Our recent visit to Wolf Trap National Park for the Harry Potter concert was a mixed bag of delightful and disappointing moments. First, the positives: The venue itself is wonderful. The seats on the ground level were fine, offering a clear view of the stage. One of the best aspects of Wolf Trap is the ability to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic, a feature that truly enhances the experience and is something we greatly appreciate. The overall vibe of the crowd was fantastic; it was clear that everyone there was a huge Harry Potter fan, and it was great to share that collective feeling and excitement. However, the main event fell short of our expectations. For the Harry Potter concert, the live performance was meant to accompany the movie screening. Unfortunately, it was difficult to distinguish between the sound from the live orchestra and the sound coming directly from the film's soundtrack. This made the experience feel more like watching a movie with a large group of people rather than attending a live orchestral performance. The lack of a clear, distinct sound from the band was a bit of a letdown. Given the long wait times and the overall experience, we were left wondering if the concert was truly worth it. While the atmosphere and the shared excitement of the crowd were enjoyable, the primary reason for attending—to hear the live music—didn't fully live up to its potential. It's a shame, as the concept is brilliant, but the execution in this case was lacking.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts was the dream of Catherine Filene Shouse. She felt strongly about the performing arts being accessible to people of all incomes and ages. So to that end, in 1966 she gifted 100 acres to be protected as a Park. Along with the land she donated the funds that would be needed not only build a Performing Arts Center but also create a Foundation to steward it into the future. The Foundation was set up in 1968 and the inaugural season was in 1971. Born in 1896, Mrs. Shouse was “a keen believer in the power of the arts to help create a stronger society, and a pioneer in creating career opportunities for women. She was the first woman to earn a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 for her global philanthropic and educational endeavors.” Even though the project began in her early 70’s, Mrs. Shouse remained very much involved in leading the Foundation for 25 years, until she passed in 1994. Her list of accolades, appointments, and honors speak volumes about how much she put her money where you heart was in terms of the Arts. I’ll show a list here because they’re too numerous to name, but let's just say that when you visit, you must take in all the wonderful information about her philanthropy, passion, and legacy. I think this quote by Mrs. Shouse actually captures her vision the best, “Wolf Trap has a destiny. It reaches out for people asking that they restore their spirits at its theatre, on its hillsides, in the woods, or by the stream. And it can grow in scope and meaningfulness to the extent of man’s imagination and support.” Named for the farm that Mrs. Shouse purchased in 1930, Wolf Trap is a successful partnership between the Foundation and the National Park Service that brings programming to the Filene Center, Children’s Theatre-In-The-Woods and spaces in between. In fact this partnership was the first co-management of its type between the National Park Service and private management of the over 400 sites in the NPS system. The Park can be visited any time of year, but if you’re looking to see a performance, you’ll need to check the schedule from May to September. Go and Support our National Parks AND our Performing Arts! Thank you, Mrs. Shouse.

We attended the Memorial Day concert at Wolf Trap, which marks the unofficial start of summer and is held every year — and best of all, it’s free! A few tips from our experience: Make sure to arrive before 6 PM to find a good parking spot. The place fills up quickly, especially on a holiday weekend. Also, definitely try to sit inside the Filene Center if you can — the lawn area may look fun, but it’s full of insects that can really affect your comfort during the show. The music performance was absolutely fantastic — a great way to celebrate the day. And the fireworks at the end were stunning and well worth the wait. Highly recommended for families and anyone looking for a fun, festive, and patriotic evening!

Just saw John Legend perform and it was great! It's a beautiful place that is very clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. There really isn't a bad seat. You can sit on the lawn and enjoy a picnic, or upgrade to "inside" closer to the stage. The sound is perfect, not too loud but you can hear everything. Can't wait to come back again.

I would give this venue 5 stars if everything wasn’t so expensive here. Beers start at 14, baseball hat 40, t-shirt 50. Seeing James Taylor before he finally retires was a very nostalgic experience.

Not my first time but the trip from Baltimore was as expected, with minimal fuss. Parking was plentiful and the seat I purchased was excellent. The crowd was in great spirits. Food is pricy but better than average. What sets this venue apart is the kindness of the folks who work there. Super friendly and helpful.

