Get Out and Do Something! Five Fun and Frugal Upcoming Events in Arlington, Virginia

filed under: activities, Arlington, general, Parks & Libraries, Virginia

Get out and do something! Even though it's cold outside, there is always something to do in Arlington, Virginia. Below is a list of five fun, local, and free or low-cost events in Arlington that anyone can enjoy!   

1) Children's Theatre Festival

Event: Children's Theatre Festival

Date/Time: Saturday, January 16, 11 am-5 pm

Location: Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent Street, Arlington, VA 22209

Event Description:
The Children's Theatre Festival is a full day theatre event including exciting live performances, workshops, theatre activities and more. The theatre lobby will be filled with activities for children such as painting, drawing, and storytelling beginning at 11 am. There will be a performance of The Cat and the Seagull at 12 pm and again at 4pm. This theatre performance is based on The Story of the Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her How to Fly, by Luis Sepulveda. At 1 pm there will be additional performances by Los Quetzalitos, the Children's Mexican Dance Group, and Las Lunitas.

Contact and Other Info:
Admission to The Cat and the Seagull is $10.00. All other activities are free. Free Parking in the building garage. Food and drink will be available for sale throughout the festival. Call 703-548-3092 for more information or visit http://www.teatrodelaluna.org.

2) Painting Class for Beginners

Event:  Painting Class for Beginners

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 20, 10 am – 12 pm 

Location: Walter Reed Senior Center, 2909 16th Street South, Arlington, VA 22204 

Event Description:
Learning how to paint is easier and more fun than ever! Longtime art teacher Blanche Kirchner is opening her painting class on Wednesday morning to help people who are new to the wonderful world of art creation and painting. Blanche will consult new artists on what materials they should bring and discuss the options of different media. This event will get anyone interested in art on the road to their own creative expression!

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is $24 for 4 sessions. Call Nelly Urbach at 703-228-0955 for more information. Sessions run Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 - March 10. Event website can be located at:  http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerwalterreed.aspx.

3) Comedy Club

Event:  Comedy Club

Date/Time:  Friday, January 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am 

Location: Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 18th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202

Event Description:
Come to laugh and relive the classic comedy of times past at Aurora Hills. Guests will enjoy video and audio selections of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Sid Caesar, Milton Berle, Bill Dana, and Burns and Allen. Later, guests can take a stab at sharing their own funny stories together. The event will be led by Mike Bloom, comedy book author and former write for Walt Disney pictures.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Julie Albers at 703-228-5722 to register. The Comedy Club meets monthly on Fridays. The event website can be found at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centeraurorahills.aspx.

4) Under the Ice 

Event:  Under the Ice 

Date/Time:  Saturday, January 23, 2 pm-3 pm 

Location: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Bring children ages 6 and up to a winter wonderland in the Gulf Branch Nature Center pond. Children will learn what's lurking in that cold dark water and then go outside and discover what can be hauled up from its depths. The nature centers is nestled in lovely park setting and the event will be staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people who are there to help you and your family learn more about the great outdoors. This interactive event is an environmental education programs for both children and adults. Registration is required.

Contact and Other Info:
A fee of $3 will be due upon registration. Event is for children ages 6 and up, registered children only. Call 703-228-3403 or 703-228-4747 for more information or visit the event website located at: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/nature/parksrecreationscriptsnaturegulfbranch.aspx.

5) Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Event:  Sudoku Mental Exercise Class

Date/Time:  Wednesday, January 27, 1 pm – 3 pm 

Location: Langston-Brown Senior Center, 2121 Culpeper Street. Arlington, VA 22207

Event Description:
Challenge yourself and learn to work Sudoku puzzles in your head using the systematic approach developed by instructor Nort Beckerman. This two-hour class will build brain function and cognitive abilities, including memory, while teaching strategies for solving Sudoku puzzles. The class is fun and stimulating. Guests must be registered for the event.

