1. Bet it all on your favorite horse at the steeplechases in The Plains
Nothing says tradition and gentility like Virginia steeplechasing. The time-honored event was founded in 1922 in Warrenton, but the sport of steeplechase racing goes back to Colonial times. Today’s Virginia Gold Cup is still held in Warrenton’s Great Meadow (twice a year in May and October), and tailgating is the highlight for many spectators. Attendees decorate their tables and don their finest hats. Whether you score a tent on Members Hill, or tote a picnic for general admission, this all-day event includes terrier races, hat contests and of course, betting. The Gold Cup has nine races leading up to watching the Kentucky Derby on the Jumbotron. // 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains; Prices vary for tents, general $100 car pass; $25 general admission
2. Pay your respects to the nation’s servicemen and women at the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Take time to reflect on the selfless contributions made by courageous soldiers and their families who served our country since the Revolutionary War. The National Museum of the Marine Corp’s Legacy Walk showcases how Marines perform humanitarian missions, provide embassy security and how they responded to 9/11. The museum recently unveiled fresh stories from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Check out the newly installed FA-18 fighter jet that flew over Washington after 9/11 and the M60A1 Tank used during Operation Desert Storm. // 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle; free
3. Soak in the small town charm of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is charming any time you visit, but arrive on any Fredericksburg First Friday, and merriment rises to a whole new level. The historic downtown is transformed into a roving party with galleries and shops open late, most serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Take the trolley to LibertyTown Arts Workshop or Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, where live music and wine flow freely. Artists are on hand to discuss their creations. Downtown businesses often have sales and don’t miss the PONSHOP with its whimsical skateboard art. Fredericksburg Trolley rides are free and available from 6 to 9 p.m. with stops around town. // Fredericksburg Visitor Center: 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; free
4. Put your pinkies up at Oatlands in Leesburg
Celebrate a special occasion with tea at Oatlands Historic House & Gardens. Afternoon tea in the Carriage House is scheduled around events like Mother’s Day, and features scones, tea sandwiches and sweets. Or get even fancier at Oatland’s high tea, held in the drawing room of the mansion. It includes Champagne and a selection of sophisticated treats. Make advance reservations online as these tea events sell out quickly. // 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg; $39.99 afternoon tea, $100 high tea
5. Pose in front of the pink blooms at Meadowlark in Vienna
Forget the crowds around the Tidal Basin and photograph the pink explosion of cherry blossoms closer to home. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is part of the NOVA Parks system and consists of 95 acres of ornamental display gardens and native plants. Meadowlark’s cherry trees encircle Lake Caroline where ducks and other wildlife love to frolic. Take the lakeside path or watch from the Gazebo as giant orange carp swim beneath. As you wander the wooded trails, soak in the nurturing sensation of tranquility. Kids love to investigate Meadowlark’s Visitor Center with its collection of live animals. // 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; $3-$6, kids 6 and under free
6. Sip some history at a winery in Lovettsville
Taste while you learn at Hiddencroft Vineyards’ Local History Tour in Lovettsville. Vintner/owner Clyde Housel shares the history of Hiddencroft’s property, which traces back to 1762. Former owners left documentation about life on this farm that helps the Housels explain operations on the property after the Civil War. The winery produces 23 different varietals using estate-grown grapes and fruit—98% is Virginia grown—and every wine is made on the premises. This history-themed tasting also includes tours of the historic buildings, along with lunch, a wine tasting and a souvenir wine glass. // 12202 Axline Road, Lovettsville; open daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) noon-6 p.m.; Tour requires advanced reservations: $25, must be 21 years or older
7. Commune with nature in Prince William County’s expansive national park
Once a relief camp during the Great Depression, the 15,000-acre Prince William Forest Park is now a refuge of forested trails where bikers can escape busy streets and relish serious solitude. Hidden amongst busy suburban Prince William County, the national park offers 20 miles of biking trails—12 miles are paved and 9.2 miles are gravel. Whether you prefer flat surface biking or off-road cycling, this biologically diverse cultural area is the perfect environment to commune with nature. The park is open sunrise to sunset, and the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. // 18170 Park Entrance Road, Triangle; $15 per vehicle to enter park; $7 walk-ins; $30 for an annual pass
8. Let the bluebells ring in Nokesville
Along with cherry blossoms, another harbinger of spring is the region’s magnificent bluebells (mertensia virginica) and you can see the bluebells in all their glory at Merrimac Farm. The picturesque farm is located next to Marine Corps Base Quantico, where the wildlife management area protects a mile-long trail of Virginia bluebell fields that bloom in April. The farm’s 100 acres of wetlands, including floodplain wetlands around Cedar Run, create an ideal environment for these graceful purple flowers. Along with bluebells, Merrimac Farm is home to butterflies, birds, frogs and turtles. Check its Facebook page for information about the annual Bluebell Festival. On your visit, wear long pants and water-resistant shoes. Because of the fragile ecosystem, no pets are allowed. // Merrimac Farm: 15020 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville; free
