Enjoy an Oasis of Rejuvenation at 3 Spas Near Alexandria

There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy around Alexandria, and fishing is one of them. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to fish from shore or a big lake where you can take the family out in the boat, you're sure to find something. Grab the appropriate fishing license and gear and head out to these four secret fishing spots to check out near Alexandria, Virginia. Mason Neck State Park Just a short distance away in Lorton, you'll find the Mason Neck State Park. This is a full-service park with a picnic area, playground, hiking trails, three miles of paved multi-use trails, and a visitor center. There's also a place to rent bicycles, kayaks, and canoes. The park offers access to Belmont Bay and Kane's Creek for those looking to fish. You'll find brackish and fresh fish at the end of your poles when you haul in the big one. Be sure you have a valid fishing license from either Maryland or Virginia before you cast away. more Leesylvania State Park Another great full-service park is the Leesylvania State Park in nearby Woodbridge. You can check out the visitor center and gift shop as well as purchase food at the snack bar and store as a part of your trip. Leesylvania offers a picnic area, hiking trails, and a playground, but the best part for those who wish to fish is the universally accessible fishing pier on the Potomac River. The Potomac is well-known for its bass, but there are also perch and catfish for the taking. The park offers both a car-top launch for smaller boats, such as kayaks and canoes and a boat launch area that provides two separate ramps and sailboat hoists. Motorboats are allowed to launch from the park as well. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent a sailboat from the Northern Virginia Sailing School at the park. Allen Pond Park Crossing the state line into Maryland, you'll discover Allen Pond Park and its 10-acre stocked pond. This park offers a fitness trail, picnic sites, two playgrounds, walking and biking trail, a fitness trail, ball fields, and a basketball court. It's also where you'll find the Bowie Ice Arena, Bowie Skate Park, and Robert V. Setera Amphitheater. For those interested in fishing, the park offers boat rentals to help you get out on the pond. Please note that all anglers must have a valid Maryland fishing license with the added trout stamp to enjoy the pond, which is stocked several times a year by the Department of Natural Resources. Centennial Park Centennial Park, located in Ellicott City, Maryland, is another excellent place to catch some fish. You can enjoy the pavilions, picnic area, 2.6-mile paved path, or the 7.3 miles of interconnecting trails. The park also offers concessions, general store items, and boat rental through the Adventure Shack & Rentals from spring to early fall. Castaway, and you may come up with a tiger muskie, sunfish, trout, or bass from the 54-acre man-made lake, stocked by the State Department of FIsheries. Pack your tackle box, grab your fishing gear, and make sure you have the appropriate license, and then get out and fish.   Image via Pixabay

If you're trying to find an activity that the entire family will enjoy, you should consider a visit to one of the Alexandria, Virginia, area's excellent museums. Whether you're interested in science, art, or history, you're sure to find a trip to the museum to be an enriching experience. Here are three museums in Alexandria worth checking out. Lee-Fendall House In 1784, Philip R. Fendall bought a plot of land from his relative, Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, a leader in the Revolutionary War, ninth governor of Virginia, and father of Robert E. Lee. Fendall oversaw the construction of a mansion that would be home to members of the Lee family until 1903. more That year, the house was purchased by Robert Downham, a prominent saloon owner. The Downham family lived in the mansion until Prohibition shut down their business interests. The mansion's final resident was John L. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers of America. When Lewis passed away in 1969, the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation purchased the house and surrounding gardens and turned it into a museum. Today visitors can tour the Lee-Fendall House and experience what life was like in Northern Virginia from 1784 to 1969. As you appreciate the mansion's stunning architecture and decor, you'll also learn about the complicated and often controversial people who called it home. The museum also hosts workshops and educational lectures. Torpedo Factory Art Center Part museum, part studio, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in Alexandria's local arts scene. The center serves as a workspace for 82 working artists specializing in painting, ceramics, photography, and other forms of fine art. Many artists open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to observe the creative process and ask questions. Inside the center's many galleries, you can find pieces for sale. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is also home to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Here, you can view many of the artifacts discovered in archaeological digs around the city. For those wishing to create their own works of art, the center offers classes both in-studio and online. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum provides visitors an interesting glimpse of Northern Virginian history through the lens of medicine. Before it became a museum, the building served as a working apothecary from 1792 to 1933. After the passing of the apothecary's final owner, the building and its contents were purchased by the Landmarks Society of Alexandria and the American Pharmaceutical Association. The museum's extensive collection includes medical equipment and herbal remedies, as well as several hand-blown glass vials and bottles. If you take a glimpse at the prescription books and invoices on display, you'll recognize the names of customers like Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee. At the museum shop, you can find books about medical history, herbal teas, and unique gifts. As you can see, there are some fascinating museums in the Alexandria area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to enjoy learning about the culture and history of Northern Virginia. Image via Pixabay.com

Alexandria, Virginia, residents who want to drive cars with jaw-dropping style deserve to make their automotive dreams come true. The feeling of pride that comes from driving a truly show-stopping car, bestowed with iconic lines and plenty of raw power, is such a rush. While these cars aren't for the meek or tame, they offer the thrills and adrenaline that bolder car fans simply can't resist. more 2020 Dodge Charger Going for good looks and high performance doesn't mean sacrificing practicality. When you treat yourself to a 2020 Dodge Charger, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds. You'll love this car's muscular appearance, as well as the rumble of the base trim's 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which provides 292 horsepower. You'll also appreciate the fact that it provides true four-door sedan comfort. This rear-wheel-drive beast has retro design elements that are so much fun, as well as cutting-edge infotainment that makes it very easy to enjoy the ride. Tantalizing new colors are available for this year, so have fun choosing between sinamon, hellraisin, and frostbite. Four trims are available. The base trim is the SXT. The next bump up is the G/T. The third trim is the R/T. The highest trim is the Scat Pack, which delivers 495 horsepower via its 6.4-liter V-8 motor. Drive it if you dare. 2020 Chrysler 300 If you want a luxurious, full-sized sedan with a dramatic grille that stops the traffic, be sure to consider the 2020 Chrysler 300. This bold and beautiful car comes in four trims, which are Touring, Touring L, 300 S, and Limited. The base trim, Touring, features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 292 horsepower. The motor is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model seats five in an upscale cabin and will tow 1000 pounds. The premium trim, Limited, has extra bells and whistles that you'll appreciate, such as a driver's seat with power recline, leather seats, and genuine wood and leather steering wheel. 2020 Dodge Challenger The brashest performance will be at your fingertips when you become a 2020 Dodge Challenger owner. This powerful vehicle will be one that you're so proud to show off. Choose your preferred trim to get the personalized style and high-octane excitement that you want. The base trim is SXT. Next up is the GT, followed by the RT. The highest trim is the RT Scat Pack. The base model comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that provides 305 horsepower. This motor is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This entry-level Challenger has cloth seats, LED daytime running lights, and automatic air conditioning. At the top of the pile is the RT Scat Pack, with its 6.4-liter V-8 engine. This motor delivers 485 horsepower. This top-tier trim has plenty of fun extras, including satellite radio. optional sun/moon roof, climate control, and optional leather seats. If you're ready to turn heads, don't wait another minute to take one of these legendary cars for a test drive. These striking vehicles will never fade into the background.