Where to Live: Mantua, Virginia

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1

Distance: 0.15mi , Attraction : Metro

2670m Avenir Pl, Vienna, VA 22180, USA

Dunn-Lorring Merrifield Metro

To begin this tour, let's start at the Dunn Loring- Merrifield Metro, with metro access this close, D.C is in the comfort of your backyard. This metro stop is on the Orange line which can take you to The National Mall for site seeing as well as downtown Georgetown which is a great area for shopping and dining.

  https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/dunn-loring.cfm

Place #2

Distance: 0.13mi , Attraction : Restaurant

2676K Avenir Pl, Chantilly, VA 20598, USA

District Taco

Want a new Taco Tuesday spot? Come to District Taco. District Taco originally started in 2007 as a food truck, and is now one of the best places to get authentic Mexican food. Keep your eyes peeled for their Taco truck that still operates and can be spotted around the area.

  https://www.districttaco.com/

Place #3

Distance: 0.14mi , Attraction : Restaurant

2727a Merrilee Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Lost Dog Cafe

Lost Dog Cafe not only has a great food and beer selection, it was founded on the mission to help rescue animals. The original owners, Ross and Pam started Lost Dog Cafe in 1985 but their love of rescuing and helping animals soon bled into their business and Lost Dog Cafe became what it is today.

  https://www.lostdogcafe.com/

Place #4

Distance: 0.12mi , Attraction : gym

2803 Merrilee Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Gyms

Looking for a new workout to add to your routine? Less than a block away there's Fairfax Crossfit and Corepower Yoga studio.

  https://crossfitfairfax.com/

Place #5

Distance: 0.27mi , Attraction : Store

2813 Merrilee Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Home depot

The Home depot is perfect for all your home renovation and DIY project needs.

  https://www.homedepot.com/

Place #6

Distance: 0.26mi , Attraction : Shopping

112 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Mosaic District part 1

Mosaic District is in the heart of Fairfax. Eat a farm to table cuisine at True Food Kitchen or enjoy after work drinks at Bartaco. Jinya Ramen bar is an amazing spot to get authentic ramen. Mosaic’s open green space is perfect for soaking up the summer sun or even watching free projected movies every Thursday night. Don't forget to visit the year round farmers market on Sundays to get your hands on farm-fresh produce.

If you’re looking for a good date night spot, you will never run out of things to do. Watch the newest releases or something more underground and indie at Angelika movie theatre. There's also plenty of shops to fix a sweet tooth craving such as Praline bakery and 520 Ice Cream. The target parking deck makes for easy and hassle free parking as well.

  https://mosaicdistrict.com/?doing_wp_cron=1624379894.1258730888366699218750

Place #7

Distance: 0.37mi , Attraction : Bar

165 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Mosaic District part 2

Well? Which restaurant are you going to try first? You can’t go wrong here in Mosaic District. Looking for a way to get out some energy and have some fun? Check out Bad Axe Throwing on your left. And this is just a coincidence, but now it’s time to switch gears and show you where the nearest hospital is. Follow your navigation.

  https://mosaicdistrict.com/?doing_wp_cron=1624379894.1258730888366699218750

Place #8

Distance: 0.90mi , Attraction : Recreation

3024 Javier Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Recreation

Here’s some random recreation information: Did you know that there are over 20 5ks,10ks and triathlons held in Northern Virginia alone? If you want to pick up running, Fairfax has its own NOVA running club to help you train.

  https://novarunningclub.com/

Place #9

Distance: 1.01mi , Attraction : Hospital

3270 Gallows Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

We are coming up on the enormous Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Campus. Take care knowing you’re only a short drive away from one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital offers a 182-acute care facility along with 24-hour emergency care as well as advanced radiology and laboratory services. No matter the ailment, know you are in good hands at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Please turn right on Woodburn Road.

  https://www.inova.org/locations/inova-fair-oaks-hospital

Place #10

Distance: 0.95mi , Attraction : Park

3432 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Mantua Parks

Are you looking for some parks and rec? Mantua has that. Eakin Park has basketball courts, tennis courts, athletic fields, playgrounds and trails.

Sally Ormsby Park
Sally Ormsby park is part of the Fairfax Cross Country trail offering a paved trail perfect for runners or bikers. Known for its wildlife, you may even see an owl on your walk. If you hear the sound of a train passing by, that's the Norfolk-Southern Railway that runs just along the park.

