Fun on the farm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia

Frying Pan Farm Park is located in Herndon, Va. and is unique because it is one of the last working farms located in Fairfax County. The park is a great outing for visitors of all ages. There are many activities throughout the property and likely something of interest for everyone.

The farm houses many animals and according to a guide from a previous visit was stated to be somewhere around 95 percent self-sufficient, meaning the farm grows its own food and feeds the livestock, which is quite impressive.

In addition to the farm, which houses animals and crops, the park also has equestrian facilities, activities for the kids, a playground, and many scheduled events and activities throughout the year. For instance each summer is the annual 4-H Fair which is a great event.

Here are a few of the highlights you'll find visiting Frying Pan Farm Park:

Family fun at Kidwell Farm 

At Kidwell Farm, the kids have an opportunity to get up close and personal to greet and visit with cows, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. In addition, there are many other animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and a peacock the kids love. In the duck pen there is a big old bathtub. It's a hoot to watch the ducks leap in for a bath. 

When the animals birth, the babies are also always a treat to see. Video I took at the farm of the piglets:

Also in the farm area are three old tractors that are stationary, the kids can climb up and "drive" the tractor. However, if they want a real tractor ride that moves, this is an option too. Approximately every hour Frying Pan also offers wagon rides until 4 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays through the months of March - November (while admission to the Farm is free for everyone, there is a small charge for the ride for everyone ages 2 and up). The tour takes you all around the farm, through a wooded area and loops around. The wagon ride is a great way to get a good general overview of the property and other activities going on at Frying Pan Park. (Oftentimes, you'll spot some interesting critters in the woods!)

Kidwell Farm is open daily year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Historical things of interest at Frying Pan Farm Park

History buffs will appreciate the historical value of Frying Pan Farm Park. It is interesting to tour the grounds and the farm house. The inside of the house has been renovated to look just like it did in the 1930s. During a tour of the house visitors can learn all about how people lived on the farm during this era. The hours for touring the house are limited, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time for availability/hours if this is what you want to see specifically.

Interior of farm house - this is the kitchen

Equestrian facilities 

For the horse enthusiast, Frying Pan Farm Park has excellent equestrian facilities. While they do not rent horses or offer riding lessons, the facility is opened for use to the public. There is a large indoor riding arena, which has seating for 800, and the park frequently hosts horse shows. In addition to the indoor arena, the park has two outdoor riding rings that span more than 3 miles. There are several jumping stations and equipment on the property that visitors are able to use/reserve. The activity center charges by the hour, or a multi-hour pass can be bought at a discount. Check the website for current prices and options. Riding is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless a prior event booking requires the facilities. 

On the park grounds

Other things to see and do are the Country Store, activity center, visitor center, and an old-fashioned carousel (small fee for this one). Additionally, there is also a wooded hiking area and even a playground.

Frying Pan Park is a great place for kids. Parents like it because it's got enough for the kids to see, but isn't an over stimulating experience, not to mention the price is right because admission is free! The farm park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Frying Fan Farm Park is located at 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon, Va. 

This pic was taken about a year or two ago during a visit to see spring babies at Kidwell Farm

Fun and interesting things to do in the summer in Alexandria, Va.

Alexandria rests along the Virginia side of the Potomac River across from Washington D.C. Downtown Alexandria, Va., always has something going on, and summertime is a fantastic time to spend a day, evening, or even a week exploring this quaint and happening city. 

Old Town is the part of the city where a lot of the action is at, and visitors taking a stroll along the streets can typically find lots to do. It is a popular section of town for both locals and visitors as there are museums, restaurants, ice cream shops, historical landmarks, live music and all sorts of other activity typically buzzing.

Many scheduled summer events take place in Alexandria. Here are a few of the annual summer events to consider during a visit to Alexandria, or even the Washington, D.C. area, for fun things to do:

 

Father's Day ideas

Many of the museums, such as Gadsby's Tavern and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, offer free tours for Dad on Father's Day. These tours are pretty interesting and a must-see if you're a history buff, or have an interest in America's colonial beginnings. The Friendship Firehouse Museum also offers special Father's Day tours. In years past, kids and Dads are given a complimentary photo of themselves and get to engage in other specially-planned activities for the day.

