Road Tripping from Burke, Virginia to Franconia, Virginia: Best Things to Do
Burke and Franconia, both situated in Fairfax County, Virginia, offer a plethora of attractions that make for an excellent road trip. The route takes you from the suburbs of Burke via the bustling city of Fairfax to the hidden gems of Franconia. The journey spans around 20 miles and takes roughly 30 minutes without traffic. Fairfax marks the halfway point of the trip, offering a perfect stop to explore its array of sights. Follow along as we list down the top five things to do on this road trip.
1. Visit Burke Lake Park
Burke Lake Park, situated in Fairfax Station, Virginia, covers an area of 888 acres. The park features numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park also offers an 18-hole golf course and a mini-golf course, making it a haven for golf enthusiasts. The park has a historic train for kids to ride and miles of trails for walking, running, or biking.
Interesting Fact: Burke Lake Park's origins were a land donation made by Robert and Virginia Burke in 1951.
2. Explore the Virginia Railway Express
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Station is located in Burke Centre, providing unparalleled convenience for a hassle-free commute into Washington, D.C. Watch the spectacular sight of the trains pulling in and out while you grab a sandwich from the Station Cafe. It is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing picnic along with a significant transport hub, making it a great attraction for train enthusiasts and people-watching.
Interesting fact: VRE has the 6th highest commuter rail ridership in the US.
3. Visit the National Firearms Museum
The National Firearms Museum, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is home to over 3,000 firearms covering the history of firearms from the 14th century to modern times. The extensive collections of guns, antique firearms and ammunition, and curiosities are a must-see for history buffs and gun enthusiasts alike. The museum also has a vast collection of Hollywood Memorabilia showcasing firearms used in popular movies/TV shows.
Interesting fact: The museum was founded in 1935 and started with just two guns and a stack of dusty books.
4. Go shopping at Fair Oaks Mall
The perfect place for retail therapy, Fair Oaks Mall is a two-story shopping center housing over 200 stores, including anchor tenants such as Macy's and JCPenney. The mall also has an impressive food court with a diverse range of cuisines and fine dining restaurants. With plenty of shops and eateries, Fair Oaks Mall is an excellent destination for shoppers who want to spend their day indulging in a combination of shopping and dining.
Interesting fact: Fair Oaks Mall opened in 1980 with Hecht's Department Store as one of its anchors.
5. Explore the hidden gems of Franconia
Nestled in the heart of Fairfax County, Franconia is a hidden gem worth exploring. Whether it's picking strawberries at the Family Farm, hiking the picturesque Van Dorn Trail or exploring the beauty of Green Spring Gardens, Franconia has something for everyone. Green Spring Gardens is an award-winning botanical garden in the heart of Fairfax County and offers year-round programs, events, and classes for gardening enthusiasts.
Interesting fact: Green Spring Gardens has over 20 thematic demonstration gardens spread across its 27-acre grounds, providing ample opportunities for visitors to learn about gardening and horticulture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this road trip from Burke, Virginia to Franconia, Virginia, offers plenty of sights to see, activities to enjoy, and experiences to cherish. From outdoor adventures at Burke Lake Park, train spotting at VRE Station, history exploration at the National Firearms Museum, shopping at Fair Oaks Mall and exploring the hidden gems of Franconia, this road trip promises never to be dull. With Fairfax as your midway bullet point, you can take a moment to explore the city's offerings and witness the city's modern charm before embarking on the second half of your journey. Make sure to come prepared to take in the sights and sounds of the road.