Independence Day 2013- Mason Neck State Park

     As a lover of the outdoors, there is no question that you would want to have celebrations in nature. As you already know, Independence Day is this week and celebration is certainly in order. What better way to celebrate than near one of the founding fathers' homes? George Mason's home, that is. It's true, as you could be celebrating Independence Day at the Mason Neck State Park.
     Taking place directly on the day, July 4th, will be picnicking and hiking as well as other outdoor activities great for all ages. There will be programs led by park rangers and programs you can participate in on your own during the day. Several hours of activities, food, and fun are waiting for you. If you are considering joining the festivities, don't hesitate.

Date: Thursday, July 4, 2013
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
*Admission is free

Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Road

Lorton, VA 22079

www.dcr.virginia.gov

     For more information, call 703-339-2380 or email masonneck@dcr.virginia.gov

2013 Summer Sounds Concerts- The Center for the Arts

     The Center for the Arts hosts a number of free concerts every year, and it's that time of year once again! Concerts are on Saturday evenings, and you should stop by. Make a date of these events and bring something to relax on, as well as something to eat. Starting this month, you can enjoy the 2013 Summer
Sounds Concerts. Sponsored by Micron Technology Foundation and the City of Manassas, they are happy to offer such an opportunity to the public and look forward to seeing you attend!
image from www.center-for-the-arts.org
Date: Saturday, June 22 2013
Performances: Bagpipes and Celtic Dancers
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Harris Pavilion

For more times and events, visit their website at http://www.center-for-the-arts.org/programs/summer-sounds-concerts/ or call 703-330-2787

Harris Pavilion
9116 Center St
Manassas VA 20110 

If you would like to learn more about the Center, visit them at www.center-for-the-arts.org

Lunchtime Tour of the Conservatory-May 2013

     The United States Botanic Garden is hosting wonderful tours of their establishment, including a lunchtime tour of their conservatory. It will be a one hour tour and you can learn about the different plants they possess.

     Built in 1933, this greenhouse holds two courtyard gardens and ten garden rooms under a roof of glass; a total of 28,944 square feet. Click here to learn more about the Conservatory.

United States Botanic Garden

Location: Conservatory Garden Court

Date: Wednesday, May 29th 2013

Time: 12:00pm- 1:00pm

*admission is free

 
100 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 225-8333

     Paragon Art festival presents the Fairfax Fine Arts Festival at Fairfax Corner Shopping Center this upcoming weekend. An abundance of pieces will be available for sale including sculptures, paintings, photographs, and more. Admission is free. Stop in either on Saturday or Sunday and see if there is anything that you would be interested in obtaining. You may find something to your liking.

Saturday April 27, 2013 10:00am- 6:00pm
Sunday April 28, 2013 11:00am- 5:00pm

Fairfax Corner Shopping Center
4250 Fairfax Corner E Ave.
Fairfax,VA, 22030

Observe the Skies

     The National Air and Space Museum is hosting an observation of the sun. During the three hours, you can use the Observatory's safe telescopes to view the sun and learn about solar activity.
     The Observatory's own staff and volunteers will give you information on the effects of this star on Earth. Admission is free, and you can bring the whole family to learn something new.

Date: Wed, April 10th

Time: 12:00pm- 3:00pm

Fee: None

*Dates and times are subject to change, and you can view any updates at the Observatory's entrance. The viewing also depends on clear weather conditions.

National Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave SW & 6th St SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
202-633-2214

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade- 2013

     The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival parade celebrates the gift of three thousand trees from Japan in 1912. The mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, sent the beautiful treasures to Washington, D.C. as tribute to the long lasting relationship between these two countries.

     Each year there is a parade, and it is taking place later this month. Presenting vivid costumes and adornments that resemble blossoms, the parade will be travelling through our nation's capital. There will be music, dancing, as well as celebrity appearances. All are welcome to experience the awe and refinement of this performance.

Saturday, April 13th 2013

      10:00am- 12:00pm

*admission is free along parade route; Grandstand seating $20

     Visit their website for more information on subjects such as tickets, event details, or even the history of the festival.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Constitution Avenue

from 7th to 17th street, NW

Washington, D.C 20408

2nd Annual Ukulele Festival @ Lake Anne

The 2nd Annual Ukulele Festival will take place on July 9th down on Lake Anne Plaza. This year’s line up includes blues artist Del Rey and features special guests Grammy Award winning Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. Also in the mix are The Aloha Boys, The Sweater Set & Hoa Mele Wakinekona. For the complete schedule go to the Lake Anne Fan Page! The festival will also include a Beer Garden hosted by local brewery Port City Brewery and a wine bar by Unicorn Winery, so bring a lawn chair and settle in for a great afternoon.

Later that day the Plaza will be host to the Lake Anne Reunion Group—also known as “I grew up on Lake Anne in the 70’s.” LAR as they are affectionately known will be descending on Lake Anne from all over the July 9th weekend. As a part of their entertainment they have a concert featuring the Curb Feelers and Jeff Smith and the band of Steves beginning at 6:00 pm. The beer garden will be open until 8:00 pm.

Saturday, July 9

11am- 5.30pm

Free Admission

Lake Anne Waterfront

1609 Washington Plaza

Reston, VA 20190

www.lakeanneplaza.com

Directions from Hampton Inn Dumfries

There is always a nice breeze at the Vineyard and we are putting it to good use! The young and the young at heart are invited to come fly a kite with the Foxes – 1 to 4pm! Admission is FREE.

Fun prizes will be given out at various times for different kite flying categories: Best in Show, Most Time Aloft, Most Creative Kite, Youngest Kite Flyer, Youngest at Heart.

This will be a family-friendly / dog-friendly event. Bring your kite and your dogs and join in the fun in the skies above and on the ground at Three Fox Vineyards.

Saturday, April 02 ... 1pm - 4pm

Three Fox Vineyards

10100 Three Fox Lane

Delaplane, VA 20144

http://www.threefoxvineyards.com/

Occoquan Spring Arts and Craft Show

The Streets of Occoquan's Historic District will be filled with over 200 contemporary and country crafters and artisans from Occoquan and all around the U.S. at the Occoquan Spring Arts and Craft Show. Saturday, June 5, 9am-6pm and Sunday, June 6, 9am-4pm. FREE for shuttle/parking information visit http://www.occoquanmerchantsassociation.com/ 703-491-1918, Town of Occoquan, Mill Street, Occoquan, 22125

Open to the public on 13 November 2006, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines — past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, the Museum’s soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to its 118,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology will surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.