Where to Live: Vienna, by Lex Lianos

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1

Distance: 0.53mi , Attraction : Start

2084 VA-123, Tysons, VA 22182, USA

Let's Begin!

Hey there! You found me. Are you ready to get started? Awesome! You need to be heading west on Chain Bridge Road.

One thing that I love about this area is that there are so many parks tucked away here and there. About one tenth of a mile past Weston Way on your right is a small path that leads to Freedom Hill Park. Back during the Civil War, this park was the location of a fortified gunpit used to defend Washington. Today it is a nice little park with a playground, picnic area and wildlife galore. Next we are going to turn right on St. Andrews Drive.

  https://www.lexlianos.com/

Place #2

Distance: 0.46mi , Attraction : Golf Course

1101 Westbriar Dr NE, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Westwood Country Club Golf Course

So what’s over here? Well behind the trees to your right is the Westwood Country Club golf course. This 6,910 yard 18 hole, par 71 golf course is newly renovated and has a driving range with grass teas, a short game area and a putting green.

Follow this street and then turn right on Chain Bridge Road so I can take you past the country club entrance on our way into downtown Vienna.

  https://www.westwoodcc.com/golf

Place #3

Distance: 0.21mi , Attraction : Country Club

Maple Ave and Mashie Dr, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Westwood Country Club

Ahead on your right is the entrance to the family-friendly Westwood Country Club. Aside from the golf course that we drove past, it has a 58,000 square foot clubhouse, 10 tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool and a fitness center.

  https://www.westwoodcc.com/club-information

Place #4

Distance: 0.17mi , Attraction : Restaurants

Maple Ave & Follin Ln, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Maple Avenue, Anita's, and Clarity

Maple Ave is the main road of Vienna. Just past E. Street on your left is Anita’s. It’s a great little Mexican restaurant that has the absolute best breakfast burritos around.

The Wolftrappe Shopping Center will be on your right. There you will find Clarity Restaurant. If you're looking for a high class modern American dining experience, Clarity has won numerous awards including Best Pick for Modern American Restaurant by Northern Virginia Magazine. Way to go Clarity!

  http://www.anitascorp.com/home

Place #5

Distance: 0.20mi , Attraction : STEM Center

450 Maple Ave E STE 306, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

iCode

Do you have one of those kids that just can't get enough Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics? Lucky you, because ahead on your left is iCode. Offering instructor-led, hands-on STEM classes and camps with the latest hardware such as gaming computers, 3D printers, robotics, and even drones, iCode makes STEM education fun. And, if you noticed the ABC liquor store next to iCode, you aren't the only parent who may need to pick up a few bottles of something after dropping off your kid at iCode. No judgement here!

  https://icodeschool.com/vienna/

Place #6

Distance: 0.15mi , Attraction : Vinter

374 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Vintner

On your left is the Maple Avenue Shopping Center where you will find a Giant for groceries, a Micheals for crafts and an Advance Auto Parts store for, well, auto parts.

If you need specialty, hand-selected wines, check out Vienna Vintner on your right. They also offer weekend tastings from their amazing selection of wines. If you see me there, make sure to say hello!

  http://www.viennavintner.com/

Place #7

Distance: 0.20mi , Attraction : Music Club and Coffee Shop

262 VA-123, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Jammin Java

We are going to be turning right on Mill Street but first, on your left is a very special place, unique to Vienna alone - Jammin Java. It’s a music club and coffee bar that has become a top-100 club in ticket sales in the world according to Pollstar Magazine. Not only has it hosted artists like Nick Jonas, Paramore and Bon Iver, it also has morning performances for children and a lobby bar for adults in the evenings.
Don’t forget to turn right on Mill Street!

  https://www.jamminjava.com/

Place #8

Distance: 0.08mi , Attraction : Town Green

156 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Town Green

Please turn right, and then on your left will be the Vienna Town Green. It is one of Vienna’s primary gathering places, featuring an amphitheater, restrooms, plaza and water fountains. There’s also a free concert series here that lasts all summer long.

  https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=81

Place #9

Distance: 0.15mi , Attraction : Library, Museum, Brewery, Gym

164 Mill St NE, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Historic Library, Freeman Store, Caboose Brewery, Crossfit

Vienna’s original 1897 Library is also located on your left at the Town Green and just around the corner is the Freeman Store Gift Shop. Both places give you an opportunity to step back in time and learn a little more about Vienna, Virginia history.

