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As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to get outside. Put down the screens and enjoy nature again at these parks near Alexandria. Whether you want to go somewhere quiet for lunch or enjoy a day trip, they offer something for everyone. more Huntley Meadows Enjoy a natural space with a historic home when you visit Huntley Meadows Park, which is open from dawn to dusk from March through November. The park is home to a federal period villa built for Thomas Francis Mason. The villa is near the entrance to the park and opens for public and scouting programs throughout the year. Let nature's beauty surround you after you're done exploring history. The park offers trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including specific trails only for people and only for people and dogs. The boardwalk through the wetlands is ADA accessible so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty. Mason Neck Mason Neck State Park is a beautiful way to escape to the peace of nature. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. The parking fee is $7, except for weekends from April to October, when it increases to $10. Three miles of paved trails offer accessible fun in the park. You can bring your bike to the park or rent one from the visitors center. Pack a lunch to enjoy in the park or as you enjoy some freshwater boating. If you want to use a boat in the park, you must have a valid Virginia boating license. As you enjoy the park, be on the lookout for the bald eagles that call the park home. Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Escape the hustle and bustle of Alexandria while enjoying live performances at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. This is the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Before the show, enjoy a hike on the Wolf Trap Trail or the TRACK Trail. The TRACK trail is 1.5 miles long and is perfect for kids and families. As your kids explore this area, they can complete adventures to win prizes. Follow the orange blazes to follow this leisurely trail. The Wolf Trap trail is approximately 2.5 miles long. It's designed to challenge more experienced hikers. Follow the blue blazes to stay on this trail, or follow the green markers to shorten the path. The green markers also lead you to the Theatre-in-the-Woods. After your hike, take in a live show at the children's theater. You can also go to a performance at the Filene Center. Many of these performances also include pre-performance discussions. During your time at the park, you can enjoy a picnic or buy something at the concession stand. The park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk for public use. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the parks with you. Make sure you pack a lunch to enjoy in the great outdoors and dress appropriately for the weather. Image via Pixabay

Does your family need a rugged vehicle for weekend fun that's comfortable for carpooling during the week? Meet the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. This seven-passenger crossover SUV is ready for your next carpool duty. It also transitions easily to your next adventure. more Exterior Eight trim levels are available for this SUV. As you view each trim, the contoured lines catch your eye. The L and LS trims feature heated power mirrors. The standard deep-tinted glass gives you comfort and privacy while on the road. Starting with the LT cloth trim, drivers enjoy standard heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals. All the trims include fog lights to facilitate safe driving no matter the road or weather conditions. The Premier and High Country trims include Intellibeam technology with the headlights. It automatically senses another vehicle's presence and adjusts the high beams accordingly. Performance and Fuel Economy The powerful Traverse includes a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with start/stop technology. A nine-speed automatic transmission includes overdrive and driver shift control. The 19.4-gallon fuel tank allows the vehicle to reach 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Traverse has a standard maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. A properly equipped High Country trim handles up to 5,000 pounds. Interior Comforts A leather-wrapped steering wheel gives the vehicle a luxury feel. It's standard on all trim levels except the L. With ample room, you can keep everyone comfortable while also making sure you have enough space for your stuff on your next trip. Each section of the Traverse includes its own temperature controls. The family-friendly interior includes sliding second-row seats. Pull the handle and get access to the third-row seats of this passenger vehicle. Pack everything you need in either the hidden storage space or use the main cargo area that includes 98.2 cubic feet of space. Technology Whether you use the Traverse for work or fun, it has the technology you need. Avoid arguments over who needs a USB port; every row has one. Connect your phone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for access to all your music and certain apps while you are driving. There is also a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot to keep all of your devices online while you're on the road. The Traverse combines safety with technology for two critical features. The rear seat reminder activates if you open and close the back door just before you leave. When you arrive, a visual warning pops up on your dashboard as a reminder to check your back seat before leaving the vehicle. The available surround vision system helps drivers park in tight spaces and alerts you to any dangers around you. Surround vision is available starting with the LT leather trim. This crossover SUV also includes teen driver technology to help your newest drivers develop good habits from the beginning. You can even check on their trips by reading their trip report cards when they come home. If you're dreaming of your 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, stop by Jim McKay Chevrolet. You can explore the SUV in person with your family. Image via DealerOn