As the only national park in the U.S. devoted entirely to the performing arts, Wolf Trap truly stands apart. The venue itself is a fantastic: a covered outdoor amphitheater with 7,000 seats and remarkable acoustics. Whenever we’re in town, we make it a tradition to book several shows—it’s always a highlight of our visit.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia is an absolute gem and easily one of the most beautiful spots in the area. From the moment you step in, the sense of peace and serenity makes it feel like a retreat away from the busyness of Northern Virginia. The gardens are thoughtfully designed with a mix of scenic walking trails, open lawns, vibrant flower beds, and tranquil ponds that create a perfect balance of nature and artistry. One of the highlights for me was the Korean Bell Garden, which is not only stunning but also rich in cultural significance. The ponds are another favorite, filled with koi fish, turtles, and blooming water lilies that add to the charm. There are plenty of benches and gazebos throughout, making it easy to stop, sit, and take in the views at your own pace. What I really love is how accessible the gardens are for all ages, whether you’re on a romantic stroll, enjoying a family outing, or simply seeking quiet time alone. Parking is plentiful, and the visitor center is clean and well-maintained. Seasonal blooms mean every visit feels different, so there’s always something new to enjoy. If you’re looking for a place to relax, recharge, or simply be surrounded by beauty, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a must-visit. Five stars without hesitation!

Beautiful botanical garden and hidden oasis! We enjoyed walking through the property and taking in the scenery. There weren’t too many people there so it was a peaceful experience for us. I think this place really needs to do some special events to be more marketable. Pumpkin displays for the fall and Christmas illuminations would be such a great addition to bring in more people. I have so many ideas for this place and would love to share them to their marketing team or management 🫶🏽 This location is really beautiful and serene and they have a great foundation to build more exciting attractions that will generate more income. Can’t wait to come back on a Wednesday and bring my pup with me!

This is an absolutely beautiful botanical garden. In its off season the fall colors are vibrant and spectacular. There are many trails that lead to wonderful views. The Koi fish pond is wonderful with very large Koi constantly visible along with many turtles. The architecture was splendid and featured traditional Korean design. The staff was very friendly and included volunteers throughout the garden to ask questions about key features. I look forward to visiting this garden again in the spring to experience it splendor.

9/9/25 Tuesday. What a pleasant experience. I was visiting family and decided to go solo for some nature recovery. Found this gem online and went for stroll for a couple hrs. I was moved by the Muir Woods quote as I have there. This was a peaceful sanctuary with much to explore and ponder over. Staff was friendly and place was kept clean. Spotted many couples along my walk which was very cute. The greenhouse, pines, lilies, and the quite were the right ingredients for a much needed respite. I would encourage you to put away your phones and fully immerse yourself in this garden to make the most out of your trip and the $8 entrance ticket which I feel was very reasonable.

I came here to enjoy fall foliage. I was glad I did. So peaceful and so tranquil. It also a perfect place for kids to run around. No waiting. Plenty of parking spaces (weekends might be different). Walking trails are limited; most part has been fenced and blocked, but the scenery away from bustling city makes up for it. You will not be disappointed.

It was a wonderful experience. At the entrance, they had a small bonsai display. The people at the entrance explained to us that food is not allowed inside the park, and they kindly stored our food for us until we picked it up again. The park is beautiful, with plenty of benches and paths that make the walk accessible, especially for older people or those with special needs.

Such a fantastic place to visit. Nestled into Fairfax, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a serene oasis featuring paved walking paths, the Korean bell garden, ponds, and plenty of open space to take in the beautiful views. We've been here multiple times and will visit again next season.

amazing little zoo!! loved the owls, cheetahs, bison and butterflies. i especially loved being able to feed the safari animals. it won't take up more than a few hours of your time - it's really great for small kids. it was a huge blast for being a fairly small place. just a short distance from dulles too. worth the cost! check it out!!

I am very happy to have gone to the zoo. You can go on a field trip have a picnic. Drive through the safari. Get up and close to the animals. 30 acres of wilderness where you can have a birthday party and unique experiences. I have never enjoyed myself more than my visit to Nova Zoo and they have a light show.