We will be turning left on Ayr Hill Avenue, but if you were to continue down Mill Street you would find Caboose Brewing Company and Crossfit Mill Street. Caboose is a very popular hang out because it provides a small-town pub feel, offers a variety of locally sourced menu items,
and is located right along the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Trail.

  https://www.caboosebrewing.com/

Place #10

Distance: 0.17mi , Attraction : Trail

239 Mill St NE, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Washington and Old Dominion Trail

We are approaching the Washington and Old Dominion trail, so watch out for bikers, joggers, walkers and even rollerbladers. The trail starts in Arlington, ends in Purceville, and is 45 miles of asphalt fun.

After you cross the trail and turn left, look to your left to find the historic Vienna train depot. It was originally built in 1859 and now hosts meetings, lectures and railroad displays.

Otherwise known as the W&OD, the Washington and Old Dominion trail runs through urban areas of DC, suburban communities like Vienna, and even rural areas like Purceville. For horse enthusiasts there’s a 32 mile long equestrian trail that runs alongside the pedestrian trail.

The W&OD is the perfect trail for pretty much everyone and is a Vienna Town favorite.

  https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park

Place #11

Distance: 0.27mi , Attraction : Coffee Shop

125 Church St NE, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Cafe Amouri, Bazin's, Red Galanga, Post Office

Ahh, coffee. After you turn right, look to your left to find Cafe Amouri. It is a local favorite, roasting all of their coffee in-house and guaranteeing it will be the best coffee you’ve ever tasted. They are the only certified Specialty Coffee Association within 150 miles of Washington, DC.

There is more to offer here than coffee though. Cafe Amouri also has Friday Club Night, Saturday Open Mic Night and special classes throughout the month in culinary art, book publishing, coffee sampling and much more.

Ahead on the right is Evelyn Rose. If you feel the urge for spice rubbed Elk Rack, or maybe a fried Amish half chicken, or even kombu poached wild Alaskan halibut, this is the place.

Owner Sam Schnoebelen and Chef Nick Palermo named this classy restaurant after their grandmothers Evelyn and Rose. Sam says his grandma Evelyn was a terrible cook but always gathered the family around the dinner table. I guess that's enough to get a fantastic restaurant named after you!


Enough about food. If it’s a Post Office you are looking for, you’ve got one just ahead of you at the end of Church Street, where we will be turning right on Lawyers Road.

  https://www.caffeamouri.com/

Place #12

Distance: 0.20mi , Attraction : Church

214 Lawyers Rd NW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Civil War Era Church

That old church on your left was built by black soldiers just after the civil war. It was home to the First Baptist congregation which has since been moved over to Orchard Street.

Let’s turn right on Ayr Hill and check out some of the beautiful homes here.

  https://www.knightsvienna.org/

Place #13

Distance: 0.52mi , Attraction : Center Street

302 Center St N, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Center Street

We will be turning left on Center St. If you were to continue straight instead, this road would take you back to the W&OD crossing near the Vienna Town Green.

As you enjoy your drive, here are a few random facts about Vienna: It covers 4.41 square miles at an elevation of 389 feet. We get an average of 41 inches of rain per year here, which is why everything is so lush and green and beautiful.
Enjoy the drive!

Place #14

Distance: 0.65mi , Attraction : Park

9509 Center St, Vienna, VA 22181, USA

Northside Park

The parking area to your right has access to the W&OD trail and Northside Park. Northside is a 26 acre park filled with hiking paths. There are so many outdoor spaces to explore in Vienna! Trials, forests, lakes, creeks… you name it. Vienna is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Let’s turn left on Abbotsford Drive. Feel free to turn into any of the little neighborhoods you see and have a look around!

  https://www.viennava.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/3

Place #15

Distance: 0.46mi , Attraction : Directions

9701 Counsellor Dr, Vienna, VA 22181, USA

Left on Lawyers

We are almost to Lawyers Road. If you were to turn right you would enjoy a nice country drive out to Reston where you would see a lot of beautiful and quiet neighborhoods on both sides of the road.

Let’s turn left and head back into the heart of Vienna and see some more of the community. In the days of the first european settlement, the original county courthouse used to be in Tysons Corner, which is still reflected in some of the street names such as ‘Lawyers Road’ and ‘Old Courthouse Road.” As you are driving, again feel free to explore some of the streets that turn off Lawyers. There are some really amazing neighborhoods around here.

Place #16

Distance: 0.33mi , Attraction : Avenue

347 State Rte 673, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Windover Avenue

How about we take a shortcut on Windover Avenue ahead on your right? Sound good? Good. It’s a fun little country road with some really great homes.

Place #17

Distance: 0.23mi , Attraction : Private School

295 Windover Ave NW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Green Hedges School

Are you having a “pleasant” drive? Great! Go past Pleasant Street and then turn left on Lewis Street. Before you turn though, look catty corner to your right. There you will find Green Hedges School. This small co-ed independent school has been offering big experiences to kids from 2 years old through 8th grade for over 75 years!

  https://www.greenhedges.org/

Place #18

Distance: 0.23mi , Attraction : Restaurants

135 Lewis St NW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Carnegie Diner

Just like I said, Green Hedges School is catty corner to your right. Do you see it? Cool.