Are you looking for something different to do for a weekend or a rainy day? Check out these exciting destinations in Alexandria. You'll find lots of opportunities to learn and enjoy yourself. more Gadsby's Tavern If you enjoy learning about a different side of history, consider visiting the Gadsby's Tavern Museum. You can get a sense of what life was like in America's infant years. You can tour two buildings during your visit — the tavern and the 1792 City Hotel. Hours for both properties vary depending on what time of year you want to visit.  Discounted admission is available for AAA members and those who eat at Gadsby's. Guided and self-guided tours are available. During the tours, you'll see a variety of exhibits designed to show Colonial life. You may also get the chance to watch dancing from that time period. Torpedo Factory The Torpedo Factory does not explore the history of the weapon. Instead, it's an art center located on North Union Street in Alexandria. It's the largest public art studio in the country. This creative space is free to visit and open daily. It's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursday, when you may visit until 9 p.m. The artists that regularly use the building have their own studio hours. During your visit, you have the chance to interact with over 100 artists. If you would like to learn about the art made in the building, explore the class offerings. The Art League School hosts a variety of classes and workshops for artists of all ages and ability levels. Before you leave the building, don't forget to visit the Alexandria Archeology Museum. It's open Tuesday through Sunday on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory.  You can watch archeologists cleaning and working with new artifacts. You can also find out more of Alexandria's history with a visit to the Lee Street exhibit. The National Inventors Hall of Fame Have you ever wondered about the history of some of your favorite products? Do you wish you knew who invented a product? Find that information and more when you visit the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Admission is free. The museum is located in the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the Madison Building. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. During your visit to the museum, you can explore a variety of special exhibits. You can also see the wall of inductees in the Gallery of Icons. Beyond actual inventions, you can explore some examples of intellectual property. A variety of kiosks help explain the stories of items and their inventors. If you have a child who is interested in STEM, check into the museum's various educational programs. They are designed for students starting in first grade. Don't forget to bring your friends or family with you as you explore these locations.  The exhibits can help strike up a variety of interesting conversations. Image via Pixabay

Date Updated: Sept 15, 2023 The Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV that is both exciting and intuitive. Check out a few of the top smart features that make the 2019 Chevrolet Trax a smart choice. more Connective Features Wherever the road takes you, you can stay connected in the 2019 Chevrolet Trax. The Trax comes equipped standard with a 4G LTE WiFi capable hotspot. Two standard USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet keep your electronics fully charged. Easily start your Chevy Trax with the touch of the button with the remote keyless entry and remote start systems. Keyless entry allows you to unlock the driver side door without fumbling for your keys. You can also access your vehicle locks and engine start via the Chevrolet app. The app also allows you to preset your ideal cabin temperature before even stepping foot into the Trax. Entertainment Technology Whether you are commuting to the office or heading out on a road trip, you have plenty of technology features to keep you entertained. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice command, and the ability to connect via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Chevrolet MyLink HD Radio offers valet mode and access to the teen driver safety system. Stream your favorite playlists over the available seven-speaker Bose premium audio system. The available power sunroof gives you a breath of fresh air, even on the longest of commutes. Find your ideal comfort with the available six-way power driver seat. The Trax also offers ample cargo space with 60/40 fold flat seats that easily meet your storage needs. Load and unload your cargo with the illuminated interior and cargo lights. Technology-Inspired Performance The 2019 Trax also comes equipped with many smart features that improve its performance. Cruise control maintains your set speed and automatically disengages when Stabilitrak steps in to keep you safe. Powered with a 1.4-liter Turbo Ecotec four-cylinder engine, and an all-wheel-drive system, the 2019 Trax can effortlessly handle all road conditions. Safety Technologies Technology does more than keep you entertained. It also keeps you and your passengers safe. Available safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, cruise control, and rear park assist. A rear vision camera is standard on all Trax trim levels. OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services are also available in the event of a collision. Activate the teen driver safety system for an in-vehicle driving report of your teen's route. The 3.5-inch driver infotainment system displays your most important driver controls including speed, fuel level, average fuel economy, tire pressure, and any important warnings. Keep your Trax right where it belongs in the driveway with the theft-deterrent unauthorized entry system. The system activates the horn and turn signals when someone attempts to break into it. The Trax is designed with the latest technologies to keep you and your passengers safe, entertained, and comfortable. Come by Jim McKay Chevrolet in Fairfax, VA today to learn about the smart features of the 2019 Chevrolet Trax, and click the button below to learn about the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax and view our current inventory. Find or reserve your 2024 Trax today! Find Your 2024 Chevrolet Trax!

