4 Great Parks Near Alexandria, VA

December 10, 2021 · 3 min read

Explore the meadows, woods, and wetlands filled with bird and animal life in the spectacular parks near Alexandria, VA. Hike, bike, and horseback ride down scenic trails, fish and paddle on the Potomac River, climb the cliffs of Mather Gorge and enjoy a peaceful picnic in the shade of the trees.

1. Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is the ultimate destination if you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, and paddle. Climb the impressive cliffs of Mather Gorge, whitewater kayak, and canoe down the rushing waters of the Potomac River, and watch as the water tumbles down the majestic Great Falls from one of the overlooks.

Discover the natural beauty and spot wildlife on 15 miles of multi-purpose trails, including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail that cuts through the park and runs along the river. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Red foxes live in the woods, beavers prefer the river above the falls, and if you are lucky enough to spot a coyote, please report it to the park staff.

2. Huntley Meadows Park

Explore the beautiful meadows carpeted with wildflowers, the breathtaking forests, and the 1,500-acre wetland bustling with animal life and more than 200 bird species. Stroll down the two-mile nature trail, and the half-mile raised boardwalk to the observation tower at dawn and dusk and see deer, beavers, herons, frogs, and dragonflies.

The Norma Hoffman Visitor Center offers a range of educational exhibits and programs, and there is a naturalist on duty to provide information on the trails and wildlife. Visit Historic Huntley, the 19th-century Federal period villa built for Thomson Francis Mason in 1825 as a summer retreat. The retreat later became a grain farm, then an encampment for Civil War troops, and eventually a dairy farm.

3. Riverbend Park

The picturesque Riverbend Park on the Potomac River is one of the prettiest in Northern Virginia. In spring, the park explodes with the colors of wildflowers, and hikers are treated to Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, and trout lilies along the paths. Enjoy a peaceful ramble through the park, listen to the bluebirds in the trees, and watch warblers, tundra swans, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Canada geese, and white-tailed deer.

Over 191 birds species have been recorded, and in spring and fall, a myriad of migratory birds can be observed. The naturalist at the visitor center will provide information on the birds and mammals in the park, and there is a large outside deck with chairs for scenic views of the river. Enjoy a picnic, fish for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and channel catfish, or rent a boat to explore the river.

4. Manassas National Battlefield Park

Explore the 5,100-acre battlefield where Union and Confederate armies clashed on July 21, 1861, in the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run), fought for a second time on August 1862, and visit Stone House that stood at the center of both battles. Hike down more than 40 miles of trails with interpretive markers describing both conflicts and accounts of the soldiers and civilians.

The gently rolling hills covered with open fields and forests attract grassland birds and ingenious animals, and hikers spot white-tailed deer, foxes, chipmunks, and squirrels along the trails. Join one of the ranger-led historical or environmental field trips or an educational program free of charge.

Go on an outdoor adventure and enjoy a wide range of outstanding recreational activities, from hiking, biking, and horseback riding to whitewater kayaking, fishing, and rock climbing. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today. Our team of automotive experts will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition.

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Jul 07, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

5 Japanese Restaurants Worth the Drive

From sushi to expertly grilled meats, Japanese cuisine never ceases to amaze and delight with its exotic flavors. If you're in the Alexandria, VA area, there are many excellent Japanese restaurants worth trying. And with a car like the bold and sporty 2023 Dodge Challenger, grabbing some sushi can easily turn into a fun and memorable date night! Top Japanese Restaurants Worth the Drive near Alexandria, VA Zento Japanese Restaurant Zento Japanese Restaurant is a popular lunch and dinner spot in Old Town West. Located at 693 N Washington Street, this modern restaurant offers dine-in and carryout options. The selection of fresh seafood will win over the most discerning sushi and sashimi lovers, and you can also order ramen, soups, salads, bento lunch boxes, and more. The small portions are great for sampling different dishes. more Nasime Japanese Restaurant Nasime Japanese Restaurant immediately creates an upscale feel with its classy decor and beautiful plates. This chic restaurant offers a rotating menu based on ingredient availability, but you can expect creations inspired by Japanese and other cuisines, such as ox tail ramen, miso gratin, or otsukuri. We recommend trying the tasting menu to discover new flavors. It includes six dishes and a dessert prepared with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is at 1209 King Street. Momo Sushi & Cafe Located at 212 Queen Street, Momo Sushi & Cafe is an Old Town institution. It's easy to see why this family-owned restaurant is so popular with its cozy atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. The cafe has a small but varied menu that includes items like seaweed soup, budget-friendly appetizers, sushi samplers, and more. The seafood is fresh, and the food feels authentic. Hinata Sushi Bar & Grill Hinata Sushi Bar & Grill is known for its daily specials and huge selection of seafood. From tuna to sea urchins or crab, this Japanese restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients. The menu includes lunch boxes, sushi combos, vegetarian options, and more. We recommend trying the tempura if you're in the mood for something light and crispy! Located at 909 N Saint Asaph Street, this spot is popular for takeout, but it's also an excellent option for a sit-down dinner in a contemporary setting. Kisso Asian Bistro Kisso Asian Bistro is a Pan-Asian restaurant that emphasizes quality and service. Located at 300 King Street, it's a convenient option for grabbing a quick bite after shopping at the Old Town Farmer's Market that takes place across the street on Saturdays. This bistro has some excellent Japanese food, including a popular sushi bar and some sushi and sashimi available a la carte. With so many quality options to choose from, it's no surprise that Japanese food is a favorite among locals in Alexandria. If you need a new vehicle to access the best takeout and dine-in options in the area, stop by Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Alexandria! Image by Design n Print from Pixabay.

