Senior Travel 

Itineraries

Looking for a rejuvenating break from reality? Fairfax County has the right medicine for you. Uncover Northern Virginia's Secret Gardens along the Potomac River are a collection of gardens groomed by master horticulturalists that tell the story of the history and natural beauty of Virginia. If you are into paintings, architecture, sculptures, or the art of theater soak up culture found from the past, present, and future. Speaking of past, you can visit famous homes that were occupied by George Washington, George Mason, and more! Of course, a trip to Northern Virginia would not be complete without a visit to some spectacular wineries, after all, Fairfax County is considered by many to be the "Gateway to Virginia Wine Country,"

Get Outside

There's nothing like a romantic journey through nature with your beloved - just you, them, and the sounds and sights of Mother Nature. Enjoy hiking along the rapids of the Potomac River as it powerfully flows down Mother Gorge at Great Falls Park. Marvel at breathtaking sunsets and wildlife hand-in-hand as you walk along the boardwalk of Huntley Meadows. Watch the blooming flowers at Meadowlark Botanical Garden you'll enjoy azaleas, lilies, daffodils and so much more, among a pier complete with a gazebo and spot the Cherry Blossoms in peak bloom. Tour a kitchen garden, fruit garden, wildflower garden, and rock garden all in one spot at Green Spring Gardens, a restored 18th-century manor house completed with a with gazebo and a wooded stream valley with ponds. 

Get Crafty

Painting your own pottery is the perfect way to create your own souvenir to remind you of your getaway after you leave! Simply select a piece of ceramic from the selection of unfinished bisque and paint it. The studio will glaze and fire your piece for you to take home with you. Visit Clay Cafe in Chantilly or Kiln & Co. in the Town of Vienna to release your inner Picasso. Spend quality time with your significant other crafting your own custom candle at Paddywax Candle Bar. Pick out your candle holder then select a fragrance and pour your candle mixture!  A souvenir that holds memories and smells nice! Step into the world of chocolate at River-Sea Chocolates to decorate your own milk chocolate bars with natural ingredients. If you're still in a chocolate mood, see how chocolate is made while sipping on perfectly paired wine from Virginia vineyards.

Get Artsy

The Workhouse Arts Center is the perfect date idea as you wander through tons of artwork from local creators. Browse through their events calendar to find a plethora of art showcases and exhibits on display. Experience the arts at Capital One Hall, with their breathtaking, one-of-a-kind performances and world-renowned concerts. Or see who will grace the stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Get in the Holiday Spirit 

Holiday traditions return to Fairfax County annually, from sparkling light displays to spooky haunts. Every season brings new excitements as it showcases the area in a different and unique way, allowing for a mixed experience for those who choose to come back and visit more than once a year. Celebrate with us as you escape everyday life here in Northern Virginia! 

History, Outdoors, and Outer Space Itinerary

DAY 1

Start your journey from the 18th century to outer space at the most visited historic estate in America, George Washington's Mount Vernon. One of the nation's most beloved historic sites, Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life through beautiful gardens and grounds, intriguing museum exhibits, and immersive programs honoring George Washington's life and legacy. After arriving, you should start your visit at the Ford Orientation Center where staff will help you plan your day, and you can get your estate map which can assist you in making sure you see everything that peak your interest.

The estate is made up of the historic mansion where Washington lived, the Ford Orientation Center, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center, the outbuildings that helped sustain the bustling estate, and the gardens and landscapes that Washington devoted a lot of time to. Also on the property is the hallowed ground which is Washington's tomb. Dignitaries from around the world have visited this location to pay their respects to General and Mrs. Washington. Be sure and take a tour if possible while visiting which will give you a greater perspective into the estate and will also ensure you don't miss any of the special areas on the estate such as The Slave Memorial and the Pioneer Farm. Events are held here throughout the year, and you can even travel to the estate by boat, so check their website for all the details before you come.

Then head down the road a little bit to visit another Founding Father's home, George Mason's Gunston Hall. A visit to Gunston Hall begins in the Visitor Center with an exploration of the center's exhibits which highlight details of George Mason's civic career and the lasting influences of his most famous document, The Virginia Declaration of Rights. Exhibits also focus on facets of his personal life as well as aspects of 18th-century plantation life.
Just to the east of the house is a group of reconstructed buildings including a kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, and laundry. They surround a well that resides on its original 18th-century foundation. These buildings replicate what were the typical support buildings for an 18th-century plantation household. They are self-guided and there is also an interpretive area for the slave housing.
Stroll through the central boxwood allée believed to have been planted during George Mason's residence. Enjoy the view of the Potomac River from Mason's garden overlook or take a peaceful hike down to the banks of the river. A short distance from the house is the Mason family graveyard. During the warm weather months, archaeologists can often be found on the grounds discovering more information about Mason's plantation.
No visit to Gunston Hall is complete without a stop at the Museum Shop. Here one can find books and other printed materials about George Mason, Gunston Hall, and 18th-century life as well as a variety of unique gifts.

DAY 2

Come to spot any number of bird species at any number of great parks and nature hotspots along the "Atlantic Flyway" (the East Coast's version of a superhighway for migrating birds), millions of hawks, songbirds, and other various species of waterfowl can be seen traveling through the area at any season. First head to Mason Neck State Park the nearby Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, both offer fantastic birdwatching, including whistling swans and several species of duck. Next, drive over to Huntley Meadows, a well-known birding spot, with over 200 species identified in the 1,500-acre park. The half-mile boardwalk trail and observation tower offer visitors excellent views of Least Bitterns to Mississippi Kites and American Woodcocks. The park’s ADA-accessible wetland boardwalk has become a destination point for thousands of families and nature lovers. If time allows, hop over to Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve for the largest remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in the Washington metropolitan area. Its 485 acres of wetlands have been known to hold roughly 225 commonly found birds at Dyke Marsh, including up-close looks at various species of waterfowl, warblers, hummingbirds, and the only known breeding site for these Wrens in Northern Virginia. Dyke Marsh organizers lead bird walks every Sunday morning for anyone to join! 

Dive into military history at National Museum of the United States Army. Learn all about the Army's history through the eyes of Soldiers with displays and interactive-learning exhibits to illustrate the Army’s role in building and defending our nation, End the day with a picnic at Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House to see a classic example of Usonian architecture and uncover the story behind Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative designs.

DAY 3

Start the day at an oasis of the past - Sully Historic Site reflects the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully combines aspects of Georgian and Federal architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as General Robert E. Lee's uncle. On the National Register for Historic Places, and accredited by the American Association of Museums, Sully also includes original outbuildings, representative slave quarters, and gardens. 

Finish up the day at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Its two huge hangars - the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar - display thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and the space shuttle Discovery. The Center also offers the Airbus IMAX® Theater and the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, which gives you a 360-degree bird's-eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area. The Udvar-Hazy Center hosts special programs throughout the year and you should check the museum's website before you visit to see if something extra exciting is happening when you're going to be there.

Fairfax County is the heart of Northern Virginia, making it easy to travel Washington, DC to see the monuments, drink wine at some of the best wineries in Virginia, or stroll down Old Town Alexandria. Not sure why you would need to leave Fairfax County, but day trips are always a breeze.