A small historical city just outside of Washington, DC, Falls Church is a short metro ride away from a leisurely weekend getaway.
Take a trip to an old Farmhouse and stay for tea. Or drink your way through the city with a stop at Mad Fox Brewery. If you’re looking for to hang like a local, check out their popular strip mall for shopping and food, then spend the night dancing away at an old theater.
Visit Cherry Hill Farmhouse
Predating the Revolutionary War, Cherry Hill Farmhouse is one of the oldest historical landmarks in Falls Church. After being restored for the bicentennial of the United States in 1976, it has become a popular destination for history buffs and city explorers.
Take a guided tour of the farmhouse from Monday to Thursday and experience what life was like in a mid-19th-century.
Visit: 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 | (703) 248-5171 | Website
Tinner Hill
Continue your trip through time with a stop at Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. The area opened in 1997 to commemorate the civil rights history of Falls Church. With three distinct locations, their mission is to spread awareness to African American contributions in the development of Falls Church.
Visit the Tinner Hill Arch, a 14-foot tall monument made out of pink granite that was quarried from the base of the hill. Not only is the monument a spectacular representation of architecture, but it was built to honor the men and women who formed the first rural branch of the NAACP. The various plaques places around the stone structure tell the story of the struggle for civil rights, as well as the story of the arches builders.
Visit: Tinner Hill, Falls Church, VA 22046 | (703) 241-4109 | Website
Go on a Walking Tour
Explore the six stops along the Civil War Trail located in Falls Church. Each stop represents a significant event from the Civil War, like a raid, the Falls Church home front, and a historic cemetery.
Finish your trip back in time with a walking tour of Victorian buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
See a show at the State Theater
For something more modern, check out the State Theater for live music and food. Initially built in 1936, this theater screened movies until the late 1980s when it was transformed into the music venue and restaurant is it today. It still holds its original 200 balcony seats and two lobbies. Dance the night away to retro classics, reggae, and Latin fusion while feasting on nachos, savory pulled pork sandwiches or decadent chocolate layer cake.
Dance the night away to retro classics, reggae, and Latin fusion while feasting on nachos, savory pulled pork sandwiches or decadent chocolate layer cake.
Visit: 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046 | (703) 237-0300 | Website
Drink at Mad Fox Brewery
If you are only visiting Falls Church for the day and history isn’t your cup of tea, try a beer at Mad Fox Brewery.
Open daily, this brewery produces its own brews on-site from local seasonal ingredients based on drinks from Euro gastropubs.
Beers range from a German-style golden ale with a light fruity essence to a subtly herbal American-style IPA.
Every visit is unique with the opportunity to pair different beers with new and flavorful dishes, such as artisanal pizzas, juicy burgers, and light salads. Don’t forget to fill up a growler of your favorite brew to share with your friends at home or to keep all to yourself for an end of the week treat.
Visit: 444 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 | 703-942-6840 Website
Eat at the Sweetwater Tavern
To continue the impromptu pub crawl, try Sweetwater Tavern next.
It’s a cowboy-themed microbrewery serving their own brand of freshly brewed beer. Joe’s Handcrafted Beer is fresh and crisp and served straight from the tap with a constantly rotating schedule throughout the year so there is always something new to taste.
Their regulars on tap are the Great American Restaurant Pale Ale and the Naked River Light.
Of course, you can’t leave without tasting the hearty southwestern inspired food, from baby back ribs and pork chops to crispy fish tacos and fajitas.
Visit: 3066 Gate House Plaza, Falls Church, VA 22042 | (703) 645-8100 | Website
Get lost in Eden Center
For a shopping adventure, check out the Eden Center, a Vietnamese American strip mall full of restaurants and assorted shops, and the number one tourist attraction in the city.
With over 120 places to see, you can grab pho at one shop then head to another and for stir-fry.
If you decide to visit during one of the two festivals the center holds during the year, you will experience a colorful display of performers, dragon dancing, and fireworks. What a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture without having to leave the country.
Visit: 6751 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044 | (703) 204-4600 | Website
