ED Doctor Near Me in Fairfax, VA
There’s not much we can count on in life, but if there’s one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That’s especially true for men as they age. One moment you’re partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You’re sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don’t just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren’t as easy to treat. Of course, we’re talking about erectile dysfunction or ED for short. Hearing those words sends shivers down most men’s spines. It makes sense – looking through your search history and finding phrases like “ED doctor near me in Fairfax, VA” is a scary thought.
If you’re beginning to suffer from ED or you’ve been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody understands your stress. However, ED is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you’re one of those men, and it feels like you’re stuck in a rut with no help, we’re here to tell you you’re not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
01. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
02. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics and the information provided on the patient’s health history form.
03. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process.
Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we do not replace the family physician’s role. Instead, we work with primary care physicians, internists, and other medical professionals to provide optimum levels of integrated care. We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don’t subscribe to a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. That way, men can stop searching for ED clinic near me in Fairfax, VA and instead, start living their lives to the fullest.
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It’s called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have been looking online for “ED treatment near me in Fairfax, VA” report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don’t have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which boosts erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don’t end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That’s exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie’s disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy Work?
With time, men’s blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn’t what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men. For males who have struck out countless times looking for an “ED doctor near me” online, these stats are exciting.
Ans while we’re only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it’s a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it’s possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers’ GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- Little-to-No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don’t have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Fairfax, VA?
If you’re a man over the age of 30 and have been searching high and low online using phrases like “ED clinic near me” GAINSWave may be for you. That’s even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don’t solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you’re ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy. There’s no need to look up “ED treatment near me in Fairfax, VA” online – all you’ve got to do is follow this three-step process.
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at (703) 822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text “gainswave” to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, any needed blood work is returned, and your initial appointment with Dr. Lawson is complete, you’ll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy. You’ll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women’s bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman’s life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we’ve seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Weight Gain
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue
- More

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs – they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you’re suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn’t going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer’s Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer’s.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers’ ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We’re thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer’s disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person’s life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
If you haven’t been successful finding a compassionate, highly-trained doctor for erectile dysfunction using terms like “ED clinic near me in Fairfax, VA,” don’t give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it begins at Proactive Wellness Centers. From GAINSWave therapy to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That’s because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we’re ready and waiting to listen. If you’re looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you’re only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County School Board member accused of embezzling $175K for 'strip clubs,' 'vacations,' and more
Elissa Salamyhttps://www.fox5dc.com/news/fairfax-county-school-board-member-accused-embezzling-175k-strip-clubs-vacations-more
The BriefFAIRFAX COUNTY, VA - A lawsuit filed against Fairfax County School Board member Kyle McDaniel by a local flight school accuses him of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the business — including using the company credit card for entertainment, personal expenses and campaign-related expenses.They also say he continued to embezzle after getting caught and paying some of the money back.By the numbers:McDaniel is accused of embezzling $175,000 fro...
The Brief
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA - A lawsuit filed against Fairfax County School Board member Kyle McDaniel by a local flight school accuses him of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the business — including using the company credit card for entertainment, personal expenses and campaign-related expenses.
They also say he continued to embezzle after getting caught and paying some of the money back.
By the numbers:
McDaniel is accused of embezzling $175,000 from flight school Blue Label Aviation. He's alleged to have spent the money on luxuries like strip clubs as well as to subsidize his campaign for office, according to the lawsuit.
Blue Label Aviation filed a lawsuit last month, alleging that McDaniel used his position as Secretary and Treasurer of the company to access its credit cards and bank accounts.
In June 2024, Timothy Fischer, Blue Label's CEO, confronted McDaniel on $120,000 of improper charges. McDaniel confessed and paid back $50,000.
In December 2024, Fischer discovered that McDaniel had "expanded his use of the company's credit cards and bank accounts for his personal expenses" and charged $160,000 on personal expenses.
On January 22, McDaniel was confronted and was given the opportunity to resign in exchange for giving up his shares in the company and giving back his company credit cards, according to the lawsuit. McDaniel then said he wanted time to consult a lawyer, but more unauthorized charges were made and McDaniel was terminated.
"Fischer thereafter continued to observe that new, non-business-related charges were being made to the company credit card," according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit seeks $175,000 as well as punitive damages or $350,000 – and for McDaniel to return his corporate credit cards and remove himself from company bank accounts.
Dig deeper:
FOX 5 DC obtained a copy of the lawsuit. See the full lawsuit below.