There is no shortage of interesting items to see at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is one of the best preserved forts in the U.S. from the Civil War era. Summertime at Fort Ward brings Civil War reenactments and tours led by soldiers. Additionally, you can tour the museum to see their extensive exhibits and collections. If you want to see the current schedule of events you can visit the Fort Ward website to find out what's going on.

Scheduled events

Friendship Firehouse Museum: The Friendship Firehouse Festival hosts an annual birthday bash which is great fun for the whole family. The Friendship Firehouse Company was established in 1774 and its birthday is celebrated every first Saturday in August. The annual festival is a good time full of fun, history and celebration.
 
Carlyle House: Customarily the annual "Hands on History Tent" event takes place with a different theme each year. The event takes place at this historic home from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's designed for the kids, but adults are likely to enjoy the historical angle shared.

August brings the anniversary of the Carlyle Housewarming. When this event is offered, visitors can watch period era interpreters recall the 1753 moving in day of John Carlyle and family to their new elaborate mansion; on this day John and Sarah Carlyle's son, William, arrived. Afterwards there is music and refreshments to celebrate.

 

Front view of Carlyle House. Believe it or not this home was almost left to ruin and was blocked by another structure in the front yard, but today it stands beautifully restored

Festival of the Arts: Every year the popular Alexandria Festival of The Arts happens in September. Stroll down King Street and marvel over the paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photos and more! This event showcases many different styles of art and caters to different budgets. Visitors can browse, purchase and talk with the artists about their work. This event is a big one and many say it is one of the best art festivals in the country. Artists from all over the country attend and the featured artists are hand chosen by an independent panel of judges who sort through all the submissions. This festival has been going on for more than 15 years and still going strong.

Ongoing summer activities

While there are many traditionally scheduled events in Alexandria, there is also plenty to do for people who like to plan on a whim or just go with the flow of the day. Museum tours are ongoing during the daytime hours and, while sometimes reservations are recommended, most of the tours are catered towards walk-ins. If you drop by the Ramsey's Visitors' Center on the Corner of King and Fairfax Streets, you can get some ideas, pick up brochures or obtain information. Taking one of the ghost tours is a fun idea for a summer night.

Summertime is also a great time to walk around the riverfront area. Visit the Torpedo Factory and learn about its history, then browse through the artists studios and galleries which now reside in the former factory that actually did build torpedoes (you can see one inside). While down at the riverfront you can also watch the boats, purchase tickets for a river tour, or simply sit back and feed the ducks. On your way down King Street, stop by one of the ice cream shops and grab a cone or cup to bring with you.

The Torpedo Factory boasts 82 art studios and six galleries

The perennial Farmer's Market is another option. The Market, which is believed to be one of America's longest running markets, offers a variety of fruit, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, plants and crafts for sale. The market is open every Saturday from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

These are only a small sampling of the things you can do in Alexandria during the summer months. Alexandria is a beautiful destination for a summer getaway, or if you're local to the Washington, D.C. region, a trip into town makes a great day trip. You can always also check Alexandria's website for other scheduled events.

Memorial Day in Washington: Remembering those who gave their all

Every year in the United States, Memorial Day is commemorated on the last Monday of each May. Designated as a federal holiday, it was originally intended to be a day to honor and remember the many brave and selfless individuals who have died while serving their nation. Unfortunately, over time, the true meaning of Memorial Day seems to have  gotten lost. Memorial Day has evolved to become a day where commercialism reigns.

But it's not just the sales. Memorial Day has also evolved as the "official" launch of the summer season. Beaches and pools open, many people throw parties, go to barbeques or head off on a mini-vacation to soak up the sun.  

As a result, the true meaning behind Memorial Day often gets undermined. However, there are still many communities across the nation that do still plan special events to commemorate the many brave individuals who have served in the U.S. military. Washington, D.C. is one of those regions.  Every year many commemorations and ceremonies take place that honor and pay respect to those who have given their all. 

World War II Memorial

Every year Rolling Thunder plans its annual ride commencing at the Pentagon, crossing the Potomac and ending in Washington. Hundreds of thousands will come from across the country to take part and honor POWs and MIAs. This evening, actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host the 25th National Memorial Day Concert to honor service members (the concert will also be televised on PBS).

