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Fort Hunt Park consists of 105 acres located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria. The Park is a part of the over 7,000 acres that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands of Fort Hunt Park were originally a part of George Washington's personal farm and were became a military outpost and now serves as a picnic area and nature park.
So that all may better understand the history of Fort Hunt, the Park Service has begun research to uncover the names of the many veterans who served at Fort Hunt when it was a military outpost.
Fort Hunt Park was converted into a fortification during the Spanish - American War. In 1897 the fort was modernized for military operations. During War World II the fort was used as a top secret military intelligence outpost.
After both World War I and World War II, Fort Hunt was virtually abandoned due to military cutbacks. The National Park Service now adminstrates Fort Hunt Park a recreational park for public use. Fort Hunt has been a focal point of personal dramas of all kind throughout its history, but now it's dedicated to public recreation.
Hours are 7am until sunset year round for general use. From April - October reservations are needed to use some areas of the park. For information about homes and neighborhoods near and around Fort Hunt Road check out Fort Hunt Info.
[back to top]Fort Hunt Road meanders from Rt. 1 south of Old Town at Huntington over about 5 miles to Mount Vernon. Fort Hunt Road runs generally parallel to the George Washington Parkway where it runs south from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Where the GW Parkway runs along the Potomac at the river's edge, Fort Hunt road climbs up to the ridge described in detail here.
Fort Hunt is quilted with quiet neighborhoods that are among my favorite in Northern Virginia. From affordable cozy condos at River Towers and Belle View to the impressive riverside residences to Arcturus or ridgetop homes of Belle Haven, Fort Hunt has all that is great in America. I even love the middle America type neighborhoods of Bucknell Manor and Waynewood. In addition there are architecturally distinctive and important homes at Hollin Hills.
There are two schools on Fort Hunt Road: Belle View Elementary and Carl Sandburg Middle School. (My children attended both of these schools.) There are two nieghborhood shopping centers on Fort Hunt Road: the Belle View Shopping Center and the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Fort Hunt Park, the road's namesake is at the lower end of the road.
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The George Washington Memorial Parkway, often called the GW Parkway by locals, meanders through parks on both sides of the road and is usually within close proximity to and sight of the Potomac River. The US Park Service maintains this and all parkways. Parkways are designed to be scenic meandering roads with light traffic. Despite finding a path through the most urban parts of Northern Virginia, the GW Parkway largely accomplishes these goals.
Top posted speed on the Parkway is 50 mph, and cruising speeds rarely exceed this limit. On the other hand, even during the worst of rush hour, speeds are rarely less than 45 mph. Those who are unfamiliar with traffic in the national Capitol region might not fully appreciate what an accomplishment this is.
To put these numbers in perspective, posted speeds on I-495 (the Beltway) are generally 55 mph. Traffic on the Beltway often exceeds 65 mph, but during rush hour, there are several points where the traffic slows to less than 25 mph. The Beltway is bumper to bumper madness squeezed between concrete sound-walls, while the GW Parkway is an easy cruise along the Potomac. Is it any wonder why I love the GW?
The GW Parkway winds along the banks of the Potomac River, starting near Great Falls in Mclean and then travels downriver all the way to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's Mansion. The parkway is an ideal drive for a tourist or visitor who would like to see some of the best views and sites the area has to offer.
A broad well-maintain bike and jogging trail runs the length of the GW Parkway, and is well used by residents and tourists alike.
Driving Down River
From the CIA Headquarters, downriver to the hieghts of Rosslyn, there are several overlooks that provide nice views of Georgetown in Washington DC. Picnicers will find parks and pull-overs where they can take a break from their drive along the Potomac.
After passing under the beautiful Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Parkway passes one of my favorite (and one of the area's least known) Presidential memorials---Teddy Roosevelt Island. This forested island on the Potomac takes visitors into another world, and as you walk the trails on the island it is easy to forget that you are in an urban environment. If you've never done so, walk the trails and discover T. Roosevelt's statue and memorial---a fitting tribute to a man who love the outdoors and who helped establish the national park system.
If you're travelling south, or downriver, you won't have access to the island at this point and you'll have to save that bit of fun for your return. But just minutes past the Key Bridge, you'll clear the woods of Teddy Roosevelt Island and Rosslyn's bluff and will get your first glimpse of the national Capitol in all it's glory.
At the Monuments
From the road you'll have views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial across the Potomac in Washington DC. On the hill above you in Virginia, you'll have a glimpse of the Iwo Jima Memorial. There is a mish-mash of poorly marked connecting roads entering and leaving the Parkway as you approach Memorial Bridge at and around the Iwo Jima Memorial.
These connectors can be confusing to tourists, but locals zip on and off the Parkway to access DC or Arlington. Despite the potential for accidents with slower moving site-seers and quick moving commuters, there are few incidents here: a testament to the fine design of the Parkway.
