About Fairfax VA
Fairfax is an independent city in the state of Virginia and is as well part of the Washington Arlington Alexandria Metropolitan region. This Virginia city is also part of the northern Virginia area. The City of Fairfax was named in the honor of Thomas Fairfax who was the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron. This English noble was granted around 5,000,000 acres of land in the northern Virginia region by King Charles of Great Britain. The future site of the city was first settled by farmers who hailed from the Tidewater region of Virginia in the early 18th century.
The scene of the very first land battle in the American Civil War, which was referred to as the Battle of Fairfax Courthouse occurred here in 1861. This battle proved to be inconclusive and a follow up battle took place in 1863 in which the Union troops were defeated. This particular battle was a forerunner of the devastating Confederate defeat in the battle of Gettysburg. A factor that arose by the confederate cavalry been held up in Fairfax 3 days prior to the battle of Gettysburg. The city of Fairfax was incorporated as a town and city in the years 1874 and 1961 respectively. Under the laws of the commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax is separate from Fairfax County, but still remains its county seat.
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Top attractions
The City of Fairfax is home to a wide variety of structures that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This includes Blenheim, 29 Diner, City of Fairfax Historic District, Old Fairfax County Jail, Fairfax Public School. The Ratcliffe Allison House and the Old Fairfax County Court House. The last of which has the distinction of been the oldest historic building in this Virginia city. The very first courthouse was established in the mid 18th century, close to the present site of Tyson’s Corner. The oldest 2 story building in the City of Fairfax is the Fairfax Public School, which was constructed in 1873. In the early 1990s it was converted into the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center.
Fairfax is as well noted for hosting a wide range of festivals that are held on an annual basis and draw large crowds to the city from the region. This includes the Chocolate Lovers Festival, which is held in the center of Old Town Fairfax in the 1st full weekend of the month of February. This event showcases craft showcases historic building open houses and kids’ activities. It as well features numerous vendors who sell edible chocolate products. The Chocolate Lovers Festival also has a chocolate sculpture competition.
There is as well the Fairfax Civil War Day celebration that is essentially a reenactment event, which is held in the Blenheim estate. The Fairfax Civil War Day offers cultural information on Civil WAR era personalities and practices. It also features a fascinating firing demonstration. The City of Fairfax as well hosts the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts in every month of April. This particular event runs for 3 full weeks and comes complete with live music, dance, theater and choral entertainment.
There is also the Independence Day Celebration Parade and Evening Show. This event has the distinction of being the biggest hometown parade and fireworks celebration in the entire Washington Metropolitan area. Some of its top attractions include a vibrant parade through Old Town Fairfax, tours of historic structures and locally based museums, a live concert, fireworks displays to name just but a few. The City of Fairfax also hosts the Fall for the Books Festival in autumn. This event features book readings, lectures and discussions. Not to mention exhibitions from nationally acclaimed authors and other professionals. Lastly, there is the Festival of Lights and Carols. This particular City of Fairfax event is held on the very 1st Saturday in the month of December. Some of its top attractions are photo opportunities with Santa Claus, caroling, a Yule log, mulled cider and the illumination of Old Town Fairfax.
Old Town Fairfax
Old Town Fairfax is otherwise known as Historic Fairfax, and was established way back in the late 18th century, 1799 to be more precise. During the colonial as well as the revolutionary era, this City of Fairfax area was a popular haunt for some of the country’s most famous statesmen. This includes George Washington, William Fairfax and George Mason. Visitors to Old Town Fairfax can participate in self guided tours of the numerous historic structures to be found in it. This includes the Fairfax Court House, Ratcliffe Allison House, Joshua Gunnel House, Fairfax Elementary School, old Town Hall, Old Fairfax Jail to mention just but a few.
Eaglebank Arena
The Eaglebank Arena is a 10,000 seater City of Fairfax arena that is situated in the campus of the George Mason University. It is well noted for hosting some of the most popular music concerts and family oriented events in this Virginia city. Some of the most trendy of which include annual events that are renowned for drawing both locals and visitors in large droves. Some of the most prominent of which are the Ringling Brothers and Barnum, Sesame Street Live, the Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on the Ice, Bailey Circus to name just but a few.
National Firearms Museum
This City of Fairfax museum is well noted for showcasing the history of firearms in the country from the 14th century to the present moment. Some of its most popular exhibits are firearms collections of a grand total of 6 different United States Presidents. Not to mention those of 6 different foreign heads of state. The National Firearms Museum also puts to show firearms associated with the Pilgrims, the American War of Independence, the Civil War and many other events that occurred in the country’s history.
Burke Lake Park
This is a 218 acre Fairfax park, which offers a wide variety of water sports fun recreational activities. This includes fishing, boating, rowboat rentals and camping. The Burke Lake Park comes complete with a miniature train, a carousel, outdoor volleyball courts and an 18 hole golf course. There is as well a driving range, an ice cream parlor, picnic grounds, playgrounds and an amphitheater.
Historic Blenheim
Historic Blenheim is a 12 acre site that is crammed to the gills, so to speak with all sorts of historic structures together with vistas which are reminiscent of the Civil War epoch. It has an interpretive center that provides educational tours and various programs. Not to mention lectures by notable Civil War scholars, Civil War living history events and even Civil War demonstrations.
Fairfax ice Arena
This is a leading City of Fairfax attraction that offers public ice skating opportunities to both locals and visitors. This facility is as well used to host hockey leagues, skating parties, skating lessons and even camps. The Fairfax Ice Arena comes complete with a pro shop that boasts of one of the biggest collection of skating equipment in this region of the state of Virginia.
Ox Hill Battlefield Park
This City of Fairfax park has the distinction of been one of the key Civil War sites in the whole of Fairfax County. It comes complete with interpretive kiosks, which provide detailed information on the battle that was waged here. While, at the same time, offering key insights of the soldiers who sustained injuries on the site. The Ox Hill Battlefield Park also has 2 granite memorials, which were constructed in honor of the 2 Union generals who lost their lives at the battle of Ox Hill.
Fair Oaks Mall
The Fair Oaks Mall features around 200 store, eateries and services. This includes Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Apple, Brighton Collectibles, Coach, Michael Kors, XXI Forever, Zoe Salon & Spa to name but a few.