Please turn left on Lewis Street and then right on Maple Avenue. On the corner of Lewis and Maple is Carnegie Diner. This new modern diner serves all-day breakfast, brunch, lunch, pre-theater and dinner. You can find anything from omelets to burgers, and pasta to porkchops. And don't get me started on their OMG 24 layer chocolate cake. You just need to go on in and try it for yourself.

  https://www.carnegiediner.com/

Place #19

Distance: 0.30mi , Attraction : School

450 Maple Ave W Suite 301, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Wawa and James Madison High School

Check it out! There’s a WAWA on your right! If you don’t know what a WAWA is, it is basically a convenience store sent straight from heaven. Trust me. They have everything.
Now a block up the street past Wawa on your right is the road that leads to James Madison High School. Go Warhawks!! It was built in 1959 and is named after the 4th President of the United States

  https://madisonhs.fcps.edu/

Place #20

Distance: 0.78mi , Attraction : Garden Center

2736 Glengyle Dr, Vienna, VA 22181, USA

DePaul's Urban Farm

Here’s another local favorite coming up on your left. DePaul’s Urban Farm is a family owned and operated farm market and garden center. What can you find there? Beautiful and colorful annuals and perennials, trees, herbs, fruit and vegetable plants, plus locally produced fruits and vegetables, honey, jams and jellies. Also gardening supplies, pots, statuaries and more. But wait, that’s just during the spring and summer! This place doesn’t close for the winter. They have pumpkins, cider, Holiday wreaths and Christmas trees, decorations… whew. I’m tired of telling you all the cool things about Depauls. Wait, they also have a big fire pit in the winter where you can stop by and warm up. Ok, now I’m done. You really have to check it out for yourself though.

Nottoway Park is our next stop. Follow your navigation and I’ll see you there.

  http://www.depaulsurbanfarm.com/

Place #21

Distance: 0.54mi , Attraction : Park

2696 Courthouse Rd, Vienna, VA 22181, USA

Nottoway Park

On your right is Nottoway Park and it is huge. It has baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, sand volleyball, soccer fields, ultimate frisbee fields, picnic areas, a large leash free dog park,a fitness trail, and a peaceful wooded nature path. During the summer, you can enjoy Nottoway Nights which is a weekly series of free public concerts put on by entertainers from all over the world.

Wanna get married or have a party or some other fun gathering? Hunter House in Nottoway Park is an historic mansion that can accommodate 75 guests indoors and 150 outdoors. Now you have a reason to throw a party! Or, to get married!

Just past the dog park is Nottoway Garden, where you can rent a small plot of land to grow your own fruits, vegetables and flowers. There are 9 different gardens with 650 plots spread throughout the county. I think that’s pretty neat.

Now let’s go check out a small neighborhood park and some surrounding neighborhoods.

  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/nottoway-park

Place #22

Distance: 0.68mi , Attraction : Park

441 Courthouse Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Meadow Lane Park

After you turn right on Ware Street, you will see Meadow Lane Park on your left. It has a fenced in playground with slides, swings, jungle gyms and plenty of “running around and just being a kid” space.

There are also tennis courts, a basketball court, ball field, restrooms and a pavilion. Stay on Ware Street until we get to Tapawingo Road where we will be turning left. By the way, the word “Tapawingo” means “place of joy” in many Native American Languages. I bet you can find your “place of joy” in one of these neighborhoods. We are currently in the Town Center neighborhood of Vienna.

  https://www.viennava.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/2

Place #23

Distance: 0.80mi , Attraction : Directions

306 Tapawingo Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Directions

Let’s turn right on Cottage Street and head toward Kingsley Road, where we will be turning left. If you were to continue on Cottage past Kingsley you would be driving into the Vienna Woods neighborhood. Lot’s of great houses there as well, plus Southside Park which is 17 acres of fun. Baseball fields, football fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, a playground, pavilion and restrooms.

Our left turn on Kingsley will bring us to Park Street.

Place #24

Distance: 0.79mi , Attraction : School

1033 Park St, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Cunningham Park Elementary

Let’s turn left on Park Street and head back toward Vienna Town Center. On your left you will find Cunningham Park Elementary School. Go Cardinals!! Behind the school is Cunningham Park. It has baseball fields, easy trails, an outdoor basketball court and a tennis court.

Go ahead and stay on Park Street until we get back to Tapawingo Road and then turn left.

  https://cunninghamparkes.fcps.edu/

Place #25

Distance: 0.59mi , Attraction : Directions

120 Tapawingo Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Left on Plum Street

Let’s turn right on Plum Street.

