|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fairfax County Celebrates its 275th Anniversary This Year
|
|
|
Fairfax County was founded in 1742 which makes 2017 the County's 275th Anniversary. Throughout the year, and throughout the county, the anniversary will be celebrated with historically themed events, exhibits, lectures, and programs. As a part of the anniversary, the county will also welcome Lord and Lady Fairfax from England who will tour the county and meet with local and state representatives.
The signature celebration of the year-long commemoration will take place on June 17, 2017 in the area surrounding the Historic Fairfax Courthouse in the center of the City of Fairfax. The day will be filled with a myriad of events, historical organizations, entertainment, living history, performances, and hands-on, family-friendly activities. All events that day are free and open to the public.
|
|
Learn more about the history of Fairfax County, keep tabs on the event calendar, and browse the multimedia collection at www.FXVA.com/275.
|
|
Exciting New Openings in Fairfax County
|
There's always something new going on in Fairfax County, from new restaurants and attractions to hotel changes and new developments. Here's a quick run-down of some exciting new happenings:
- The Fairfield Inn & Suites Herndon/Reston recently opened its doors on Elden Street. The new hotel, which sits on the site of the former Holiday Inn Express Herndon/Reston, features newly-designed rooms, free continental breakfast, free Wifi, a fitness center, and access to many great attractions and restaurants. Learn more.
- Another new Fairfield Inn & Suites, along Richmond Highway in the Fairfax County area of Alexandria, will open in March. Learn more.
- Fans of Brazilian steakhouses will be pleased to know that Tysons Corner is the newest location of the renowned restaurant Fogo de Chão. Fogo boasts an open kitchen showcasing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian grilling technique of churrasco, an expansive patio for al fresco dining, and a taste of traditional Southern Brazilian culture and cuisine. (see photo) Learn more.
- Go Ape, a new ziplining and adventure attraction will be opening this spring at South Run Park in Springfield. Go Ape is a 2-3-hour journey through the forest canopy as you take on suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings and breathtaking zip lines – all with an incredible view. Learn more.
-
The former Grand Atrium in Tysons Corner has reopened as Phoenicia Resto & Lounge, a Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant and lounge. Learn more.
-
Observatory Park at The Turner Farm, an entity of the Fairfax County Park Authority, has recently unveiled its newest addition: a brand new roll-top observatory. The observatory will offer the public a chance to see the night sky from one of Fairfax County's darkest spots through permanently mounted telescopes. The Analemma Society will provide programming for the public at the observatory that will include nighttime viewing, and classes on astronomy and related sciences. (see photo) Learn more.
-
The Block, a new food court filled by Asian-themed eateries, has opened in Annandale. The food hall includes Roots (Thai street food), Balo Kitchen (Asian "comfort food"), SnoCream Company ("shaved snow" with unique toppings), Pokéworks (Hawaiian pokè), Munch (ice cream and donuts), and The Block Bar. Learn more.
Did we miss an exciting opening or other news? Share with us so we can help spread the word! Send all news to Ali Morris at AMorris@fxva.com.
|
|
|
|
Tysons Corner Center Included as Preferred Member of Virtuoso
|
Tysons Corner Center has been accepted as a new lifestyle partner by luxury travel industry leader Virtuoso, as part of the newly launched USA Luxury Shopping Consortium. The Consortium consists of 10 of America's leading luxury shopping centers, located in nine of the top U.S. travel destinations. The Consortium is the only shopping entity highlighted through the Virtuoso network.
Virtuoso is the preeminent international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 740 travel agency locations with more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in over 40 countries throughout the world. Virtuoso travel advisors serve the most affluent, well-traveled individuals in the world and represent the top 1% of travel agencies measured by service, offerings, reputation and luxury travel sales.
|
|
|
Congratulations to Tysons Corner Center on being included in this prestigious lineup. Read the full press release here.
|
|
|
|
|
Visit Fairfax Sales Staff Busy Selling Fairfax County
The Visit Fairfax sales team is busy selling and promoting the county at various tradeshows and events! Here is a list of recent activities as well as what will be happening over the next few months:
Associations and Reunion Market:
-
In December, Visit Fairfax attended Connect DC in Washington, DC and met one-on-one with 16 locally-based corporate and association meeting planners. As a co-sponsor of the event, we presented a special gift to each planner in attendance…a gift box containing four "light bulb" candy jars filled with candy, and a card explaining what a bright idea it is to hold your upcoming meetings in Fairfax County. (see photo)
- Also in December, Visit Fairfax attended the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) holiday luncheon in Richmond, in search of more Virginia state association bookings.