Lucky you, this park system has a stretch of the Gerry Connoly trail running right through it along with Accotink Creek. The Gerry Connoly trail is a total of 40 miles long and will take you the entire length of the county. Do you have 40 miles ready in those running shoes! Lot’s to see and do here!

  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/picnics/eakin-mantua-section

Place #11

Distance: 0.42mi , Attraction : Facts

3812 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Mantua Facts

Here are some quick facts about the Mantua area as we continue our tour. Most of Mantua was built between the 1950s and the 1980s. The area has a population of about 7,000 people, however if Fairfax county was a city, it would be the 10th most populated city in America making it larger than Atlanta or Boston.

  http://www.city-data.com/city/Mantua-Virginia.html

Place #12

Distance: 0.62mi , Attraction : Community College

4001 Wakefield Dr, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Nova

After you turn right on WakefieldChapel Rd, off to your left will be one of the campuses of Northern Virginia Community College. Nicknamed Nova, this public community college is the third largest multi-campus in the United States. An even better statistic is the fact that NOVA has students from over 180 countries. Talk about diversity!

  https://www.nvcc.edu/

Place #13

Distance: 1.31mi , Attraction : Directions

4308 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Directions and neighborhoods

Turn right on Ardfour Lane.

Look around and You’ll find a variety of colonial and contemporary styled homes in this neighborhood. Also on Wakefield drive you find access to public walking trails, perfect for a stroll in the neighborhood.

Turn right up at Burbank Drive.

Place #14

Distance: 0.42mi , Attraction : Neighborhoods

4202 Ann Fitz Hugh Dr, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Ann Fitz Hugh Drive/Truro Homes Association

Many of the streets of Truro are named after American colonial folklore.
For example, Ann Fitz Hugh Drive was named after Miss Anne Fitzhugh of the Ravensworth Estate in Annandale. Legend has it Anne had visited her father on a trip to England when she fell in love with Captain Charles Hawkins of the British army. When the revolution began she went with him to the colonies to fight the rebellion. The colonists stormed the manor and Anne hid in the attic. Just as the colonists were leaving, a soldier drew his sword into the attic, killing Ann.

The Truro home community was founded on preserving the parkland and forest, making nature feel more integrated than an afterthought. This neighborhood also features a community clubhouse,pools, tennis courts and playground. This neighborhood will feel like home with volunteer sponsored neighborhood cookouts, bird walks, summer pool parties and even food trucks

  http://trurohomes.org/truro-where-did-it-begin/

Place #15

Distance: 0.43mi , Attraction : Community Center

4001 Guinea Rd, Annandale, VA 22003, USA

Pozez Jewish Community Center

Directly ahead The Pozez JCC is a nonprofit organization that helps foster a Jewish community in Northern Virginia. They provide educational and social support including an Early Childhood Learning Center and a robust after-school program. They also offer indoor and outdoor athletic spaces equipped with a gymnastics studio, swimming pool and outdoor turf gym.

  https://www.thej.org/

Place #16

Distance: 0.64mi , Attraction : Jewish community

9104 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Jewish Community/Mantua Elementary

In addition to a thriving JCC, the Mantua area offers plenty of congregations to choose from such as the Chabad from Northern Virginia and congregation Olam Tikvah. There is also Gesher Jewish Day school that serves ages pre-k to 8th grade.

A few blocks north of us is Mantua Elementary School - Go Racoons! And, the Mantua Hills Swim and Tennis Club. This club includes a 25-meter six lane pool with two diving boards, and a large lap pool as well as four reservable tennis courts. Their rentable clubhouse makes this a perfect place to host a birthday or event. Their social events make for a fun and easy way to meet neighbors and the community.

  https://www.thej.org/community-engagement/nova-jewish-community-map/

Place #17

Distance: 0.27mi , Attraction : Shopping

9424 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Pickett Shopping Center/Woodson/Frost

Pickett shopping center is a great shopping center with everything you need including Trader Joes, Total Wine and multiple retail outlets. There's also a Chuck E Cheese which is a frequent hotspot for children's birthday parties.


