By: Aleyna Akyuz, Intern
Back home from school for the summer and wondering what to do? Summer break is the perfect time to participate in various activities and events, get active, and explore the beauty of Reston.
Herr Metal performed in the Reston Concerts on the Town series on June 15 to an exuberant crowd. Photo by Benjamin Burgess
1. Go to a free concert
If you’re worried about saving up to pay off those pesky loans, but still looking for things to do with friends, no problem! Reston Town Center [RTC], Lake Anne, and Reston Station all have free concerts and free parking throughout the summer. RTC’s Concerts on the Town are every Saturday at the pavilion. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a variety of different genres and artists, including MAG- IC! whose band name you may recognize from their hit song “Rude.” So bring your dog, friends, and family and even stop by Ben and Jerry’s to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Reston Station concerts take place at the Reston Metro stop near the Google building, and are free at 7 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 24. Some vendors sell alcohol on- site. Sunset Concerts at Lake Anne Plaza take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 14, and Take a Break events are held from 7 to 8:30 at Halley Rise near Wegmans. For more free concerts, check out Friday Night Live! in downtown Herndon, and enjoy a wide range of artists and bands from up and down the East Coast performing. For information on dates and times, visit https://www.herndonrocks. com/schedule/.
2. Visit one of Reston’s five lakes
Lake Anne, Lake Audubon, Lake Thoreau, Lake Fairfax, and Lake Newport cover hundreds of acres of Reston and are the perfect places to fish, kayak, canoe, and boat. No boat? No problem! Rent a boat at Lake Anne or Lake Fairfax. Grab a blan- ket and some snacks for some lakeside picnicking. Any of these lakes could be the perfect spot to take in Reston’s beauty, soak in the sun, and get some fresh air. If you want to make the visit last a little lon- ger, consider camping or fishing at Lake Fairfax. For more information on what to do at this beautiful facility, visit https:// www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax. Keep in mind these lakes are man-made and designed for stormwater management. They are not maintained or monitored, and swimming is strictly prohibited (including Butler and Bright Ponds). Be aware of public access; some docks may not be public.
3. Go for a bike ride or hike
Admire some of Reston’s nature on the Washington and Old Dominion trail, a 45-mile long trail that offers a great opportunity to bike, skate, or walk. Directly adjacent to W&OD is an equestrian trail that is perfect for horseback riding. Visit https://www.novaparks.com/parks/wash-ington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park for details. The W&OD trail also includes bars, restaurants, and breweries you can take a pit stop at on your way through the trail. Check out https:// www.bikeablebrews.com/WOD/wod- home.html for a list of all bikeable breweries and brewpubs. In Reston proper, 55 miles of trails connect neighborhoods to shopping centers, lakes and pools, tennis courts, and shops. Check out Reston Association’s trails map and plan an adventure, or simply walk, run, or bike, to your favorite places rather than driving, and enjoy Reston from a different perspective. Lake Fairfax also has mountain bike trails if you are up for more of a challenge.
4. Visit SkateQuest indoor skating rink
Need to cool off, but don't want to get your hair wet? Want to brush up on your skating skills? SkateQuest is the perfect opportunity. Available for all ages and levels, SkateQuest is a premiere indoor ice skating rink that provides public skating as well as private group/individual lessons. So whether you're a pro on ice or have never been on a pair of blades, it's a great spot to avoid those sweltering hot days while still staying active. Once you're done, check out SkateQuest's cafe for food and beverages.
5. Stroll through Lake Anne Plaza
Right on the lake, you'll find Lake Anne Plazas unique architecture an ideal destination. There are restaurants, such as Kalypso's (mediterranean-style food) and Cafe Montmartre, as well as a coffee shop, wine bar, a CBD boutique, a brewery, an eclectic used bookstore, and the Reston Museum. You can even support small businesses, such as "Golden Bond" and get matching permanent jewelry with your friends and family. Visit https://the-goldenbond.com/ to find out more about their services and book an appointment.
In addition, you can take a seat next to Reston's founder, Robert E. Simon; you'll find a statue of him, called "Bronze Bob," sitting on a bench right next to the lake and perfect for a photo opp. Each Saturday through October, Reston Farmers Market and Lake Anne Craft Market take over the parking lot and plaza, offering farm-fresh produce and handcrafted wares. Don't forget the Lake Anne Cardboard Boat Regatta, a community favorite. Teams construct and embellish their own life-size boats from cardboard to win the race. This event will take place rain or shine at noon on Aug. 10. To participate, register online at https://www.
6. Reston Pools
Get your Reston Association Recreation Pass, which is now free to RA members, and take advantage of Reston's 15 pools. Perfect For relaxation, family fun, or fitness, each pool offers something special, from lap lanes and hot tubs to water slides, spray parks, and picnic areas. Also, check out the tennis or pickleball courts. To activate your recreation pass, visit: www.restonwebtrac.org to log in or create an account.
7. Reston Community Center Events
Check out the Reston Community Center where the heart of the community comes to life. The Reston Community Center offers diverse activities, from cooking classes to learning to dance, there's something for everyone. Take advantage of the events at the center, and the concert series events sponsored by the community center. For more info visit the events lineup at https://restoncommunitycenter.com/
Want to venture beyond Reston, but not too far? Here are some nearby ideas:
8. TopGolf
Enjoy this high-tech golf driving range game, including electronically tracked golf balls and a climate-controlled bay, featuring a full-service bar and restaurant. Plan your visit on the official Top-Golf website, or walk in to set up your tee time. Additionally, host a 3+ bay event on Mondays for half-price and 50 percent off Topgolf gameplay, available only on Tuesdays.
9. Escape Room Herndon
Ranked as the #1 Escape Room in Virginia by TripAdvisor, immerse yourself in one of the five interactive escape rooms where players challenge themselves while solving puzzles and clues and complete the mission in less than 60 minutes. Book your reservation online, to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills in a thrilling adventure.
10. iFly
iFly is an indoor skydiving experience located in Loudoun. Its self-described
"state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels" are safe and fun for people of all ages and sizes. It's the perfect opportunity for birthday parties, events, or any excuse for an adventure. iFly is available to people of all experience levels and abilities, providing all the proper equipment and accommodations to individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges, as well as expert-level, highly-trained instructors to assist you.
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