Spring is in the air and you’re ready to explore. But what to do if your account balance doesn’t quite match your enthusiasm? Don’t fret. We’ve rounded up budget-friendly NoVA activities that won’t break the bank.
For Adults: Spirits and Sundaes
Head to Loudoun County’s Catoctin Creek for a free tour of the distillery to learn how whiskey is made right in Purcellville. Tours are held every day on the hour and last about 30 minutes. If you decide to sample the wares, tastings are $12.50 per person and include a flight of Catoctin Creek’s signature spirits, whiskey, brandy, or cocktails. Tastings last about half an hour, so if you book a tasting and tour, expect to spend about one hour at the venue. For an extra sweet treat, top off the day at nearby Gruto’s Soft Serve for a cone, shake, or sundae. (It opens for the season in March.) Catoctin Creek Distillery: 120 W. Main St., Purcellville; Gruto’s Soft Serve: 141 W. Main St., Purcellville
For Families: Bring on the Bluebells
Virginia bluebells are a spectacular spring sight. To see acres of the beautiful flowers, head to the Bluebell Trail at Bull Run Regional Park. Bluebells typically bloom in mid-to-late April. Save money and pack a picnic from home to enjoy in the park, or if you’d prefer to grab a refreshment at a local eatery, stop by Gavi Bakery & Café, about a 15 minute drive from the park, for a lemonade, smoothie, or bingsoo (Korean shaved ice). Bull Run Regional Park: 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville; Gavi Bakery & Café: 5107 Westfields Blvd., Centreville
For Couples: Tackle Some Trivia
Head to Shipgarten for weekly Wednesday night trivia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s free to join, and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the venue offers special $5 cocktails, beers, and wines and $8 bites. Wednesday is also “Winesday” Date Night, so certain wines are half price before 9 p.m. Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Feature image courtesy Love, Knot, Photo
This story originally ran in our March 2026 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