The first true sign of spring in the Washington D.C. and Virginia area is the bloom of the cherry blossoms. The area celebrates with local cherry blossom festivals and the locals of Alexandria, Virginia, can easily participate in this exciting season. more Take a Water Taxi to D.C. You can hop on a water taxi at the Potomac Riverboat Company and navigate your way across the river to downtown D.C. to take in the beautiful blossoms front and center. The entire taxi ride is just 25 minutes and then it is just a short 10-minute walk to the main attraction at the Tidal Basin. The Water Taxi leaves daily from Old Town beginning March 1, 2019, with the first ride leaving at 9:40 a.m. and the next at 11:45 a.m. Along the route, you will also get to see some of the best sights of the city from the waterside. Explore History and Blooms You can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms right at home on a pop-up tour with Discover Alexandria. The tour starts at the Alexandria Visitors Center and then a guide takes you to some of the most historic attractions in the city. You can enjoy the fresh bloom of flowers all around you as you learn the history of the city you call home. Many of the local Alexandria restaurants even offer discounts and cherry blossom-themed food menu items. Enjoy the Flowers Via a Bus Tour If you want to avoid the crowded streets, consider viewing the cherry blossoms from a Washington D.C. bus tour. The Cherry Blossoms Galore Tour is a seasonal tour that runs from March 18-April 15, 2019, and takes you on a half-day tour to the best viewing spots in the city. The tour will also take you to D.C.'s most important attractions including the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, and the World War II Memorial. Make sure you bring your camera because you are going to want to capture the beauty of the city as well as the historical buildings. Rent a Bike for the Day Covering the large city of D.C. can be tiring if you rely on walking. Driving may not be an option and the heavy traffic can make it difficult to maneuver the city while also taking in the cherry blossoms. Consider renting a bike for the day. You can speed on by and choose to stop at different attractions on your route while covering more of the large city. You can also visit the city parks or join a guided bike tour of the city. For an effortless biking experience, consider renting an electric bike for the afternoon. The cherry blossoms are a wonderful sight to see come spring. Whether you are on the Virginia side of the river or you venture over to Washington D.C. for a guided bus or bike tour, you are sure to enjoy the beauty of the city abloom during cherry blossom season. Image via Pixabay

The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is the ultra-compact car of the year, and it's ready to take the streets by storm. Don't let its size fool you — it's unexpectedly spacious for a car in its class and provides a nimble drive perfect for the city. Here are our favorite parts of the 2019 Chevy Sonic. more Compact Class and Style The 2019 Chevy Sonic is just 159.8 inches long in its hatchback form. Being just over 13 feet makes it able to navigate where other bulkier cars can't go. In 2016, the Sonic was voted "Most Dependable Small Car" by J.D. Power. But aside from its dependability and capability, the 2019 Sonic is simply a fun car to drive. It has a personality that you won't soon forget, thanks to its confident stance, expressive paint colors, and dynamic performance. Surprising Space Once you're inside the Sonic, you'll discover the optical illusion — a surprising amount of interior space you wouldn't expect from a compact car. With the rear seats folded, you open up the cabin up to 47.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sonic is available as a sedan or a hatchback, which offers the most cargo space out of the two. Pack what you need for the adventure ahead. Whether you need to fit five people in the cabin or a month's worth of groceries, the Sonic has you covered. Power Punch Each Sonic comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine that delivers 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, which lets you tackle trips like they're child's play. Choose between the six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Sonic's engine design allows it to achieve a 26 mpg rating in the city and 34 on the highway, which saves you money at the gas pumps. Superior Tech The 2019 Sonic's integrated touch screen lets you connect to your phone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These systems let you use a great number of your phone's features through the touch screen, including navigation, messages, phone calls, music streaming apps, and more. The available built-in 4G Wi-Fi hot spot ensures you'll never be left without a connection. All told, the 2019 Sonic knows that life doesn't stop when you get into your car — it lets you stay connected, no matter the situation. Safety First Most importantly, any car should do what it can to keep you and your family safe. The 2019 Sonic is equipped with 10 airbags, which is a first for its class. Upgrade to the available forward collision alert and lane departure warning to be more aware of possible dangers and avoid them. These are just a handful of the ways Chevrolet works to provide you with the safest cars they can produce. When you're ready to get behind the wheel of an all-new 2019 Chevy Sonic, give us a visit at Jim McKay Chevrolet. After a quick test drive of the Sonic, you'll see why it's at the top of the compact car game. Image via Jimmckaychevrolet.com

