The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in Sterling,VA!

This weekend we checked out The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille located next the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling, VA! We had heard some great things about the restaurant especially that kids meals are free with every purchase of an adult burger, sandwich, or entree.

The restaurant was very kid friendly. The booth seating had a personal TV at each table that allowed you to change the channel to whatever you wanted to watch plus you could turn it off once your meal arrived. The waitress also offered to bring the children's food out early as the kids were starving from walking around the mall. One little tidbit that I thought was neat was they had triangle shape crayons! No need to chase crayons under the table they don't roll away. It's the little things in the life! They offered a good variety of healthy foods for the kids including apple wedges with every meal. The restrooms were very clean and even though the place was busy our food got to us in a good time. 

One thing we did read is that the free kids meals are 7 days a week all day long but only at this location. I can't speak for other Greene Turtles but the Kids Eat Free offer is only good at this location. If you ever  get stuck with hungry kids and you want cheap and healthy alternative to home cooking check out The Greene Turtle!

Sterling Community Center Tot Drop-In in Sterling, VA

The Sterling Community Center offers  a great tot drop-in program to escape the cold weather. The kids get to run around playing with balls, riding toys, slides and much more.

The tot drop-in is open on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The drop in is for children 5 and under and free. The cost for adults is $2.50 and you can also purchase a Drop-In activities Card so you won't have to worry about bringing cash with you. If the mornings aren't good for you they do offer an afternoon Tot-Drop In on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.

My kids always have a great time going especially when their friends join us! It's a clean and safe environment for both kids and parents. This is just the start of the indoor reviews I will be doing over the winter months. If you have any favorite places feel free to share and I will go and review each venue.

Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is better known as the W&OD Trail to most in Northern Virginia. Labeled as the "skinniest park in Virginia" it is one of the longest parks at 45 miles.

Most of the W&OD Railroad Regional Park is sitting on the same site as the old railbed of the retired Washington & Old Domionion Railway. The 45 miles of trail are asphalt paved with crosswalks and or lights where the trail crosses major roads. Alongside 35 miles of the trail is gravel base path for equestrian riders. The trail takes you from Shirlington, VA in Arlington County and if you travel the entire 45 miles you end up in Purcellville, VA in Loudoun County. From Shirlington to Purcellville you pass through the cities and towns of Arlington, Ballston, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Paeonian Springs, and Hamilton, VA.

The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad closed it's doors in 1968. The last large project the failing railroad company faced was the installation of Washington-Dulles International Airport. Many supplies were brought to the area via the railroad company. After the Washington-Dulles International Airport project was completed the railroad company closed it's doors unable to compete with other railway companies in the region. Shortly thereafter the railbed property was sold to Virginia Department of Highways and then portions were sold to Virginia Electric and Power Company for the installment of electric transmission lines.

The first portion of the trial opened in 1974 in the City of Falls Church when Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority leased the rights from the power company. When the trail became popular they purchased this portion and other segments to continue the trail. The trail eventually reached Purcellville and was completed in 1988. Other small segments were then added with the last being paved in 2007. Small remnants of the railroad remain along the trail along with small exhibits/displays that talk about the history of the railroad company and trail. Companies like Norfolk Southern Railway and others have donated three cabooses that are displayed along the trail and two of them house small displays about the W & OD Railroad and Trail.

The W & OD Trail is great place to walk, jog, bike and or horseback ride. Many cyclist use this trail to ride to and from work since it crosses many towns and cities. Of course the trail is the safest in the day light hours but you pass through many scenic and natural areas so it's wise to take precautions when using the trail alone.

Happy Trails to you!

White Trail in Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA!

My family and I are always looking for nice nature trails that the kids can manuever through without difficulty. One that I frequent with friends and family is White Trail in Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA!

The head of this Loudoun County trail is located near the entrance to Volcano Island and situated right next to RV/Boat Storage lot. The trail takes you through the woods and never gets you close to the river so you won't have to worry about the little ones falling in. It actually ends up on the other side of Volcano Island so if you park in the lot you won't trek far to get back to your car. The trail is maybe a half mile and very flat with resting benches in a couple areas. The trail is clearly visible but every once in awhile after a storm a downed tree will block the trail. The park authority is really good about clearing the larger trees off the trail. In the areas where the ground can get a little swampy they have placed bridges to ease in crossing over. No bikes are allowed on the trail only walkers and joggers. I would say you could take a wagon through here but I would recommend a backpack for the smallers kids due to the down trees that are sometimes across the path.

Great little trail for the kids to get out on and get close to nature we almost always see deer out in the woods. If you're a geo-cacher this trail has lots of hidden caches to be found!

Potomack Lakes Sportsplex in Sterling, VA!

We are very lucky to live close by the Potomack Lakes Sportsplex in Sterling, VA. This Loudoun County park is near the entrance to Algonkian Regional Park off of Cascades Parkway. Most people know the park as the "Algonkian Park" due to its proximity to Algonkian Regional Park. Communites near the park are Cascades, Countryside and Lowes Island with many single family homes, townhomes and condos.

The Potomack Lakes Sportsplex includes 4 lighted softball fields, 6 soccer fields and a large playground with picnic pavilion. Clean restrooms are available both by the softball fields and soccer fields. The playground is huge and has 4 large pieces of age appropriate equipment with two sets of swing sets. It is surrounded by large trees that allow the kids to step out of the sun and into the shade. Many benches and picnic tables are available to rest or have a picnic lunch.