What they're saying:
A spokesperson for McDaniel released an official statement on his behalf:
"This is an ongoing business dispute between my former business partner and myself. I’m going to let this play out in the courts where I intend to prevail, and not in the press.
My focus has been and will remain on fully funding and supporting a public education system that’s responsive to the needs of our kids and community. I will not let this situation distract me from that."
Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools:
"We have been made aware of a civil lawsuit filed against School Board Member Kyle McDaniel. We understand that this is an ongoing business and legal dispute. We respect the legal process and will refrain from commenting further at this time."
The Source: This story includes information from a civil complaint from Loudoun County, as well as statements from Fairfax County School Board member Kyle McDaniel and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Dogue Creek to Undergo Improvements to Protect and Preserve the Stream Corridor
fairfaxcounty.govhttps://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/news/dogue-creek-undergo-improvements-protect-and-preserve-stream-corridor
~ Nearly $3 million dollar grant to fund Mount Vernon District land purchase ~ FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – As a part of ongoing efforts to improve the water quality in Dogue Creek, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has purchased three parcels of land at 8800 Richmond Highway. The county is funding the land acquisition with a $2.8 million Virginia Community Preparedness Fund (CFPF) grant and the Stormwater Service District Fund. This is part of a multi-decade effort to p...
~ Nearly $3 million dollar grant to fund Mount Vernon District land purchase ~
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – As a part of ongoing efforts to improve the water quality in Dogue Creek, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has purchased three parcels of land at 8800 Richmond Highway. The county is funding the land acquisition with a $2.8 million Virginia Community Preparedness Fund (CFPF) grant and the Stormwater Service District Fund. This is part of a multi-decade effort to preserve sensitive floodplain and resource protection area.
“This important acquisition marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect and restore our local natural resources. By enhancing the health of Dogue Creek, we are investing in the long-term well-being of our community and the environment. Our commitment to improving water quality and supporting sustainable practices will have lasting benefits, and we look forward to continuing this work for future generations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.
Dogue Creek is a tributary of the Potomac River that drains approximately 19.5 square miles of Fairfax County including portions of Huntley Meadows and Fort Belvoir Military Reservation.
Buying the land near the creek is the first step in restoring the area to its natural stormwater functions and improving the creek’s water quality. Since 2017, the County has received multiple proposals to redevelop this site for residential or mixed use, making it a prime candidate for redevelopment. However, redeveloping the property with new buildings conflicts with a number of county policies because of the risk of flooding and the county’s desire to restore environmentally sensitive lands.
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck considers the project a win for his district, “This site has a rich history dating back to colonial times, including the Dogue Indians, George Washington, and a piece of Americana as Route 1 became a travel corridor with roadside attractions like the amusement park once here. As part of our revitalization efforts and with its location adjacent to Dogue Creek, the county’s purchase presents a unique opportunity to transform this long-standing eyesore. While it sits in a floodplain and resource protection area, it also has significant runoff and impervious surfaces. Preserving these environmentally sensitive lands, removing blight from the corridor and creating the opportunity to open access to the beautiful Dogue Creek and potential future park land is a huge win for our residents.”
The buildings and other impervious surfaces on the 7.9-acre property will be removed once the current tenants’ leases end and the property is fully transferred. The county anticipates receiving credit towards Chesapeake Bay protection goals once the conversion of the current impervious area to a restored natural area is completed.
As part of this effort, the natural stream buffer on the acquired parcels along this reach of Dogue Creek will be restored. This includes planting native species that thrive in wetlands and floodplains and removing non-native invasive plants. This buffer restoration will optimize floodplain and resource protection area (RPA) functions. The work is planned for 2025-2026.
This is a multi-agency county effort, including Public Works, Planning and Development, and Department of Transportation and Fairfax County Park Authority. Future actions for the site will include documenting that the area is to be maintained as an open space in perpetuity and coordination with VDOT on right-of way and easement needs for the Richmond Highway expansion project, as well as coordination with other stakeholders.
Parcel acquisition is subject to the terms of the CFPF grant program.
We’re social! For updates on DPWES projects, services, and events, visit us on Facebook @ffxpublicworks and on X (formerly Twitter) @ffxpublicworks.
Hundreds of Fairfax Co. middle schoolers ‘written up’ for their behavior. Here’s why they’re celebrating
Scott Gelmanhttps://wtop.com/education/2025/04/hundreds-of-fairfax-co-middle-schoolers-written-up-for-their-behavior-heres-why-theyre-celebrating/
When her class was interrupted so that Virginia eighth-grader Amanda Choate could be recognized, she became overwhelmed with joy.Her teacher handed her a sheet of blue paper, and her peers clapped in celebration. Choate learned she had received a referral for being a leader during a previous group discussion in her English class.The class was talking about the book “The Giver,” and she encouraged others to speak up too.Typically, referrals are a disciplinary tool used by school staff members. But Choate is on...
