All Around Arlington

Whether you live in Arlington, Virginia or are thinking of moving here this site is for you. Presented by Elizabeth Bouchard, Arlington native and longtime real estate professional.

#38 – Come to the Taste of Arlington

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Taste of Arlington

See the Ballston area turned into a lively street festival at the annual Taste of Arlington every May where more than 50 restaurants will have samples of their food. There will also be a beer pavillion, singing and dancing performances from local artists on two stages and a KidZone.  For 2014, the event will be held May 18th from noon to five.  Booths will be set up along Wilson Blvd. from Glebe Road to N Quincy Street and on Stuart Street to 9th Street.  You can purchase tickets online or at the event.  This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC). Parking is available in the Ballston Parking Garage or watch the video below for public transportation options.

#34 – Attend an Open House at the Charlie Clark Center for Local History

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The collection of local history at Arlington’s Central Library is now known as the Charlie Clark Center for Local History.  They have an open house the first Saturday of the month from 10-12 where you can come learn about the many resources available, including monographs, maps and atlases, oral history transcripts and subject files on many topics related to Arlington’s rich history.  For more information, contact 703-228-5065.

#33 – Take a blanket and go to Gravelly Point Park

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You can get a great view of the Washington skyline while you watch airplanes take off and land from Reagan National Airport at Gravelly Point Park. The parking lot is accessible from the George Washington Parkway if you are heading North from the airport, or you can bike or walk there from the Mount Vernon Trail.

Gravelly Point Park
Photo courtesy of Arlington Economic Development

#32 – Visit the Westover Library to see Tiffany stained glass and search for books

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arlington county library westover
Photo Courtesy of Arlington County Libraries

The Westover Branch Library which was rebuilt in 2010 has installed four newly restored stained glass windows, originally created by Louis Comfort Tiffany for the old Abbey Mausoleum.  Read more about it by clicking here.

#31 – Visit Theodore Roosevelt Island

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Theodore Roosevelt Island Park

While technically a part of Washington, D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island is only accessible via a Mount Vernon Trail footbridge from the Arlington side of the Potomac. Featuring a memorial to the famed “Rough Rider,” conservationist, trustbuster, and 26th President of the United States, the Island also features a network of trails and ranger-led tours.

#30 – Take a Bike Ride

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Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington

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Arlington County’s many bike routes include 50 miles of shared-use off street trails, 40 miles of bike lanes and 80 miles of recommended on-street bicycle routes. Arlington ranks among the most bike friendly jurisdictions in the nation and has received status as a League of American Bicyclists Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC).

One of my favorite routes is to take the Custis Trail to the Mount Vernon Trail where you ride along the river. The Washington & Old Dominion Trail is another great one. Part of the “Rails to Trails” program which converted unused railroad routes to multi-use trails, the W&OD Trail begins in Arlington and runs 45 miles through rolling Virginia countryside ending in Purcellville.

BikeArlington offers maps and rides of the trails in Arlington.  And if you don’t have a bike, Capital Bikeshare has stations throughout Arlington and the DC metro area where you can rent one.

Below is a video of many of Arlington’s bike trails.  Enjoy!

About This Site

As a native of Arlington, Virginia and a longtime real estate agent, Elizabeth Bouchard has developed this site for those who live in Arlington or are thinking about moving here. When people choose a home, they don't just pick out the house that meets their needs. They pick out a neighborhood and community they are comfortable in. This site is designed to keep you informed about events in and around Arlington and to learn more about the community. For more information regarding real estate, visit her Samson Properties website at www.elizabethbouchard.com.

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