- This month, Visit Fairfax sales manager Dean Miller will travel to Myrtle Beach, SC to attend the Your Military Reunion Connection (YMRC) meeting planner event. He will meet with more than 15 military reunion planners while there.
- Visit Fairfax will host our 9th Annual Family Reunion Workshop on Saturday, February 18th, at the Falls Church Marriott at Fairview Park. We anticipate record-breaking attendance for this year's workshop, with more than 100 family reunion planners expected to attend. Twenty Fairfax County hotels, attractions, and service providers will partner with us for this event, which has been copied by numerous other DMOs around the country. Learn more about the Family Reunion Workshop here.
- Also this month, we'll attend the Rendezvous South tradeshow, sponsored by ConventionSouth magazine in Roanoke, VA, where we'll meet with 25 corporate and association planners over the course of three days. ConventionSouth recently named Fairfax County as one of the "10 Coolest Spots to Hold a Hot Summer Meeting," and featured beautiful Great Falls Park on the cover of their January 2017 issue.
- In anticipation of the scheduled 2020 opening of the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir here in Fairfax County, we've begun mailing postcards to Army reunion groups around the country, encouraging them to plan their gatherings here in 2020 and beyond.
Government:
-
Visit Fairfax attended the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (National Capital Area Chapter) Silent Auction in December 2016. A special thank you goes out to Micki Heineken (Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – Alexandria Old Town Area South), Kirk Wiles (Paradise Springs Winery), Lisa McClure (Potomac Riverboat Company), and Magali Boyle (Hyatt Regency Fairfax) for donating silent auction items for this fundraising event.
- Visit Fairfax facilitated site inspections for two firefighter groups: 2018 iWomen Conference and 2017 Suicide Prevention Summit. The governing body of iWomen is considering proposals from multiple destinations throughout the United States – including Orlando, FL and Orange County, CA – and will decide on a site in April 2017.
Tour and Travel:
-
In the latter part of 2016, American Tour Guide Association came by Fairfax County, Virginia to get to know the region better for future DC area itinerary development. Many thanks to our partners at the Workhouse Arts Center and The Winery at Bull Run for hosting this client.
- Visit Fairfax attended American Bus Association's Annual Marketplace this year in Cleveland, OH. With 35 scheduled appointments, we had the opportunity to speak with new companies as well as catch up with current clients. It was wonderful to see many of our partners at the show. Please reach out to mmcclure@fxva.com to receive the appointment notes from this show. (see photo)
- While attending ABA's Marketplace this year, Visit Fairfax's Tour and Travel Sales Manager, Melissa McClure, graduated with her Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS) Certificate. Congratulations, Melissa! (see photo)
- National Tour Association's Travel Exchange will be taking place this year from February 26 – March 2 in St. Louis, MO. Visit Fairfax will be in attendance this year and we would love to hear if any of our partner hotels or attractions will also be attending. Please email mmcclure@fxva.com to receive any updates on Virginia events at Travel Exchange.
Sports Market:
-
Work on one of the largest indoor sports centers in the Mid-Atlantic is now underway in Springfield. The 435,000-square-foot St. James Sports and Wellness Complex is expected to include the following: a 100-yard turf field for soccer, football, and lacrosse; four full-sized basketball courts, convertible to volleyball courts; two NHL-regulation ice rinks; a 52-meter, Olympic-sized swimming pool (and Splash park); eight squash courts; eight batting cages; three golf simulators; a 10,000-square-foot gymnastics floor; a rock wall and play climb area; a 1,501-square-foot arcade; and a 5,536-square-foot laser tag arena. Other features located on the entry level include a fitness center, spa, party areas, and retail/food stores. Read more in the Tourism Industry News below or in the Washington Business Journal.
- Visit Fairfax sponsored hospitality for the Fairfax County Athletic Council holiday meeting last December. Thanks to Applebee's Mid-Atlantic for the wonderful job catering this meeting.