This weekend many wreath-laying ceremonies will occur at many of the war and service memorials on the National Mall and throughout the city. A ceremony is also usually held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, just across the Potomac River. 

Soldier stands during The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery

Traditionally, at 2 p.m. on Monday, the annual Memorial Day parade takes place. This was a tradition begun in 2005, and many people come together to pay respects to those who sacrificed so much. Every year participants and attendees from all over join in to honor and remember those who have given their all.

 

On the outskirts of D.C., other ceremonies and parades are scheduled to take place. Tomorrow the city of Falls Church, Va., will hold its Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival. The Memorial Day Commemoration in Sharpsburg, Md. also holds an annual tribute which includes a parade and wreath laying ceremony. The parade ends at the Antietam National Cemetery. Sharpsburg is about an hour and a half outside D.C.

While there is nothing wrong with celebrating the weekend with family and friends, and having a good time over the long weekend, let us all please remember to take a moment to honor and reflect upon those self-sacrificing individuals who have served and do currently serve in the military. All too often we hear the negative stories in the media, but it is rarer we read about the kindness and altruistic acts performed by individuals in the U.S. Military. The negative stories tend to quickly spread in the media or online, but there are many acts of kindness and goodness performed by U.S. military members that go completely unnoticed or misunderstood.

Thank you to all the individuals who have selflessly served their country with courage.  

You are not forgotten.

"We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies."

                                                    

 ~ Moina Michael, 1915

Arlington Cemetery

Note: This post is an adaptation of a post originally published by myself at Digital Journal in May 2012.

Planning tips: Visiting historic Ford’s Theatre

Ford's Theatre has a strong connection to U.S. history. This D.C. landmark is best known as being the location of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. On April 14, 1865, just as the Civil War had reached its end and the Union was preserved as one nation, John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln in the back of his head as a part of an elaborate and carefully planned out assassination.

Today, the theatre has been completely restored to its 1865 appearance. Ford's Theatre operates as both a historic site and a working theatre. 

Exterior of Ford's Theatre

There are two levels to the building. The bottom floor is a museum dedicated to President Lincoln. Inside these rooms are many original items relating to the April 1865 assassination, including actual artifacts connected to that tragic night, along with clothing worn by President and Mrs. Lincoln.

The upper level serves as the theatre where each season several high-quality shows are run; the theatre season typically begins in the fall and runs through late spring. However, there are other events in the off-season as well. Visitors are welcome daily to tour the building and learn an in-depth history of the theatre and President Lincoln's assassination.

 

History of Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre was opened by John T. Ford, a successful theatrical entrepreneur who hailed from Baltimore, Md. In 1861, Ford decided to bring his expertise and success to Washington, D.C. Initially, a musical theatre was located at the First Baptist Church on 10th Street but, unfortunately, a fire destroyed that location in 1862. The fire did not deter Ford's spirit and he took the task of raising funds for a new theatre. 

In February 1863 Ford laid the cornerstone for the new building at its current location on 10th Street. Performances commenced later that year and ran until April 14, 1865. This was the evening the President and Mrs. Lincoln attended a show at the theatre when the president was fatally shot by Booth.

President and Mrs. Lincoln were at a showing of "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre the night the president was assassinated

The theatre closed immediately after Lincoln's assassination so an investigation could be done. Once this investigation was complete, the theatre was given permission to reopen, however, Ford received threats of arson if he reopened. Ultimately, the War Department (now the Department of Defense) decided to close the theatre completely. The building then became a government office building for many years.

 

Establishing a historic site

In 1932 the building was opened as a museum on the first floor and was run by the National Park Service. The theatre restoration to its 1865 appearance didn't come until much later. In 1960 Congress budgeted funding for this project. Finally, in 1968 the theatre was able to reopen and resume performances.

Today the interior of the theatre has been restored to how it looked on April 14, 1865, this is the box the President and Mrs. Lincoln were sitting in.

Budget sightseeing in Washington, D.C. - How not to break the bank

Traveling to Washington, D.C. can typically get very expensive if you don't watch your spending. However, when visiting the nation's capital, you don't have to necessarily break the bank to have a good time. There are many places, activities, and events to enjoy in the District to fit your budget. 

