The Insider's Guide to Our Outside: Arlington in Bloom
As springtime begins to bloom, it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from your daily routine and reconnect during a getaway to Arlington, Virginia – just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital.
These insider tips will help you craft the ideal escape with your significant other, close friend, or even just yourself!
Day 1
Spend the afternoon strolling through the vibrant Ballston neighborhood, known as a hip, smart hub for research and innovation. Sip custom-blended coffee on a tree-lined patio next to world-renowned scientists puzzling over their latest challenge. Explore Ballston Quarter, an exciting new indoor/outdoor destination where you’ll discover premier local shopping, immersive escape-room adventures, global culinary experiences and so much more.
Insider’s Tip: Whatever cuisine you’re craving – Spanish, Indian, Hawaiian, Japanese, or even Baltimorean! – grab a tasty lunch prepared by local restaurateurs in the Quarter Market food hall. Settle at a table in the open-air plaza to savor your treats on your very own urban picnic.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20201109_Cameron-Davidson_Ballston-Quarter_0141_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=13dcef674d157588d6fa8380277b4582 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20201109_Cameron-Davidson_Ballston-Quarter_0141_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=242d0c01e98eebacec87509d403cf736 450w)
In the evening, amidst the Rosslyn neighborhood’s gleaming skyscrapers, enjoy cocktails, dinner, and stunning Washington, D.C. views that showcase the Potomac River, Georgetown, and the National Mall. Start your night off with dinner and drinks at Open Road. Inspired by American culture, a passion for music, and a love of the outdoors, Open Road features quality seasonal menus, local craft beer, and an extensive whiskey and bourbon collection. Dine out on the patio for a fantastic open-air experience.
Insider’s Tip: If you're in the mood for an after-dinner cocktail, make your way downstairs to Salt, Rosslyn’s one-of-a-kind underground cocktail lounge with an intimate, upscale, speakeasy vibe which just so happens to be located underneath Open Road. Feel free to reserve your table ahead of time to guarantee your seat.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20200212_Salt-Rosslyn_In-the-News_Not-for-Public-Use_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d830ad169e33d4edf3acf2b32f9f2c98 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20200212_Salt-Rosslyn_In-the-News_Not-for-Public-Use_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=57d0b3a48683d3a68d9d48922e1cbe41 450w)
Day 2
Start your day right with a brisk early morning walk around Theodore Roosevelt Island, a living memorial to America’s 26th president, a great outdoorsman, and conservationist. Just steps from Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood, this 91-acre wooded island sanctuary features a memorial plaza (a perfect spot for a photo op with Teddy), as well as miles of trails through wooded uplands, swampy bottomland, and along the Potomac River.
Insider’s Tip: For some of Arlington’s most classic views of downtown Washington, D.C., venture just 1 mile to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Grab a Capital Bikeshare bike and you’re there in less than 15 minutes, or get there by foot through the lively heart of Rosslyn. Upon arrival, enjoy your morning coffee and incredible views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol as you walk amongst the tulips that bloom in the springtime.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20181001-JakeMcGuire-306_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260_2023-07-04-105850_ipzq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d64d3858e168bd3ac2f248137e5bd309 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20181001-JakeMcGuire-306_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260_2023-07-04-105850_ipzq.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=78465a57a927ea053857b841803a4116 450w)
Refuel in Arlington’s Pentagon City neighborhood with a tasty lunch at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (and we won’t blame you if you distract yourself for a bit in their stores!) Then, cab, walk or bicycle over to the nearby Air Force Memorial. With beautiful vistas of the Pentagon and Washington, D.C., this hillside memorial honors the service and heritage of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations. Three stainless steel spires soar into the sky from the promontory reaching a height of 402 feet above sea level.
Insider’s Tip: Less than a 10-minute walk from the Air Force Memorial is the Freedman’s Village Historical Marker overlooking Arlington National Cemetery. In June of 1863, on the grounds of the federally confiscated Custis Arlington estate (today's Arlington National Cemetery), the U.S. government established Freedman's Village as a temporary wartime refuge for emancipated and fugitive ("contraband") slaves. The settlement evolved into a unique and thriving community with hospitals, churches, schools, and social services.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Freedmans-Village-Historical-Marker-Photo-Credit-Arlington-Convention-and-Visitors-Service_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5c97e30e4ea41e302986b3d367806b3e 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Freedmans-Village-Historical-Marker-Photo-Credit-Arlington-Convention-and-Visitors-Service_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e5a03c62dde390893a6bd6b8ab4503c5 338w)
After you’ve had the chance to freshen up, head over to the Clarendon neighborhood to dine al fresco at one of many eclectic restaurants featuring rooftop or sidewalk dining. Especially known for lively nightlife, Clarendon is a perfect location for a great date night at any age and a center of activity for the younger crowd.
Insider’s Tip: For world-class cocktails in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, stop in to Ambar, a retro-chic restaurant and cocktail bar renowned for its creative mixology, Balkan small plates, and tempting desserts.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/restaurants-ambar-clarendon_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=64b7ba0917d2f2a0cdc18ea0b4e340fa 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/restaurants-ambar-clarendon_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=93a2869dfeb5717b48edd6b32e63a8de 450w)
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