Waynewood near the city but a world away

Many of these homes have large level lots perfect for a game of touch-football or just big enough for a game of wiffle ball.

It's a place that was frozen in time and seems to recall what's best in America: tree-line streets, a prosperous middle class and families who are involved in the community.

While there are homes that are large, spacious and luxurious, for the most part Waynewood remains relatively affordable. Here's the latest offerings from Waynewood .

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Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

A drive down the GW Parkway

Driving Down River

From the CIA Headquarters, downriver to the hieghts of Rosslyn, there are several overlooks that provide nice views of Georgetown in Washington DC. Picnicers will find parks and pull-overs where they can take a break from their drive along the Potomac.

After passing under the beautiful Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Parkway passes one of my favorite (and one of the area's least known) Presidential memorials---Teddy Roosevelt Island. This forested island on the Potomac takes visitors into another world, and as you walk the trails on the island it is easy to forget that you are in an urban environment.  If you've never done so, walk the trails and discover T. Roosevelt's statue and memorial---a fitting tribute to a man who love the outdoors and who helped establish the national park system. 

If you're travelling south, or downriver, you won't have access to the island at this point and you'll have to save that bit of fun for your return. But just minutes past the Key Bridge, you'll clear the woods of Teddy Roosevelt Island and Rosslyn's bluff and will get your first glimpse of the national Capitol in all it's glory.

At the Monuments

From the road you'll have views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial across the Potomac in Washington DC.  On the hill above you in Virginia, you'll have a glimpse of the Iwo Jima Memorial. There is a mish-mash of poorly marked connecting roads entering and leaving the Parkway as you approach Memorial Bridge at and around the Iwo Jima Memorial. 

These connectors can be confusing to tourists, but locals zip on and off the Parkway to access DC or Arlington.  Despite the potential for accidents with slower moving site-seers and quick moving commuters, there are few incidents here: a testament to the fine design of the Parkway.

Memorial Bridge marks the entrance to Arlington National Cemetary, a solemn and beautiful place where Presidents, soldiers and honored citizens of the United States have taken their final rest. Fittingly, Memorial Bridge connects Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's home in Virginia, with the Lincoln Memorial, symbolizing the bridge that connects North and South in union.

National Airport

As one passes the Memorial Bridge the Jefferson Memorial with its famed Tidal Pools, becomes more visible. Past the Jefferson Memorial, the Parkway crosses Humpback Bridge onto Columbia Island, home to Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Grove.  At this point, travellers downriver will have access to a pleasant picnic area which provides excellent views up to the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial.

As the parkway leaves the island, it jogs away from the Pentagon and the hi-rise skyline of Crystal City toward Ronald Reagan National Airport. The airport's runaway nearly meets the road as the parkway gentle wends its way downriver. Here the parkway offers pleasant views of the Potomac and local air traffic landing at Reagan National. Just past the airport is the first of two marinas on the parkway.

Old Town Alexandria

After the marina, the Parkway slows to a traffic light and then for the next mile or so, makes its way through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is a delight, with shops, boutiques and historical sites. Past Old Town the view opens up again with a sweeping view of the River toward National Harbor. The Belle Haven Country Club marks the approach to the Belle Haven Marina. This provides a great spot for a picnic as well as an opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats.

Past the marina is the Dyke Marsh, a wetlands filled with birds, fish and wildlife. Across the river Fort Washington, a relic of the War of 1812 watches the narrows of the Potomac. Fort Washington, once a military stronghold, now a pleasant park, is a destination in itself and is worth an afternoon. The Virginia side of the river has Fort Hunt, where moldering remnants of World War II stand silent watch over a peaceful park.

Mansion at Mount Vernon

After several scenic vistas at and around Stratford Landing and Arcturus, the Parkway at last comes to an end at George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself.

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Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fort Hunt Road

Fort Hunt Road meanders from Rt. 1 south of Old Town at Huntington over about 5 miles to Mount Vernon. Fort Hunt Road runs generally parallel to the George Washington Parkway where it runs south from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Where the GW Parkway runs along the Potomac at the river's edge, Fort Hunt road climbs up to the ridge described in detail here.

Fort Hunt is quilted with quiet neighborhoods that are among my favorite in Northern Virginia. From affordable cozy condos at River Towers and Belle View to the impressive riverside residences to Arcturus or ridgetop homes of Belle Haven, Fort Hunt has all that is great in America. I even love the middle America type neighborhoods of Bucknell Manor and Waynewood. In addition there are architecturally distinctive and important homes at Hollin Hills.

There are two schools on Fort Hunt Road: Belle View Elementary and Carl Sandburg Middle School. (My children attended both of these schools.) There are two nieghborhood shopping centers on Fort Hunt Road: the Belle View Shopping Center and the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Fort Hunt Park, the road's namesake is at the lower end of the road.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·

Fort Hunt Park

Fort Hunt Park consists of 105 acres located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria. The Park is a part of the over 7,000 acres that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands of Fort Hunt Park were originally a part of George Washington's personal farm and were became a military outpost and now serves as a picnic area and nature park.

So that all may better understand the history of Fort Hunt, the Park Service has begun research to uncover the names of the many veterans who served at Fort Hunt when it was a military outpost.

Fort Hunt Park was converted into a fortification during the Spanish - American War. In 1897 the fort was modernized for military operations. During War World II the fort was used as a top secret military intelligence outpost.

After both World War I and World War II, Fort Hunt was virtually abandoned due to military cutbacks. The National Park Service now adminstrates Fort Hunt Park a recreational park for public use. Fort Hunt has been a focal point of personal dramas of all kind throughout its history, but now it's dedicated to public recreation.

Hours are 7am until sunset year round for general use. From April - October reservations are needed to use some areas of the park. For information about homes and neighborhoods near and around Fort Hunt Road check out Fort Hunt Info.

Sponsored by Condo 1 Alexandria / Will Nesbitt Realty LLC

Serving real estate needs of Northern VA · in Alexandria · in Arlington · in Fairfax County ·