Virginia is for Lovers of New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve Events in Herndon Virginia

ArtSpace Herndon New Year's Eve Gala

750 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170(703) 956-6590

ArtSpace Herndon will host a gala on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2013, from 7 p.m.to 12:30 a.m. Historic Herndon’s traditional New Year’s Eve Celebration features family-friendly activities. The celebration begins inside the gallery at 7 p.m. with art activities for kids and music for all.  The celebration moves outside at 9 p.m. for the traditional bonfire. Entertainment begins inside at 10 p.m and continues through a toast at midnight.

7 – 9 p.m. – Chihuly Art Activities for kids in the style of the artist Dale Chihuly
8 – 9 p.m. – Music by The Music Loft’s Jumbo Shrimp youth band.
9 – 10 p.m. – Bonfire with drum circle.
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.  Herndon Tonight Show with jazz by the Al Robertson Quartet featuring Frank Lombardi. Light refreshments, champagne toast at midnight.

The event is free and open to the public.  Due to seating limitations, passes are required for the 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. post-bonfire celebration.  Friends of ArtSpace Herndon at the Enthusiast level and above will receive tickets according to their sponsorship plan.  A limited number of complimentary passes will be distributed the night of the event.

New Years Eve at the Russia House Restaurant 

790 Station Street
Herndon, VA 20170

Special New Year's Eve Reservations
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Join us New Year's Eve at Russia House Restaurant offering a special New Year's Eve menu.
Set in historic Herndon, the Russia House Restaurant offers Russian hospitality and culinary excellence in all its details.

Breakers Sky Lounge NYE 2014

2445 Centreville Rd., Herndon, VA, 20171

Tuesday, Dec 31 8:00p

Dance Manifesto NYE at Mahalo Cove 46300 McClellan Way, Sterling, VA, 20165(703) 421-3776

Tuesday, Dec 31 9:00p

Dance Manifesto, the hottest pop cover band in the Nation's Capital, is playing new year's eve at Mahalo Cove in Sterling, VA.

Make your Herndon New Year's Eve Party complete with this exclusive offer:
Virginia is for Lover's of New Year's Eve Package from Embassy Suites Dulles Airport
13341 Woodland Park DriveHerndon, VA  20171703-464-0200

"Virginia is for Lovers of New Year's Eve" Package includes:

• Bottle of Sparkling Wine
• Chefs Plate of choice cheeses and fruit
• 2pm checkout on 1/1/14
• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Two Room Suite
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Package available 12/30/14, 12/31/14

Click Here to reserve your "Virginia is for Lovers of New Year's Eve" Package at Embassy Suites Dulles Airport

Happy New Year from all of us at
 Embassy Suites Dulles Airport!

Holiday Travel Tips from aarp.org

Holiday Travel Tips

5 HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS

These simple steps can save you time and headaches with air travel, baggage and crowds
by: Alexis Flippin, Frommer’s Travel, from: AARP.org


'Tis the season to be traveling, whether you're jetting off to far-flung places or taking a road trip to see family. Crowded airports and gridlocked roads — not to mention free-floating anxiety — can make holiday travel a headache. With our holiday travel tips, though, it doesn't have to be.

These holiday travel tips will make your journey a breeze.

1. Avoid Flying at Peak Times
If your travel schedule is flexible, avoid flying on the busiest days of the season: the day before Thanksgiving and the two days immediately preceding and following Christmas and New Year's. Also, book flights at off-peak times, such as early morning. If at all possible, fly on the holiday itself, when airports have an almost empty, tumbleweed-blowing-in-the-desert feel.


2. Hit the Road With Technology by Your Side
Portable GPS navigators are wondrous things, providing the fastest and most direct routes to your destination — and voice auto-commands help keep your eyes on the road. Upgraded models offer real-time traffic information, but unless your car has built-in GPS capability, these can be pricey. A much more economical alternative — as infree — is Google Maps, available on most smartphones. It not only provides driving directions but also has color-coded lines indicating the severity of traffic ahead: green lines indicate good conditions, yellow means fair, and red or red/black signal poor conditions.

3. Travel Light
Don't be weighed down with packages. Order gifts online, and have them sent directly to the recipient, or mail your packages ahead of time. If you're a procrastinator, you can take advantage of the annual Free Shipping Day on December 17, when some 1,500 merchants guarantee free delivery by Christmas Eve. And, if you're flying, don't wrap the gifts you bring — airlines have the right to open any wrapped package.

4. Don't Check Your Bags
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are traditionally the busiest times to fly, which means the odds of losing your luggage rise exponentially with the increased air traffic. Not to mention the expense of paying $25 or more per bag. (Consider shipping your luggage ahead of time with these tips from AARP money expert Sid Kirchheimer.) Be on the safe side: carry on your luggage.

5. Take the Back Roads
Driving the interstates can be dull at any time, but holiday travel often adds big-time gridlock to the mix. If you have some time on your hands, why not leave the major highways behind, and hit the back roads for serendipitous pleasures? (These 7 iconic drives are some of the best in the U.S. any time of year.) Of all the holiday travel tips, this one will help you to focus on the joys of the season most of all.

