Aside from NoVA’s fiery fall hiking trails, there are tons of great places to spot leaves for your Instagram that include mountains and falls, landmarks, and architecture—that don’t necessarily require hiking boots.
The Farmer’s Almanac predicts that fall foliage in Virginia this year will be best for viewing between October 12 and 28 inland, and between October 19 and November 9 on the coast. Now is the perfect time to plan your montage and charge your phone before you head out.
For Architecture
Carlyle House is a stunning, stone Georgian structure on a tree-lined street in Alexandria. Built in 1753 by John Carlyle for his wife, this piece of colonial architecture is on the National Register of Historic Places. Carlyle House Historic Park is the perfect backdrop for fall foliage phot shoots. 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens is set on historic Route 15 in Leesburg. This National Trust Historic Site and National Historic Landmark has been open to the public since 1966 and was home to some of our most important political families. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg.
Patsy Cline’s House sits on a brick-lined street in Winchester. This is where the country music legend lived from the age of 16 until 21 years old. While it’s currently closed for COVID, its Shenandoah Valley location is close to parks, gardens, and dining with views of the tree tops. 608 S. Kent St., Winchester.
For Mountain Tops and Waterfalls
At Old Ox Brewery, you can tour through the scenic roads on your bike before you imbibe. The family-owned and operated brewery will be winding down from their Oktoberfest celebration, and is planning a full slate of fall events including “Oxercise” classes (kick-off October 3, weekly every Wednesday) and comedy nights (October 6 and 7). 44652 Guilfod Dr., Ste. 114, Ashburn.
50 West Vineyards is located near the Bull Run Mountains and horse-country, where you can snap pics of mountaintops and equine-fanciness as you sip some Bordeaux-style reds. 39060 John Mosby Hwy., Middleburg.
Great Falls Park sits on 800 acres by the Potomac River as it runs through the Mather Gorge. If you’re looking for a historical perspective when you snap your pics, head to the Patowmack Canal. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean.
For Landmarks
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a national memorial boasting a 17-foot tall statue that sits as the centerpiece of the “eastern climax forest,” proposed by the Olmstead Brothers as a tribute to the conservationist. There are miles of trails where the fall colors are on full display. 700 George Washington Memorial Pkwy., McLean.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove has foliage galore and is the perfect spot off the George Washington Parkway to stage and shoot this month. Chosen by LBJ’s wife to be his memorial after his death, the fall trees will stand out against the evergreen of the white pines. George Washington Memorial Pkwy., McLean.
End your day at a restaurant that is a landmark of its own. Red Fox Inn and Tavern has been in business for 275 years, serving the same hearty, tavern-style dishes as always. Sitting on the garden terrace, you’ll be surrounded by the bright colors of fall as you wind down your seasonal adventure. 2 E. Washington St., Middleburg.
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