What You Should Know About Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA, is also known as Fairfax City or Old Town Fairfax. Situated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria greater metropolitan area, Fairfax is a busy and thriving part of northern Virginia. Fairfax has a history that dates back to the colonial period, and it also was the scene of numerous events during the Civil War. Whether you’re new to the area or visiting Fairfax for an extended stay, we think you’ll find that our beautiful city is full of appealing attractions and things to do. Once you begin to explore the area, we also hope you’ll think of us when you need a dentist in Fairfax, VA.

City History

Colonial settlers came to northern Virginia in the early 1700s, establishing Fairfax County and naming it after a man named Thomas, who was the sixth Lord Fairfax. Initially, what would become the city of Fairfax was named the town of Providence, and the Fairfax County Courthouse was established there. In 1874, the municipality was renamed the town of Fairfax. During the Civil War, the first Confederate officer casualty occurred in Fairfax on June 1, 1861. The city was occupied by Union forces for a period of time, and both Battles of Manassas happened nearby. During the 20th century, Fairfax grew steadily thanks to its close proximity to Washington, D.C.

Facts and Figures

As the county seat of Fairfax County, the city of Fairfax features a busy government center that includes the courthouse complex and jail. Fairfax spans just more than six miles in area, and it has a population that’s estimated at more than 24,000. Extensive redevelopment in the city in the past 15 years has led to the building of new retail and restaurant spaces, condominiums, and a new regional library. Fairfax is at the end of the Metro’s Orange Line, providing easy access to Washington, D.C., for those commuting to the nation’s capital.

Typical Weather

Fairfax weather tends to be hot and muggy during the summer and very cold during the winter. Skies are partly cloudy in Fairfax throughout the year. Anyone planning a visit to Fairfax might want to time their vacation for June to early July or early August through the end of September: The hottest day of the year usually happens during the third week of July, when the mercury reaches the upper 80s. Jan. 30 is often the coldest day of the year, when the high temperature may struggle to reach the 40s.

Things to Do in Fairfax, VA

Fairfax offers a number of attractions that will keep visitors busy for days. Whether you like history or outdoor activities, you can fill your vacation itinerary with ease! The NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax features 15 different galleries within its 15,000-square-foot facility. This museum focuses not only on the history of firearms but how they intertwine with American history. The Historic Blenheim House in Fairfax is a must-see for Civil War buffs. Built in 1859, this farmhouse was occupied by Union soldiers when they were in Fairfax. They left behind their signatures, thoughts, and hand-drawn pictures on the wall of the home, which have been preserved for visitors to see. Fairfax has a number of city parks, too, for those looking for green spaces to enjoy. Burke Lake Park is a popular choice, sprawling over 888 acres with water, trails, picnic areas, and much more. Ride the train or carousel, or try your skills on the mini or disc golf courses!

Where to Eat

Anyone with an insatiable appetite will love exploring the many restaurants and eateries that call Fairfax home. True Food Kitchen pairs nutrition and taste for a solid win. The atmosphere is unpretentious, and the menu changes regularly to feature locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes. Guests are always welcome to customize their orders to suit their dietary needs, too. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, try 21 Great American Bistro; diners rave about their ribeye, and the service is great, too. There aren’t a lot of places in the country where you can get Uyghur food, so you’ll want to put Eerkin’s on your list, too. Don’t miss the hand-pulled noodles, an authentic taste of this Muslim region of northwest China. And if you get thirsty while you’re roaming around Fairfax, Ornery Beer Company has you covered with their award-winning brews and great pub food.

Lodging Options

Your overnight stay in Fairfax can happen at a wide array of establishments. The city boasts many of the big names in hotels, including Hyatt, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Hilton, and Marriott. Those looking for something a little more intimate might check out Stafford House, a beautiful bed and breakfast on Chain Bridge Road. The spacious rooms are comfortably furnished, and it’s easy to explore the area on foot from here, as it’s within walking distance of downtown.

Dental Services in Fairfax, VA

If you’re new to the area and you’re looking for an affordable dentist in Fairfax, VA, you need look no further than Dental One Associates of Woodson Square. Our Fairfax dental center has a team of experienced dentists and hygienists who offer high-quality dental care. Our services include every type of Fairfax dentistry: Fairfax, VA, patients can get regular checkups and cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, dentures and root canal therapy at our office. And we work hard to make our services affordable, too. We accept most insurance plans, and we also offer flexible financing options. We can even help you sign up with a Smile Alliance Club discount plan to save on Fairfax family dental care.

With Dental One Associates, you also don’t have to worry about not being able to get an appointment with a Fairfax dentist. VA patients are always welcome, even if you’ve never been to our office before. Call today to book an appointment for Fairfax dentistry: In Fairfax, VA, we’re the top choice for affordable, skilled dental care.