The history of Alexandria, Virginia, dates back to 1749. The city has served many purposes over the years including as a trading post, a port, and even as the hometown of George Washington. Check out a few of the top museums where you can explore history further in the Alexandria area. more Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum The building that the Alexandria History Museum occupies was once a Civil War hospital ward. Today, the museum displays historical exhibits including "Alexandrians Fight the Great War" and the "World War II: The Five Payne Brothers." The museum also hosts a 2nd Friday After Work Concert Series which takes place on every second Friday of the month in Old Town Alexandria. Children between the ages of five and seven can attend Clio's Kids summer camp program. This program educates children on the history of Alexandria through exploring artifacts, singing songs, making crafts, and playing historical games. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary was a favorite shop of the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee. After the apothecary shop closed down, the city preserved it and transformed it into a museum so you can experience the same shopping trip as the most prominent people of Alexandria in the late 1700s. You will find original merchandise and furniture within the shop, as well as preserved vials of product. You can also view botanicals, hand-blown glasses, and prescription formulas throughout history. Sign up for a private tour and enjoy a potion-mixing class at the upper level of the museum. Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum was the place to be during the 18th century. The five-star hotel welcomed politicians, businessmen, and celebrities of its time. You can even dine at the same table as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once did. A tour of the tavern will give you a glimpse into the social scene of the time. The museum also has a display of Revolutionary War artifacts, and guided tours will give you an in-depth lesson into the history of the tavern. For a truly memorable experience, consider booking an overnight stay at the interesting tavern museum. National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum The inventive history of Alexandria is almost as important as its political one. The National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum sits inside of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and gives you the opportunity to explore some of the best inventions in history. The museum has inventions from over 540 inventors with exhibits, videos, and even the actual inventions themselves. A guided tour with hands-on activities will also educate you on the process it takes to go from idea to product design. Kid-friendly attractions will entertain young minds and there are after-school inventor programs available for all ages. American inventors, inspiring businessmen, and small-town businesses were important to the development of Alexandria, Virginia. Take a blast into the past and explore a few of the best historical attractions while you learn more about the city you call home. Image via Pixabay

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The Chevrolet Equinox has become one of the most popular compact SUVs in America because of its features and reasonable sizing. It's also perfect for families who need a reliable vehicle that gets everyone where they're going with the least amount of fuss. There's plenty of room for everyone to ride without feeling squeezed and pets can ride in the rear cargo area without feeling cramped. Add in the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System for connectivity and you get a vehicle that meets the needs of the family. more Technology to Keep Everyone Safe The 2019 Equinox is loaded with safety features that prevent low-speed accidents and alert you when there's a potential collision about to happen. Some of the features include: Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. This feature alerts you when you drift from your lane without using a turn signal. The steering wheel turns gently to let you know you're drifting and an alarm goes off to get your attention. Forward collision alert. The car detects potential front-end collisions with other vehicles in your vicinity. It alerts when you're following too close to a vehicle. Low-speed forward automatic braking. If the car detects that a front-end collision is about to happen at low speed, the brakes are automatically applied if you haven't taken action. All of these systems come with audible alerts, but they can be changed to a silent safety alert in the seat. The driver's seat vibrates in the seat-bottom in the event an adverse event may be imminent. Helps Teens Learn How to Drive Safely The Infotainment 3 System is available with Teen Driver Technology, a system that helps