Wealthy Fairfax resident Antonia Ford was only 23 years old when she was arrested for espionage on behalf of the Confederate Army. Union Maj. Joseph Clapp Willard, who met and fell in love with the glamorous spy, worked diligently to have her released from jail. The couple lived in Washington, DC, where his family owned the Willard Hotel. After Ford’s death, her son Joseph E. Willard returned to Virginia and, years later, built Fairfax’s Old Town Hall, presenting it to the town in 1900. Naturally, there’s a lot of appreciation for the town’s history, and shopkeepers and restaurateurs have preserved and repurposed vintage buildings into eclectic spaces. There’s an energetic and youthful vibe thanks to the proximity of George Mason University, and the burgeoning restaurant scene ranges from Eerkin’s Uyghur Cuisine to comfort food at The Old Firestation #3. Take advantage of an abundance of free parking, and spend time investigating this friendly town.
ADMIRE
1. The City of Fairfax’s historic centerpiece is Old Town Hall. Today, the landmark building is used for soirées, weddings, and other events, but a year ago, one of the imposing Tuscan columns fell. Now, look for the neoclassical building behind scaffolding. Directly adjacent is Old Town Square, which gets transformed into a splash park every summer. 3999 University Dr., Fairfax
CAFFEINATE
2. The centrally located De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich Shop is the top gathering spot in Old Town Fairfax, and for good reason. The baristas know how to make a great cup of java, and the fresh pastries and sandwiches are first-rate. Try a specialty drink like the charcoal honey latte or pear chai latte with your Eggacado, a bagel sandwich with egg and guacamole. 10389 Main St., Ste. B, Fairfax
SNIFF
3. Book a two-hour private session to learn how to create a custom perfume at DIY Scent Studio. The fragrance experts guide you through a perfume theory workshop and then teach you how to blend a custom fragrance from a collection of more than 160 rare and special scents. You can also host a private perfume-making party in the studio. 4007 University Dr., Fairfax
SHOP
4. Find some of Virginia’s best food and gifts at the cozy Commonwealth Dry Goods. The helpful owners love sharing insights about each product and will tell you why it’s featured. Customer favorites include Dizzy Pig Seasonings and Shining Sol candles, both made in Manassas, as well as Crescent simple syrups from Richmond. 10427 North St., Ste. 103, Fairfax
LISTEN
5. The LPs in the stalls of Mobius Records will make vinyl-lovers swoon. Owner Dempsey Hamilton and his team have stocked everything you need, including turntables, new releases, and gently used albums, to get you started listening to music the old-fashioned way. (And isn’t that the best way?) 10409 Main St., Ste. D, Fairfax
LICK
6. Woody’s Ice Cream is a Fairfax institution. It’s not unusual to see a line of excited kids and parents waiting for their housemade milkshakes, brownie sundaes, or waffle cones. Woody’s scoopers offer tastes of their seasonal treats, or you can choose from an array of hand-dipped and soft-serve classics. 10435 North St., Fairfax
COVET
7. The blue Victorian house on Main Street houses the new Mara Mode Studio, a shop for on-trend, boho apparel, jewelry, and gifts. Highlights include the Jackson Rowe dresses, along with socks, scarves, and hats from Powder Design. Owner Jana Klavina also owns Mara Hair and Mode Studio around the corner; both businesses feature interior design ideas you’ll want to re-create at home. 10417 Main St., Fairfax
TASTE
8. The unique combination of Taiwanese/Asian street food paired with local brews and ciders is one reason High Side has such a devoted following. This small craft-beverage bar was founded by engineer Jinson Chan. It’s modern and sleek and has more than 200 beer options on tap and in cans or bottles. People rave about the tasty bao buns and small plates. 4009 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax
SIP
9. The instant you walk into The Wine House Bar & Bistro, your nose will twitch from the delicious aroma. The menu at this classy spot features food that pairs perfectly with the fine wines for sale here. Seat yourself among the beautifully displayed bottles organized by region, all hand-selected by New Zealand-born sommelier Michael Pearce and his American wife, Jackie Pearce. Come in for the shop’s regular tasting events, or order a few wines by the glass to conduct your own sampling. 3950 University Dr., Ste. 212, Fairfax
TOAST
10. What do GMU students say is the best bar in town? If you want to find a happy crowd drinking award-winning beer, grab a booth at Ornery Beer Company. The brewery has an ever-changing lineup of house suds on tap, and the food is likewise a big draw. Most menu items are sized for sharing. You’ll cheer Ornery’s burnt ends on the crispy pork belly as well as the bitterballen—Dutch meatballs served with Dijon-ale mustard. 3950 University Dr., Ste. 106, Fairfax
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.