Insight Guides....

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Thanks to Washington, D.C., northern Virginia is different from the rest of the state in many ways. The political machinery and accompanying businesses and people make this region a bit busier than the rest of the state. But just a bit underneath the surface, visitors find just as much history and interesting attractions as the rest of the Old Dominion.

Fredericksburg: Once more a part of central Virginia, the historic city of Fredericksburg is has basically been "annexed" by northern Virginia, with many people making the daily commute north. But the city center still offers many convenient sites of historic interest.

Mercer Apothecary Shop, opened in 1771, is one of the oldest apothecary shops in the nation and still has Dr. Mercer's medicine bottles, pills, and prescriptions.

The Rising Sun Tavern was the social and political center of early life in Fredericksburg. It was built by George Washington's youngest brother, Charles, in 1760, and played host to most of the key Colonial patriots. The restored building now features the Tap Room bar (with whalebone checkers) and the gentlemen's chambers, where four men once had to sleep in one small bed.

The James Monroe Law Office and Museum marks the start of a successful private and public career. Monroe would eventually hold more high offices than any other president.

The Mary Washington House was purchased by George for his mother. Many of Mrs. Washington's belongings remain, as well as a beautiful English garden in the back (look for her sundial and the boxwood she planted long ago).

Kenmore was the elegant 18th century plantation home of George Washington's only sister, Betty. The guided tour of this huge house includes many Washington family artifacts and much insight into 18th century plantation life.

Heading north on I-95, northern Virginia (including lots of traffic) begins in earnest. Your first stop should be Old Town Alexandria.

Alexandria: Old Town Alexandria was founded as a seaport way back in 1749. Known as George Washington's hometown, Alexandria is where Washington and fellow patriots attended the theater, church, and political meetings during the formative years of the revolution.

Because of these historic beginnings and massive preservation and restoration, Old Town Alexandria is a National Register of Historic Places National Landmark. It is filled with almost 1,000 preserved and restored 18th and 19th century buildings, which are now used as residences, businesses, restaurants, inns, and museums.

Among the historic landmarks and museums open to the public in Alexandria are the Ramsay House Visitors Center; The Lyceum (museum and exhibits); Gadsby's Tavern Museum; Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site (a large Civil War fort); the Black History Resource Center; Alexandria Archaeology; and the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Other historic attractions include: Christ Church (the 18th century church attended by George Washington and Robert E. Lee); the Carlyle House (a typically lovely 18th century mansion); the Boyhood Home of Robert E. Lee; the Lee-Fendall House (the 1785 mansion where Light Horse Harry Lee wrote the farewell address from Alexandrians to George Washington when he left Mount Vernon to become the first president); the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop; and many other histo3ric landmarks that make Alexandria a history-lover's mecca.

Mount Vernon: George and Martha Washington's home and burial place is America's most visited historic estate. Situated on the Potomac River, the mansion features many original furnishings, paint colors, and other artifacts of Washington's time. The grounds offer 30 acres of gardens and other dependencies. Woodlawn Plantation (built for Washington's foster daughter, Nelly Custis Lewis) and George Mason's Gunston Hall are also within minutes of Mount Vernon or your Old Town base.

Arlington: Even closer to Washington, Arlington is another ideal northern Virginia base. Highlights of this accessible capital city suburb include: Arlington National Cemetery (Tomb of Unknowns, John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's home from 1831 to 1861); Iwo Jima, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Pentagon, with popular tours of the huge U.S. Armed Forces headquarters.

Manassas National Battlefield Park: Southwest of Washington, D.C., more history awaits. Civil War buffs will certainly want to visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where two separate battles led to more than 22,500 dead or wounded. The 5,000 acre park features a visitor center that offers exhibits and a map program that explains the movements of the opposing forces. A walking trail on Henry Hill provides an overview of the First Battle of Manassas and a driving tour of the park covers the Second Battle of Manassas.

Middleburg: It's hard to believe there is so much beautiful countryside so close to the urban hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. Middleburg and the surrounding area provides the perfect country weekend experience for D.C. dwellers and Northern Virginia visitors.

The town of Middleburg was established (purchased for $2.50 an acre) in 1787 by Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman Leven Powell. The historic town offers many excellent restaurants, shops, and places to stay. The sidewalks are typically crowded with visitors exploring the quaint town on foot.

Middleburg welcomes anyone looking for small town charm, good wine from local vineyards, and pretty horse country. The town has a classy air to it and is in a class of its own.

It's a far cry from the capital city to the east with a pace much more fitting for a Virginia gentleman, gentlewoman, or any visitor.

Though larger than Middleburg, Leesburg and Warrenton are other northern Virginia towns that offer small-town appeal. It's amazing what awaits the visitor just outside of Washington, D.C.