teach your teen driver proper driving techniques even when a parent isn't in the car. The system allows parents to set a speed alert to keep them driving at safe speeds, mutes audio until people in the front seat have buckled up, turns on safety alerts, and even gives a report card that shows how a teen has been driving. Parents can review all of the data and give their teenagers pointers on how to drive better. Parents access the system through a menu in the infotainment system that's locked with a PIN. From there, the parent registers a key for the teenager and sets the parameters for driving. Rear Seat Infotainment System The rear-seat infotainment system is an additional option and mounts to the rear of the front seat headrests. They consist of two 8-inch LCD monitors with features that include a remote control, USB, SD card, and HDMI inputs, and they work with wired and wireless headphones. If there's no physical media for the inputs, the system is capable of connecting to tablets and smartphones. Back seat passengers get their entertainment without inconveniencing the passengers in the front seats and everyone's happy. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is loaded with features that cater to every member of the family. Everyone has their own option for entertainment, teens are monitored for safe driving, and drivers have alerts that help them stay safe on the road. To get a feel for the 2019 Equinox, stop by Jim McKay Chevrolet to schedule a test drive with us! Image via DealerOn

When looking for family fun while living in or visiting Alexandria, Virginia, you will find an abundance of opportunities that will delight and thrill everyone. When the kids are tired of visiting the numerous historic sites and want to play, try these fun family-friendly attractions and parks and enjoy watching everyone thoroughly enjoy themselves while having fun in Alexandria. more Take a Kid-Friendly Pirate Cruise Kids love the allure and mystery of pirates, so why not hop aboard a kid-friendly boat where they can see actors dressed as pirates perform thrilling swashbuckling acts, watch water cannon fights, go on treasure hunts, and get to talk like pirates? Not only will the whole family revel in the entertainment by the “pirates,” but you will also enjoy the beautiful views of the shoreline, waterfront, and historic landmarks as the cruise sails along the Potomac River. Chessie's Big Backyard at Lee District This fantastic playground and park is ideal for children of all ages. During the warm summer months, have the little ones put on their swimsuits and flip flops to play in the giant splash bad. After they dry off, take them to the Chesapeake Bay-themed playground where they can swing and slide to their heart's content. For the nature lovers in the family, take a stroll along one of the easy hiking trails to look for birds and other wildlife. The park also offers basketball courts, ball fields, and other family-fun amenities. Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventures For the adventurous ones in the family, head over to Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventures just a short drive west of the city. The Go Ape Treetop Journey takes about one hour and, with safety always in mind, takes you through a thrilling experience going through obstacles and a series of zip lines. Be sure to take plenty of photos of the kids as this adventure will create plenty of exciting memories for everyone. Schuyler Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park For the skater in the family, let them take a run on the skateboard ramps at Schuyler Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park. The park is free to the public, but protective wear including helmets, elbow and knee pads are required. Enjoy Nature at Founders Park After so much excitement, take some time with the family and head over to Founders Park to connect with the natural beauty that can be found along the banks of the Potomac River. Pack a picnic and load the family into the car and find a lovely place to enjoy lunch under the shade trees with sweeping vistas of the water. After lunch, stroll along the pathway and let the kids enjoy sniffing the flowers in the many gorgeous and abundant gardens dotted along the park's trails. Founders Park is an excellent way to see the natural side of Alexandria, Virginia, with your family. With its rich colonial history, bountiful parks and gardens, and the Potomac River close by, you can easily find plenty of activities to keep you and your family happy and entertained. Image via Pixabay