Memorial Bridge marks the entrance to Arlington National Cemetary, a solemn and beautiful place where Presidents, soldiers and honored citizens of the United States have taken their final rest. Fittingly, Memorial Bridge connects Arlington House, Robert E. Lee's home in Virginia, with the Lincoln Memorial, symbolizing the bridge that connects North and South in union.
National Airport
As one passes the Memorial Bridge the Jefferson Memorial with its famed Tidal Pools, becomes more visible. Past the Jefferson Memorial, the Parkway crosses Humpback Bridge onto Columbia Island, home to Lady Bird Johnson Memorial Grove. At this point, travellers downriver will have access to a pleasant picnic area which provides excellent views up to the Pentagon and the Air Force Memorial.
As the parkway leaves the island, it jogs away from the Pentagon and the hi-rise skyline of Crystal City toward Ronald Reagan National Airport. The airport's runaway nearly meets the road as the parkway gentle wends its way downriver. Here the parkway offers pleasant views of the Potomac and local air traffic landing at Reagan National. Just past the airport is the first of two marinas on the parkway.
Old Town Alexandria
After the marina, the Parkway slows to a traffic light and then for the next mile or so, makes its way through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is a delight, with shops, boutiques and historical sites. Past Old Town the view opens up again with a sweeping view of the River toward National Harbor. The Belle Haven Country Club marks the approach to the Belle Haven Marina. This provides a great spot for a picnic as well as an opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats.
Past the marina is the Dyke Marsh, a wetlands filled with birds, fish and wildlife. Across the river Fort Washington, a relic of the War of 1812 watches the narrows of the Potomac. Fort Washington, once a military stronghold, now a pleasant park, is a destination in itself and is worth an afternoon. The Virginia side of the river has Fort Hunt, where moldering remnants of World War II stand silent watch over a peaceful park.
Mansion at Mount Vernon
After several scenic vistas at and around Stratford Landing and Arcturus, the Parkway at last comes to an end at George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself.
Summary
The GW Parkway runs from Mt. Vernon to Mclean and Great Falls through the Alexandria and Arlington. At it's southern end it meets Old Mount Vernon Highway. Upriver, it is connected by the American Legion Bridge to a continuation in Maryland on the Clara Barton Parkway. The GW Parkway provides excellent views that are impressive to even a jaded commuter.
A commuter will find this is one of the best routes around the nation's Capitol.
As a result of this, or because of this, some of the priciest and most exclusive neighborhoods in Northern Virginia are found along the GW Parkway. Here's a sampling what's currently on the market in some of these neighborhoods along the Parkway.
Just south of Alexandria, near the intersection of Richmond Highway and Huntington Avenue, stands a sixteen story brown brick tower called the Hunting Creek Club. The tower shares the neighborhood with a few other high-rises, the most notable being Montebello at the rear on Mount Eagle.
Built in 1972, the architectural appeal of the building is in that awkward stage that occurs long after "new" but just before "vintage". This is of course a personal opinion, and others may disagree, but driving past the building on many occasions, it never struck me as particularly beautiful. But then, my work as a condo sales agent caused me to visit and closely examine the property and several units.
I have come to understand and appreciate the benefits of the Hunting Creek Club. Like many of the quirky condos where I do a lot of business, Huntington Creek Club is NOT for everyone. But, if you are seeking what Hunting Creek offers (proximity to Metro, close to Old Town, convenient access to the Beltway, reasonably affordable), you'll find it here.
Hunting Creek Club is an easy commute to many major job centers: Pentagon, Crystal City, NW & SW Washington DC, Fort Belvoir, Arlington, Springfield and of course Alexandria are all closeby. Tysons Corner is a little problematic, but that's the case for most drivers who don't live in Vienna.
Hunting Creek Club has an unmanned guard station as you enter the front gate. The fact that the guard post is unmanned perhaps speaks most to how the neighborhood has changed since 1972. The parking lot is generous with more than enough room for residents and guests. At the rear of the property is a pleasant pool and tennis court hidden in the woods at the edge of Montebello.
The lobby and common areas were recently redone. They sparkle with new carpets and all is very well maintained. The stylings are a bit formal and in some ways fit with the era in which the building was built. This is not what one might find at the Midtowns or Carlyle Towers. Furniture from Pee Wee's Playhouse is popular in many new condos but not here.
There is no shortage of lifts from the banks of elevators. The elevators are quick and I didn't hear any sound from the machinery.
I've visited many units here. To be brutally frank, the exterior of the building and the turquoise carpet, while well-maintained, sets low expectations when one first visits the Huntington Creek club. But the units themselves are a pleasant surprise. They are generously proportioned, with logical floorplans. All have plenty of light from big windows.
Some units are dated, and could use a little refurbishing. But, many have been refurbished. Many of the units have been totally refurbished and are as nice as, or better than, anything you'll find in new construction. These gems can be compared to the best at the Midtowns, Montebello or Carlyle Towers. These are a small step up from most of the condos nearby at the Huntington Club.
All in all, I find the floorplans to be logical and very nicely designed. I think most of these are in great shape and I love the views and convenience of Hunting Creek Club.