A lot of the homes in Vienna were originally built in the 60’s, but in the last few years these neighborhoods have been seeing a lot of changes. Old houses are being torn down and new larger modern houses are being built instead. There are always a lot of new families moving into these neighborhoods. Enjoy the drive as we head to Courthouse Road.

Place #26

Distance: 0.26mi , Attraction : Directions

306 Plum St SW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Right on Courthouse

Please turn right on Courthouse and then take your second right. That will be Locust Street.

Place #27

Distance: 0.18mi , Attraction : Shopping Center, Police Department, Field

120 Cottage St SW, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Shopping Center, Police Department, Waters Field

The parking lot down the street on your left is on the back side of the Vienna Shopping Center. There are a lot of great restaurants there including one of my favorites, Taco Bamba. There’s also Chopt, Cava, Mod Pizza, Panera Bread, Ben and Jerry’s, and a conveniently located Urgent Care Center.

Ahead on your right is the police department, which reminds me, according to recent FBI reports, Vienna is safer than 83% of the cities in America.

At the end of this street to your right is Water Caffi Field. It’s a nice little turf sports facility that is open to the public and has restrooms and a snack bar.

Let’s turn left on Center Street.

  https://www.myviennashoppingcenter.com/

Place #28

Distance: 0.10mi , Attraction : School

143 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Elementary School

Vienna Elementary School is on your right. Let’s go Vikings! By the way, there are 15 wonderful elementary schools in Vienna.

The Vienna Town Hall is on your left.

  https://viennaes.fcps.edu/

Place #29

Distance: 0.31mi , Attraction : Library, Restaurant, Grocery Store

102 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Patrick Henry Library, Vienna Inn, Whole Foods

The Patrick Henry Library is on your right, and it is about to undergo a major facelift. A two-story library plus a parking garage is slated to be completed here by 2024. Now that’s exciting!

After you’ve turned right on Maple Avenue, let me point out Vienna Inn on your left. This family friendly restaurant opened in 1960 and is a staple in the heart of Vienna. There is something for everyone, including one of the 10,000 chili dogs that they sell each month, plus a full selection of beer and keg rentals.

Vienna also has a Whole Foods Market on your right. They proudly sell groceries and products that meet quality standards for being “natural”.
Next let’s turn right on Park Street.

  http://www.viennainn.com/

Place #30

Distance: 0.05mi , Attraction : Roundabout

140 Park St, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Roundabout

We are approaching the infamous Vienna Roundabout. Please remember to yield to traffic that is in the circle.

  https://www.defensivedriving.com/blog/tips-for-correct-roundabout-protocol/

Place #31

Distance: 0.37mi , Attraction : Community Center and Farmer's Market

201B Locust St SE, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Community Center and Farmer's Market

There’s another W&OD crossing ahead, so please drive carefully. By the way, it just seems to be a thing here in Vienna that bikers and walkers usually wave at the cars that are paused at the crosswalks, and the car drivers wave back. Test it out for yourself!

On your right is the Vienna Community Center. Let’s turn right on Cherry Street and drive around it. Amenities here include a full size basketball court, 2 pickleball courts and a volleyball court. There’s also a stage, a sound room, multiple meeting spaces and a kitchen. You can take classes here, host a party, take in a concert or just enjoy time with family. It’s a great Community Center.

The parking lot here gets very busy every Saturday from June through October with the Vienna Farmers Market. This is a 100% volunteer, locally grown, local producer-only market. The vendors must grow, raise, bake or make all of the products that they sell and all producers are located within a 150 mile radius of Fairfax County. It’s a great way to keep that small town feeling from only 15 miles outside of Washington, DC. Please turn left on Center Street.

  https://www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=77

Place #32

Distance: 0.99mi , Attraction : Fire Department

300 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department

We are gonna turn right here on Center Street but first, look to your left. That’s the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Aside from fighting fires, they also host weekly Bingo nights, plus pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners from time to time. Each December they get out the old antique fire engine and drive Santa Clause around town to spread holiday cheer.

Center Street is gonna take you right back past Vienna Elementary and to Maple Avenue. Turning right on Maple will get you all the way back to the beginning of the tour.

Well, now that you’ve seen a bit of what Vienna has to offer, maybe drive around some more and check out the lovely neighborhoods. Don’t forget to get in touch with Lex Lianos so he can help you find your perfect home in this fantastic town. You can reach him at 703-340-7474 or email lex. lex@lianos.com (spell it out again.) Also check out his website - lexlianos.com

Thanks again for letting me show you around Vienna with the UCPlaces app! Have a lovely day!

  http://vvfd.org/index.html