When her class was interrupted so that Virginia eighth-grader Amanda Choate could be recognized, she became overwhelmed with joy.
Her teacher handed her a sheet of blue paper, and her peers clapped in celebration. Choate learned she had received a referral for being a leader during a previous group discussion in her English class.
The class was talking about the book “The Giver,” and she encouraged others to speak up too.
Typically, referrals are a disciplinary tool used by school staff members. But Choate is one of the hundreds of Kilmer Middle School students who have received a “positive” referral since August.
The initiative started at the end of last school year, with the goal of emphasizing what students are doing to help the school community and motivating others to do the same.
“It encourages us to come to school and excites us to come to school knowing that our actions and kindness to others do actually mean something,” Choate said.
The idea came from what Principal Steven McFarlane described as one of the most important parts of being a middle school educator: teaching students what it means to be a good citizen in their community.
Any staff member can write one of the positive referrals, nominating a student through a Google form. The referrals get printed once each week, and there are two copies. One gets posted on the windows in front of the cafeteria, and the other goes directly to the student.
On Fridays, students who earn a positive referral are given a candy bar.
“I had a decent amount of eighth graders that will come and kind of pull me aside and say, ‘Hey, I forgot my certificate to get my candy bar on Friday because my parents took my positive referral and it’s on our fridge,’” McFarlane said. “That, to me, tells me everything, the impact it has on kids and their families.”
Students can earn the referrals for things such as good behavior choices, setting a good example, or making the school community a warm and caring place, counselor Kristen Reighard said. Some students are honored for giving new kids school tours.
“Nobody looks forward to writing a discipline referral,” Reighard said. “We all really enjoy and are inspired to write positive referrals.”
The program is having an impact, Reighard said because “then their peers are seeing their friends get recognized. It inspires the friends, the peers to also make those great choices.”
Seventh grader Ethan Harney got his referral for his work during a Socratic seminar. He was “being a really good actor at that role and telling other people to join in and be their role,” Harney said.
McFarlane, meanwhile, said while students are in the cafeteria or transitioning between classes, he’s looking for the ones who are “just doing the right thing because it’s the right thing.”
“You talk to any teacher in here, and they’re going to tell you about the impact that this has in their classroom,” McFarlane said. “When kids are celebrating each other, when kids are going out of their way to make an impact in their classrooms, that, to me, tells you everything you need to know about the impact of this program.”
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Scott Gelman is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.
The 12 Best Things To Do In Fairfax, Virginia
Tara Massouleh McCayhttps://www.southernliving.com/fairfax-va-11688811
Quaint small towns are a big part of the landscape in Northern Virginia. The region is home to places like lush Middleburg with its rolling vineyards and nature-filled Sperry...
Quaint small towns are a big part of the landscape in Northern Virginia. The region is home to places like lush Middleburg with its rolling vineyards and nature-filled Sperryville. One of North Virginia’s best-kept secrets is the town of Fairfax, which is technically considered a suburb of Washington D.C. since it’s only 30 minutes from the capital, but feels like an entirely different destination. The city of around 25,000 people is a lovely place to spend a long weekend. Spend time walking the grounds of George Mason University, learn about the area’s rich past at historic sites, and take advantage of the town’s diverse and delicious dining scene. Here are the 12 best things to do in the town of Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding county.
What To Do In Fairfax, Virginia
The central destination in this charming destination is Old Town Fairfax. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by strolling through this historic district. Start at Fairfax County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1799 and is one of the area’s oldest buildings. The building has seen some pretty important moments over the years, including the first Confederate officer casualty during the Civil War. You can learn all about its biggest moments on a free guided tour, held each Friday at 3 p.m. The downtown district packs a punch in a relatively contained space. You can visit four of its best local shops all within practically one block. Commonwealth Dry Goods is your spot for locally made products and vintage records. Head to Mode on Main By Mara for stylish women’s wear and accessories. Games and Comic Pair O’Dice is a veteran-owned business specializing in all things board games, comics, and collectibles, while Mobius Records has a vinyl collection to please music lovers of all genres.
