As Virginia’s Cultural Region it embodies an energetic mix of history, culture, dining and shopping. Think of it as the place where indulgence meets cultural and urban adventures, the “hip and cosmopolitan side of Virginia” and the affluent travelers’ cultural paradise!

Northern Virginia features picturesque vineyards and indulgent culinary experiences. Wine tastings and food festivals promise a deliciously satisfying visit to the region. The various wineries in Northern Virginia showcase an entire lifestyle full of gracious gardens, inns, shopping, history and the arts.

And you can fill your shopping bags with amazing finds from the region's unique shopping venues, from exclusive boutiques to outlet shopping – it’s all here! 

This mixture of charm and character is embodied by Mount Vernon Estate the beautiful home of George Washington. It is just 26 kilometers south of Washington DC…yet it exists in a different time and space. This is the most visited historic estate in America and a definite "must-see".

George Washington was commander in chief of American forces in the Revolutionary War against the British and is revered as the first president of the United States. Washington and his wife Martha called the riverside estate of Mount Vernon their home for more than 40 years.

Interestingly, around 60 years after Washington’s death, fighting in the American Civil War raged across the nearby countryside – but the Mount Vernon estate served as neutral ground for both sides.

Visitors to Mount Vernon have every opportunity to discover the real George Washington. The Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center have 25 galleries and theaters, more than 700 artifacts, and interactive displays – including the great man’s famous dentures, along with three life-size models of Washington created from forensic investigation.

The historic areas you can visit include the restored Mansion, original outbuildings, the tomb where the Washingtons are buried and the beautiful gardens. The estate also includes a working blacksmith shop and the Pioneer Farm - a 4-acre demonstration farm near the river with heritage breed animals, a reconstructed slave cabin and a 16-sided treading barn.

Photo credits: Virginia Tourism Corporation

Within sight of Washington DC, Old Town Alexandria is just minutes from DC - but feels a world away. It’s a bustling district of chef-driven restaurants and cafes, independent boutiques and arts venues in beautifully preserved 18th century architecture. The Old Town hums with a cosmopolitan feel and walkable lifestyle loved by locals and the DC elite alike. And this historic town is just 10 minutes from Washington-Reagan National Airport. 

Alexandria is a place to forget about counting calories and to indulge your taste buds with the many culinary experiences on offer. Alexandria native Meshelle Armstrong, her chef/husband Cathal Armstrong, and business partner Todd Thrasher, operate the highly acclaimed Eat Good Food Group and are credited with redefining Old Town Alexandria as a hip hangout and foodie destination. They operate four restaurants and a cocktail lounge in Old Town, and their Restaurant Eve has put Alexandria on the culinary map

Here is just a flavor of the opportunities.

• The Demo Kitchen at Society Fair
  
  Society Fair has been named a ‘Best New Bar’ by Food & Wine magazine. There is a bakery, butchery, market, wine bar, and demo kitchen - all under one enchanted roof. For dinner - feast your eyes on the demo kitchen at an engaging dinner/cooking class seating 10 guests. Soiree with the chef and sommelier as they prepare your dinner via a deluxe cooking demonstration, and then dine on a three-course meal focusing on locally sourced ingredients.  
   
• The Waterfront Market
  
  Enjoy picturesque views of the Potomac River at the Alexandria marina as you sip a glass of Virginia wine or sup Alexandria’s locally brewed craft beer, Port City - available on tap right on the dock! The Waterfront Market is the newest addition to the Alexandria waterfront, serving sandwiches and sushi plus fresh-baked pastries and sweet treats from recipes lovingly developed over 30 years at the Market’s sister location, Bittersweet on King Street.
   
• BRABO Tasting Room
  
  Seasonal Virginia-grown ingredients and simple, satisfying dishes make BRABO Tasting Room a neighborhood favorite. Situated in a 150-year-old historic building adjacent to the boutique Lorien Hotel & Spa - the Tasting Room is joined in a flavorful King Street trio by BRABO restaurant and a gourmet market, The Butcher's Block by RW. BRABO restaurant by acclaimed chef Robert Wiedmaier strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined, timeless and contemporary with its interior designed by famed New York designer Vicente Wolf. 
   
• Historic King Street Food Tour by DC Metro Food Tours
  A chance to take a journey through one of the largest historic districts in the US that was once home to both George Washington and Robert E. Lee – without getting hungry. The tour allows you to sample a variety of delicious specially made dishes from local restaurants, learn about the colorful past of this unique area, and take in some of the best preserved historic architecture in America.

After all that good food – time for a little culture with a visit to the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The original factory building was constructed in 1918 for the manufacture of torpedoes. Now you can experience art in person and in progress! The Torpedo Factory features 82 working artists' studios, six galleries, the Art League School, Alexandria Archaeology Museum and gift shop – and, of course, a cafe.

And as night falls - Alexandria Colonial Tours offers you Alexandria’s original ghost tour filled with ghost stories, legends and folklore. Led by colonial costumed guides with authentic 18th-century lanterns - The Ghost and Graveyard Tour is a 23-year Old Town tradition. You will hear about the city’s history and about America’s colonial culture. 

Located just 48 Kilometers from Washington, D.C. - Prince William & Manassas provides a peaceful escape. With countless historic sites, multiple choices in shopping and outdoor recreational activities - including national, state, and local parks - Prince William & Manassas provides a range of seasonal activities. More than just famous attractions such as the Manassas National Battlefield Park and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Prince William & Manassas offers unique culinary options, performing arts venues and quaint historic towns.

