While the spring and summer draw tourists to northern Virginia, Quantico really shines when the humidity fades and crisp, cool mornings blow through.
And this region knows how to celebrate its beautiful fall season. Take one glance at the calendar, and you’ll notice more scheduled events than you can visit. We’ve narrowed it down to a few that we think you’ll like. Try these out and then let us know of other favorite Quantico fall activities you come across!
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Cox Farms Fall Festival Kick-Off
September 26–November 8
The fall season kicks off near MCB Quantico on September 26 at Cox Farms. But don’t worry if you missed the start of the season; you can join the fun anytime through November 8. Bring the whole family and race down the slides. Besides the Cowabunga Slide, other activities include a bright blue Dino Slide, four other slides, hay rides, the Cornundrum corn maze, swings, and interactive farm chores.
The farm invites your littles to interact with farm life and provide milking demonstrations. You can also taste locally made products and romp around Goat Village, where kids can pet playful goats. And let’s not overlook the food: apple cider, kettle corn, and tasty pies!
Belvedere Plantation Fall Harvest Festival
September 12–November 7
Come play at the Belvedere Plantation Fall Harvest Festival. Beyond yummy fall favorites like homemade apple cider donuts, pulled pork, kettle corn, and more, this seasonal event offers loyd of fall entertainment.
Play on the Jumping Pillow, speed down the Racing Slides, get messy in the Colonel’s Corn Box, scurry around in the Pedal Carts, and watch the fun at Swine Speedway. Check online for seasonal or onetime tickets to this exciting community event.
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Fall-A-Palooza at Reston Station
October 25
Celebrate the season with a free, family-friendly fall festival at Reston Station. Enjoy music from a live DJ while kids explore the petting zoo, bounce house, get glitter tattoos, play outdoor games, and strike a pose in the photo booth.
Don’t miss the delicious apple cider donuts, Bavarian pretzels, pies, cotton candy, and gelato, along with hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and harvest-inspired adult beverages for those 21 and older.
Braehead Farm
Saturdays and Sundays, September 26–October 25
Braehead Farm invites the community to celebrate all things fall in October. Stroll through a pumpkin patch and choose your very own to take home. Or stay for the day and let the kids hop on a hayride, wander through the corn maze, venture on a scavenger hunt, and walk among the sunflowers.
If your children still have energy to burn, let them play all day at the Family Playground for some farm-style fun. Then, fill up on yummy chicken salad sandwiches, hot dogs, fresh cider, baked pies, and more.
George Washington's Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival
October 24 and 25
Another celebration hosted at Mount Vernon is the Fall Harvest Festival. While their wine festival, earlier in the season, makes for a fantastic parents' night out, this is a don’t-miss event for the whole family. Rewind to the 18th century to meet George Washington, learn about soap making and old-fashioned cooking, and see how people spun and wove clothing.
Skyline Drive
You can’t miss the beautiful colors of fall in Virginia. Even the commute to Quantico or the drive to DC is filled with vibrant autumn shades. But the colors are best seen from Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, an hour and a half from Quantico. This winding 105-mile road offers up-close views of the colorful foliage, which can only be beaten by the scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking vantage points. Make it a quick day trip or pack a bag and your tent for a weekend away.
Quantico and the surrounding areas know how to celebrate the fall season. By the time the cold weather rolls in, you’ll be ready to switch over to heavy coats and hot chocolate, but for now, take advantage of the corn mazes, apple cider, and soul-warming food offered at these fun events.
And don’t forget to check your local area for more events, as we included just a few to get you started!
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