Contact and Other Info:
Cost is free. Contact Eva Mayor at 703-228-5321 to register for the event. Event website is located at:
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/scripts/comm_center/parksrecreationscriptscomm_centerlangstonbrown.aspx.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden

filed under: activities, Arlington, general, Parks & Libraries, Virginia

The Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is located at the corner of North Lexington and Wilson Boulevard, at 850 North Lexington Street in Arlington, Virginia. This scenic and serene rose and botanical garden occupies approximately one acre of land and features over 135 different rose varieties and houses 2,500 plant species as well. Featured roses include Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, and miniature roses. The garden also hosts the latest All-American roses annually, showcasing the newest variety of roses at least one year before they become commercially available.

Bon Air Memorial Park also features an azalea garden, a shade garden, a sun garden, and an ornamental garden. Other amenities include picnic tables, charcoal grills, a babbling spring stream, a paved walking trail, tennis and basketball courts, an additional children's playground. Cultural advice and guidance for the rose garden is provided by the Arlington Rose Foundation. Call (703) 358-4747 for more information.

This beautiful and fascinating garden is a brilliant and colorful local resource that truly proves Virginia is for lovers! Whether you are a botanical aficionado or an individual who simply wants to stop and smell the roses, the Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is a must see this spring in Northern Virginia. Park hours are from Sunrise until half an hour after Sunset throughout the year. 

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fun for the Whole Family at Upton Hill Regional Park

filed under: activities, Arlington, Fairfax County, general, Parks & Libraries, Virginia

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!! The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.

Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will reopen for the season in March of 2010. The water park and swimming pool complex will reopen Memorial Day weekend. In addition, Upton Hill Regional Park hosts and annual Easter Egg Hunt in early March and welcomes the whole family to come and join in the festivities. Children can enjoy hunting for eggs filled with candy as well as a moon bounce, coloring, and other games. The Easter Egg Hunt is recommended for children ages 2 through 10 and reservations are required. Call 703-534-3437 for more information or to make reservations.

Located between the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard, Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community.  

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Green Spring Gardens

filed under: Annandale, Fairfax County, Parks & Libraries

Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, Virginia. Through educational programming and learning-oriented gardening sites, the mission of Green Spring Gardens is to advance awareness and promote the practice of gardening in Northern Virginia.

Visitors to the Gardens can stroll through 5 acres of gardening plots, and may attend classes at the Visitor Center. In addition, guests can research gardening questions or explore the Green Spring Garden ecosystem in an educational setting at the horticultural library. Green Spring Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday; admission is free. Call 703-642-5173 for more information.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Nottoway Park in Vienna VA

filed under: Fairfax County, Parks & Libraries, Vienna

The Parks and Recreation system in Fairfax County, Virginia, is the primary public instrument for the preservation of natural land and environmentally sensitive resources in Fairfax County. Nottoway Park is one of the assets of the Fairfax County Park System.

Nottoway Park is located at 9601 Courthouse Road in Vienna, Virginia. Local residents can enjoy tennis, basketball and volleyball recreational facilities, as well as garden, picnic, and fitness trails. For those who enjoy a quieter atmosphere, a stroll through the densely wooded nature paths provide for a solitary and peaceful surrounding. The tennis courts and picnic shelters can be reserved for a small fee by calling 703-938-7532. During the summer season, Nottoway Park hosts a summer concert series entitled Nottoway Nights where locals can enjoy free, weekly public concerts featuring a variety of musical ensembles from international and nationally acclaimed artists.

Of the 416 parks in Fairfax County, Nottoway Park provides special opportunities to sustain healthy and wholesome living by developing positive life-style and recreational interests.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fairfax County Libraries

filed under: Fairfax County News, Parks & Libraries

The Fairfax County Public Library is a rich and valuable resource where residents of Fairfax County and the surrounding community can utilize many of the educational, informational, and recreational services that the library provides. There are 23 library branches throughout Fairfax County as well as an Administration office, the Fairfax County Archives and Records Center, the Grants and Funding Research Center and the Virginia Room. Each branch features something distinct and interesting. Whether you're scouring news releases or exploring the prospect of entrepreneurship, the outstanding resources and expert staff at the Public Libraries are unparalleled.       

