Finding a reprieve is difficult for many looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, a fun and charming escape is only a short 16 miles away if you live in the Washington, DC, area. Vienna, Virginia, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy life’s simpler and slower pleasures while still being close enough to the city. While the city provides downtown entertainment, dining, and art, Vienna does things with class and ease.
Our team here at Koons Tysons Toyota has put together a list of all the things that make Vienna an excellent weekend vacation spot. Read on to learn about the must-see and must-do activities when you spend a long weekend in Vienna, Virginia.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Enjoy small-town pleasures and take a stroll among beautiful flowers and the peaceful sounds of nature. The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features an 18th-century retired log cabin and a unique Korean Bell Garden. Visiting here will bring you back to nature and help clear your mind and spirit. Stroll through the paved or mulched walkways and explore an array of ornamental and native flowers and foliage. Each visit will treat your senses to something new.
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, right in Vienna. Guests must enter through the visitor center, where the restrooms and a small gift shop can be found. Wheelchairs are available for guests to use if needed. The gift shop features items from local artisans and has a stock of surplus plants, so you can purchase a little piece of beauty to take home with you. The entrance fee begins at $3 for children and $6 for adults, and senior citizen discounts are available. For more information or to learn about business hours, call 703-255-3631.
The Washington & Old Dominion Regional Trail
Visit the W&OD Trail for a unique experience. It is a long, narrow park that stretches from Shirlington to Purcellville. Spanning 45 miles, it provides bikers, joggers, cyclers, and skaters the opportunity to experience nature in all its beauty. The path winds along the former roadbed of the old Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, cuts through the heart of Vienna, and follows into the gorgeous Virginia countryside. For more information, consult the interactive map or call 703-255-6330.
Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern
This is a match made in heaven for beer and train enthusiasts alike. The Caboose Brewing Company and Tavern is a great place to gather with friends and family or just meet people and enjoy the local culture. This small-town environment is exceptionally friendly. You can really taste the freshness of an authentic farm-to-table meal, something hard to find in the big city, and have a drink in the beer garden to help you unwind.
The Caboose Brewing Company features flavors inspired by nature and uniquely designed by scientists that reflect a new twist on traditional types of beer. You’ll find popular flavors on tap, such as the Fog IPA, which has a fruity medley with citrus notes. Or, if you’re looking for a medium-body drink with a crisp finish, the VA Lager is the way to go.
You’ll find the Caboose Brewing Company at 520 Mill St. NE. Drop in for a beer and stay for the company. Regular business hours are Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 703-865-8580.
Jammin Java
Few people would turn down good music. So, if you like to jam, Jammin Java is your joint. This live music venue offers an intimate musical experience located in downtown Vienna. But it’s not just a music hall. It also serves a variety of foods, so you won’t go hungry while checking out the musical talent. The venue typically sells live concert tickets to customers looking for a closer and more personal music-listening experience. It is locally owned and family operated, headed by three brothers. While the venue sells out tickets fast, they have a wide selection of talent always featured.
Jammin Java is at 227 Maple Ave. E. Check out the website for a complete list of talent to catch at the venue. For more information or for individual ticket prices, call 703-255-1566.
Roer’s Zoofari
All animal lovers rejoice when visiting Roer’s Zoofari. This zoological experience is a great way to disconnect from the city and daily life. You can marvel at the array of animals, learn about their diet and natural habitats, and even participate in a special animal encounter to get up close and personal with some of your favorite creatures. Optional packages to purchase with your general admission ticket include Safari Tram Ride, Butterfly Garden, Parakeet Feeding, Tortoise Experience, and Barnyard Feeding. A couple of these options are seasonal, so you’ll find a way to make each trip different.
General admission to the zoo is $20, and you can find it at 1228 Hunter Mill Road. Regular zoo hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn about booking a field trip or special event, please call 703-757-6222.
So, there you have it. Koons Tysons Toyota has enjoyed sharing our list of must-experience and can’t-miss sights when on a little getaway in Vienna, Virginia. At only 16 miles from Washington, DC, a visit to Vienna is a great way to recharge and escape from big city worries.
What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite activity or attraction in Vienna? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas. You might even find your suggestion featured on our list in the future.
Vienna, Virginia. by Yngve Roennike is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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