Not just Vienna, but, the area surrounding it, as well, shifts gears in the winter months. There may be fewer events in Vienna to participate in, but Vienna residents find activities to keep their spirits up, their minds busy, and their bodies healthy. Here, some Vienna neighbors share their seasonal lifestyle.
Mike Davis said his number one favorite winter activity in Vienna is the Holiday Stroll, fun for everyone. “It is great watching the children when they talk to Santa on the front porch of the Freeman House. There are also many activities on Church Street that night to keep everyone entertained. It's wonderful that Vienna still retains that small town feeling by having the Holiday Stroll.”
Davis added that he also loves to go to the Middleburg Hunt and Christmas Parade. He enjoys the festive Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Park with his wife Ann.
He looks forward to fewer tourists in the metro region during the winter months, making it an ideal time to see attractions in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. He particularly loves walking the grounds of Washington’s Mount Vernon, especially after a snowfall. “It really makes you feel you are back in time,” Davis said, especially when he’s taken a candlelight tour.
Dan Govan of Govan Builders said that he enjoys snowboarding with his daughters, Grace and Danielle, every weekend, at Bryce Resort, one and a half hours from Vienna.
Cindy Williams, PetMAC owner, said she hates being stuck in the house when it's nasty outside, so she uses the time to work on her cooking skills by taking classes at places like Culinaria Cooking School in Vienna.
Lu Cousins, director of the Vienna Arts Society said, “My winter in town is as busy and as special as a Hallmark Christmas movie depicting small town America. There are receptions to attend, exhibits to open and close, terrific restaurants to visit - so many within walking distance, friends gathering at my home to sit by the fireplace to sip wine, meeting at Jammin’ Java for some world-class entertainment, stopping by Bazin's for happy hour or the Maplewood Grill for the piano bar, Vienna Inn for chili dogs and watching hockey games, attending Town Hall meetings, and, always working on the next function at the Vienna Arts Society --- our Mardi Gras-themed Bunco Night on Feb. 11.”
Mary Ellen Larkins, glass artist in her work gear, said that The Vienna Arts Center has wonderful exhibits. “I look forward to the great art at the Center.” She’s excited about the Vienna Arts Society’s Mardi Gras Bunco night on Feb. 11.
Jack Delaney put “Snowmageddon” on the top of his list. “Walking down Park Street to see who's open, who's not. It's a great feeling to find a coffee shop open.”
Vienna Mayor Laurie DiRocco: “I like to get out and walk even when the weather is cold. I started a Mayor's Walking Group, and we walk on Fridays. We have been walking this winter. Anyone is invited to join us. We meet at Town Hall at 9:30 a.m.”
--Donna Manz