As I sit at my desk on this beautiful summer afternoon, I am reminded of long, hot summer days, breezy evenings under the stars and kids splashing in pools – ah, the lazy days of summer!  I hope as you begin your summer adventures, you consider the many natural, historic, cultural and entertainment sites in the Mount Vernon District.

This is a great time to visit a new park, kayak on the river, hike a forest trail or attend an outdoor concert. We have a plethora of parks in our area, ranging from parks that feature playgrounds and pools at MLK Jr. Park to waterfront and hiking parks like Mason Neck State Park. Check out our parks page to learn how to visit. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon/mount-vernon-district-parks-trails 

The County’s FREE Mount Vernon Nights Concert Series features local entertainers and a wide array of musical styles at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays at Grist Mill Park and Saturdays at the Workhouse Arts Center. The National Park Service also offers free concerts at Fort Hunt Park on Sundays throughout the summer. The Workhouse continues its Saturday Community Markets and our Farmers Markets are open at the Sherwood Regional Library and Lorton VRE on Wednesdays and Sundays, respectively.

A visit to our many historic, cultural and arts sites is a wonderful way to spend a summer day or week – think staycation Mount Vernon. Everyone knows you can visit George and Martha, but what about hidden forts, sustainable farming at Arcadia, the Gum Springs Museum and Historical Society, a Frank Lloyd Wright House, the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, a local brewery and so much more. 

My efforts to connect our many visitor experience sites has led to the creation of Potomac Banks – Explore Fairfax South and an accompanying Savings Pass. Visit our Potomac Banks website to learn more about the many locations and how you can save by visiting. https://www.fxva.com/southcounty/ 

Looking for something more adventuresome? Check out the multitude of mountain biking trails in Lorton, the Cross County Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail, to name a few. Golf, frisbee golf, miniature golf, boating, camping, hiking, playgrounds and the Pirates Cove Waterpark can all be found at Pohick Bay Park. 

The Workhouse Arts Center features one of the best Fireworks displays in the area on July 1. Visit the new National Museum of the U.S. Army to experience the life-size, engaging, hi-tech and interactive narrative of the history of our U.S. Army. 

Amid the excitement of your busy summer, I hope you will take time to vote in the Democratic primary election. Early voting is open at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center and the Lorton Community Center until Saturday, June 17 and the primary is on Tuesday, June 20 at your local voting precinct. All registered voters are encouraged to vote in this important election for the Fairfax County Board Chair, Mount Vernon District Supervisor, state representatives and Commonwealth’s Attorney. This election is only a primary for Democratic Party candidates because the Fairfax County Republican Party committee chose to select its candidates by other means. In Virginia, political parties decide how they nominate their candidates, including using caucuses, mass meetings, primary elections and other methods. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming 

I encourage you to take time this summer to visit the many area attractions we have right here in our neighborhoods, to bask in the wind and the sun, feel the peace and tranquility of a day on the water, listening to music, exploring history or the comradery of enjoying a great meal at a local restaurant. I know I will be and hope to see you there!