For most military families, one of the best perks of a PCS move to Fort Belvoir is its proximity to Washington, DC. Incoming PCSers immediately create a checklist to visit the “must-sees.” With good reason, of course. Touring the nation’s capital is easily a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many.
But it’s hot. It’s cold. The crowds. The parking. The expense. Sometimes, a trip to the city is just too much. Herein lies the beauty of the entire National Capital Region. Beyond the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall, there’s always something to do. Fort Belvoir is prime real estate for easy access activities. You just have to know where to look.
Learn about history and heritage right outside Fort Belvoir’s gates.
1. The Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
A unique combination of history resides just across the street from Fort Belvoir. Two houses are available for visitors to tour and learn about their vastly different origins. Woodlawn was a gift from George Washington to his nephew and was completed in 1805, while the other home is a treasured example of Usonian-style middle-class housing created by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed in 1940.
The property relies on a diverse collection of artists and craftsmen to showcase the historic details involved with the architectural and agricultural past of each building. A large part of the project’s mission is to bring visitors and the surrounding community onto the property to celebrate local heritage.
2. Arcadia Farm
It's a little strange to see a thriving farm against the backdrop of a line of traffic stopped at a congested intersection. Yet, Arcadia Farm, located on Woodlawn property, offers a peaceful contrast to the activity around Fort Belvoir.
Arcadia’s mission is to bring sustainable farming practices to a new generation, share nutritious food with underserved populations in the area, and encourage community involvement on the farm. But, the most unique aspect is the Veteran Farmer Program. Arcadia teaches and pays veterans to learn to farm and find affordable land. Here’s more from the farm:
"Veterans are 45 percent more likely to start their own businesses than other Americans. And they have the physical and mental toughness to forge successful careers in agriculture. Years of service have honed their ability to lead. Arcadia’s Veteran Farmer Program is a multilayered, hands-on educational program that develops new farmers; capitalizes on the growing market in local, sustainably grown foods; and encourages entrepreneurship and job creation."
Photo by soleg from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com
3. Mason Neck State Park
Several bodies of water are near Fort Belvoir's unique location, and Mason Neck State Park is situated on three: Pohick Bay, the Potomac River, and the Occoquan Bay. The drive to the nearly 2,000-acre park is about 10-20 minutes, but the scenery changes quickly from multi-lane roadways to tree-lined hiking trails and waterfront scenery.
Bird watchers are thrilled to spy bald eagles and whistling swans, but the park houses more than 200 birds that either live there permanently or migrate. Inside the park, water sports are plentiful, fishing is popular, and so is hiking and biking. The visitor center is a great place to start for maps and guidance to make the most of your time exploring.
Headed to Fort Belvoir? The Alexandria Guide For Newcomers will give you insider tips to make the most of your PCS!
4. Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay Regional Park is a popular Northern Virginia campground favored by military families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Some military families utilize the park's facilities while awaiting housing. Cabins and campground facilities are available year-round, and there is a camp store for necessities and treats, as well as a comfort station with full-service bathrooms, including showers.
Hiking trails lead to the water, and boat rentals are available, but what makes this park unique is the access to plenty of golf opportunities: 18 Hole Champion Golf Course, a disc golf course, and a mini-golf course. Pirate's Cove Waterpark is available seasonally for extra fun in the sun.
5. The Stables at Meadowood
It’s hard to picture rolling pasture space for horses to roam and run just 20 miles from Washington, DC, but thanks to a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management and the Stables at Meadowood, there’s an opportunity to bring the joy of equestrian life to military families nearby. The facility offers boarding, riding lessons, summer camp, and hosts competitive events.
Photo by FotoRieth from Pixabay via Canva.com
6. George Mason’s Gunston Hall
George Mason was the primary author of Virginia’s Declaration of Rights and the state’s constitution. A revolutionary leader, his ideas and written word were closely observed and replicated by contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson.
Gunston Hall was Mason’s plantation, and the grounds and historic home are available for guided and self-guided tours and exploration. The schoolhouse, garden, and architectural features are popular sites outside, especially for school field trips. Slaves maintained life on the plantation, and thankfully, their hard work is exhibited in the kitchen yard, which today has a replication of an enslaved person’s dwelling. The goal is to provide an understanding of the difficult lives they led.
When a trip to the shore or into DC feels like too much to tackle, a home-based adventure just beyond Fort Belvoir homes for rent or sale awaits. History and nature go hand in hand to provide unique opportunities to dive into new adventures, even if they are off the beaten path of typical tourist sites throughout the area.
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