Fairfax Travel Guide

Welcome to Fairfax, VA, Virginia

History, modernity and culture all meet and mingle in Fairfax. Settled in the late 1700s around a travelers' inn, the northern Virginia city is now part of the Washington DC metropolitan area and boasts an historic Old Town coupled with trendy boutiques, internationally-inspired restaurants and a strong performing arts scene. The acclaimed Center for the Arts and George Mason University call Fairfax home as do a bevy of festivals, including the Chocolate Lovers Festival in February, Spotlight on the Arts in April and a Fall Festival in October.

The past is never very far away, however, as the area is rich in colonial and Civil War history. The landmark Fairfax Courthouse was built in 1800 and later used by Union forces as a military headquarters during the Civil War and the Ford House is the former home of a renowned Confederate spy. Just outside of town, Blenheim Estate is listed on the national register of historic places and features a Civil War Interpretive Center, while even a brief stop at the Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center introduces tourists to what was originally an 1870's brick schoolhouse.

Upcoming Events in Fairfax, VA

Looking for something to do in Fairfax, VA, Virginia? Check out these featured events. If you know of an event that is not listed in our Fairfax, VA event guide, please feel free to add an event listing [it's FREE].

• Festival of Lights & Carols
  Dec 01 to Dec 31  »  Old Town Fairfax
• Chocolate Lovers Festival
  Feb 06 to Feb 07  »  Fairfax, VA, Virginia