While accommodations are generally pricey, you can scale back on your overall spending by carefully planning your sightseeing. There are a number of many terrific things to do in and around Washington, D.C., and much of it won't even cost you a dime, except perhaps a few bucks to ride the Metro. This post offers some ideas of what you can plan to see while you are downtown.

Image of the U.S. Capitol Building taken in 2013

National Mall Highlights

In Washington, D.C. you'll find all the famous monuments, Smithsonian Museums and much more. The most this will cost you is the time it takes to walk around and view the breathtaking scenery. Throughout the city, you'll see history, both the past and the future, in the making.  

The National Mall sits in the heart of the District. The monuments and memorials are one of the first things many tourists have on their lists of things to see and do. Entry to all of the monuments is free, including visiting the top of the Washington Monument. It is advisable to secure tickets early in the day as these have a tendency to go quickly, during the warmer months I've had to get them early in recent years (it's gotten really busy since the monument reopened after being closed since Aug. 2011 after it was damaged in the earthquake that hit the region).

Oct. 2017 - Edited to note the elevator will be closed for repairs until 2019

Other Memorials and Monuments

Nestled within the National Mall, carefully constructed around the reflecting pool, along with the Washington Monument, are the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, George Mason Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the WWII Memorial. A lesser-known monument, the WWI Memorial for D.C. Veterans, also sits within the confines of the Mall, along with several statues. 

The Tidal Basin area is pretty any time of the year, but particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season. Here you can see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial reflecting in the basin.

Capitol Hill

One of Washington's most prominent attractions is the amazing architecture of many historical buildings. The U.S. Capitol Building, the hub of U.S. government, offers free tours, and guaranteed passes can be approved in advance. You can get tickets through your Congress person's office or reservations can also be made online, however, these tickets are limited per day. On occasion, you can also get walk-in tickets but if you're set on visiting at a particular time, I recommend one of the other two methods (the online way is super easy!)

The interior of the Capitol is stunning. Once you've finished this tour, you can also take in the Library of Congress which is just a short distance away; LOC has an amazing interior as well. Both tours are free. After this tour, a short distance from the Capitol is the U.S. Botanic Gardens, which also does not charge admission fees.

Interior of the Library of Congress. This was taken in the Grand Hall

White House

The White House is another can't miss landmark; it is free, but admission to this self-guided tour also requires pre-planning. On occasion, some of the various U.S. Government agencies temporarily suspend or do not offer public tours, but by checking the websites of individual departments of interest can provide more details. If tours are offered, they too would be free.

Tip: Check out the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, that's a pretty awesome tour

White House

The White House set up for the Jan. 2013 presidential inauguration

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Museums are one of D.C.'s largest tourist attractions. There are 19 museums in downtown Washington, and most of them are located near the Capitol Building. Visitors can enjoy the wealth of information and spectacular exhibits showcased in these museums. Most of the museums are pretty close in proximity to one another. The most popular museums are the Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History. 

However, there are also many other less known, but amazing, museums such as the Freer & Sackler Gallery, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of African Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Don't forget the National Zoo is also free, you can visit the pandas (who had a baby in 2013 and again in 2015); the zoo can be easily reached via Metro's Red Line, but there is also parking too (keep in mind this can be tough to get a spot on busy days, I prefer the Metro myself).

Ford's Theatre and Petersen House

Not part of the Smithsonian network, but a very popular museum, is Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House (across the street). Tours of these two landmarks are offered at no charge and run by the National Park Service; the agency provides an interesting narrative and history as a part of selected tours. I'd recommend you reserve tickets early, either online or in person, as this tour tends to fill up quickly, especially during busier times of the year (such as spring break, summer). If you do reserve online, there is a small fee, but if you arrive at Ford's Theatre early you can reserve your tour time in person for no cost. 

National Archives

The National Archives is a popular place to visit as it can get crowded with long waits, but if you plan it right, you can get in and see one of four surviving originals of the 1297 Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, to name a few of the treasures you can see here. There are extensive exhibits and a goldmine of information to learn.

National Archives building

Walking Tours

In addition to the formal tours, another way to explore the nation's capital city is to simply walk through the neighborhoods, such as historic Georgetown and Adams Morgan, to name two.

Washington, D.C. is considered to be an expensive city, however, most of the expenses when visiting the region are related to accommodations and food. While it is true there are also expensive tours for other attractions, if you know where to look, sightseeing with self or (some) guided tours in the district area can be free, or at least close to free. 

