This museum tracks the history of African-Americans in the Alexandria community from 1749 to the present. The small town, near the North-South line, is a fascinating microcosm of the larger trends that impacted the black community in the US. Literature and exhibits celebrate the contributions made by African-Americans to Alexandria. Regularly hosting lectures, exhibitions and special events, the museum is an interesting place to discover while in Alexandria.
Enjoy fresh country air and pick your own fruits and vegetables about 45 minutes north of D.C. Butlers Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm open to the public throughout the year. The most popular festivity during the fall at Butlers is the apple-picking, pumpkin harvest and festival, and evening hayrides for both adults and children. Butlers Orchard also has their very own Farm Market that carries their own jams/jellies, fruit butters, and preserves, including juice-sweetened preserves. The market also sells ready-picked fruits and vegetables, gifts, candies, baked goods and cider. To escape city life and enjoy the outdoors and fresh food, take a trip to Butlers Orchards. -Shirley Hsieh
Spread over 530 acres (214 hectares) Cabin John Regional Park park is among the largest community parks in the Bethesda region. The Cabin John Regional Park has something for everyone, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a nature center, a dog park, skating rink, trails, a campground and a miniature train. The adventure playground and the totem pole are the park's special attractions which are immensely popular among the little ones.
Spanning 538.55 acres (217.99 hectares) of land, Wheaton Regional Park is a natural oasis just north of Washington DC. The park, which was established in 1960, has three distinct sections that all offer different activities, from a train ride through the Shorefield area, to an informational nature walk at the Brookside Nature Center in the Glenallan area. The park also has many hiking trails that show off the park's natural beauty, as well as many picnic areas that are perfect for a sunny afternoon.
For a fun-filled day, head over to the Water Park at Bohrer Park. The water park, which is located inside the 57-acre Bohrer Park, is meant to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The zero-depth entryway into the pool makes the water accessible to all, which is just one of the great things about this water park. Your kids will love pretending they are on a tropical island when they hang out in the main pool, which boasts palm trees, toys to play with and - best of all - water slides. Kids 48 inches (121.92 centimeters) and over can zip down the double water slide while shorter water park enthusiasts can splash around in the children's splash pool, which was designed with kids 54-inches (137.16 centimeters) and shorter in mind. Families will delight in the shaded picnic areas, and are encouraged to explore the rest of the park when they are done enjoying the water park.
Stretching along the glistening visage of Seneca Creek, Seneca Creek State Park is an idyllic outdoor destination. A welcoming haven for nature lovers, the park offers an array of recreational opportunities. The Clopper Day-Use Area here is an alluring feature of the park. This quaint area is centered around the eponymous lake and is an unmissable spot for those yearning to launch their boats on its lucid waters. Additionally, the park is home to numerous trails, picnic areas, a golf course and a restored 19th-century cabin.