All this and I haven't yet mentioned my favorite feature at the Hunting Creek Club: the balconies. Every unit I have seen has a very nicely proportioned balcony, with views that are as good as anything in the area. Some of the units look toward Old Town or the George Washington Masonic Memorial, others look toward the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Potomac. If you like balconies and views, you have to consider the Huntington Creek Club.
The prices here are generally quite reasonable. Units are generally more expensive than the Huntington Club, less expensive than Montebello and MUCH less expensive than the Midtowns. Check the links below for a search of area real estate.
Feel free to contact me at Condo 1 of Alexandria at anytime to tour this property or anything in Northern VA.
Huntley Meadows Park, located in the Fairfax County's Hybla Valley south of Alexandria, is an oasis of wildlife in Fairfax County's urban setting. Huntley Meadows is home to beavers, dragonflies, and 200 species of birds. The park occupies more than 1400 square acres of well preserved, natural forests.
Huntley Meadows Park provides its visitors the opportunity to appreciate the pure beauty of what nature has to offer. From a Hickory Horn Devil to a Yellow-Legged Meadowhawk, there are an abundance of interesting creatures right here. A one-half mile board walk which journey's its way through the wetlands. The boardwalk leads to a hidden observation platform to view the wildlife. This is a great place to hike or bike trail. There is a two mile interpretive trail system enhance your park experience!
The land was owned by George Mason IV who's house, Historic Huntley Est. 1825, is now apart of the National Register of Historic Places, Virginia's Landmarks Register, and Fairfax County Historic House Inventory.
Huntley Meadows lies in a wet lowland which provides cleanliness to polluted waters and maintains control of floods and storms. On May 30, 2007 a series of meetings began taking place in order to find better long term solutions in preserving the wetlands. Friends and neighbors of the park are invited to to join the next meeting which takes place on August 23rd, 2008, 5pm - 7pm.
Educational programs are also provided by Huntley Meadows from preschool to self-guided visits. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to join the Friends of Huntley Meadows by helping to preserve the park. Four-hundred citizens are involved but more are also invited.
Hours:
Huntley Meadows Park & Visitor Center
3701 Lockheed Blvd.,
Alexandria
703-768-2525
[back to top]Huntington Metro is at the southern end of the Yellow Line. The south mezzanine of Huntington Metro Station is built into a hillside creating a unique panoramic view of Alexandria. Because of the hill, the station is elevated high above Huntington Avenue, but located below grade at North Kings Highway. The station is accessible via escalator access and via an interesting furnicular elevator.
Parking and seating are always available at Huntington.
Unlike many metro stations in Northern Virginia, Huntington has over 4,400 parking spaces accessible from both entrances. Because the parking is ample, many River Towers residents drive to Huntington and park in commuter garages.
There's always plenty of parking at the Huntington Metro Station.
For more information check Washington Metro Transit Authority, StationMasters Online or the Schumin Web Transit Center.
[back to top]In 1966 bills were signed that allowed the creation of the Washington Metro Transit Authority in 1967. In the same year, the Huntington Club, a community of garden-style condos, were built between Huntington Ave. and North Kings Highway. About 15 years later, the Washington Metro and Transit Authority opened its first station in Fairfax County. This station was the Huntington Metro and it brought the Yellow Line to the Huntington Club. The Huntington Club is across the street from brand new condos called the Midtowns.
The Huntington Club abuts the Huntington Metro and its residents can easily walk to either entrance of the Metro. The Huntington Club is on a forested ridge which is a prominent geological feature in the region. These hill overlooks Old Town toward Shooter's Hill, the Carlyle Towers and the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Most units at the Huntington Club have balconies (some have patios) and the location often provides pleasant views toward the city.
The Huntington Club has bright and airy units with ample windows. The condo fees include gas, trash, water, sewer, electricity and cable. The grounds are well-maintained and the swimming pool was completely refinished in the Winter of 2008. Prices at the Huntington Club relatively affordable and the neighborhood has a friendly and comfortable feel. I feel quite confident that if you want to live on the Metro, the Huntington Club may be one of the best buys in the National Capitol Region.
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The Mount Vernon Recreation Center has indoor diving facilities and an olympic pool as well as a sauna. Alexandria Masters Swimming is a close-knit group of about 90 swimmers registered with US Masters Swimming. US Masters Swimming is a national organization which promotes swimming for adults over 18 years old. Some of members join for fitness programs, while others enjoy training for local meets, triathlons, or open-water competition.
These swimmers enjoy the social aspects of hanging out with others who enjoy swimming. They offer structured coached workouts throughout the year at various local pools and emphasize fitness, conditioning, and stroke mechanics. Our swimming abilities range from beginning lap swimmers to college athletes. They invite those who have interest to come swim with them! In addition to the local pools, they provide a list of area pools which might be more convenient to your work location!
If you want to know all the stats and details about your condo or your potential purchase you'll find these links useful. Tax records, real estate opinions and more information:
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Why buy condo? full story...
Property Management 101 full story...
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