Monica Adams

Fairfax, VA Area Information

Fairfax is an independent city forming an enclave within the confines of Fairfax County, in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although politically independent of the surrounding county, the Fairfax is the county seat. Fairfax’s population was approximately 21,500 at the 2000 census. Situated in Northern Virginia, Fairfax forms part of the Washington Metropolitan Area. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines Fairfax and the city of Falls Church with Fairfax County for statistical purposes.

History

Fairfax gets its name from Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was awarded five million acres in land located in Northern Virginia by King Charles. The area the City of Fairfax now encompasses was settled in the early 1700s by farmers from Virginia's Tidewater region.

The town was officially renamed the Town of Fairfax in 1874, and became an independent city in 1961. In 1904, a trolley line was built connecting Fairfax with Washington, D.C.

The former Fairfax County Courthouse is the oldest and most historic building in the city. Its design was used as a prototype for many Virginia courthouses built between 1800 and 1850. During the American Civil War the Courthouse was used by the union forces as military headquarters which resulted in the damage or loss of several records. The original building of the Fairfax County Courthouse was used as the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court until 2009, when that court moved to the expanded main courthouse. The old building is now used for office space.

The Old Town Hall is the social and architectural cornerstone of Fairfax; Joseph Edward Willard had it built in 1900 as a gift to Fairfax. It now houses the Huddleson Library, the Fairfax Art League, and can be rented out for weddings as well as business meetings.

Parks and Recreation

The Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to developing and maintaining beautiful, safe and environmentally friendly open spaces for the public to use and enjoy. The department strives to meet the needs of the residents and the needs of the city through activities, special events, cultural arts and parks.

Attractions

Fairfax is home to many interesting tourist attractions. A visit to these special places will ensure you experience the Capital Region tourism experience at its finest. In Fairfax County there is so much to enjoy we're sure you'll find what you're looking for.

The Fairfax Museum

The Fairfax Museum produces special exhibits on the city's history, offers educational programs, and schedules walking tours of the historic district during the spring and fall. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

ArtSpace Herndon

ArtSpace Herndon is a community art gallery created and supported by art lovers in the greater Herndon area. ArtSpace Herndon is a gathering place to celebrate the arts, showcasing artwork and events by local, regionally, and nationally known artists and performers. 

George Mason University Center for the Arts

The  GMU Center for the Arts is proud home to the critically acclaimed Fairfax Symphony. This wonderful venue attracts music and theatre ensembles from around the world and has a dedicated following of more than 100,000 patrons each year.

Events

Fairfax is home to numerous yearly events that are sure to please your entire family. Come out and enjoy the fun events that Fairfax has for you while having fun and getting to know your neighbors.

Evo Bistro Wine Tasting and Italian Wine Dinner
Come help Fairfax welcome Sara Klein, Italian Wine Specialist for Kobrand. After the tasting experience a meticulously paired dinner, as we pair the wines you have tasted with an exquisite four course meal. 

2010 Chocolate Lovers Festival

The Chocolate Lovers Festival features activities everyone can enjoy.  Among the events planned during the two day festival are the Taste of Chocolate, featuring chocolate vendors selling their wares; the Chocolate Challenge, an arts extravaganza where the medium is chocolate; the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast featuring chocolate chip pancakes; historic re-enactments; children's activities; a craft show at Fire Station 3 sponsored by the Auxiliary to the Fairfax Volunteer Fire Department; open houses at historic buildings and much more.

BalletNova Open House
The BalletNova Center for Dance is holding an Open House on Saturday, March 6 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. The Open House will be held at BalletNova’s studios. All classes are “open door” so visitors may observe dance students in class. Plus guests can take free “mini-classes,” get a free neck/back massage, have a tour of the studio, and enjoy some crafts for kids!

Celtic Crossroads at Wolf Trap
Celtic Crossroads at Wolf Trap features seven dazzling musicians. Come experience the fun as they jumpstart traditional Celtic songs with youthful energy and rhythms.

For a calendar of current events in Fairfax, please view the official site at:

http://www.fxva.com/seedoplan/events/