Imagine this scenario.
You’re stuck at an international airport at Dulles, Virginia due to a layover. Will this mean endless hours of watching the clock, filling out crossword puzzles and going in and out of the bookstore? Why not take a mini-getaway to the local town and burn some calories while you’re in such a maddening standby? So, if you find yourself with plenty of time to spare at the airport, take advantage of some of Dulles,Virginia’s close proximity attractions.
Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center
Nice location and well maintained! Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center is an inviting place for smaller group activities if you ever want to indulge in the farm life that interprets the 1920s to 1950s. It has a variety of attractions of both a historic and recreational nature that you’ll surely enjoy as you pass your time. Everything here is free except for the carousel and the hayride. If you grew up in the city there are various farm animals here to see. The cow milking is even open to the public.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is known as the National Air and Space Museum’s sibling site and it’s just adjacent to the Dulles,Virginia airport. It boasts of two huge hangars with numerous exhibits that include space shuttle Discovery, Gemini VII space capsule, and Boeing B-29 Enola Gay. It’s an interesting mix of planes and other flying machines, including a lot of German WWII craft. You’ll surely love the staff as they are very friendly and accommodating. There are free tours and some exhibits will give you a hands-on experience. Imagine sitting inside the cockpit of a Cessna 205! For those afraid of leaving the ground to experience flying, the center also offers simulators and theaters for a close experience.
National Mall & Memorial Parks
A less than an hour ride from Dulles, Virginia’s airport is the most visited park of the U.S. The National Mall & Memorial Parks which is home to various iconic monuments and memorials. Here is where you can find the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. Also just nearby is the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art. It’s all for free. So, what are you waiting for?
Did you enjoy your speedy tour of Dulles,Virginia? Now is the time to binge in a hotel room for a more comfortable sleep. You don’t have to worry about accommodations. There are a few hotels located within a 15-minute drive of the airport and they will offer you free shuttle service.
