July 19, 2002
Riverbend Park, Great Falls
Riverbend Park offers more than 400 acres of forests and ponds bordering the Potomac River. A pavilion can also be reserved. Other attractions include picnic tables and a boat ramp. Swimming is not allowed in the river. The park is opened from 7 a.m. until dusk; the gates are locked at closing time. The Nature Center, located at a different site, is only open for scheduled programs or groups. For more information, call 703-759-3211. Programs are offered at both the Nature Center as well as the visitor center, located at the main park. The center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 a.m. and Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. The center is closed on Tuesdays. For more information call 703-759-9018. The center features live animals as well as special exhibits and a library. For more information visit its website at http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/nature.htm or http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Colvin Run Mill Historic Site, Great Falls
This historic site offers the only operational 19th-century water-powered gristmill. There are also tours and school programs. The site is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. everyday except Tuesdays. Tours are held every hour on the hour until 4 p.m. The tours cost $4 for an adult, $3 for a student ages 16 and above, and $2 for children and seniors. The park admission is free. for more information, call 703-759-2771 or online at http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/crm/index.htm
Dranesville Tavern, Great Falls
The tavern was once a popular rest area during the 19th century. For more information, call 703-750-1598.
Great Falls Grange Park, Great Falls
This large house-like facility features a large banquet room as well as a large kitchen, available for weddings and parties. There are two buildings, one Great Falls Grange Hall and an Old Schoolhouse. For more information, call 703-750-1598 or 703-938-8835.
Spring Hill RECenter, McLean
The recreational center has an indoor pool with a spa, locker rooms with showers, a waiting area, a sauna, preschool and day care programs, racquetball and volleyball courts, a fitness area, a dance room and a multipurpose room. The center is open Monday-Thursday from 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The pool is open Monday-Thursday from 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Daily general admission fees for Fairfax County residents are, adults $5.50, youth (5-18 years old) $3.75, students(18-21 years old) $3.75, children (0-4 years old) free with a paying adult, senior, Monday-Friday, $3.75, and $5.50 for Saturday, Sunday and holidays, families of four, including two adults, are $12, chaperones who don't participate with paying child are $1.50. For non-residents, adults, youth and seniors are $7.50, children (0-4 years old) are free, and families with up to four members with up to two adults are $22. There are also multiple membership offers depending on the types and times of visit. For more information, call 703-827-0989.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm, McLean
Claude Moore Colonial Farm, once a Revolutionary War farm, is now worked with the tools and methods of the era. The farm exhibits what an impoverished family living on a small farm would be like. The staff is dressed in clothes from the time and answer questions visitors have.
For more information, call 703-442-7557.
Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean
The preserve features more than 300 acres of forest and woods. Several hiking trails are available to walk through. There is also a research center where one can study trees and wildlife. For more information call 703-246-5700 or visit online at www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm.
Great Falls National Park, McLean
This 800-acre park is located next to the Potomac river and has a scenic view of the area. The site is ideal for hiking. For more information call 703-285-2966 or visit http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/grfa/ on the web.