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Things To Do In Chantilly
Located in Fairfax County, Chantilly is a census designated place in the state of Virginia of the United States of America. It is named after an early 19th century mansion and farm. Chantilly is popular among tourists and travelers for being a place that is rich in history.
This is because it was an area that had many plantations in the 1700s including Sully and Chantilly plantations and it has witnessed the Civil War. It is part of the Washington Metropolitan Area of Northern Virginia. It is situated about 25 miles west of Washington, DC.
Below is the list of top local attractions in Chantilly for you to plan your next trip to Chantilly, VA.
STEVEN F. UDVAR HAZY CENTER
Also called Udvar-Hazy Center, Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center is an extension of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. It is one of the most popular attractions and best things to do in Chantilly, VA. It is located at the Washington Dulles International Airport.
The main Smithsonian Museum is situated at the National Mall in Washington, D C. This museum is home to many famous and admired air and space crafts. The many exhibits of the museum includes Space Shuttle Discovery, Enola Gay B-29, Gemini 7 Space Capsule, SR-71 “Blackbird” spy plane, Concorde supersonic jet and more.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center also has two large hangars, an IMAX theater, and an observation tower. The museum also maintains an archive and a conservation laboratory.
The museum also hosts numerous events year-round. Lectures, book signings, sleepovers, and events for children, Air & Scare for Halloween, an open house, and Innovations in Flight: Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display, and more. keep happening here. Check the website of Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center to know more about the events happening here at the time of your trip. in Chantilly, the hotel of your choice can be found around this place easily. Admission to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is for free. Please check the website here.
OX HILL BATTLEFIELD PARK
Chantilly is famous for its place in history. One such feature is the Chantilly battlefield. Known as Ox Hill Battlefield Park, it is one of the top attractions not only in Chantilly but in the whole VA. Visit this place to experience the history of Virginia. Ox Hill Battlefield Park is the only place where any battle has been recorded in this county. It is five-acre farmland that has been the site of a major Civil War battle.
The Ox Hill has the objective of paying tributes to the martyrs and victims of the battle and spread awareness about. It documents the lives lost in the Battle of Ox Hill and the Battle of Chantilly.
Ox Hill Battlefield Park hosts multiple events regularly. Anniversary tours, war reenactments, and other historical events take place at Ox Hill Battlefield Park. Keep the map of the park handy while exploring the park.
WALNEY VISITOR CENTER, ELLANOR LAWRENCE PARK
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is a large preserved area featuring diverse wild animals and plants. It is one of the attractions here. Not only that, the park is also dotted with various historic buildings, such as a smokehouse, dairy complex, beehives and gardens, and even sport fields and hiking trails. Other features of a public park like meadows, ponds, and forests. So, the park is a perfect place to capture the natural and cultural heritage of over 8000 years of Chantilly. From Native Americans to European settlers, the park has witnessed it all.
The visitor center of the park is on the eastern side of Route 28. Walney Visitor Center is the place where visitors can learn about the site’s natural and cultural history. Walney Visitor Center is in an 18th-century farmhouse, and has few 19th century outbuildings and features, including a smokehouse, dairy, ice house and ice pond remnants. Various trails of the park start from Walney Visitor Center. Map of the trails is available here at Walney Visitor Center, and many exhibits and events are also hosted here.
At the southeastern end of the park, Cabell’s Mill and Middlegate are situated. It is a 19th century stone house. The 18th century Cabell’s Mill is available for rent for hosting private and public affairs like a birthday party or a wedding.
The trails of the park traverse through diverse habitats. It is popular for running, dog walking, and bird watching and more. The Big Rocky Run Stream Trail is the only trail that allows bikes in the park. Fishing is allowed at the pond and Big Rocky Run.
Native animals can be found inside the park. Reptiles and amphibians can be seen very easily here. The park has more than 300 plant species and 133 documented species of birds, and more than 30 species of mammals including white-tailed deer and coyotes.
KID JUNCTION
Kid Junction in Virginia is a family-friendly, safe, clean, and educational space for children. There is also a relaxing environment for parents here.
Visit this place if you want to spend quality time with your family and kids. Your kids will have a time of their life here by getting involved in various fun activities. It is the best destination for kids in Chantilly. Kid Junction has popular packages like birthday party packages etc. It is open to the public every day of the week. No reservations are required here.
Kid Junction features massive play structures, an interactive, kids-only town, a play area reserved exclusively for toddlers, an athletics-centered arcade, and more.
CHANTILLY THEATER
It is a vibrant, colorful theater that puts popular plays and skits on the show. The theater also hosts various tutorials and classes for visiting guests of all ages. The performance enthusiasts must visit this theater.
SULLY HISTORIC SITE
The Sully Historic Site is another place popular among history lovers. It was the house of the first North Virginia Congressman, Richard Bland Lee. The architecture of the house is in the historic style.
It has authentic antique furniture and utensils and is open for guided tours and visits. The site is also known as Sully Plantation. It is both a Virginia landmark and nationally registered historic place in Chantilly, Virginia.
MONSTER MINI GOLF
Another place to have a fun time with the family is Chantilly. Monster Mini Golf has a beautiful golfing course with affordable services and facilities. It is not your average golf course. There are indoor and glow-in-the-dark, monster-themed courses here that provide a different thrill to the golfers.
This place also features an arcade, meeting rooms, and a themed gift shop. Visitors can even rent this place to host events of their choice here.
GREENBRIAR PARK
Greenbriar park is the place that you should visit to experience the diverse changing scenario of Chantilly. It is the place where you’ll witness the sights and sounds of Virginia. The illustrious Appalachian Trail passes through Greenbriar Park. So the park always has hustle-bustle activities going in it. The park also features a man-made lake. The lake has an excellent natural life.
Other activities like fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking can be done here in all seasons whether it is spring, summer, or fall seasons. There are also campgrounds that host visitors who want to spend the night outdoors. So whether you want to spend your evening in a serene environment or your night under the stars, at Greenbriar Park you can do anything.
CH MASSAGE
The visitors can relax during their visit here. It is the premium massage location of the region. With the promise of removing your stress, it is the place where you’ll feel refreshed and free after your visit. The services offered here are also very affordable with premium services and facilities.
From full body massages, foot and deep tissue massages, “acupressure” treatments, to Swedish massages, you can enjoy it all here. Visit this place to unwind your day under the professional massage therapists’ group.
TICONDEROGA FARMS
Experience the farm life at an affordable price here at the Ticonderoga Farms. It is a unique place to spend your day at Chantilly. Ticonderoga farms feature services like cow train, hayride, peddle kart, etc. Other activities like interactive yard games in family spaces, picnics, etc. are also enjoyed by the visitors here at the Ticonderoga Farms.
Ticonderoga Farms is also a popular destination for hosting private and corporate social functions like weddings and anniversaries or a birthday party.
SHOP AND DINE
Chantilly does not have department stores or malls. However, there are local antique stores and local shops. Treasure of Time is a popular antique shop at Walney Road. Sullyfield Circle has numerous specialty shops like Shayan Oriental Rugs & Antiques and DJ Feathers Aviary.
Chantilly boasts a diverse and expansive range of cafes, restaurants, and fine dining places for food- drinks of all cuisines and budget ranges.
GET AROUND
Chantilly provides many day trips opportunities. It is surrounded by many small towns that are worth a change in scenery, iy you have enough time in your hands. Centerville, Fairfax, Reston and Herndon are few popular places that are just a few hours’ drive away from Chantilly. These places will add a unique experience in your travel guide.
Please also read about things to do in Sarasota.