9. Ring in spring with a massive pick-your-own flower event in Nokesville
If flowers make you sing with joy, you’ll launch an opera at Burnside Farms. Eight acres of spring blooms spread their glory across the meadow at the annual Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring. You know how you can’t pick other people’s flowers? Here, you can! The flower fest typically begins in mid-April into May, and it’s one of the largest pick-your-own-flower events in the world. The fragrant fields of tulips and daffodils are there for the pickin’ when you buy a passport. For kids who’d rather play, the farm has a playhouse, cornhole game, sandbox and barnyard animals. // 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville; Passport $15, regular admission on weekdays, $8, and $10 on weekends with pre-purchased tickets; Buy online for a $2 discount
10. Score some home decor treasures in Berryville
Shoppers: prepare to drool as 200 chic home goods vendors peddle their wares at the Clarke County Fairgrounds for the 22nd annual Lucketts Spring Market. Besides selling vintage, repurposed and homemade creations, the market is an all-day affair with craft beer, food trucks, live music and pony rides. Find one-of-a-kind items like crocheted bunnies, billowing willow pants, vintage bingo cards and hair-on-hide hobo bags. You won’t believe all the imaginative and colorful treasures that await. The market is hosted by the Old Lucketts Store in Leesburg. // 890 W. Main St., Berryville; $40 VIP tickets; $15 general admission; kids under 12 free
11. Explore Virginia history with the new American Evolution app
Do you love wandering the countryside discovering hidden gems and absorbing the extensive history of the commonwealth? If you do, download the Virginia History Trails app and explore America’s evolution by surveying the state just like George Washington did centuries ago. The easy-to-use app commemorates the 400th anniversary of Virginia’s storied past with a catalog of must-see sites. Follow a specific trail like Civil Rights, Military, Revolutionary War, Culture, American Presidents and Immigration; or use the “destinations near me,” option, so no matter where you are, you’ll find places worth exploring. // free
12. Surround yourself with blooms at Glen Burnie Gardens in Winchester
In the spring, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley’s Glen Burnie Gardens bursts with fragrant wisteria and flowering trees. The MSV, as it’s known to locals, is a treasure for people who are curious about local folklore and adore wandering through perfectly manicured gardens. MSV has restored Glen Burnie Gardens to resemble the vision established by benefactors Julian Glass and R. Lee Taylor. The sumptuous rose, perennial and vegetable gardens sit adjacent to the Asian-influenced and English formal gardens. Rest under the shade of the Pink Pavilion, and absorb the colorful explosion of spring ephemerals. // 901 Amherst St., Winchester; $10 adults, $8 seniors, $8 youth (13-18), free for MSV members
13. Get a new view of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
DC’s obsession with all things cherry blossom led to the establishment of the celebratory PetalPalooza on the Southwest DC waterfront and The DC Wharf. Revelers gather to see live performances by traditional Japanese dancers, pose with the Nationals’ Racing Presidents, and cheer on the Dragon Boat races. Sample local beers in the Beer Garden and design your own blossom T-shirt. Walk down the riverfront to see the Titanic Memorial before the fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m. The festival is free and held the first week of April. // Transit Pier & Camp Wharf, 1100 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC; free
14. Stop and smell the strawberries in Delaplane
In late spring, families gather to taste sweet strawberries served every which way at the much-loved Delaplane Strawberry Festival at Sky Meadows State Park. Typically held the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the annual fruit fest is a two-day event featuring field games, hayrides, a petting farm and face painting. Pack a picnic, and then cool off with a strawberry sundae. Don’t miss the hike to the top of Mount Bleak for 360-degree views of Shenandoah National Park and the Piedmont Valley. // Skye Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane; $25 per car
15. Learn from local artists at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton
The Workhouse Arts Center does not disappoint when you’re seeking that wow factor, whether you’re looking for crafts to display or accessories to wear. Be a part of this inspiring group when you attend a Workhouse Arts Center’s Create + Sip event. Watch talented artists demonstrate techniques, so you can create your own work of art. Adding to group creativeness, a beverage is included from the cash bar. Every month, Workhouse features a new media (think fiber, clay or glass). Following the class, stick around for Second Saturday Art Walk, when the buildings stay open until 9 p.m. serving refreshments and debuting new exhibits. // Second Saturdays of the month; 4–6 p.m.; 9518 Workhouse Way, Building W16, Lorton; $35 per person, must be 12 or older to participate in art class
This post originally appeared in our July 2019 print issue, as part of the 52 Weekend Adventures cover story. Want to stay up to date on all of the best things to do in Northern Virginia? Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter, here.