You are never far from arts and culture in Northern Virginia! Historic Occoquan, located on the river, was a natural site for water-borne commerce. By 1765, it flourished as an industrial settlement with grist mills and tobacco warehouses. Today, it serves as one of the top places to go in Virginia as a charming restored artist’s community with shops, outdoor dining, ghost walks and more. Browse the quaint shops or perhaps take a guided kayak tour along the river.

Then perhaps it is time to swing a club at Potomac Shores Golf Club, which opened in Spring 2014.  This Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is the first in the DC Metro region and the first of Nicklaus’ courses to be open to the general public. It features dramatic elevation changes, wide corridors and well-designed green complexes that maneuver through majestic hardwoods along the banks of the historic Potomac River. 

Or maybe you will not be able to resist Potomac Mills - one of the hottest tourist destinations in Virginia. It is Washington, DC area’s largest outlet mall, featuring more than 220 stores all under one roof! Potomac Mills is a wonderful destination for more high-end and less high-price! You will  find savings of up to 70% every day at stores such as Bloomingdale’s-The Outlet Store,  Nordstrom Rack,  Last Call by Neiman Marcus,  Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH,  Coach Factory,  J. Crew Factory,  LOFT Outlet,  Michael Kors Outlet,  Pandora Outlet,  Talbots Outlet,  Tommy Bahama Outlet and True Religion Outlet…. Potomac Mills also boasts over 25 eateries and the AMC Potomac Mills 18 Theatres with IMAX. 

Manassas National Battlefield Park is a 5000 acre park and the site of two important Civil War battles. This is where Stonewall Jackson earned his nickname, and Robert E Lee also led his troops into battle at this site. There is an artifact-filled visitors centre as well as a new theatre, featuring the film "Manassas: End of Innocence." This superb, 45-minute video, narrated by Academy Award winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, follows the stories of five individuals whose lives were forever touched by the battles, and serves as an excellent guide to exploring the battlefield and nearby historic sites. Visitors can enjoy equestrian, walking and driving tours, annual battle commemorative events - as well as living history demonstrations at various times throughout the summer.

And for more military history - The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Prince William County, is a state-of-the-art facility that honors, preserves and narrates America's story through the eyes of U.S. Marines. Its magnificent architectural design features a dramatic 210-foot tilted steel mast and glass atrium inspired by the flag raisings at Iwo Jima.  Inside, a massive "Leatherneck Gallery" and surrounding era galleries take visitors through the history of the Marine Corps, divided into "theaters" or chapters depicting pivotal conflicts and battles. 

Arlington boasts the neighborly, small-town community vibe with all of the amenities and conveniences of major urban centers. As the smallest geographic county in the US, Arlington packs a lot of excitement, charm accessibility and affordability into one small area. In addition to its many historical attractions, including the famous Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial and others, Arlington offers visitors first-class shopping, diverse dining and an eclectic local arts and entertainment scene. Plus, it’s just minutes to the National Mall and other regional attractions.

As well as Arlington National Cemetery there are two other memorials to American service and sacrifice in close proximity that you can also visit.

Arlington National Cemetery  

Arlington National Cemetery performs 27 to 30 funeral services each day. As well as military graves, as with many cemeteries, you can search out the famous residents. Amongst many others you can find Presidents including William Taft and John F Kennedy. His brothers Robert and Ted are also in Arlington, as is Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. Audie Murphy the film star and Glen Miller the big band leader are also laid to rest in Arlington.

The grounds of Arlington National Cemetery honour those who have served the United States by providing a sense of beauty and peace for guests. The rolling green hills are dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age and complement the gardens found throughout the 624 acres of the cemetery.  This impressive landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Commemorating its 150th anniversary this year, the Cemetery is hosting a variety of special tours and events that detail its 150 years as a national cemetery

United States Air Force Memorial, Arlington, VA  

The United States Air Force Memorial honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps; the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps; the Division of Military Aeronautics, Secretary of War; the Army Air Service; the U.S. Army Air Corps; and the U.S. Army Air Forces. More than 54,000 Airmen have died in combat while serving in the Air Force and these historical service arms of the military.           

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial  Arlington, VA  

The Pentagon Memorial was created to remember and honor those family members and friends who lost their lives as a result of the events of September 11th, 2001 at the Pentagon. The memorial itself was dedicated on September 11, 2008, the first of the three national 9/11 memorials to be dedicated in to honour victims who were both inside the Pentagon and aboard Flight #77.

While in Arlington you should not miss out on that wonderful Virginia cuisine because it is as prevalent here are elsewhere in the State. Here are a couple of delicious ideas:

• Jaleo Spanish Tapas and Bar, Arlington
  
  Under the direction of famed chef José Andrés, Jaleo offers an impressive assortment of tapas, the traditional small dishes of Spain, as well as savory paellas, superb sangrias and a fine selection of Spanish wines and Sherries in a festive, casual atmosphere. 
   
• Liberty Tavern, Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
  
  The Liberty Tavern is a popular and award-winning neighborhood restaurant and bar located in Arlington’s exciting Clarendon community. The first floor of the restored historic property houses an inviting bar and lounge that remains vibrant all hours of the day. The upstairs dining room offers a warm ambiance, where guests can be equally comfortable enjoying a sophisticated multi-course dinner or a casual weekday meal. Liberty’s cuisine features the best of fresh, in-season ingredients.