The Silver Line (ing) is Transforming Dulles Metro Area

Dulles Metrorail Project Overview

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is constructing a 23-mile extension of the existing Metrorail system, which will be operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority from East Falls Church to Washington Dulles International Airport west to Ashburn.

The extension will provide a direct connection via passenger rail from Dulles International Airport to downtown Washington DC.

Phase 1 and 2
The project will include 11 new stations. It will be built in two phases. Phase 1 is complete and Phase 2 id scheduled for completion early 2014..

Phase 2 will run from Wiehle Avenue to Ashburn in eastern Loudoun County. The extension will serve Reston Town Center, Herndon, Dulles Airport, Route 606 and Ashburn.  Service to Reston Town Center will be operational in February 2014.

The purpose of Dulles Metrorail is to provide high-quality, high-capacity transit service in the Dulles Corridor. New Metrorail service in the corridor will result in travel time savings between the corridor and downtown D.C., expand the reach of the existing regional rail system, offer a viable alternative to automobile travel and support future transit-oriented development along the corridor.

Herndon Station
(previously called Herndon-Monroe)

Location: 
In the median of the Dulles Airport Access Highway/Dulles Toll Road near Monroe Street

Type of Station: Ground level

Station Facilities:
Pedestrian bridges and station entrances from both sides of the Dulles Airport Access Highway/Dulles Toll Road
Bus drop-off/pickup (south side only)
Kiss & Ride (existing)
Parking for approximately 3,500 cars (total including existing garage of 1,950 spaces)
30 bicycle racks on the north side; five lockers on the south side, 46 racks in garage

Schedule:
Trains are anticipated to run every six minutes in the peak period (rush hours) and less frequently in the off-peak.

What's the Big Deal?
Northern Virginia and Dulles Airport Travelers will be able to access downtown Washington DC on one rail line in minutes.

Travelers can experience all Northern Virginia has to offer in the Dulles Corridor and downtown Washington DC without spending Washington DC hotel prices.

Embassy Suites Dulles Airport-

13341 Woodland Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20171

703-464-0200

is only 5 miles / 10 minutes from the new Reston Metrorail stop.

All guests enjoy :

• Free Metrorail and Dulles Airport Shuttle Service
• Free cooked to order breakfast daily
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite
• Free hotel shuttle in three mile radius of hotel

Click Here to discover more about Embassy Suites Dulles Airport and the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Take an arial tour of the new Reston VA Station

The New Dulles Corridor Metrorail Station Map

George Mason University to Host Civil War Conference

from fairfaxnews.com

Mason to Host Civil War Conference

By Michele McDonald
George Mason University

While Civil War battlefields literally are close to home for many Virginians, an upcoming conference will look at the conflict’s international impact on global trade, social issues and rebellions in other countries.

Chaired by George Mason University’s Provost Peter Stearns, “The American Civil War in a Global Perspective” plans to explore those issues and more on May 31, 2014, at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus.

“Mason is delighted to be participating in the sesquicentennial commemorations,” says Stearns, who is also a professor of history. “The chance to focus on the international dimensions of the Civil War opens some important and unexpected opportunities for new interpretations. We look forward to the discussions.”

The program is the sixth installment in the popular annual Signature Conference series sponsored by the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.

The Civil War was an intense regional struggle, but it was also an international event in many ways. Considering it from this standpoint provides a number of unexpected connections between the American crisis and the wider world, while shedding new light on the war itself.
The conference will juxtapose the Civil War with other internal conflicts during the same period — the national unification's in Europe, the struggles over identity in Japan, and rebellions in China and in India. Each case has distinctive features, which comparison helps to highlight, but some common issues provide fresh insights into the American experience.

Historians of international acclaim will discuss the war’s wider impacts in areas ranging from the global cotton trade to international abolition efforts, from changes in the future of military operations to the implications of the Civil War as one of the first wars fought in an industrial age.

The registration fee is $15 (conference only) or $25 (conference and lunch). Advance registration will be open until May 1 or when capacity is reached. For more information and online registration, visit www.virginiacivilwar.org or call 804-786-3591.

The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission was created by the General Assembly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Virginia. In addition to the Signature Conference series, the commission sponsors programs that include the award-winning Civil War 150 HistoryMobile exhibit, a major gallery exhibition curated in partnership with the Virginia Historical Society, a statewide document digitization program, an Emmy-nominated documentary and much more.

from embassysuites.com:

Click Here for the Fairfax County Civil War Loop!

