One of the things I always talk about is how much Reston has to offer everyone — adults and children alike. I was thinking about this as I chatted with my friend Susan who grew up here in the 1970s and lives here today. She said many of her favorite childhood activities are still things she loves to do — walking down to Lake Anne, swimming in the pools and boating on the lakes.
Susan offered to talk to some of her friends who grew up here to share their favorite activities. I hope this list inspires you to get out and enjoy all that Reston has to offer.
Susan has wonderful summer memories of walking down to the Lake Anne Pharmacy, splashing in the fountain, and dangling her feet off the pier. If she wasn’t doing that, she was exploring the Reston Association paths or lounging at one of the swimming pools. It seemed like summer in Reston lasted forever.
Rick Morgan remembers summer days fishing off the pier at Lake Anne, eating peanut butter sandwiches and buying Coke from Larry at the pharmacy.
“My father would drop me and my brother at Lake Anne on his way to work, and pick us up on his way home,” said Morgan. “If you remember two red-head boys hanging out at Lake Anne all summer in the late 70s, that was us.” (Susan remembers seeing them in the summer.)
These days, Morgan still enjoys Lake Anne. While he no longer spends the whole day fishing off the pier, he loves paddling his hand-made canoe across the lake on his way to the Reston Farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.
Canoeing isn’t the only way to enjoy Reston’s lakes — paddle boarding is quickly becoming a favorite summer activity. Of course, if you don’t have a canoe, barge, or paddle board to explore the lakes, you can rent a paddle boat or kayak at Lake Anne.
Lake Anne and Lake Thoreau offer the opportunity to tie up and enjoy lunch or dinner at an outdoor patio. But if bird watching is what you want, Lake Audubon is the spot. During a leisurely paddle, you’re likely to see heron, loons, cormorants and more.
Lynn Kessler says the walking trails around the Nature Center are one her family’s favorite nature activities.
Summer concerts at Reston Town Center and Lake Anne are fun ways to spend an evening with friends and family. The entertainment style varies, but it’s always free and always a great way to get out and enjoy a beautiful summer evening. Kessler says her children love the water spouts at the west side of Reston town Center.
This summer, hanging out at Red’s Table at South Lakes Village Center and Lake Anne Brew House at Lake Anne joined the list for several people. And even though it hasn’t opened yet, people are anticipating the arrival of the Lake Anne Coffee house.
Yes, Reston is a wonderful place to have a grown up, and a wonderful place to see children (of all ages) enjoying the activities we all loved when we were young.