Lincoln Memorial Washington Dc photo and picture

Apr 07, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

Drive on Over: The Top 4 Tourist Attractions in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA

There's no doubt about it: Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA have some of the best tourist attractions in the country. But even if you're a local, you should drive over to the local monuments and historical sites for a visit. Make it a family tradition to pack up the Jeep and enjoy the countless experiences that the capitol has to offer. more 1. Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria is a charming part of Alexandria that has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. To drive over to this weekend getaway spot, you can fit the whole family and their luggage with ease in your 2023 Jeep Cherokee. While you're in town, you can walk around on the cobblestone streets and taste delicious foods at the local restaurants. The nightlife has plenty to offer for couples who want a night out in a place full of history. 2. Lincoln Memorial Everything that you've heard about how stunning the Lincoln Memorial is true! You will be breathless when you see the statue of Lincoln, the United States' 16th president, up close. The monument is full of inscriptions of things that Lincoln has said. Many people believe that the best time to visit the memorial is at night because it is surrounded by lights. 3. National Air and Space Museum Get lost for hours in the National Air and Space Museum. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy learning something new here. There's a planetarium, different kinds of planes, and even Neil Armstrong's space suit! Get to look at the original flyer from the Wright Brothers and a model spacecraft from the Star Wars movies. Tickets are free, but you need to book one online beforehand. 4. Library of Congress The Library of Congress is a dream for book lovers, but you'll still be impressed even if you haven't cracked open a novel since you were in school. It has over 100 million items displayed throughout over 500 miles of shelves. The sheer amount of detail, from the mosaics to the statues, will keep you occupied for hours. If you plan on staying in the area, it's definitely worth it to get your library card. Everyone deserves to play tourist for a while, especially when they're exploring areas as interesting as Alexandria and DC. Take a drive in a comfortable and practical vehicle for the whole family: a vehicle you can find at Ourisman CJDR of Alexandria. Contact our team at Ourisman CJDR to find out more about our new and used inventory.

Feb 10, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

4 Favorite Stadiums and Sports Teams in Driving Distance of Alexandria, VA

With close proximity to a range of nearby big cities, Alexandria, VA has a lot of great attractions closeby. This is especially true when it comes to stadiums. Read on to learn about some of the area's must-visit sports teams and where you can see them play. more 1. Nationals Park Take me out to the ball game! Nationals Park is just a 20-minute drive from Alexandria, and it's home to Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals. Watching a Major League Baseball game is a unique experience, and every American should try it at least once. Nationals Park boasts over 40,000 seats and amazing views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol building. Tickets can be bought relatively inexpensively for certain games, and with 14 sanctioned parking lots surrounding the stadium, you're unlikely to struggle to find a place to park. 2. Cooper Field Cooper Field is a 3,750-seat stadium situated on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington D.C. It is the home venue for Georgetown Hoyas' football, soccer, and women's lacrosse teams. It features a small grandstand and impressive floodlights. Cooper Field is around half an hour's drive away from Alexandria. It is in use for different sports throughout the year and rarely reaches its capacity. This is the perfect budget option, with tickets often available for under $1o. 3. West Potomac High School Stadium If you want to support some high school sports, West Potomac High School Stadium is a great option. Located just a 10-minute drive from Alexandria, it is the home venue for the West Potomac Wolverines and features over 1,000 seats. What could be better than taking a short drive out on a fall evening and watching the hometown heroes play their hearts out? You can take the whole family and enjoy watching the band and cheerleaders too. Go team! 4. Audi Field Whether you're a fan of football, soccer, or a range of other sports, Audi Field could be the place for you. Although it serves primarily as the home venue for DC United of Major League Soccer, it also plays host to the DC defenders of the XFL and occasional lacrosse games. This 20,000-seat venue is located in Buzzard Point, Washington D.C. It's just a 20-minute drive from Alexandria and depending on the event, tickets can be found for well under $20. Soccer and XFL games alike are said to have an amazing atmosphere, with the compact stadium echoing the sounds of the crowd. With the right vehicle, you can visit all of these amazing venues in style. Come on down to Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria and get a great deal on an amazing vehicle.