Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Credit : Visit Fairfax
SPRING
FAIRFAX COUNTY
Springtime in the National Capital Region is truly something to behold . In Fairfax County , Virginia — located just west of Washington , D . C . and in the heart of Northern Virginia — visitors can embrace the changing of the seasons at an array of premiere historic attractions , world-class arts performances , lush outdoor parks and gardens , and can partake in countless exciting special events . Here are just three of the many spectacular reasons to visit Fairfax County this spring .
George Washington ’ s Mount Vernon — the iconic home of America ’ s first president and an enduring reminder of the life and legacy of the Father of the Country — will celebrate the General ’ s 286th birthday during its annual Presidents Day Weekend events . The estate , which is open to the public year-round and is one of the most visited historic sites in America , brings together an authentically interpreted 18th-century home , interactive museum galleries , immersive programs , special events , and historical demonstrations . During Washington ’ s Birthday Celebration , guests can visit with and hear stories from George and Martha , watch dancing and military demonstrations , observe wreathlayings at the Tomb , enjoy hoecakes in honor of Washington ’ s birthday and much more . Washington ’ s Birthday Celebration takes place February 17-19 . Admission to Mount Vernon is free on February 19 and Washington ’ s actual birthday , February 22 .
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best reasons to visit the Washington , D . C . area each spring , but the Tidal Basin
isn ’ t the only place to see those famous blossoms . Across the river , Fairfax County also revels in the splendor of the season with official Festival events , cherry blossom-themed exhibits , self-guided garden tours and activities celebrating Japanese culture and heritage . Don ’ t miss the Glorious Gardens Tour of three of Fairfax County ’ s most pristine gardens — River Farm , a historic 25-acre site once owned by George Washington and now headquarters for the American Horticultural Society ; Meadowlark Botanical Gardens , home to a stunning display of 100 lakeside cherry trees and the only public Korean Bell Garden in the Western Hemisphere ; and Green Spring Gardens , a haven for nature lovers with demonstration gardens , native plants , a museum , and a national historic site . The 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place March 20 – April 15 .
Cirque du Soleil will bring its innovative and imaginative new production of LUZIA to Fairfax County this spring , as one of only two stops on the East Coast . LUZIA takes its audience to an imaginary Mexico , like in a waking dream , where light quenches the spirit and rain soothes the soul . The production cleverly brings to the stage the multiple places , faces , and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity . Rich in awe-inspiring moments , LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes — a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production . LUZIA will premiere April 13 under the 62-ft . high Big Top at Tysons II , accessible via the Tysons Corner Center Metrorail line .
Find more events and travel ideas at www . fxva . com .
Cirque du Soleil : LUZIA
Credit : Matt Beard , 2017 Cirque du Soleil
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 58 SPRING 2018