One of my favorites in the Pickett Shopping Center is First Watch - a hidden gem of a brunch spot. A great favorite I recommend is the lemon-ricotta pancakes or if you are looking for something more hearty I suggest the Barbacoa tacos.

  http://www.combined.biz/properties/pickett-shopping-center/

Place #18

Distance: 0.31mi , Attraction : Gym

3910 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Life Time Fitness

Ready for a change of pace to your workout or are you just ready to start one? Well, head over to Lifetime Fitness

Enjoy all the luxury gym amenities such as state of the art fitness machines, a variety of group fitness classes and even an indoor lap pool.
Got kids tow? Don't worry and bring them on over, they offer up to 2.5 hours of care daily so you can get your sweat in.

Feeling sore? Their on-site spa offers plenty of massages that help promote a faster post workout recovery.

Whatever your fitness goals, Lifetime is here to help you achieve them.

  https://www.lifetime.life/

Place #19

Distance: 0.81mi , Attraction : Ice Skating

Pickett Rd at Colonial Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Fairfax Ice Arena/ Daniels Run Park/Mantua Swim Club

Fairfax Ice arena was a frequent training spot for olympic figure skating medalist Michael Weiss as well as being the first Ice Arena in the Washington D.C area and offers public ice skating year round. Aside from providing ice skating lessons for all ages and levels, they also have an on-site pro shop that can fit any of your skating needs as well as service and sharpen your blades on site.


On the left side of Picket Road is Daniel’s Run Park. It is accessible from Old Lee Highway, which we will be driving down soon. This park offers a very wooded biking and hiking trail, so you'll definitely feel close to nature and maybe even see a turtle or fox. There are a few secluded spots near Ashby pond perfect for fishing.

  https://www.fairfaxicearena.com/

Place #20

Distance: 0.77mi , Attraction : Park

9493 Silver King Ct, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

Thaiss Park

Here on the edge of Mantua park sits Thaiss park which has a variety of little league fields and is home to the Fairfax Little League Team as well as concessions during games. For non-little leaguers there's a playground right near the fields.

Please turn left on Arlington Blvd and then follow the roundabout to head south on Old Lee Highway.

  https://www.fairfaxva.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/120/1337

Place #21

Distance: 0.67mi , Attraction : Country Club

3220 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Army/Navy Country Club

For all your home improvement needs, the Home Depot is coming up on your left. Then right after we cross a small bridge over Accotink Creek we will see the Army Navy Country Club.

The Army Navy Club will make for a luxurious weekend, enjoy a relaxing day of golf on the pristine 54 hole golf course or take a swim in the state of the art pool with diving well, lap lanes and wading area. Enjoy onsite dining or rent the banquet hall to make this your next location for an upcoming event.

  https://www.ancc.org/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=FAIR

Place #22

Distance: 1.15mi , Attraction : Historic center

3521 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Civil War Interpretive Center

Driving past Fairfax High School - Go Lions! And heading toward some history.

That old brick home coming up on your right is the Historic Blenheim House. It’s a circa 1859 farmhouse built for Albert and Mary Willcoxon just before the start of the Civil War. Inside is the Civil War Interpretive Center. Graffiti at its finest, the walls inside have over 122 signatures, pictographs, games and thoughts left by Union soldiers when they captured Fairfax County Courthouse in 1861.

  https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/historic-resources/historic-blenheim

Place #23

Distance: 0.81mi , Attraction : Library

Old Lee Highway at Willard Way, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Library

Fun ain’t hard when you have a library card. Welcome to the City of Fairfax Library. This library branch opened its doors in 2008, the facility offers free wifi, study rooms and a dozen internet workstations. Enjoy a wide array of events targeted at every age demographic from preschoolers to senior citizens.

Turn left on Main Street and then keep your eyes peeled for the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. It will be a couple of blocks down on the right. The building was the first two-story brick school in all of Fairfax County and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/city-of-fairfax-regional

Place #24

Distance: 0.75mi , Attraction : Restaurants

Main St & Tedrich Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA

food

There are some fun and interesting restaurants at Main Street Center there on your left. Some of the best pupusas I’ve ever had were found in this plaza. There are lots of choices here so make sure you come back a few times! Please turn right on Whitaker Road

  https://klnb.propertycapsule.com/p/retail-real-estate/Fairfax-VA-22031/faircitymall

Place #25

Distance: 0.40mi , Attraction : High School

9677 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA

W.T Woodson High School

Home of the Cavaliers, here is W.T Woodson Highschool. The offensive line coach of the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the many notable alumni.

  https://woodsonhs.fcps.edu/

Place #26

Distance: 1.75mi , Attraction : schools

4118 Whitacre Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA

Frost Middle School/Somerset Olde Creek Pool/ Fairfax Memorial Park

We are going to turn right on Laurel Street, but just so you know if you were to continue down this road you would come across Frost middle school, named after the famous poet Robert Frost.

