Bluemont Park, at the intersection of Wilson Blvd. and Manchester Street is the largest public tennis facility in Arlington offering nine courts with lights. Arlington residents can now reserve courts online.
#20 – Play tennis at Bluemont Park
#18 – Visit the Netherlands Carillon
- Image via Wikipedia
Enjoy the sound of the Netherlands Carillon and take in one of the best views of the monuments in DC. The carillon was a gift from the Dutch people to the US to express their gratitude for American aid received during and after World War II. The bells chime hourly from 10 to 6 with patriotic songs at 12 and 6 and programs on special days including the Dutch Independence Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and September 2nd (symbolizing the end of World War II).
The grand carillon with 53 bells is located on a hilltop near Arlington National Cemetery, and it offers stunning views of the city. The bells are played by a carillonneur, who sits at a keyboard and strikes the bells with hammers. The carillonneur can play a variety of music, including classical pieces, popular songs, and even military marches.
The Netherlands Carillon is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit. It is a great way to learn about the history of the Netherlands and the United States, and to enjoy the beauty of the Washington, D.C. area.
#17 – Visit Potomac Overlook Park and Nature Center
Potomac Overlook Park in the Potomac Palisades in North Arlington offers 70 acres of peaceful woodland, trails, educational gardens, a small picnic area and a Nature Center. The Nature Center has a new exhibit called the “Energerium”, where visitors can learn energy basics and ways they can help create sustainable energy solutions. The Nature Center also offers live animals and natural history exhibits.
#15 – Enjoy a picnic and watch a movie during the Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival
Every Summer the Rosslyn BID & Rosslyn Renaissance host an outdoor film festival at Gateway Park. The movies start just after dusk but if you arrive early there will be music and activities related to the theme. The movies are shown rain or shine but may be cancelled in case of high winds and thunderstorms. For the complete lineup and more information, see the Rosslyn Film Festival site here.
#14 – Hike or Bike along the Mount Vernon Trail
This 18-mile long paved trail carries runners, walkers, and bikers from George Washington’s famed Mount Vernon estate through eastern Fairfax, Alexandria, and Arlington to Theodore Roosevelt Island at its northern trailhead. Enjoy views of the Potomac and D.C.
Photo of Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial with tulips and photo of bikers watching plane take off at Gravelly Point are courtesy of Arlington Economic Development.
#12 – Visit the Air Force Memorial
The United States Air Force Memorial, is a beautiful and inspiring monument to the men and women who have served in the United States Air Force.
Dedicated in 2006, the memorial is made up of three stainless steel spires that rise 402 feet into the air to represent the contrails of the Air Force Thunderbirds performing a “bomb burst” maneuver. The spires are arranged in a triangle, and they are meant to represent the three branches of the Air Force: the Air Combat Command, the Air Mobility Command, and the Air Force Space Command.
A statue of the honor guard is nearby and a Contemplation Wall as well as a Glass Wall representing The Missing Man flight formation are also part of the Memorial.
The memorial is located on a high point overlooking Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. The views from the memorial are stunning, and it is a great place to learn about the history of the Air Force and to pay tribute to those who have served.
In the summer, The Air Force Band performs frequent concerts on the grounds.
If you are planning a visit to the Air Force Memorial, here are a few things you should know:
- The memorial is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day.
- There is no admission fee to visit the memorial.
- The memorial is located at 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia, 22204.
- There is a parking lot located near the memorial.
- The memorial is wheelchair accessible.