- Meetings were conducted with representatives from SYA Babe Ruth and Fencing Sports Academy to discuss current and future opportunities to host youth baseball and fencing competitions.
 |
Visitor Services:
-
The latest group of Washington Flyer taxi drivers increased their knowledge of the county at the Visit Fairfax Ambassador class in January. For over six years, the Washington Flyer taxi fleet at Dulles Airport has been learning to say "Welcome to Fairfax County" as their passengers enter their cabs. Many visitors think they are in Washington, DC when they arrive at the airport, due to its name of Washington Dulles International Airport. The Taxi Driver Ambassadors who have taken the class provide their clients lots of new information about all there is to see and do in the county. Great customer service for the visitor, and often a bigger tip for the driver. (see photo)
Public Relations/Communications:
-
ConventionSouth magazine named Fairfax County as one of the top three coolest summer meeting destinations in the South. Be sure to check out the January issue, which features Fairfax County's beautiful Great Falls Park on the cover, as well as a great call-out inside on Wolf Trap.
- Reston's annual Holiday Parade made the #4 spot in USAToday's 10Best poll of the Best Holiday Parades in the country, coming in one spot ahead of the famed Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Read the article here.
- Fairfax County received great coverage in the China market after a successful familiarization tour in September, which brought six journalists from Beijing to the Capital Region. The itinerary brought the group to Washington, DC, Fairfax County, Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Stops on the Fairfax County portion of the tour included Mount Vernon, Paradise Springs Winery, the Town of Clifton, the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, Lake Anne Brew House, and Tysons Corner Center. Thank you to all our partners involved with this FAM tour!
- Visit Fairfax continues to see incredible growth on our social media accounts. Please help us continue to grow by tagging us (@VisitFairfax) on your own accounts and by using our hashtag, #FXVA.
|
| February |
|
| February-April |
"Women Now" Special Exhibit at the Workhouse Arts Center |
| February 11-26 |
"Trevor" at 1st Stage Theatre |
| February 11-19 |
McLean Community Players present "Company" at McLean Community Center |
| February 11-19 |
Chocolate & Wine Pairing/Tasting at Paradise Springs Winery |
| February 11-Mar. 5 |
Blues in the Night at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church |
| February 12 |
All You Need is Love 5 – Jammin' Java's Songwriters' Circle: a Tribute to The Beatles & Love Songs at Jammin' Java |
| February 12 |
Bluegrass Barn Concerts with Sweet Yonder at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| February 12 |
Maple Syrup Boil-Down at Colvin Run Mill |
| February 12 |
Animal Valentines at Hidden Oaks Nature Center |
| February 14 |
George Mason vs. Richmond Men's Basketball at EagleBank Arena |
| February 14 |
Bebel Gilberto at The State Theatre |
| February 14 |
Cool Cow Comedy with Louis Katz at the Workhouse Arts Center |
| February 14 |
Valentine's Wine Dinner at Paradise Springs Winery |
| February 14 |
Valentine's Day Tea at Historic Green Spring Gardens Manor House |
| February 14-15 |
Cherish the Ladies at The Barns at Wolf Trap |
| February 16 |
Afternoon Innovators at E.C. Lawrence Park |
| February 18 |
Preamble Scramble and Presidential Trivia at Sully Historic Site |
| February 18 |
Date Night: Chef's Table at Workhouse Arts Center |
| February 18 |
Astronomy Festival at Riverbend Park |
| February 18-19 |
Cabaret Series: And The Award Goes To… at Workhouse Arts Center |
| February 18-20 |
Celebrate Washington's Birthday on Presidents Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon |
| February 19 |
African Americans at Walney Walking Tour at E.C. Lawrence Park |
| February 22 |
What's Going On – The Marvin Gaye Project at Reston Community CenterStage |
| February 24 |
Marah Reunion Show at Jammin' Java |
| February 24 |
Lúnasa at Reston Community CenterStage |
| February 24-25 |
Mark Morris Dance Group at George Mason University's Center for the Arts |
| February 25 |
A Slave No More: Lewis Lee of Fairfax Court House at Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim |
| February 25 |
Masters of Hawaiian Music at The Barns at Wolf Trap |
| February 25 |
Family Day: AfricanAmerican Pioneers in Aviation and Space at Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center |
| February 25-26 |
Cookie & Wine Pairing at The Winery at Bull Run |
| February 26 |
Birding for Beginners: Winter Birds at Huntley Meadows Park |
| March |
|
| March 1-31 |
54th Annual Needlework Show & Sale at Woodlawn |
| March 1 |
