Prince William Forest Park Protecting Nature’s Blessings

With a history of logging and over-cultivation, 17,000 acres of Prince William Forest Park is now home of tranquility for nature’s blessings where families and friends can visit. Located 32 miles away south of Washington DC and 22 miles north of Fredericksburg, Prince William Forest Park was also named as Chopawamsic Recreation Demonstration Area years ago, carefully shelters the federally threatened orchid Isotria medeoloides, a small whorled pogonia and the Eastern Box Turtle which a type of reptile with the longest life span as well as many other species.

Wildlife

Bird watching for migratory birds and songbirds can be anticipated. A complete list of bird species can be availed at the Visitor Center. But birds aren’t the only animals to be seen. Deer, Beavers and even wild turkeys can be sighted in this beautiful forest.

Fishing

As long as you have a Virginia fishing license, anglers can take a shot at fishing for catfish, crappie, pickerel, perch bluegill and even bass. State and federal regulations are strictly imposed while fishing licenses are not sold at the visitor center.

Hiking

37 miles of trails can be explored within the park offering visitors a tranquil and calm ambiance for variety of purposes such as vigorous activities, nature study or perhaps just a moment to be alone.

Bicycling

Keep a guide handy from the visitor center where information on restrooms, water, parking as well as paved and unpaved roads and you are set to enjoy 21 miles of bicycling with nature blessed scenery.

Picnicking

Picnic areas are allotted with tables, grills, trash bins, water and restrooms.

Education

Programs are held by rangers for those wishing to focus more on the study of the environment. The most favored option of exploring and discovering Prince William Forest Park’s history is by taking a hike on the 4 mile geology trail that showcases geologic change within its 570 million years. Schools can even have trips arranged for their students on give children an on hand study of their lessons and to mold them into being environmentally responsible.

Biking in Arlington’s Trails

A large network of trails, bike lanes and bikeable streets allowing accessible cycling in and about the neighborhoods in Arlington can be found to be quick, safe and very convenient Biking Benefits:
  • Inexpensive – Anyone can afford and maintain this means of transportation.
  • Convenient – Less troublesome when it comes to getting to certain places.
  • Fitness  –  Firming, calorie burning all that can be achieved without membership fees
  • Environment Friendly – No noise or air pollution (no carbon dioxide emissions).
  • Traffic Congestion – Takes away the bumper to bumper situation of traffic on the road.
  • Business – Cost Saving for transportation re-imbursements.
  • Happy Community - Bikers are more relaxed and can enjoy the beauty of the community.
The bike friendly structures in Arlington complements the walkways and public transits system allowing everyone get about in Arlington and in other counties without needing a car. In January 1 2009, the Bicycle Commuter Act was added as one of the qualified transportation benefits covered in section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The Bicycle Commuter Act is simple as the cycling itself. Cyclists get the same qualified transportation benefits for taking transit, driving or parking their cars to and from work. A reimbursement of up to $20/month for expenses incurred by the employee who bikes to work. The trails in Arlington are actually multi use trails that are shared equally and enjoyed by bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters, cross country skiers, dog walkers, baby strollers, people using wheelchairs and the like. Courtesy and assertiveness is required to avoid any collisions. For Trail sharing and Security on the Trails visit Arlington County Commuter Services website. Family Cycle Train There are about 400 bike racks available throughout the County as Arlington promotes cycling to be a preferable and easy mode of traveling. Arlington does require new residential, office and retail establishments to provide generous if not ample bike parking with shower and locker facilities. For the security of bikes, registering bicycles with the Arlington County Police Department is highly recommended. A license is issued with records of license number, serial number of the bicycle and the name of the owner. It is also recommended to use a U-lock instead of chains and cables. For more detailed information about biking, you can refer to ACCS or the Arlington County Commuter Services which is a bureau of the Arlington, Virginia Department of Environmental Services. ACCS programs work to encourage and promote the use of mass transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking, teleworking and other alternative aside from driving alone. photo credit: Amsterdamize

The Parks of Lyon

3 parks can be found within the Lyon Park neighborhood:

Clay Park - Within Lyon Park on N. 7th Street between North Highland and North Garfield Streets that is owned and managed by the County Amenities – Gazebo, School Age Playground and an Outdoor Basketball Court Lyon Park Playground – Found between North Fillmore and North Garfield streets, the park has been maintained by the community as a children’s playground with a charming environment. Amenities – Dog Free Fillmore Park – A County park found off North Fillmore street between Long Branch Elementary School and the County Bike Path. Amenities – Picnic Tables, School Age Playground and a Youth Baseball Field. The Park and Community House hosts to numerous community oriented events providing entertainment throughout the year giving Lyon Park a distinct feel as a cohesive community.

Homes for sale at Lyon Park

Biking the Mount Vernon Trail

Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back.  The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough.  The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.   Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.

