Quick Girls Weekend Getaway Activities

It can be hard to take some time for yourself, but it's a must - even if just for a weekend! Leave the kids at home, set your 'out-of-office' email, and take a quick getaway trip with your girls. Here are some suggestions for the perfect weekend in Fairfax County. 

Enjoy DIY Activities

Some of the best souvenirs are the ones you make with your own two hands. There are tons of DIY activities in Fairfax county where you can unleash the group's creativity. Visit Clay Cafe in Chantilly or Kiln & Co. in the Town of Vienna to paint your own pottery piece - they will glaze and fire it for you to take home! Or, choose your favorite "vessel" and fragrance as an enthusiastic instructor leads you through the candle-pouring process at Paddywax Candle Studio in Reston Town Center. Plus - they allow you to bring in bottles of your own wine to sip while you enjoy the session. Or, unleash your inner Picasso as you paint with the guidance of a tutorial from a professional artist at Muse Paintbar in Mosaic. After you make your creation, check out  the infamous murals in the Mosaic neighborhood. Whatever you choose, the whole family will have made something special to keep! 

Enjoy a Locally Brewed Beer on a Brewery Tour

• With nearly a dozen local breweries to choose from, there are plenty of places to discover your favorite locally brewed beer. From a Hawaiian themed tasting room at Ono Brewing, to waterfront views at Lake Anne Brewhouse, find the best place to enjoy a beer during a girls night out in Northern Virginia. Click here to explore the wonderland of Fairfax County breweries. Don’t forget to snag your Fairfax County Breweries Field Guide to get rewarded! 

Indulge in The Gateway to Virginia Wine Country

Fairfax County is home to two historic wineries - Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, VA and The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville, VA. Dubbed the “Gateway to Virginia Wine Country,” these are the closest vineyards to Washington, D.C. and are home to various award-winning Virginia wines. Enjoy a glass of wine while catching up, relaxing and laughing with your girlfriends. These wineries are home to self guided tours, tastings, outdoor patios and much more. Whether you’re a fan of white, red, blush, or anything in between, you’re definitely walking away with a new favorite!

Shop 'Til You Drop

From local shops to unique rental stores to nationally-recognized chains, Fairfax County has the best shopping destinations to find exactly what you’re looking for (and more). Our outdoor open-air plazas and world-class malls make for the perfect shopping trip. Visit Mosaic in Merrifield for an outdoor plaza with a vibrant, sophisticated feel. The unique experience is created through a hand-selected mix of retailers & restaurants, colorful street murals, urban-design and a lawn featuring entertainment such as farmers markets and games. Tysons Corner Center, one of the top 10 shopping centers in the USA, is home to over 300 specialty and department stores. Tysons' "who's who" of retail includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Apple, L.L. Bean, Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Michael Kors, Kiehl's H&M, and more. You will definitely be able to find the perfect store for you and your girlfriends. Visit our shopping guide here to find all shopping centers in Fairfax County.

Relax and Recharge Girls Trip

One word that's almost synonymous with getaway is relaxation. Let the stress melt away as you and your girlfriends enjoy a new experience at one of these local spots.

Delight in the Small Town Charm of Vienna

The Town of Vienna is known throughout the area as a vibrant, historic location with exclusive dining and shopping options that are the loving creations of local residents. There are plenty of things to do in this relaxing setting. Snag a photo op at the Vienna Caboose -  an unmistakable landmark that was once a functioning part of the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad. Wander the historic Church Street, and stop in to locally-owned Caffe Amouri, one of the few small-batch coffee roasters in the DC region. Hot Tip: Their Pumpkin Pie Latte is to die for! Stop by Cocoa Vienna for handcrafted chocolate delicacies like truffles, ganache, dipped pretzels, and other delectable chocolate items. 

Take a Load off at the Spa

There's nothing like having your stress rubbed away at the spa by the magical hands of a talented masseuse. And what better way to elevate this experience than by sharing it with your closest girlfriends? Wellness trips aren't just about pampering yourself; they're about forging deeper connections and creating lasting memories together. Take your relaxation to the next level by immersing yourself in the soothing waters of a pool or hot tub. If you're looking for a unique and authentic Korean spa experience to enjoy with your girlfriends, visit local favorites such as Balian Springs and Sun's Day Spa. For a holistic wellness spa experience, visit Ladan in Falls Church.

Get some Fresh Air Outdoors

There's nothing more relaxing and restorative than getting fresh air. With thousands of acres of parkland, fun trails, and outdoor activities, adventure-loving girl squads will find an outdoor escape here in Fairfax County. Many of our major Fairfax County parks are free to visit including Lake Accotink and Lake Fairfax where you can hike around the water's edge and lose yourself in nature. Speaking of hiking, did you know that we have over 900 miles of trails? Iconic thoroughfares like the Potomac Heritage Trail (which can be accessed at Riverbend Park), and the W&OD Trail are favorites, as well as hearing the mighty roar of the Potomac River at Great Falls. Or, saddle up for stunning views and a memorable experience on a local horseback trail.  Click here to find your horseback adventure. If you and your crew enjoy biking, we have a variety of leisurely paved trails and rugged mountain biking trails as well. 

Stop and Smell the Roses

A great way to spend a gorgeous day in the area is to stroll through our exquisite gardens with your group of friends. River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, offers wooded river streams, dreamy gazebos, and an 18th century historic manor on the 25 landscaped acres that overlook the Potomac River.  Make sure to check out their awesome garden shop! Green Spring Gardens is also a favorite place of those seeking petal-peeping adventures. Flowers aren’t just for spring, this year-round gold mine of information and inspiration for the home gardener is an outdoor classroom, museum, national historic site, and idyllic getaway all rolled into one.

Cultural Girls Getaway

Do you and your girls enjoy history, art, and culture? Immerse yourselves at one of these local cultural attractions!

Visit a Historical Site

Step back in time at our historical colonial sites, Civil War battle sites, homes of original founding fathers and more. Essential parts of U.S. History such as the American Revolution, Civil War and Underground Railroad run deep throughout the foundation of Fairfax County. Even explore haunted history, if you dare! History was formed here and continues to be made each and everyday in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. Click here to dive deeper into America's history through our iconic landmarks.

Cooking Classes

• Why not learn some new culinary skills together?  The classes are a great way to learn some basic cooking techniques while enjoying your company and making new friends or while strengthening your group dynamic. The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is the perfect place to try your hand at cooking a new cuisine. 

Artistic Appreciation

Many say that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Create your own artwork through photography and then peruse the artworks in Fairfax County at our galleries and public art spaces with your group of friends. Take a gander at over 80 public art installations with Public Art Reston's self-guided walking tours. Or, visit the Workhouse Arts Center for artwork from local creators. If your group is more interested in the “performing” arts, there are plenty of professional theaters to explore. Browse through our events calendar to find a plethora of art showcases and exhibits on display. 

Outdoor Concerts

Photo Courtesy of Mike Stone (@MusicFromMyPOV)

Who doesn't love a good outdoor concert? There's nothing quite like the electricity of a live concert performance with your girlfriends. The energy elevates the crowd as the sweet melody of a song flows effortlessly from a talented musician.  While Wolf Trap is the top outdoor concert spot, Jammin Java's outdoor concerts are a perfect way to hear some talented local musicians perform! Don’t let the night end early, continue the fun at any of these heated outdoor dining spots.

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