Aug 18, 2022

Whether you’re looking for arts, entertainment, food, or history, you’ll find it in Fairfax, Virginia. This world-class community outside of Washington, D.C. offers something for everyone. We could list thousands of reasons why Fairfax is a great place to live, work, and visit, but here are 10 things that top the list:

Location

With its small-town charm and easy access to the nation’s capital, the suburban Fairfax region offers the best of both worlds. It’s a short 20-minute drive to Washington, D.C., which you can access via Interstate 66 or U.S. Highway 29. The city is close to three major airports, including Dulles International Airport, and offers several mass transit options, including the Washington Metro. Even with its proximity to metropolitan Washington, D.C., Fairfax remains a quaint community where residents enjoy a high quality of life, which is why it’s continually recognized as one of the top places to live in the U.S.

History

The City of Fairfax and greater Fairfax County have a significant role in U.S. history. The city became a site of conflict during the American Civil War when the first land battle occurred there, which came to be known as the Battle of Fairfax Court House. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfax transformed into a thriving commercial area, and rapid growth continued to occur in business and population after World War II. With such a rich history, Fairfax can provide a unique perspective on the past while offering valuable insight into the future.

Parks and Green Space

In Fairfax County, you could visit a new park every day for a year and still not see them all. With over 400 parks in the area, the community offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and stretch your legs. Whether you prefer to take a walk along the water, visit a historic site, or go ice skating in the winter, there’s a park for you to enjoy. The Fairfax County Park Authority also manages a working farm, a horticultural center, a kayaking and canoe center, off-leash dog parks, and eight golf courses throughout the area.

Museums

Fairfax County is home to many world-class museums. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Another museum, the Historic Blenheim, offers insight into the Civil War with a large volume of signatures, pictographs, and writings inscribed on the walls by Union soldiers. If you’re interested in space or aviation, don’t miss the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, which displays thousands of artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Arts

The Fairfax region boasts a vibrant arts scene. You can visit the Pope-Leighey House, the only public Frank Lloyd Wright work in Virginia, or the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. There are also numerous art galleries and studios throughout Fairfax County, where artists can share their work with the community.

Food and Drink

No matter what you’re craving, you can find it in Fairfax. From a five-course meal at 2941 Restaurant to modern European dishes at Maple Ave Restaurant to the delicious dim sum at Mama Chang, you can experience an array of global, diverse flavors without leaving Fairfax County. The region is also home to over a dozen craft breweries and several wineries, where you can sip on award-winning beer and wine.

Shopping

Fairfax is a true shopping destination, whether you want to spend an afternoon browsing small boutiques, thrifting for a one-of-a-kind vintage item, or exploring a local farmers market. The Fair Oaks Mall is your one-stop shopping center, featuring over 160 popular stores and restaurants. For a more traditional “main street” shopping experience, visit Fairfax Corner, a mixed-use shopping center with national chains, local boutiques, restaurants, and a state-of-the-art movie theater.

Entertainment

It’s impossible to be bored in Fairfax. The region offers various entertainment options, from music to theater to games and activities. During the summer months, you can visit a water park or mini golf course. When the weather turns colder, head to one of the area’s many indoor rinks for a spin around the ice. Other fun entertainment options in Fairfax County include escape rooms, arcades, movie theaters, and bowling alleys. If you’re looking for nightlife, Fairfax has many live music venues, sports bars, and clubs where you can enjoy a night out on the town.

Events

No other place does a festival quite like Fairfax. Every year, the region hosts various events and celebrations. In the fall, Old Town Fairfax opens for the Fall Festival, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. You can get all your holiday shopping done during the Holiday Craft Show at Fairfax High School. In the summer, celebrate Independence Day at the city’s annual parade and dazzling fireworks show. Don’t forget about the annual Chocolate Lovers Festival, where you can sample as many tasty treats and goodies as you want.

People

While all the above reasons make Fairfax a wonderful place to live and work, the best part about this region is the people. In Fairfax, people smile when they pass each other in the street and ask their neighbors how they’re doing. They support each other during difficult times and come together to celebrate the good ones. Even without all the other reasons to love Fairfax, the people here would still make this community special.

There you have it — 10 reasons to love Fairfax, Virginia. If you live in Fairfax or you’ve visited before, what’s your favorite part about the area? Did we miss one of its best features? Send a message to Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC and let us know. We’re happy to add your suggestion to our list so we can continue highlighting the many reasons we enjoy working and living in this community.

Find Your Next Vehicle Near Fairfax, Virginia

When you’re ready to buy your next vehicle near Fairfax, Virginia, we hope you’ll visit Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. With an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, affordable financing plans, and exceptional customer service, we can help you make your dream car a reality. We’ll even purchase your old car to make the process easier. We look forward to seeing you soon.


Train at Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station by Ben Schumin is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0