Continuing down this road is Somerset Olde Creek Pool. Enjoy open swim or reserve a time for a more private swim session. Somerset values itself as a place not only to cool off but to build a community as they offer social events as well.


As we head down Burke Station Road we will be driving next to a beautiful, serene, peaceful Fairfax Memorial park and cemetery. Please turn right when you get to Braddock Road.

  http://socpool.blogspot.com/

Place #27

Distance: 1.00mi , Attraction : College

4613 Luxberry Dr, Fairfax, VA 22032, USA

George Mason University

We are coming up on George Mason University. You will need to turn right on Roanoke River Road.

  https://www2.gmu.edu/

Place #28

Distance: 0.63mi , Attraction : Arena

Roanoke River Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Eagle Bank Arena

Dawn your Green and Gold! Welcome to George Mason University, Northern Virginia’s flagship university. Established in 1949, Mason educates over 39,000 undergraduates each year. This Division one, Public research university is home to The Patriots. Did you know that the Patriots made it to the Final Four in basketball in 2006?

Speaking of basketball, George Mason also hosts EagleBank Arena. First opened in 1985, Eaglebank arena holds 10,000 seats and is home to Mason’s Men’s and Women's basketball team. Outside of basketball, this arena is often a venue for concerts, events and even local high school graduations.

  https://www.eaglebankarena.com/

Place #29

Distance: 0.99mi , Attraction : Indoor Track

4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

GMU Field House

That’s the George Mason Field House off to your left. There’s an indoor track in there and lots of basketball courts. If you have kids - check the George Mason Field House summer schedule - they host quite a few sports clinics there for kids and teens.

And now we are going to head into Old Town Fairfax. This national historic district includes the Old Town Hall, the Historic Fairfax County Courthouse, and the Old Fairfax County Jail. I recommend you stop in and enjoy some Civil War history sometime!

  https://gomason.com/sports/2010/12/13/205054739.aspx

Place #30

Distance: 0.19mi , Attraction : Farmers market

10500 Page Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Farmers Market

So the Fairfax Court House Historical Marker is on your right, and again I’d encourage you to check out all of the history here, but I want to point out that on every Saturday AND Sunday, May through October right outside the Fairfax County Courthouse you will find Fairfax City’s Farmers Market! Enjoy all your market favorites like fresh produce, jams and homemade bread as well as arts and crafts by local artists. Make sure to leave your furry friends at home but you can always pick them up a homemade dog biscuit.

Now let’s check out Old Town Fairfax. Please turn right on Main Street and then left on Chain Bridge Road.

  http://www.fairfaxsaturdaymarket.com/

Place #31

Distance: 0.08mi , Attraction : Restaurants

3989 VA-123, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Old Town Fairfax/Auld Shebeen/Woody’s Ice Cream

Enjoy the remnants of historic Fairfax in Old Town Fairfax. Enjoy year round-events hosted in the city center including favorites like Rock the Block, Fall Festival and the Festival of Lights and Carols.

Enjoy Fairfax’s one and only authentic Irish Pub, the Auld Shebeen. Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine like Shepherds Pie and Guinness Beef Stew or just enjoy a pint and some local live music. That’s a lot of enjoyment, isn’t it? Well we aren’t done yet.

Got a Sweet tooth? Head over to Woody’s Ice Cream. Woody’s first opened its doors in 1998 by the original owner, Woody. Today the business is owned and operated by his granddaughter Danielle. Woody’s is a longtime community favorite, committed to serving Fairfax locally sourced ice cream to help family farms. Enjoy classic flavors like Mint Chocolate or Vanilla or more adventurous flavors like Banana Cream Pie or Rum Raisin... um… if you like raisins. Yum!

  http://www.woodysicecream.com/

Place #32

Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Outro

3940 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Parking and Eating

So now where? Well, we are actually all done with this tour. BUT, there’s a parking garage just ahead on your right and I highly recommend you park and stretch your legs around Old Town. It’s so cute and walkable around here with all those restaurants I just mentioned plus much much more.

I’ve had an amazing time showing you around Mantua and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed your tour and want to learn more make sure to contact Dorit and Mandy at (703) 573-2600 or through their website at doritandmandy.com. Have a great day!

  https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/parks-and-trails/old-town-square