The area now known as Fairfax County was first settled in the early 1700s, but the city of Fairfax wouldn’t be established as its own place until 1805, when it began as the Town of Providence. Start your crash course in area history at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, located in a historic schoolhouse in the heart of Fairfax’s historic downtown. You’ll want to start at the Fairfax Story exhibit to learn about the city’s past and present. Then, take time see other special temporary exhibits or chat with the friendly staff for recommendations what to do during your visit. Another nearby point of interest for history buffs is Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center, a Greek Revival-style house dating to 1859 that preserves signatures and pictographs from Federal soldiers who once lived there.
If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, two sites (within one mile of one another) provide all the options you could ever need. Fair Oaks Mall, a massive shopping mall, is home to almost 160 stores and restaurants including all your favorite national retailers. Just down the road, Fairfax Corner provides even more options in an outdoor setting that includes retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, and even a movie theater.
shopfairoaksmall.com; 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033; 703-359-8300
fairfaxcorner.com; 4100 Monument Corner Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030
The state’s largest public research university, George Mason University and its students are a huge part of the community in Fairfax. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the beautiful campus, then take advantage of the plethora of programming that’s available to the public as well as students. The university’s Center for the Arts has a robust schedule or performances that range from dance to theater to visiting musicians and singers. There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages. Another can’t-miss spot is the Observatory, located on the roof of the Research Hall, which hosts free public tours every other Tuesday during the academic year.
gmu.edu; 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030
Royal Lake Park and Lakeside Park, which together make up the Royal Lake Park system, cover a 155 acres surrounding a 38-acre lake. Locals take advantage of amenities like basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds year-round. There are several loop trails that take walkers, joggers, and runners around the scenic lake. In the summer, you can even catch a free concert next to the lake.
friendsofroyallake.org/the-park
Where To Eat In Fairfax, Virginia
Continue the history tour by getting dinner at Hamrock’s, which is located inside the Moore-McCandlish House, built in 1842. In nice weather, opt for a seat on the wraparound veranda. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, there are plenty of opportunities to snag a reservation. The menu offers a little bit of everything, from pasta to a grilled filet mignon to Southern fried chicken.
hamrocksrestaurant.com; 3950 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-385-5433
For a small town, Fairfax has a rather accomplished craft beer scene. Four local breweries are located within the city limits, each offering something a little different. A second location of Virginia Beach favorite Commonwealth Brewing Co. recently opened a taproom, restaurant, and music venue on Main Street. Other taprooms and brewpubs to check out include Chubby Squirrel Brewing, Ornery Beer Company, and Audacious Aleworks.
Chef John Krinn brings his immense talents to Northern Virginia with his newest venture, Elyse. The 30-seat fine dining experience offers a multicourse tasting menu of French-inspired, globally influenced. Foodies won’t want to miss this opportunity to treat their tastebuds and expand their culinary horizons.
lila.llc; 10822 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-831-2052
Established in 1977, Captain Pell’s is best known for serving up the freshest steamed blue crabs in the area. Stop in to see what all the fuss is about. In addition to whole crabs, crab legs, and their famous cream of crab chowder, you can also indulge in every other type of seafood under the sun. From middle neck clams to broiled sea scallops to fried clam strips, Pell’s does it all.
captainpell.com; 10195 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-560-0060
You’ve probably heard of iconic Chinese chef and restaurateur Peter Chang, but you may not know that he has an outpost in Fairfax. Folks drive in from t surrounding areas to get their fix of his home cooking on a regular basis, so if you’re visiting Fairfax, it's a must-visit destination. The menu at Mama Chang is largely influenced by the female cooks in Chang’s life, including his wife, daughter, and mother. Come with a group and spring for a Peking or roast duck. Come during brunch on the weekend for dim sum service.
mamachangva.com; 3251 Blenheim Blvd., Suite 101, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-268-5556
The whimsical dining room or “living room café” as they refer to it at Sisters Thai makes your meal taste that much better. Natural light steams into this quaint restaurant where colorful built-in bookcases line one wall and wisteria hangs from the ceiling. Choose from a menu of classic Thai dishes, including a special street food section that includes dishes like Boat Noodles, Khao Soi, and Moo Grob. Don’t skip dessert here. The Mango Sticky Rice is an obvious hit, but other delicacies like Thai Tea Soft Cake and Matcha Green Tea Chocolate Cake are also well worth an order.
sistersthai.com; 4004 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-267-9618
Where To Stay In Fairfax, Virginia
You’ll have your pick of the lot when it comes to national hotels with outposts in Fairfax, so you’ll be able to easily add to your frequent stay points. Popular options include a Marriott property at Fair Oaks, a Hilton nestled into a quiet wooded area, and a comfortable Sonesta ES Suites at Fair Lakes.
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