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Can you believe it’s almost July 4? We had such a cool spring, that it doesn’t feel like summer yet. But it is. And it’s time to think about where you want to watch the fireworks this year. Fortunately, we have a ton of options near Reston. Here is a run down:
If you want to take a drive: Everyone should go see the fireworks on the National Mall. And if you want to really feel like a local, you won’t actually go down to the Mall—you’ll watch them from one of several vantage points nearby. The Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) in Arlington, Virginia near the Rosslyn Metro station is great, and you can hop on the Metro after to get home with no fuss. There are also areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that you can reach from George Washington Memorial Parkway, again allowing for an easy exit to get home. The Gravelly Point parking lot, which is about a quarter mile from the 14th Street Bridge, is also convenient.
If you want to stay local, that works too.
- The local Reston fireworks are at Lake Fairfax Park. (1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, Virginia. (703) 471-5415. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.) If that even feels like too much of a drive, the hill by Forrest Edge Elementary School offers a great view.
- In the Town of Herndon, they’re at Bready Park, Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, Virginia. (703) 787-7300.) Make an evening of it for the children with face painting, balloon sculpturing, bingo and crafts beginning at 6:30 p.m. There is music at 7 p.m., and the main fireworks event is at 9:30 p.m.
- Vienna is just a hop, skip and jump—and the July 4 festivities are worth it. Everything happens at the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry Street Southeast, Vienna, Virginia). Starting at 11:00 a.m. there are arts and crafts, food, live music, vendors, and games. Fireworks are at 9:15 p.m. at Southside Park on Ross Dr.
Whatever you choose to do, have a fun and safe holiday!
