Allergy Association-Northern

The Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD or "Wad") is an excellent recreation trail that runs through the Northern Virginia counties. The 45-mile trail is completely paved with nine foot wide asphalt and has a yellow painted center line. To run the whole trail and back means you're looking at a 90-mile trek, but it can be done over the course of two days thanks to the hotels and bed and breakfasts along the trail. The only real complaint from bikers is that there's much traffic most of the time due to the Wad's immense popularity.

C & O Canal Boat Rides offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to get closer to nature while learning some interesting history about the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It begins as a history lesson in the 1870s when these waterways were used for trade, and that era is highlighted as you pass several historic buildings as the tour progresses. Beautiful foliage and even some trails can be seen from the boat, as the 1 hour canal boat ride is both an historic and visually appealing experience sure to delight visitors who are out to learn as much as they can about this area of the country.

For a high-flying afternoon with the whole family, head out to the National Air and Space Museum. Part of the Smithsonian group of museums, this venue presents several life-size exhibits and attractions that only make them all the more dramatic. This is the Smithsonian's most visited museum largely due to the dozens of aircraft that are on display that include Lindbergh's aircraft to the Wright Brothers' Flyer and lots more.

The Virginia Wine Expo is the oldest celebration of its kind on the East Coast and is regularly attended by wine aficionados from all over the country. Sixty of the state's top wineries are on hand to display their wares, but this celebration goes far beyond just tasting some of the best wines from the various participants. There are also seminars, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, gourmet food and an outdoor art and craft show. The event is held every September.