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Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
 
With 41 million square feet of commercial real estate and 9 million square feet of retail space, Arlington may not come to mind when you’re looking for an outdoor getaway. But between mall walking, bike tours and outdoor eating, there are plenty of ways to get out in the area.

By Samantha Cleaver



See   Upton Hill Regional Park   Guarapo   Ballston Common Mall
see do dine shop
     
See Arlington on two wheels via the Arlington Historical Society’s 28-mile self-guided bike tour. It starts at the Arlington History Museum and takes you through Arlington’s neighborhoods, including West Ellicott Park, where Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax meet, and Dark Star Park, with its whimsical statues. The route can be found at www.bscl.org/histride.htm. Visit Upton Hill Regional Park (6060 Wilson Blvd.; 703-534-3437; www.nvrpa.org/uptonhill), they’ve expanded their pool area, adding two water slides, a Splash Pad and wading pool. Or play their mini-golf course, 18 holes “with lots of elevation change,” says Park Manager John Sims, that “winds through a waterfall system [and] ends in a large fish pond.” With ice cream flavors like white chocolate and black raspberry chip at Scoop Beauregard’s (5849A Washington Blvd.; 703-536-7000), try a few before deciding. At Guarapo (2039 Wilson Blvd.; 703-528-6500), try the ceviche, a cooking style that marinates raw fish in lemon or lime. Sit outside, smoke flavored tobacco in one of their hookahs, and listen to a Latin band while you eat. The Ballston Common Mall (4238 Wilson Blvd.; 703-243-8088; www.ballston-common.com) may seem overwhelming at first, but with a good pair of walking shoes, it becomes more manageable. On four levels, you’ll stroll past stores from Agape Bears to Woodmont Weavers. If you get tired, stop at the food court or the movie theater.

Cathleen Clapper/Shutterstock (bikers); Courtesy of Upton Hill Regional Park (swimmers); Courtesy of Ballston Common Mall (mall); Sarah Claxton (Guarapo)

(September 2007)

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