I visited Northern Virginia in August 2024 and the trip was more magical than I have the words to convey. While I love the hustle and bustle of the Washington, D.C. area, the suburbs of Northern Virginia provide a good mix of charm and demure. Here are five things that made my most recent trip special.
I lived in the DMV (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) from 2011 through 2020, and occasionally jogged on the Mount Vernon Trail. During my August 2024 visit to the region, I was determined to ride a bike on the trail. I love seeing the Washington, D.C. skyline and also wanted to log a few miles in preparation for a 20-mile bike ride in September 2024. I rented a bike from Unlimited Biking, picked up the trail in Old Town Alexandria and rode to Georgetown. The ride from Old Town to Georgetown was a little more than 14 miles. The course was fairly easy, which allowed me to take in the sights and really enjoy the late summer season.
Another place that made my recent visit to Northern Virginia special was Burke Lake Park. When I lived in Northern Virginia, I frequently walked or jogged at Burke Lake Park. The trail is roughly 4.5 miles long, scenic, and peppered with trees which provides a level of shade and scenery. Burke Lake is one of my favorite places in Northern Virginia, and I was really excited to walk on the trail with my son and daughter.
Farmers, Fishers and Bakers in Georgetown
I’ve been frequenting Farmers, Fishers and Bakers (and related businesses) for the better part of 8 or 9 years. It never fails. I’ve never had a bad meal or negative experience. That’s why when I visit the Washington, D.C. area, I try to visit the restaurant at least once. When I determined to ride on the Mount Vernon Trail from Old Town to Georgetown, I knew I’d stop at Farmers, Fishers and Bakers for dinner. In sum, during my 5-day trip to Northern Virginia, I visited Farmers, Fishers and Bakers, three times, including once for Sunday brunch. And since this is a bakery blog, the cinnamon swirl bread was delightful.
Visiting Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
The best part about visiting Old Town Alexandria is visiting the shops along King Street. Prior to my visit last week, it had been a year since I visited Old Town. On this visit, I was excited to find several new shops and spots, including Lily’s. Although they offer an assortment of treats, I was mesmerized by the bakery’s chocolate cake. It was like tasting a piece of heaven while on earth. The ambiance of the bakery is also inviting. With a warm pink and gold décor, a light and airy space, I relished every minute of the experience. I wrote about the bakery here.
Visiting Magnum Opus Hair Salon
Clinton Jones founded Magnum Opus years ago and I seldom visit Northern Virginia without stopping by his salon. He is efficient and talented. I am usually in and out the salon in under an hour, which is wonderful for those of us for whom patience in not a virtue. I think what I love most about Clinton is the fact that he goes out of his way to have meaningful conversations with all of his patrons.
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