1. Jaxx
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 569-5940
Address: 6355 Rolling Road
Description: You wouldn’t expect to find a progressive rock concert hall in suburban Virginia, especially conservative Springfield, but Jaxx is just such a place. Patrons are young college students, grunge wannabes, and others in that general age group. On occasion former big names like Johnny Winter and Eddie Money appear. Show times determine openings, with cover charges from $10 to $20.
2. Fast Eddie’S Billiards Cafe
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 912-7529
Address: 7255 Commerce Street
Description: This is a fun hybrid of pool hall, bar, and restaurant. It’s hard not to have a good time here, even if shooting pool isn’t your thing. If it is, there are plenty of tables, but you can almost always count on a wait during prime time on Friday and Saturday nights. Also expect efficient, cheerful service; tasty chow; and a better singles atmosphere than one might expect. It’s best to go in a small group to make it easier to meet the attractive group shooting a round at the next table. Also visit the Fast Eddie’s in Washington, D.C. at 1520 K Street NW, (202) 638-6800. Fast Eddie’s is open nightly, with no cover charge.
3. Lake Accotink Park
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (703) 569-3464
Address: 7500 Accotink Park Road
Description: Another popular FCPA park, Lake Accotink features wetlands, streams, and a 55-acre lake with canoe, rowboat, and pedal-boat rentals, along with tour-boat rides. Visitors also can fish, play miniature golf, ride a carousel, and hike trails in this 482-acre park. Special events include an annual cardboard boat race and summer concert series.
4. Kilroy’S
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (703) 321-7733
Description: Whether you come with your kids for the Sunday brunch buffet, to watch Monday Night Football, or to dance to live bands playing ’80s and ’90s tunes, Kilroy’s has it all. There are a total of 36 TVs in its lounge and dining room, and you can reserve one to watch your favorite team. Kilroy’s is open for lunch and dinner daily and may be most popular for its moderately priced brunch, which includes omelettes to order, Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, and nearly a dozen other items.
5. Austin Grill Springfield
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (703) 644-3111
Address: 8430 Old Keene Mill Road
Description: These Tex-Mex spots are always jumping, and there’s a reason why. At the South Austin Grill, the bar downstairs is crammed with attractive 20- and 30-somethings, and the margaritas are good and plenty. Upstairs, there’s almost always a wait for a table. Those in the know appreciate the authenticity of Austin Grill. To be won over requires a mere sample of any of the expertly prepared and presented enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, chili, and even the zesty appetizers. It’s also one of the greenest restaurants around. In 2003 the six restaurants in the chain became some of the first in the nation to be powered exclusively by wind energy. The chain also donates some proceeds to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The Austin Grill can also be found in D.C. in Glover Park at 2404 Wisconsin Avenue (202-337-8080) and 750 E Street NW (202-393-3776), in the heart of Bethesda at 7278 Woodmont Avenue (301-656-1366), and in Silver Spring at 919 Ellswoth Drive (240-247-8969). Open for lunch and dinner daily.
6. Greenspring Village
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (800) 788-0811
Address: 7440 Spring Village Drive
Description: This Senior Campus Living property features both independent and assisted living options, as well as nursing care. The complex targets active retirees with such activities as health and wellness programs, classes, cultural events, special interest clubs, and gardening. On-site services include banking and beauty shops. Residents have easy access to both I–95 and public transportation. Senior Campus Living also built Riderwood Village, a similar housing complex in Silver Spring, Maryland, that opened in 2000 (see Suburban Maryland).
7. Springfield Mall Regional Shopping Center
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (703) 971-3000
Description: This mall houses more than 230 stores, including three anchors, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Target. Largely geared toward families, it features game arcades, a play tower, and a beautiful carousel. It also sponsors more than 20 family-oriented events annually, including a monthly kids’ club and, during the holiday season, a store just for children. The mall offers two food courts, a multiscreen movie theater, and specialty stores like the Gap, Aeropostale men’s and women’s clothing, and the Virginia Department of Transportation Informational Store. (See the Getting Around chapter.)Conveniently, just across Frontier Drive (by Macy’s) from the mall is a mini shopping center. It’s anchored by Best Buy, one of the growing number of retailers offering rock-bottom prices on major appliances and consumer electronics. You’ll also find Kohl’s just minutes away.
8. Lake Accotink Park
City: Springfield, VA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (703) 569-0285
Address: 7500 Accotink Park Road
Description: The Lucky Duck Mini Golf Course highlights this kid-pleasing park, which also offers a carousel, tour boat, snack bar, and playgrounds. The park hosts a summer concert series that’s popular with families. (See our Parks and Recreation chapter for additional information.)