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Fairfax - Virginia
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Immediately adjacent to the Nation's Capital, Fairfax County offers a whole new world of wonderful places to explore ? ranging from the beautiful grounds of historic Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens and America's most popular estate ? to the supersonic appeal of the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
You'll be captivated with the variety of nationally-acclaimed entertainment and performing artists at Wolf Trap, America's only National Park for the Performing Arts. And, be sure to save time to experience the world-class shopping of Tysons Corner, with over 500 shops and restaurants all within walking distance of each other.
testAbout Fairfax County
In many ways the recorded history of Fairfax County, Virginia is a reflection of the history of the United States. Although the county was not formally created until 1742, the history of English settlement on the land that is now Fairfax County spans the early 1600s to the present. Such familiar Fairfax County names and places as George Washington, George Mason, Mount Vernon, Bull Run?even Washington Dulles International Airport?have played or are still playing important roles in the lives of Americans everywhere.
In 1649, King Charles II of England granted all of the land between the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers to a group of seven Englishmen. In 1719 this land came into the possession of Thomas, sixth Lord Fairfax, after whom Fairfax County was named. By 1732 there were attempts to form the land into a county, but it was not until 1741 that the Virginia Assembly, meeting in Williamsburg, created Fairfax County. The assembly action took effect the next year.
From around 1750 to the end of the 18th century, changes abounded in Fairfax County's lifestyle and character. Roads were built and mills and other forms of industry increased. Forests were cleared for farmland.
Once a rural area dotted with farms, Fairfax County in the 21st century is a growing metropolis with a thriving technology industry. With its 300 parks, proximity to the nation?s capital and a host of historic homes, Fairfax County offers visitors a unique experience.
Interspersed with Fairfax County?s impressive collection of 18th and 19th century landmarks are its featured attractions: The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. With over 80 aircraft and dozens of space artifacts, including the space shuttle Enterprise, the SR 71 Blackbird, the Center is an attraction not to be missed. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. The only national park for the performing arts, with the open-air Filene Center and the cozier Barns, Wolf Trap offers a variety of musical entertainment throughout the year. Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Experience the spectacular beauty of the home of our nation?s first president, George Washington. While here, make sure to explore Mount Vernon?s beautiful gardens. Tysons Corner. Shopping, shopping, shopping! It?s the largest concentration of stores on the East Coast (500 to be exact), all within walking distance of each other. Additionally, Fairfax County offers immediate access to regional malls in Springfield and Fair Oaks, as well as premium shopping outlets at nearby Potomac Mills and Leesburg.?
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