When you're looking for a true SUV, you need to put the Chevrolet Tahoe high on your list. It commands the road without being overpowering and has a short wheelbase that makes it easy to park in the toughest of parking situations. And the Chevy Tahoe brings the toughness and durability of a pickup truck to an SUV that rides like a luxury car. Here are three reasons why you should make the Tahoe your next SUV. more It Has the Strength and Power of a Pickup The standard engine across most trim levels is a 5.3L EcoTec V-8 engine that generates 355 horsepower. This engine has been Chevy's workhorse for decades and only gets better as technology advances. The engine is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission that improves fuel economy as well as helps the engine operate at maximum efficiency. Add in the Max Trailering Package to get a towing capacity of up to 8,600 pounds. The Tahoe gets its running gear from GM's full-size pickups, which gives the SUV its height and clearance. A Comfortable Interior That Fits Like a Glove Slip into the driver's seat of the Tahoe and enjoy the feeling of sitting in a cockpit that cradles and protects you. The infotainment and HVAC controls are within easy reach of your fingertips and can be controlled from the steering wheel. Control the infotainment system, phone calls, and temperature controls without taking your eyes off the road. Passenger seating can be configured for up to eight people with the available two rows of rear seating. Don't need the seats? Pull them out and use the space in the cargo area for transporting all kinds of things. Overall, the interior of the Tahoe is spacious and open and doesn't leave you feeling cramped. An Infotainment System With Connectivity The 2019 Tahoe comes with the latest version of the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system that's full of clever and thoughtful features. Connect your phone and stay updated on what's coming through without the need to look at the phone. Put it away and forget about it while you drive. A rear view camera displays what's behind you when you put the car in reverse. Chevrolet's OnStar system is available with a subscription and offers live assistance when requested. The infotainment 3 System is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also connect a tablet or smartphone to the system and use their functionality through the car. Want to connect more than one device? No problem! Two devices can be connected at the same time so both users can use their devices while in the car together. The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe fits nicely into that space between a compact SUV and a full-sized SUV like the Suburban. It's nimble, comfortable, and makes sure that nothing is left on the table when it comes to connectivity. These reasons and more are why this should be the next SUV you purchase for your family and make sure to see us at Jim McKay Chevrolet for a test drive! Image via DealerOn

Alexandria, Virginia, is a lovely historic city that sits on the banks of the Potomac River. The city has a rich colonial history with many interesting and famous monuments and landmarks that you can visit. Along with museums, art galleries, and historical sites, you and your family can also enjoy some fresh air by exploring the best parks and outdoor recreation activities that Alexandria has to offer. You can still learn about the unique history of the Alexandria area while having fun getting fresh air and exercise. Let's take a look at a few favorite outdoor attractions to visit. more George Washington's Mount Vernon Alexandria is a city steeped in the history of the United States. If you enjoy the nation's history, then a visit to the plantation estate of the first President, George Washington and his wife Martha, is a must-see attraction. Take the family for a tour of the mansion, the stunning gardens, and learn about the history of Mount Vernon and George Washington. With so much to see and do at this gorgeous park and historic site, be sure to allow plenty of time to thoroughly explore all that the park has to offer. Huntley Meadows Park On a lovely day, pack a picnic and load the family into your car and take a short drive from the center of Alexandria to Huntley Meadow Park. Make a stop at the visitors center to learn a bit of the history of the park and then take a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk elevated over the wetlands. Keep your eyes open for the numerous species of birds and wildlife that live in the park. Walk along the interpretive trail systems to the beaver pond, where you will hopefully catch sight of these beautiful and industrious mammals. After your walk, enjoy your picnic at one of the many lovely picnic sites available. Fort Hunt Park If your kids or grandkids love to fly kites and run in open meadows, then a visit to Fort Hunt Park will delight the entire family. Originally part of George Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate, the land that the park sits on today lies along the banks of the Potomac River and offers gorgeous views of the water. The park has an abundance of wildlife roaming about so let the kids know to watch for deer, squirrels, and if they are lucky, maybe even a fox! Boating on the Potomac River A wonderful way to see the sites along the Potomac River is by hopping aboard a boat cruise. Many of the boat tour companies offer cruises to various historic sites along the shores of the river. A monuments tour will take you by many of our nation's famous monuments and landmarks, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Memorial, and the Arlington Bridge. And if you have your dog with you, choose a Canine Cruise that is pet-friendly and will take you sailing around the waterfront. With so many parks and historic sites to visit, you will find plenty of ways to get fresh air while visiting or living in Alexandria, VA. Image via Pixabay