Livingston Taylor at The Barns at Wolf Trap |
| March 4-25 |
Making STEM Magic: Suit Up! – Working in Space at Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center |
| March 4 |
Archaeology Symposium at George Mason's Gunston Hall |
| March 4-5 |
D.C. Big Flea & Antique Market at Dulles Expo Center |
| March 5 |
Maple Syrup Boil-Down at Colvin Run Mill |
| March 5 |
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: "The Immortal Melodies of Schubert" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts |
| March 5 |
Jane Austen Tea at Sully Historic Site |
| March 5 |
The Invention of Shopping at Historic Green Spring Gardens Manor House |
| March 8-16 |
Putting the Animals to Bed at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| March 8-9 |
Beautiful Secret Life: An Evening of Live Music and Theatre Celebrating 'Ordinary' People at Jammin' Java |
| March 10 |
Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute at The State Theatre |
| March 10 |
Family Owl Outing at Huntley Meadows Park |
| March 11 |
Japanese Teas at Cherry Blossom Time! at Colvin Run Mill |
| March 11 |
WWE Road to Wrestlemania at EagleBank Arena |
| March 11 |
Kids Trout Fishing Derby at Herndon's Runnymede Park |
| March 12 |
The Fairfax Ladies Memorial Association and the Fairfax City Cemetery at Fairfax Museum |
| March 12 |
Lucky Leprechaun 5k at Reston Town Center |
| March 17-19 |
Harlem Globetrotters at EagleBank Arena |
| March 17 |
Danú St. Patrick's Day Celebration at George Mason University's Center for the Arts |
| March 17 |
Wear Green Campfire at E.C. Lawrence Park |
| March 17 |
The Rodkast St. Patrick's Hay Celebration at Jammin' Java |
| March 18 |
Green is Great at Hidden Oaks Nature Center |
| March 19 |
NoVa Mini Maker Faire at South Lakes High School |
| March 19 |
Ice Breaker 5K at Northwest Federal Credit Union |
| March 21 |
Cocktails by Candlelight at George Mason's Gunston Hall |
| March 22-26 |
The Second City: We're All in This Room Together at The Barns at Wolf Trap |
| March 22 |
Fairfax 275th Anniversary Committee Lecture Series: Background of the Fairfax Family at Historic Fairfax Courthouse |
| March 23-Apr 23 |
"Well" at 1st Stage Theatre |
| March 24-26 |
Craftsmen's Classic Arts & Crafts Festival at Dulles Expo Center |
| March 25 |
Harriet Tubman: Move or Die at Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim |
| March 25 |
National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony at The Warner Theatre |
| March 25 |
Family Fun: Women's History Tea Party at Green Spring Gardens |
| March 28 |
Bastille: Wild Wild World Tour at EagleBank Arena |
| March 31 |
The 39 Steps: Adapted by Patrick Barlow at the Workhouse Arts Center |
| April |
|
| April 1 |
Family Fun: Poetry in the Garden at Green Spring Gardens |
| April 1 |
Blossom Kite Festival at Washington Monument |
| April 1 |
Aquila Theatre's "The Trojan War: Our Warrior Chorus" at The Alden |
| April 1 |
Forgotten Fairfax: A History of Beacon Field and Hybla Valley Airports at Virginia Room City of Fairfax Regional Library |
| April 1 |
Kite Festival: A Celebration of Spring at George Mason's Gunston Hall |
| April 1 |
Woodland Wildlife Egg Hunt at Hidden Oaks Nature Center |
| April 2 |
A Touch of Japan for Cherry Blossom at Sully Historic Site |
| April 6-30 |
"K2" at NextStop Theatre Company |
| April 7-16 |
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Out of This World at EagleBank Arena |
| April 8-9 |
The 7 Fingers of the Hand: "Cuisine & Confessions" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts |
| April 8 |
Aqua Egg Hunt at Herndon Community Center |
| April 8 |
Reston Founder's Day at Lake Anne Plaza |
| April 8 |
Easter Eggstravaganza Wagon Rides at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| April 8-9 |
Easter Egg Hunt at Sully Historic Site |
| April 9 |
John 5 & The Creatures at The State Theatre |
| April 9 |
Bluegrass Barn Concerts: The Boxcars at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| April 9 |
Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Fairfax Park |
| April 12 |
Museum Lecture: History in the Making – a New Workhouse for the 21st Century at the Workhouse Arts Center |
| April 15 |
Baskets and Bunnies at Burke Lake Park |
| April 17 |
Bluebells and Bloodroots at Riverbend Park |
| April 19 |
Tinariwen at The Barns at Wolf Trap |
| April 21-22 |
The Reduced Shakespeare Company – William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged) at Reston CenterStage |
| April 21 |
Hollywood Goes to War: World War I on the Big Screen:"Hell's Angels" at Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center |
| April 22 |
Earth Day Celebration at E.C. Lawrence Park |
| April 22-29 |
Historic Garden Week in Virginia at various locations |
| April 23 |
L.A. Theatre Works "Judgment at Nuremberg" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts |
| April 23 |
Civil War Life at Frying Pan at Frying Pan Farm Park |
| April 23 |
Charlotte Martin at Jammin' Java |
| April 25 |
Historic Garden Week in Virginia: Reston at TBD Location(s) |
| April 29 |
Model Classic 2017 at Fairfax High School |
| April 29 |
Saved By The 90s – A Party with the Bayside Tigers at The State Theatre |
| April 29 |
Fairfax Civil War Day at Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim |
| April 29 |
Springfest at Workhouse Arts Center |
| April 30 |
Britain on the Green at George Mason's Gunston Hall |
|
 |
Roll Call
You may have recently spotted Visit Fairfax at or with: |
|
-
Tending to business at a board meeting at George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Celebrating the New Year and taking time to view Chairman Sharon Bulova's State of the County address at the Chairman's New Years Reception
-
Meeting with the public relations team at the upcoming National Museum of the U.S. Army (expected to open around 2019-2020 at Fort Belvoir)
-
Talking about collaboration opportunities with members of the Fairfax County Park Authority
- Putting the finishing touches on the 9th Annual Visit Fairfax Family Reunion Workshop – get the details here
- Planning events and opportunities to celebrate Fairfax County's 275th Anniversary with other members of the county – learn more about the 275th here
- Celebrating Chris Brown's great work with the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority
- Meeting with the marketing and sales team at Tysons Corner Center to learn about exciting new tourism initiatives
A few upcoming groups coming soon to Fairfax County:
-
Phi Rho Pi National Tournament – 2100 room nights
- American Legion Department of Virginia Annual Convention – 745 room nights
- Living Proof Live – 492 room nights
- Salvation Army Youth Council Annual Meeting – 404 room nights
- Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship Potomac District Winter Retreat – 320 room nights
- Retired Law Enforcement Association and Friends Annual Reunion – 265 room nights
If you'd like to meet our team to talk about how we can help you, please contact us at 703-790-0643. We'd love to help in any way we can!
|
|
|
|
Washington Dulles Getting New Non-Stop Service to India
|
Washington Dulles International Airport will get a non-stop flight to India thanks to new routes being added by Air India.
The service would begin in July [2017], with India's state-owned national carrier planning non-stop service from Delhi. The capital-to-capital route is expected to operate three times a week on a Boeing 777 aircraft, The Times of India reports.
Read the full story on USAToday.com.
|
|
|
Site Plan Released for Planned Springfield Sports Complex
Last March, Fairfax County approved a special permit for the construction and operation of a 435,000-square-foot St. James Sports & Wellness Complex in Springfield, VA, which will become one of the largest indoor sports centers in the Mid-Atlantic.
The recently-released floor plan for the complex includes some of the following: a 100-yard turf field for soccer, football, and lacrosse; four full-sized basketball courts (convertible to volleyball); 9,900 sq. ft. of squash courts, batting cages, golf simulators, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two NHL-regulation ice rinks, a 10,000-sq. ft. gymnastics floor, a rock wall, splash park, arcade and laser tag areas, and a soft play area. And that's just the event level of the building!
|
|
|
The complex does not yet have a projected opening date, but is expected to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and host as many as 1,241 people at one time (plus 2,141 during special events).
Read about some of the additional spaces and floor plans in this Washington Business Journal article.
|
Fairfax County Tourism Indicators
Fiscal YTD* through December 31, 2016
- Occupancy: 70.08%
- Room Night Leads: 59,130
- Website Unique Visitors: 347,942
* FY16: July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017
|
Did you know?
-
Fairfax County is one of the top contributors of expenditures to Virginia's tourism industry.
-
Visitors to Fairfax County contributed over $2.93 billion to the local economy in 2015.
-
Fairfax County's tourism industry creates almost 30,000 jobs within the County.
-
On average, visitors to our website clicked on and viewed individual stakeholder listings approximately 40,000 times per month. Ask us how to maximize your property's results.
Source: Virginia Tourism Corporation's Tourism Economic Impact Data
*Share your information with us. Is there something you would like to share with the Fairfax County tourism community? Send your news to Visit Fairfax so that we can include it in the next newsletter. Email amorris@fxva.com.
|
|
Copyright ©2017 FXVA, All Rights Reserved.
3702 Pender Drive | Suite 420
Fairfax, VA 22030
|
|