Cyber Monday Countdown Northern Virginia

Dulles Airport VIRGINIA HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOWS HOLIDAY cONCERTS   cyber monday hotel sale Embassy Suites Dulles Airport Cyber Monday is December 2, 2013 and the countdown has begun for one of the biggest Cyber Monday Hotel sales in Herndon, VA. For one day, enjoy  25 % off regular hotel rates till December 31, 2014 at Embassy Suites Dulles Airport. * Can't wait till December 2? Check out our other offers that include free cooked to order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, free high speed internet access gift cards, bonus points and more. ENJOY FREE NIGHTS 2X,3X,4X FASter Our More Nights, More Points promotion lets you earn 2x points on two-night stays, 3x points on three-night stays, and 4x points on four-night stays. Book your stay by January 31, 2014. ...LEARN MORE shop, sip, and stay this holiday Get your Holiday shopping started at the Leesburg Premium Outlets and treat yourself to a Holiday getaway at the same time. with our Holiday Shopping Package. Your package includes a $25 gift card to Leesburg Premium Outlets and your choice of one bottle of red or white Virginia Wine with dinner at the hotel Restaurant or through Room Service. ...LEARN MORE MILITARY FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECIAL Our way of saying, "Thank You". For active & retired military and their families enjoy exclusive savings of 10%. And of course with every stay at Embassy Suites Hotels, guests enjoy two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary drinks and snacks at the nightly Evening Reception. ...LEARN MORE BOOK NOW CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL* FOR STAYS FROM DECEMBER  2013 through DECEMBER 31, 2014  % off regular rate Free Internet Access Free cooked to order breakfast Complimentary Evening Reception Two Room Suite * offer subject to availability  PHOTO GALLERY Book Online or Call (703) 464-0200 to reserve your package today! Embassy Suites Dulles Airport 13341 Woodland Park Road, Herndon, VA 20171 TEL: 703-464-0200 | FAX: 703-464-0210 Visit hotel website

Holiday Craft Shows in Northern Virginia

Holiday Craft Shows in Northern Virginia

By Rachel Cooper

about.com

Northern Virginia Christmas Market

November 8-10, 2013. Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping center, Chantilly, Virginia, (757) 417-7771. Hours are Friday, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This arts and crafts market features Christmas collectibles and thousands of home decorating ideas for the holidays. Admission $7/adult, children 12 and under are free.

Fairfax Holiday Craft Show
November 16-17, 2013. Fairfax High School, 3500 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $5, children under 18 are free. Enjoy handmade crafts including baskets, dolls, floral items, jewelry, paintings, photographs, pottery, clay, wood items and more.

Joyful Noise Holiday Bazaar and Bakeshop

2013 Dates to Be Announced. Dominion High School, 21326 Augusta Drive Sterling, Virginia. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Hammond Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, is hosting a charity shopping event to raise funds for its annual scholarship program. The event features local artisans/crafters, a Silent Auction, an Old-Fashioned Bake Sale and Kids Cupcake Decorating Factory.

Belvoir Officers' Spouses' Club Craft Show
2013 Dates to Be Announced, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. George Mason University Field House. Ox Road and University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia. Admission: $3 single or $8 for families. The event features more than 100 craft vendors, handcrafted items, entertainment, a scavenger hunt, kids games and a visit from Ole Saint Nick! Santa will visit from 11am-1pm and the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office will provide Child ID services. All proceeds benefit BOSC's Scholarship Program from military kids and spouses and other military charities.

McLean Holiday Craft Show
December 6-8, 2013. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, Virginia. Hours are Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a wide variety of arts & crafts and holiday music by local school groups. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children under the age of 14.

City of Falls Church Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
December 7-8, 2013. City of Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. Falls Church, Virginia. (703) 248-5077. Hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. See more than 60 crafters who sell unique handmade items and baked goods. Children's activities include a craft corner, face painting, and breakfast with Santa.

Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Craft Show
December 7-8, 2013. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW, Leesburg, Virginia. The show features over 90 local and regional artisans selling hand made items from candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, leather products, table linens, and much more. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Tysons Corner Center Holiday Market New this year!
December 13-15, 2013. Located at Tysons Corner Center directly in front of Panera Bread, Chipotle and Elevation Burger, the festival will be on the roadway between the parking garage and the main entrances to Nordstrom and the “Café Corridor. Inspired by the traditional German Christmas Markets, the event will include 30 vendors plus a spectacular Christmas tree, entertainment, beer garden and other festive activities. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Sugarloaf Craft Festivals

December 13-15, 2013. Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Virginia. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Enjoy the crafts of 500 artists, including jewelry, wood, leather, clothing, sculpture, glass and more. Watch live entertainment and feast on a variety of foods. Admission: $7.00/adult, children 12 and under are free.

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale
2013 Dates to Be Announced. Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, Virginia. The show includes oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, photographs, jewelry, layered paper “paintings”, art quilts, weaving, and woodcarving, plus artful gifts and cards. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

So many  "Craft Shows, so little time..."  So why not make more time to experience the best Holiday Craft Shows in Northern Virginia by creating your own mini Holiday Vacation?

Stay overnight at the central location that gives you convenient access to the Festivals in Chantilly, Leesburg, Tyson's Corner, Fairfax County and more:  Embassy Suites Dulles Airport

Embassy Suites Dulles Airport offers all guests:

• Complimentary Hotel Shuttle in 3 mile radius of the hotel
• Free cooked to order breakfast daily
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite
• Free High Speed Internet
• Packages with gift cards, free transportation, Bonus Hhonor Points

Click Here to pick the overnight package perfect for your

Northern Virginia Holiday Vacation

Northern Virginia Holiday Craft Show Map