Continued from last issue’s article on where the locals go for nightlife entertainment.
Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap National Park is a performing arts center located on 117 acres of national park land in Fairfax County. The land offers both natural and cultural resources but is mostly known for its iconic 7,000-seat amphitheater that produces nearly 100 shows during its performance season. Known as the Filene Center, this amphitheater is designed to bring a sense of harmony between music and nature. Lawn seats are available on the grassy hill which sits directly in front of the amphitheater, and there you can bring your own food and drinks. Also check out the Barns at Wolf Trap and the Children’s Theater in the Woods–the latter being a separate venue tucked in the woods at Wolf Trap National Park. Performances here range from music and dance to puppetry
and interactive storytelling.
1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Virginia
703-255-1800 | www.nps.gov
Open Road
If you’re looking for a cozy, local hot-spot offering cold beer, live music, and fresh food then Open Road should be near the top of your list. Sitting just down the street from the Jefferson District Park, Open Road is a fantastic restaurant and music venue offering both inside and outside seating with a full service bar on either side of the doors. The menu is filled with delicious small plates and entrees like ceviche and the Peruvian spiced half chicken. If you enjoy the musical atmosphere and the general ambiance of Open Road, you can also host your own event here as the accommodations are perfect for an engagement party, corporate happy hour,
or a birthday party.
8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, Virginia
571-395-4400 | www.openroadgrill.com
The Auld Shebeen
Serving traditional Irish fare as well as American favorites, the Auld Shebeen is a standout hotspot in Old Town Fairfax as it provides weekly musical acts, karaoke, and trivia night. The food and service is also on point. The chicken club, oysters, and the shepherd’s pie are
fan-favorites while the generally warm atmosphere and authentic Irish flare and drinks make for a fun, casual night out on the town. The Auld Shebeen not only offers live musical acts in multiple rooms, but it also has a descent basement dance floor which makes this spot one of the hippest and relaxed atmospheres in the city.
3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia
703-293-9600 | www.theauldshebeenva.com
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
This 95-acre complex is situated just a few minutes away from Wolf Trap and is a botanical garden and event venue in northern Virginia featuring native flora and fauna, a welcome center, lakes, trails, and ornamental gardens. The property is protected and operated by NOVA Parks and is a perfect spot to explore during the warmer seasons. One of its most significant attractions is the Atrium, which has been predominantly used as a wedding and event venue. The Korean Bell Garden and Pavilion is another notable attraction as it’s the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and the first on the East Coast of the United States. You can also expect majestic views of the Piedmont hills, a restored 18th Century log cabin, tropical gardens, and the annual Winter Walk of Lights.
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia
703-255-3631 | www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens
Mark’s Pub
Tucked away in a strip mall, Mark’s Pub is an exceptional neighborhood sports bar with great bar food, good prices and friendly staff members. The tavern has become a neighborhood hot spot for locals and it’s no wonder as it offers a warm vibe with weekday happy hour specials. One thing that separates Mark’s Pub from other local watering holes in the community is that it has always stuck to its roots as a traditional tavern, and this seems to bring back all the locals while simultaneously bringing new faces. Trivia nights, karaoke, open-mic nights, and live music are also events occurring weekly at Mark’s Pub.
2190 Pimmit Dr, Falls Church, Virginia
703-356-3822 | www.markspub-fcva.com
Sully’s Pour House
Known for their excellent surroundings and their outdoor patio seating, Sully’s Pour House has something to offer for every member of the family. The fantastic service and not-so expensive drinks are perfect for a family gathering, while the hilarious karaoke nights and diversions like dart boards and oversized Jenga keep the young professionals coming through each night. The traditional pub food like the towering nachos excites everyone and if you’re interested in some further entertainment, check out their weekly trivia nights or Herndon’s Idol—a weekly Tuesday event and contest during the fall season featuring the best singing talents of the area.
754 Elden Street #102, Herndon, Virginia
703-464-0522 | www.sullyspourhouse.com