What a fun experience! We had the best day with the capybaras and sloths! We were able to feed them and pet them as well. Sidney, our guide, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. She was so patient with our little boys. I highly recommend NOVA Wild. The rest of the complex and the drive thru was also enjoyable. We will be back!

Lots of nice animals! Super fun to feed the animals, but $20 for the medium-ish bucket of food seems like a bit much. Staff are very friendly. Signage is very clear. The actual entry fee is very reasonable for the experience at $21 per adult.

We had a blast. Animals in the safari were very interactive. The walk thru was small but nice for the price. The butterfly house was 8 dollars extra per person so we didn't go on.

My visit here was such an amazing experience!! It was a unique and interactive adventure with the animals, and I am glad i got to do both the zoo and safari. The manager John, as well as staff members Marilyn and Sydney were all extremely kind and happy to share their knowledge when I spoke with them. Very worthwhile way to spend a day!!

Feeding the animals on the safari ride was LOL hilarious 🤣. I was surprised how much the big animals get into the bucket. Be sure to have a good grip on it. I didn't tour the Zoo, but did the temporary 🦋butterfly house. That was cool seeing all the pretty 🦋.

A smaller museum, but free entry. Had antique items and displays to view. The used books cellar was the primary reason for our visit- very reasonable prices for the books.

Popped into the Freeman Store unknowing what it was. Very quaint store and museum. The upstairs is the museum with history of the surrounding area. The ground floor is the general store and bottom is a used bookstore. The used book section is great, lots of variety. The store is run by a very nice lady. Recommend stopping in if you’re in the area

What a great little piece of history! The shop sells cute Virginia-themed gifts, snack foods, and more. The museum has wonderful local exhibits on Women’s voting and (until the end of the year) the 1950s! Adorable and friendly, this museum is right off the W & O.D. Trail. Go for a hike or bike ride, and stop in for a visit!

Museum is closed due to Covid. I walk by this place on the trail. It has beautiful lawn with picnic area. 2 weeks ago visited the place, it had tulips in the lawn. It was just so beautiful . Good hangout place for friends & family.

Great place to learn about local history and find Virginia state gifts.

This is the second time I have visted. Very interesting displays. The store has many 20th toys and games that children today would enjoy. Admission is free!

Neat little nostalgic general store with old fashioned “penny candy,” a used bookstore in the basement, along with cool antique items to view in the museum section. Neat information about women’s voting found upstairs too. Be sure to check out the painted stormwater drain located out front curbside. Vienna has a very active community artist program. ❤️🎨

This is a great place for kids. Well maintained and staff is so passionate about what they are doing.

Please update your schedule on Google. I drove to Vienna specifically for your site, only to find the doors locked. Instead of every Saturday, I find you're only open once a month?!

Amazing! The Model Trains, the historic railway, the cities it goes through, and delightful associates who are glad to help you. The whole thing is A Must see! Especially with kids.

What a great group of people over there!! Must see!! (Look them up on YouTube also!)

For sure the best model railroad club in the area. Public access is limited to monthly open houses (currently on hold due to COVID). This is really a hidden gem, whether you're a model railroader or not you got to check this place out when it re-opens.

Enjoy a perfect blend of nostalgia, Americana, and Hi-Tech know-how to a railroad world right out of the past. Great, patient volunteers patient with kids who are in awe! Highly recommend

Open house every month, beautifully modeled train layout made by people who love the hobby. Please go out of your way to check this place out!!!!!

It's wonderful that people are giving away free books! However, to advertise it as a 'Library' is very confusing. When someone does a search looking for an actual library then find a box with free books inside is disappointing and a wate of time. It's amazing what this person is trying to do but it would be better to advertise it as "Free Books for All" rather than a library that opens 24/7!

