
3. Northern Virginia Christmas Craft Market
City: Chantilly, VA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (757) 417-7771
Description: More than 250 fine artists and craftspeople display their work, including Christmas collectibles and a seemingly infinite number of home decorating ideas for the holidays. Specialty food vendors also offer gift food packages and stocking stuffers. Admission fee applies.
4. Cox Communications
City: Chantilly, VA
Category: Media
Telephone: (703) 378-8422
Address: 14650 Old Lee Road
Description: Digital rates for more than 100 chanels vary, depending on package selected.
5. Sully Historic Site
City: Chantilly, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 437-1794
Address: 3601 Sully Road, Route 28
Description: Young visitors to this restored 1794 plantation home of Northern Virginia’s first congressman enjoy year-round family-oriented weekend programs on such topics as Toys and Games of Yesteryear, Quill Pen Writing, and Ice-Cream Making. During the summer, Sully offers a variety of hands-on educational activities for children ages 8 to 12. See the summer issue of Parktakes, a guide to Fairfax County parks, for details. To obtain a copy, call (703) 222-4664. Admission to the site is $5 for adults, $4 for students 16 and older, and $3 for children and seniors. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Tuesday and some holidays.