July 8, 2019 by Renee Sklarew
We’re in the midst of the warmer months, and these weekend adventures happening throughout the region will give you another line on your summer bucket list.
Photo courtesy of Splashdown WaterPark
1. Splash into summer in Manassas
Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. At least it is at SplashDown WaterPark. Spend a relaxing day floating down a 770-foot-long lazy river at the region’s largest water park. Open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, the expansive park offers vacation vibes with three giant water slides, a ropes course over the water, a splash section for little ones and snack stands to recharge—before you hit the lazy river one more time. // 7500 Ben Lomond Park Drive, Manassas; Daily tickets $16 for guests over 48 inches, $12.25 under 48 inches, $95 season pass for ages 3 and older.
2. Follow Fairfax’s field guide for the best brews
Fairfax is home to seven breweries, and they’ve collaborated on a brewery field guide—aptly titled Locally Poured—to help you visit them. When you arrive at any of the participating breweries, ask the bartender to stamp your guide. After collecting at least four stamps, you’ll gain VIP access with paid admission to the Fairfax County Brewfest on Sept. 22 at Mustang Sally Brewing Company. It’s a fun, and dare we say, organized method to determine your new favorite craft beer. The guide is available at Fairfax County Visitors Center and member breweries. // Tysons Corner Fairfax County Visitors Center: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons; Mustang Sally Brewing Company: 14140 Parke Long Court, Chantilly;
3. Kick off the weekend early in Del Ray
Technically it’s not the weekend, but everyone knows Thursday night feels very close—especially in the summer. The community of Del Ray wholeheartedly subscribes to this philosophy and founded a First Thursdays Del Ray celebration along the neighborhood’s main street, Mount Vernon Avenue. Themes vary, but for the rest of this year it’s Red, White and Blue (July 11), Aloha Thursday (Aug. 1) and Show Your Spirit (Sept. 5). The festival occurs on the first Thursday of each month, April through July and September.// Del Ray Association: 2308 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; free
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