After a long and cold winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside to enjoy all that spring has to offer. Northern Virginia has plenty of spring activity options for getting out and about. They include gorgeous bluebell hikes, adult egg hunts, and local farmers markets.
Go on an adult egg hunt
March 28 and April 4, noon to 4 p.m.
Jealous you haven’t been invited on an egg hunt now that you’re an adult? Henway Hard Cider in Bluemont is hosting two adult Easter egg hunts where guests can sip hard cider and enjoy some spring sunshine. Participants will take a wagon ride to the orchard and find raffle ticket-filled eggs. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, $29 per person
Explore the iconic Virginia bluebells at Riverbend Park
April 11, 10 a.m.
Riverbend Park is hosting a “Bluebells at the Bend” event on April 11. There will be guided wildflower walks and the opportunity to explore Virginia’s famous bluebells. Live music will be on the riverbank, and there are also plans for kid-friendly crafts and bites from local eateries. Don’t miss the puppet show, too. 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, $10 until April 4, $15 at door
Bike the Meadowood trail
Since spring has finally sprung, there’s nothing better than biking on a sunny day in Northern Virginia. The Meadowood Tour is a family-friendly mountain trail ride around the Bureau of Land Management’s Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. The trails are easily rideable, and they do contain different lines for riders with a bit less experience. 10329-10301 Belmont Blvd., Lorton, free
Enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio
Northern Virginia has plenty of options for outdoor patios, including BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, with outdoor dining for up to 200 people. There are also cozier spots like The Secret Garden Café in Occoquan, whose menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Korean cuisine. Various locations
Visit a local farmers market
Northern Virginia is full of great farmers markets. For example, the Del Ray Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings year-round and has more than 20 vendors selling everything from cheeses to microgreens. The Historic Manassas Farmers Market’s regular season starts April 9. The market’s mission is to provide residents with fresh, locally grown products while giving opportunities for bakeries, local farms and more to sell their goods.
Go on a hike — and learn something new
If you’re hoping to learn something new this spring, the Bull Run Occoquan Trail takes visitors through more than 5,000 acres of woodlands, all while learning about how the trail played an important role in different times in history, from the Revolutionary War through Civil War. 10875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax Station, free
Treat your pup for an afternoon at an outdoor dog park
You and your pup can get some exercise and fresh air at a local dog park. At Glencarlyn Dog Park, there’s a creek to cool off for a quick dip. Shirlington Dog Park, about two acres in size, also has a separate adjoining area for small dogs. Various locations, free
Feature image courtesy Bluemont Vineyards