Rent a bike in Alexandria VA

Biking is a fun way to see the sites of Northern VA

tandem bike
Tandem bikes are available
Go green and explore the city by bicycle!  Bike and Roll Alexandria offers bike rentals including Trek comfort hybrid bikes as well as tandem bikes. Children’s bikes and accessories such as tandem trailers and burleys are also available. Bike rentals allow you to hop on two wheels and see DC and Northern Virginia in a completely new way. All rentals come with a helmet, U-lock, bike rack, flat kit and city map. Just let us know where you are heading and we’ll point you in the right direction! You may even rent from one shop and ride one-way to our other location (in Washington DC) for a small drop-off fee.
comfort bike
Choose between comfort or performance.
For day long reservations for any equipment in Old Town Alexandria, VA, call: 703.548. ROLL (7655). Bike and Roll Alexandria One Wales Alley Alexandria, VA 22314 Bike and Roll Alexandria is located at the corner of Wales Alley and The Strand in Old Town Alexandria. This
Bike Path on GW Parkway
Bike Path on GW Parkway
shop is convenient to the King Street Trolley Stop at North Union Street and a couple hundred yards south from the Water Taxi.
biking in Old Town
Bike and Roll

Inauguration Day in Alexandria

At noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Barack H. Obama will be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol as the 56th President of the United States of America. The City of Alexandria is expecting a record number of visitors, and preparations are underway for our guests and friends.

Jumbotron in Market Square

At the heart of Old Town is Market Square. Market Square is at the City Hall building, 301 King St. It is a brick courtyard and gathering point for city residents. The Presidential swearing-in ceremony and parade will be on Jumbotron (a giant TV) live on Inauguration Day at Market Square from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Area Road Closures and Bridge Restrictions

The City of Alexandria states: "Road and bridge closures and security restrictions around the U.S. Capitol and the Inauguration parade route will make traveling by car directly from Northern Virginia to Washington, DC impossible beginning at 2 a.m. on January 20. The City urges residents---whether attending the Inauguration, going to work, or staying in Alexandria---to make plans and stay informed." So far, the road closures and bridge restrictions generally begin at 2 AM on Tuesday January 20th (early on Inauguration Day). At around that time, personal vehicles will not be allowed to enter Washington from Northern Virginia. Residents and visitors in Northern Virginia are urged to take public transit to the Inauguration activities. If you insist on driving, drivers will only be able to enter Washington by driving in from designated Maryland routes. Road closures and detours:
  • Traffic on I-395 traffic heading toward Washington will be diverted at the Springfield interchange (exits 170B and 170C) onto 1-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/95 East (Outer Loop). Southbound 395 remain open to traffic.
  • The 14th Street Bridge, Roosevelt Bridge, and Key Bridge will be closed to general traffic. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to cross these bridges. The Memorial Bridge and the Chain Bridge will be open to pedestrians only.
  • North Washington Street at Montgomery Street to Reagan National Airport will be closed.
  • The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions from I-495 to the 14th Street Bridge.

I-95/395 HOV Schedule

HOV on I-95/395 will begin at 3 AM, after 5 AM only buses and authorized vehicles will be permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes from Route 234/Dumfries to Washington. The HOV lanes will reverse at 8 PM with restrictions lasting until 9 pm or later.

Metro and VRE on Inauguration

As federal, state and local agencies continue to develop plans for the Inauguration, information on road closures may change. Please check this page for updates. Alexandria VA and Washington DC are expecting record turnouts for the 46th Presidential Inauguration. The public is urged to use public transportation and to arrive early. The best way into Washington DC from Northern Virginia and Alexandria on Inauguration Day will be Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express. Metro claims they will have public parking spaces available at all Northern Virginia Metro stations. It will be interesting to see how this is accomplished at some stations. For travel around the area on Inauguration Day, Metro is probably a good choice. To plan your trip via the Metrobus or Metrorail, use Metro’s Trip Planner; for bus travel within Alexandria, visit the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) system, or ride the Free King Street Trolley, which runs from the Metrorail King Street Station to the City’s Waterfront. For more detailed information please check the Secret Service Announces Security Information for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural (PDF) For more travel options to, and within Washington, D.C., and other important information, please check out CarlyleDistrict.com.

Walking

Persons walking from to the Inauguration from Alexandria have a number of options, including the Mount Vernon Trail. A less hearty walk would start at Arlington National Cemetary. You may wish to Metro to Arlington National Cemetary and walk the Memorial Bridge into DC. WMATA has produced and provided a commemorative walking guide and map. Bicycling The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) will be operating two free bicycle valet parking areas on January 20, including one at the Jefferson Memorial. Visit WABA for more information including maps, bike rental information and valet tips. The City of Alexandria's Online Bike Map can prove useful as can the Regional Bike Path Route-Finder. Bicycles will not be allowed on Metrorail all weekend long, beginning Saturday, January 17th. Bicycles will be allowed on MetroBus throughout the Inaugural weekend.

Alexandria Events

Here's a list of other Alexandria Inauguration events.