I was a walk in with my mother and a child. Did a mani/pedi for them. I wanted acrylics, I asked the girl at the front desk if they can do designs she said yes. They had 3D gel designs at the front drying table on display. I sit down, and the First Lady starts to apply the tips, two of them were applied crookedly. I showed her, she fixed it. Then I showed her how long I wanted them. She cut two too short and had to reapply them. She stated that they were just too long. When I showed her the design I wanted, she said she couldn’t do it. One of the girls tries to mediate, I explain to her that it’s misleading to have the display of none of the artists can do it. She said the only person who was able to do it was off. She tried to talk me into getting a simple chrome polish. I asked if the person was even good at shaping because the trust was lost. She said yes, then the nail tech handed me off to another nail artist who “can” do the flame design. I sit down and the first thing she said is it’s too long lol. At that point I was getting annoyed because it’s a job, either you can do it or not… What you’re doing is complaining to the customer which sounds like lazy incompetence. So she then says she’s not complaining just trying to talk about the design. That it would be really expensive, which was not an issue. So at that point she was profiling me…Starts to go back and forth with me, and at that point I told her I was not interested in them finishing the job bc they clearly could not do it. I go to the front desk to pay for a children’s mani pedi and adult mani pedi bc I was going to take my acrylic business elsewhere. I spoke to the girl who said they could do designs and tell her next time she should ask the type of designs. Bc they weren’t even able to paint a flame design. I looked at the paint job they did on the child and they hadn’t even cleaned it. I had to ask them to clean the polish on their actual fingers… Long story short, very unprofessional nail salon. Do not recommend going here at all. All the nail ladies were talking amongst themselves. So it was super awkward but I kept my cool. The lady who did my mothers nails did a great job, they need more people like her in this establishment. She did her work, it was clean and kept it pushing. The rest were not professional at all…. At the end I payed $69 for shitty service. I walked out with unfinished nails lol but I’d rather take my business elsewhere to competent nail artists. Update: not even 24 hours and the horrible paint job they did for children’s nails is chipping. No top coat was applied. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!

I highly recommend this salon for anyone looking for a relaxing atmosphere and great service! The price was also reasonable.

Heather at Artistic Nails & Spa was the sweetest, kindest, most talented nail technician. She was a lovely person to chat with and had such an eye for detail when I showed her the picture of nails for inspiration. She did a fantastic job and made sure I was very taken care of, checking in with me along the way to ensure I was satisfied. Nail salons need more Heathers. 10/10 would recommend her to anyone I meet. Thank you for your warm and thorough service!

I’ve been to this nail salon multiple times, and each experience has been great. I never have to wait long for a walk-in service. The staff is super friendly, and they do an excellent job with both pedicures and manicures. I usually go for regular nail polish, and it’s always been wonderful!

Edit to my previous review: I came in today for a manicure and pedicure. This was the first time that the customer service was bad. The person doing my nails was rushed, annoyed, and really rough with my nails. My gel polish was filed off with a hand file, which kept filing my skin and making cuts because she was not paying attention and not taking her time. She was making it a point to seem annoyed. The end result was fine, I got what I wanted. I am hoping this was just a one off situation, and I will keep coming here because all the other nail techs have been great. However, I will be making a point to get the name of the nail tech I got today and ensure she does not do my nails again. Previous review: I really like this nail salon! Every time I’ve come here I’ve gotten a different nail artist, yet the results are consistent and impeccable each time! They take their time, clean your nails thoroughly, and listen to what you want. It’s clean, well maintained, and all staff are very friendly.

My friend and I get our feet done at this shop. My friend decided to have her nails done by Amy who did not do a great job. After no more than two days the paint started peeling on her nails. I told my friend I would contact the nail salon but was seriously busy. When I contacted the salon I informed them about the situation and the fact that my friend was out of state (she left to go home). I was told that they could give her a five dollar discount on the next service because she should have called within the first week. Please see the pictures and please do not let Amy do your nails. In all honesty she does a pretty decent job on feet. Ladies please don't forget call within a week if there are issues. BTW she also gave her a tip. #loyalcustomer

The customer service at this nail salon has declined recently. I called on a Sunday and was told that there were no available times. Fair enough! But the girl who answered the phone just hung up the call. I called the following weekend in the morning this time to make sure I get an appointment this time. My husband and I went in and the same non-Vietnamese girl who had answered the phone last weekend showed me to my seat. She put the dirtiest towel (photo attached) in front of me which was a HUGE turn off. The worst part was that she walked away. I just knew right then my husband and I will not come back anymore so I didn’t even bother. Iris has been the person who does my nails. The moment she came and saw the towel she replaced it and even showed it to the other person doing someone else’s nails. I could tell they were both embarrassed. No one acknowledged or even apologized for this.