365 things to do in arlington va Archives - Page 22 of 23

#4 – Visit the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

September 13, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial park consists of 184 memorial units for each of the lives lost when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. The memorial units representing the 59 lives lost on Flight 77 face so that when reading the name of the victim to whom that unit is dedicated, the visitor to the memorial park faces the sky. When looking at a memorial unit dedicated to one of the 125 victims who were working inside the Pentagon, the visitor will see the victim’s name and the Pentagon in the same view. It is open seven days a week 24 hours a day.

#3 – Enjoy Music at the Rosslyn Jazz Fest

September 11, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

The annual Rosslyn Jazz Fest is typically held on the second Saturday in September at Gateway Park. Admission is FREE but registration is recommended due to capacity limits at the park. Visit the Rosslyn Events page and search for Jazz Fest to see more information about this year’s event.

#2 – Visit Arlington National Cemetery

September 9, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

Arlington is best known for Arlington National Cemetery which is also the site of Arlington House – the “Custis Lee Mansion”. The mansion has recently been restored and is open to the public. Try to time your visit to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiiers which occurs every half hour from April 1-Sept 30 and every hour the rest of the year. Other highlights include the Eternal Flame at John F. Kennedy’s Grave, the Memorial to Women in Military Service, Memorials to the Space Shuttle Challenger and Space Shuttle Columbia and the Memorial Amphitheatre where special events are held on certain holidays.

Memorial Day weekend is an especially good time to go. More than 250,000 flags placed on the gravesites just prior to Memorial Day by every available soldier in the 3rd infantry in a tradition known as “Flags In”, and a Memorial Day Observance is held at the amphitheatre. In December, volunteers from Wreaths Across America put a wreath at every headstone. Check the website for specific times and details.

#1 – Visit a Farmers’ Market

September 8, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

Summer is a great time of year to visit one of the Arlington Farmer’s Markets. The largest is located in the County Courthouse parking lot and is held Saturdays from 8 AM -noon from mid-April to December and from 9 AM to noon the rest of the year. Find produce, freshly-baked bread, homemade pasta, pastries, mushrooms, cheese, soaps, flowers and other wonderful products. But there are markets in nine different locations in Arlington. Here is the complete schedule.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Arlington’s Farmers’ Market(Courthouse)
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon April-Dec, 9-1 Jan-March

Ballston Farmers’ Market
Thursdays, 3 – 7 p.m. April-mid November

Cherrydale Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon

Columbia Pike Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Year Round

Fairlington Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. May-November

Lubber Run Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon April-November

Rosslyn Farmers’ Market
Wednesdays, 3 – 7 p.m. May-October

Westover Farmers’ Market
Sundays, 8 a.m. – noon, May-November 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dec-April

The Arlington County Fair

August 31, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

The fair may be over but this video will give you something to look forward to next year.

Perseids Meteor Shower August 12-13

August 12, 2010 by Elizabeth Bouchard

The Perseids Meteor Shower, one of the most consistent performers and considered by many as 2010’s best shower peaks tonight August 12th and tomorrow night August 13th. The meteors they produce are among the brightest of all meteor showers, and can produce up to 50 meteors per hour during the peak activity. It is best viewed after midnight and with the crescent moon setting early there should be dark skies through most of the night.