Things to See and Do in Arlington, VA

The land known today as Arlington County was originally surveyed to be included as part of the Nation's Capital. Arlington County gets its name from the "Arlington House," the Robert E. Lee house located on the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery. While there are no cities or towns located in Arlington County, Arlington is comprised of five distinct and active communities. In addition to the national cemetery, Arlington is also home to the United States Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima), The Pentagon, LBJ Memorial Grove, and a host of other attractions. Today, Arlington is sought out for its communities, which offer among the widest varieties of shopping and dining experiences in the metropolitan area.

Fall and Winter Highlights

Washington | Arlington | Alexandria |  Montgomery County

U.S. Army Band Concerts
“Come feel good about the flag,” urges the U.S. Army, and the concert hall at Arlington’s Fort Myer just may be the best place in the area to do it. Throughout the year, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” offers free performances, with tickets offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1922, the Army Band is known as one of the world’s premier musical organizations, staging performances that have consistently delighted audiences nationwide. Special holiday performances are offered throughout December; otherwise, expect to hear traditional concert and big band music. Click here for more information and the schedule of events.

Ice Skating at Pentagon Row
Unleash your inner child by strapping on some ice skates and taking a spin in the center of one of Arlington’s trendiest dining and shopping venues, Pentagon Row. Open daily from November through March, this popular rink suits the young-at-heart as well as the truly young (watch for pint-sized skaters pushing buckets along the ice to help keep them upright)! Warm up afterwards with a hot cocoa or your favorite comfort food from one of the many restaurants surrounding the ice rink, and then hit the stores for some shopping. If you feel like skating under the stars, by all means go for it … but be sure to save time to check out the talents of local bands playing at a number of the Row’s restaurants, bistros and wine bars throughout the season. Visit the official Pentagon Row Web site for details.

Washington Shakespeare Company
A man can die but once, so you may as well live it up at Arlington’s Washington Shakespeare Company (WSC) Theatre! The intimate theatre—dedicated for the past 18 seasons to producing primarily classic works, both time-tested and contemporary classics—showcases the best emerging talent in the region and is a major draw for Shakespeare aficionados and other fans of world literary giants. Experience theatre as you never have before and find out why the Washington City Paper declares WSC “the hippest theatre in the city.” Click here for more information and upcoming programming.

Arlington House and National Cemetery
No visit to Arlington County would be complete without touring the County’s namesake—Robert E. Lee’s home of 30 years, the “Arlington House.” The home, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, is open to visitors for self-guided tours every day from 9:30 to 4:30, with the exception of January 1 and December 25. After the tour, be one of the four million people who visit Arlington National Cemetery every year. If the weather is frightful, hop aboard a Tourmobile Sightseeing bus, the only authorized riding tour through the cemetery. Stops include the eternal flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave, the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Click here for more information about Arlington House, here for information about the National Cemetery, and here for information about the Tourmobile Sightseeing buses.

More Highlights: Washington | Alexandria |  Montgomery County

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