If you are a hiker or bike rider you can find a path heading east away from the playground. A portion of this path is the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and also part of the Cascades Community pathways. Painted green squares on the trees let you know when you pick up the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. It's possible to hike about 12 miles all the way to Difficult Run in Great Falls, VA. Also if you like to geo-cache this trail is a great place to find many hidden caches.

The Potomack Lakes Sportsplex is great if you're into sports and if you enjoy a huge park with lots of equipment. This playground is one of the best in the area!

Sterling Community Center Park in Sterling, VA!

Last week we visited Sterling Community Center Park in Sterling, VA. This Loudoun County park has lots of shade and is even fenced in right next to the Sterling Library. It is also placed right next door to a firehouse and the kids can see the firetrucks coming and going at any part of the day.

A large shaded pavilion is also located inside the fence for a picnic lunch or snack. Besides the equipment pictured above. They have a ramp system with lots of slides and games for the kids to play. There no swings but they do have a small rock wall for the kids to climb on. If the kids get tired of the playground they can always go and hit up the library for story times when they are scheduled. There are no outdoor restrooms but you can always use the library restroom.

This is a nice park in the older part of Sterling but one that we will hit up especially on the hot days!

Hadley's Park in Sterling, VA!

This little relatively unknown park is near Dulles Town Center off of Dulles Center Blvd in Sterling, VA. Hadley's Park offers accessibility to disabled children with large ramps that are wheelchair accessible. The theme of the park is Main Street USA with store fronts for the kids to play pretend.

The playground floor is made of compressed rubber and makes for easier falls. There isn't a lot of shade except around the benches and under the equipment. But overall this is a cute park and the kids have a blast chasing each other along the ramps.

Next stop...Lake Fairfax in Reston, VA!

Horsepen Run in Potomac Falls, VA!

Horsepen Run in Potomac Falls, VA is located in the planned community of Countryside. The Countryside community in Loudoun County was completed in 1991 and consists of Manor Homes, Single Family Homes, Townhouses and Condos. Horsepen Run is 370-acres of undeveloped land that was donated by the developer of the Countryside community. Now Horsepen Run is a protected wetland preserve that has several different trails with the main trail leading to the Potomac River.

Horsepen Run can be accessed from the Parkway Pool parking lot off Algonkian Parkway. Along the main gravel trail you'll find plenty of shade and a few benches on your way to the Potomac. A small creek runs the length of the trail and eventually runs out into the Potomac inlet. Smaller trails like the Bobcat, Deer and Eagle Trails allow you to walk further into the woods off of the main trail. A stroller or wagon can be taken down the main trail with a little effort. The trials are a great place to walk, jog or bike. There are a few geo-caches in the area as well. Once you have reached the Potomac there 6 picnic benches to enjoy a snack or lunch.

The kids always have a great time walking through Horsepen Run. We always spot a turtle or some other type of wildlife. Plus we can't beat having a nice natural walking area so close to our home in the Countryside community. In the future Horsepen Run may be part of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail System.

Next stop Glyndon Park in Vienna, VA!

Briar Patch Park in Sterling, VA!

This week we checked out a local park, Briar Patch Park. This Loudoun County park is located in Sterling Park. Sterling Park was one of the first planned communities in Eastern Loudoun County. Once farm land it was developed into homes and townhomes in the late 60's.

The playground has a several different age appropriate pieces of equipment. It also has a small fenced in area with a gate for little ones to run around.

There is not much shade and this park can get hot in the summer months. It does offer porta potties for your convenience . It's a nice park and one that we will hit up often.

Time to explore Woodmont Park in Arlington, VA!

Geo-caching?

What's Geo-caching? About a year ago we were introduced to Geo-caching through my sister and a friend. I had heard others talk about it but I never inquired as to what it was. Once we got started we were hooked and the kids had a blast.

Geo-caching is a high tech treasure hunt using a GPS unit. Just like searching for hidden treasure, you use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers called geo-caches. These containers can be any shape and size located outdoors. Once you find the hidden container you can inspect the contents and leave a little something behind to mark your find. Most containers also contain a log book that you can sign and comment. When you're finished you replace the container where it was found. If you're not into the hunt you could also be an owner of your very own geo-cache and place it in your favorite hiking spot or even in your neighborhood common areas.

To get started go to the official geo-caching website, Geocaching. Here it shows you how to get started and once you find a geo-cache you can return to the website and log in your find. The website also gives out helpful hints provided by the owners of each geo-cache just in case you get stumped. Geo-caching is for all ages and sizes and these hidden treasures can be found all over the world. If you love to hike or just being outside to get some exercise, geo-caching is a fun activity.

The local regional park, Algonkian is filled with great hiking trails and many places for geo-caches to be hidden. It is located at the end of Cascades Parkway in Sterling, VA. Part of the Potomac Heritage Trail is also easily accessed through Algonkian park and filled with hidden geo-caches.

Last Fall we drove out to Chantilly, VA to check out Ellanor C. Lawrence Regional Park. It is a great park filled with lots of trails and chances to see wildlife.

In our Countryside neighborhood in Potomac Falls, VA, we have found many geo-caches and we aren't even close to finding them all. My kids love to help Mommy and Daddy find the hidden containers. This is a great activity to share with the family and get out into the fresh air.