Notable features recently added by the Fairfax Library Foundation is the tutor learning suite which includes three different tutoring specialties available in both English and Spanish. There is a K-12 Student Center, a College Center, and an Adult Career Center. These facilities include many test preparation materials for standardized tests like the SAT, GED materials, job searching resources, resume writing, and citizenship and financial literacy assistance training. 

Fairfax County also features a Public Law Library and the Law Library catalog is available online. The Law Library features free wireless internet services and is available to any visitor with a laptop equipped for wireless networking. Call 703-246-2170 for more information. The Law Library is located at the Fairfax County Courthouse
at 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 115, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Between the 23 Public Library branches, including those in McLean, Alexandria and Lorton, as well as the Public Law Library, Fairfax County is dedicated to its residents and committed to education and literacy in the community. Public Libraries provide both a fun and safe learning environment for people of all ages. 

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria VA

filed under: Alexandria, Brigadoon, Cameron Station, Canterbury Square, Forty Six Hundred, greenhouse, Parks & Libraries

Ben Brenman Park is located at 5000 Duke St. in Alexandria, VA 22311. Ben Brenman Park is very accessible to residents of Cameron Station, the Greenhouse and many other communities in Old Town and the West End of Alexandria VA.

Ben Brenman Park is known to pet owners because it has a fenced dog area.The park is very nice for walking, strolling and for joggers.Young children love the playground with multiple slides and swings.

Ben Brenman Park has a large pond with fountains. At the center of the pond is a nice gazebo.

At the edge of the park you can visit the shops that are on Brenman Park Drive. There is a coffe shop, a restaurant and the well-regarded Food Matters market.

Other features of at Ben Brenman Park include

• a softball field,
• a Little League baseball field,
• a soccer field,
• restrooms,
• pedestrian bridges,
• a picnic pavilion with grills,
• and a small amphitheater.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

King Street Gardens Park

filed under: 1600 Prince, Alexandria, Fort Ellsworth, Old Town Alexandria, Parks & Libraries

King Street Gardens Park is located at the foot of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial near the King St. Metro in Old Town Alexandria VA. This small park is surrounded by hotels, office buildings, AMTRAK and a Metro stop.  The signature feature of King Street Gardens is a large metal sculpture with hanging gardens. This together with the sunken gardens are intended to provide references to historic aspects of the site. 

The abstract metal sculpture sculpture hints at a ship's prow, a plow, or a colonial-style three-cornered hat.  The sunken garden, and plantings therein, are intended to reference the wetlands that originally existed on the site.  In the Victorian era, trellised gardens were popular in Old Town and the gardens here remember that era when the street grid followed the plan originally laid out by George Washington. 

The park is intended for the general public's enjoyment and serves as a place for outdoor concerts. On Wednesdays through the summer the Old Town Farmer's Market sets up here.  

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Pinecrest Public Golf Course --- at the intersection of Annandale, Alexandria and Fairfax County

filed under: Fairfax County, Parks & Libraries, The Pinecrest

Pinecrest Golf Course is a par 35, 9-hole executive course, measuring 2,462 yards. Located in Fairfax County, Pinecrest is a public course found at the corner of Little River Turnpike (236) and Braddock Road, bordering Alexandria and Annandale.

Warm-up and practice your game here at Pinecrest on the putting green, driving cages or at the indoor practice area. When you're ready to play, the course is narrow with hills and ponds that challenge serious players, but provide an environment that novices will also enjoy. Novices can even rent golf clubs at Pinecrest. Of course, riding and pull carts are available for rent.

Every Body Golf School provides golf lessons for groups or individuals on site. Pinecrest also has a full service clubhouse, pro shop and snack bar. The course is open all year, weather permitting.

If you're looking for a home on the course, you might want to investigate the Pinecrest community.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fun in Fairfax County

filed under: Burke, Fairfax County, Hayfield, Kingstowne, Lorton, Parks & Libraries

• Greendale Public Golf Course: an 18 hole course nearby in Fairfax County;
  
• Pohick Bay Public Golf Course: is found near Mason Neck on Gunston Road; 
• Laurel Hill Public Golf Course: is south of Kingstowne near Lorton;

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·