Take a step back in time in Old Town Alexandria, Va.

Alexandria's deep historical roots of early American history date long before the city was officially founded in 1749. With such an optimum location right on the shore of the Potomac River, it is no wonder its earliest settlers chose this location. The city hosted a myriad of activity during the 18th century.

Dates back to early American history

Old Town Alexandria is a hot spot for historic landmarks in Northern Virginia, but there are also many other noteworthy places to visit on the outskirts south of the city. George Washington, before being a General and President, was a surveyor, and he actually did the planning for many of Alexandria's streets. The first U.S. President spent much of his adult life in Alexandria; even the church he attended is still an active one today.

Center of Old Town

To get a good feel for where the historic landmarks are in Alexandria, your first stop should be the Ramsay House Visitors Center located on King Street. The center houses a plethora of brochures and other valuable information you'll want to have during your visit. The Ramsay Center is also a historic landmark in itself since it dates back to 18th century and was once the home of a city founder, William Ramsay. 

Depending on your interests, you may want to go on a walking tour or target your visit towards visiting specific locations. If you opt to take either a formal or informal walking tour, there is plenty to see and you never know what you'll stumble upon as you wander the city streets, specifically if you stick to wandering around in the Old Town section of Alexandria. Alexandria City Hall and Market Square are located just across the street from the Ramsay House. The current structure was completed in 1874. The fountains are a nice addition and make this section a noteworthy landmark.  

Gadsby's Tavern

Not too far from the Market Square is Gadsby's Tavern. The tavern was operational in colonial times and today is still a working business. In addition, there has been a museum added to the tavern and former hotel. This tavern is remarkable and was a place Presidents Washington and Jefferson used to frequent. 

Ballroom at Gadsby's Tavern

Carlyle House

To the west of Ramsay House on N. Fairfax Street is the Carlyle House. This grand home, built in the 1750s was the home of another city founder, John Carlyle. The house greeted many dignitaries back in colonial times and was a frequent meeting place. You can tour the inside of the home for a nominal fee daily, except Mondays when the property is closed.

Carlyle House

Christ Church

Christ Church, located on N. Washington Street, was built in the latter part of the 18th century and was George Washington's place of worship. Robert E. Lee was also a member of this congregation in the 19th century. The church still has services, but can also be toured during specified hours. I highly recommend giving Christ Church a visit.

Interior of Christ Church

Torpedo Factory

Another notable place of interest, newer, but still notable as a landmark is the Torpedo Factory. The former factory rests on the docks of the Potomac River at the historic riverfront area. This building was constructed in 1918 and used to manufacture torpedoes. Yup, real ones. Today it is a working artists' gallery and visitors can enjoy wandering through the 80+ galleries housed in the building. 

Torpedo Factory

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary

Apothecaries were popular in the 18th century and Alexandria's apothecary was located on S. Fairfax Street and operated from 1792-1933. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is housed in the building today and open for daily tours. This one is a can't miss in my opinion; it is one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Virginia. It truly is a testament to how social, economic, and financial times evolved through the many decades it was an operating business. 

Alexandria National Cemetery

The Alexandria National Cemetery is the resting place of soldiers. The cemetery is located on Wilkes and Payne Streets and holds 3,500 graves of Civil War soldiers, and also a few men who lost their life pursuing John Wilkes Booth after President Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theater.

These landmarks are only a handful of what to see in Alexandria. If you wander the streets, you'll note many residencies contain plaques indicating their historic value. Since they are private homes, many are not available for tours, but are still noteworthy to pass by as you tour the city; some of the architecture is pretty amazing.

Princess Street is of the two cobblestone segments that remain in Old Town Alexandria. This road has only been "touched" once since it was originally built. These are the original cobbles.

If you venture out of the city, there are also a few other landmarks located within Alexandria's boundaries. Off Route 1 are Woodlawn Plantation, Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, and the famous Mount Vernon. These homes are all open for tours and definitely worth the time to visit.

There is so much to see in Alexandria, it is difficult to name all of the landmarks located in the city. Alexandria holds such a strong link to the past and its rich history is still reflected in the city today. It is one of the most wonderful cities to see if you are in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Not to mention it's got some great ambiance, restaurants, and shopping.