Fairfax County has a fantastic park and library system, with tons of activities to enjoy. One of my personal favorites is the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park every summer.

—Sharon Bulova

My insider tip? Check out Merrifield!! There’s more to Merrifield than a lot of people realize. We have new development going on around the Metro Station too—residential, retail, restaurants. Another new restaurant near the station opened just last week. Coming sometime this month the restaurants in the renovated Upscale Resale building (east of Merrifield Gardens on Lee Highway) will be opening too. Things are happening all over Merrifield.

—Linda Smyth (Providence District Supervisor)

Newcomers to Dranesville should visit our beautiful Potomac riverfront parks. Scotts Run in McLean offers fantastic hiking trails and great views of the Potomac. Riverbend Park and Great Falls National Park in Great Falls have visitor centers, great trails, spectacular river views and scenic picnic areas.

—John W. Foust (Dranesville District Supervisor)

Everyone should experience Clifton Day at least once and discover one of the best kept secrets in Fairfax County—the magic and beauty of Clifton. It’s a great day out in a beautiful town where you can sample all sorts of handicrafts, try some wine from the local winery, enjoy some delicious BBQ from the Clifton Lions Club (100 percent of proceeds go to charity) and finish the day with an ice cream at Petersons. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family. This year’s Clifton Day is on October 13th.

—Pat Herrity (Springfield District Supervisor)

One of the hidden jewels in Fairfax County is the Centreville Historic District. This little village area is tucked away from the hectic pace of everyday life but is a remarkable presentation of the evolution of Fairfax County. While the primary reason it is remembered is its important role during the Civil War it was also the frontier for colonial America and the Gateway to the West. It also became one of the first suburbs in America during the 1920’s and 30’s when cars and housing became affordable to working class Americans and roads began to be built. Pieces of life from all these periods are preserved in the little village of Centreville!

—Michael Frey (Sully District Supervisor)