Oftentimes, Falls Church is forgotten when in comparison with its neighbors Arlington, McLean and Tysons. However, whether you’re headed down Route 7 or navigating through side streets, you are sure to get a taste of all that Falls Church has to offer. From a variety of dining options to entertainment and shopping, we need not let this small community fall off the map.
Shopping
Downtown Falls Church, mostly along West Broad Street, has lots of boutique shops specializing in anything you are looking to splurge on.
New to You
Love designer clothes, but hate the prices? New to You, the chic consignment boutique located off West Broad Street, has everything to offer from Lilly Pulitzer to Prada, shoes to handbags, jewelry and more!/ 108 West Broad St., Falls Church; 703-533-1251; newtoyou.net.
Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique
In need of the perfect wedding dress? Rosalin’s Bridal Boutique, located off of South Washington Street, offers wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and custom tailoring. Known for their top-quality and personal service, you can’t go wrong with Rosalin’s./ 706 S. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-532-0288.
Direct Jewelry Outlet
For something glamorous to add the finishing touch to your gown, or any outfit for that matter, stop by Direct Jewelry Outlet, located off of West Broad Street, and pick up accessories crafted with top-quality diamonds and gems for the most reasonable prices around./ 101 East Broad St., Falls Church; 703-534-2666; djo.com.
Doodlehopper 4 Kids
For children, head to Doodlehopper 4 Kids, the one-stop-shop for toys, books and baby gifts, located on West Broad Street. The store also hosts crafting events where you and the kids can go and create something memorable to take home./ 228 and 234 West Broad St., Falls Church; 703-241-2262 or 703-538-9890; doodlehopper.com.
Sam’s Farm Garden Store
On a beautiful day, there is no better place to go than Sam’s, a family-owned-and-operated garden center located off of Leesburg Pike, for the best annuals and perennials, exotic plants, fountains and more./ 7125 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-534-5292; samsfarmgardencenter.com.
Aylin’s Wool Gathering
If you enjoy crafty hobbies, head over to Aylin’s Wool Gatherer for an assortment of yarns that will leave any knitting-addict in awe./7245 Arlington Blvd., Suite 318, Falls Church ; 703-536-2511; aylins-wool.com.
Hole in the Wall
Bookworms should head over to Hole in the Wall, an independent book store that has a large variety of both used and new unique books./ 905 West Broad St., Falls Church; 703-573-1900; holeintheweb.com.
Arts and Culture
Whether you are the creative, artsy type, or an active ball of energy, you or the kids will easily find something to do around Falls Church. No matter if you are looking for a family night out or a chic date night, you can bowl a strike, discover new music and paint pottery all in the same town.
Bowl America
It doesn’t matter if you want to show off your skills or learn them altogether, Bowl America provides bowling parties, cosmic bowling, leagues and more! Head over for a day or night filled with fun./ 140 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church; 703-534-1370; bowl-america.com.
The State Theatre
The State Theatre, built in 1926, operated as the hot spot to watch movies until the 80s when it closed its doors. After a multi-million dollar renovation in the 90s it’s back and up and running, hosting some of the area’s best live music and comedy shows./ 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-237-0300; thestatetheatre.com.
Ultrazone Laser Tag
Are you up for the ultimate laser adventure? Head over to Ultrazone to enjoy Laser Tag and their Video Arcade. It’s fun for all ages and something you probably have yet to try. / 3447 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church; 703-578-6000; ultralasertag.com.
Mobu Kids
Every kid wants to have fun, above all else. Enroll your child at Mobu Kids where they will learn through playful activities in a fun and safe environment./ 442 S. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-241-7529; mobukids.com.
Clay Cafe Studios
Get your creative juices flowing and create a custom painted piece of pottery at Clay Café Studios. Or, if you are feeling especially adventurous, try glass fusing for a truly breathtaking piece of artwork. / 101 N. Maple Ave., Falls Church; 703-534-7600; claywire.com.
Creative Cauldron
If you are intrigued by the performing and visual arts, look no further than Creative Cauldron that has been striving since 2002 to teach kids and adults the importance of theater, dance, music and the visual arts./ 410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church; 571-239-5288; creativecauldron.org.
Stifel and Capra
You’re in for a treat if you’re headed for Stifel and Capra. It’s the perfect place to stop in for arts, jewelry, consignment items and more, as well as take advantage of special events and classes./ 260 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-533-3557; stifelandcapra.com.
Parks and Recreation
In NoVA, its hard not to take advantage of the warm, sunny days we get in the summer and spring. So, grab the whole family to a spot where everyone has something to do. The kids can keep themselves occupied on the playground, the sports fanatic can use basketball and tennis courts, and the jogger will want to hit the pavement on a trail. Make it a true day out and either pack a lunch or bring something along to cook up on a park grill.
Cavalier Trail Park
Head over to Cavalier Trail Park located at the intersection of Maple Avenue and South Washington Streets and enjoy grills, picnic tables, slides, swings, hiking trails, a lighted basketball court and more./ Maple Ave. and S. Washington St., Falls Church
Big Chimney’s Park
Visit Big Chimney’s Park if you are looking to enjoy a picnic lunch. There are grills, park benches, picnic tables and play equipment for the young ones./ West Annandale Road, Falls Church
Donald S. Frady Park
Take going to the park to a whole new level at Donald S. Frady Park that has a game table, play equipment and a water fountain, as well as a lovely gazebo and a mini-amphitheater./ E. Broad St. and Fairfax St., Falls Church
Madison Park
For a great playground, visit Madison Park and bring along basketballs to play on the provided court. Park benches and a picnic shelter make it easy to stay for lunch./ 334 Lawton St., Falls Church
Berman Park
Lace up your sneakers to take advantage of the bike and hiking trails located at this park, along with playground equipment, grills and plenty of seats to eat lunch at./ Irving St. and Kent St., Falls Church
Dining
Nothing settles better than a delicious meal. As you navigate through Falls Church, keep your eyes peeled for these eateries and indulge yourself in delightful dishes.
Breakfast and Brunch
Bentley’s
For some of the best breakfast items that Northern Virginia offers, grab a booth at Bentley’s, located off of Arlington Boulevard, and treat yourself to pancakes, Eggs Benedict, shredded hash browns and more./ 6654 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-532-4100; yelp.com.
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House is serving up hot and steamy pancakes to kids and adults of all ages who cannot resist the breakfast staple. Don’t worry, though, the OHOP has plenty of other delicious early morning favorites, like eggs, crepes, waffles and French toast./ 7395 Lee Highway, Falls Church; 703-698-6292; ophrestaurants.com.
Silver Diner
The popular diner chain has revamped their menu to include even more delicious items and a great variety of eggs, pancakes and French toast. Sleep in all you want because breakfast is served all day, so you don’t have to worry about getting in on time./ 8150 Porter Road, Falls Church; 703-204-0812; silverdiner.com.
The Celebrity Delly
This family business is serving up anything you could want to start your day, from breakfast sandwiches, egg dishes, pancakes and more. Stop by on your way to work one morning and give it a try!/ 7263-A Arlington Blvd, Falls Church; 703-573-9002; celebritydeliva.com.
Fairfax Inn Restaurant
Although known for its unique Philippine menu items, the Fairfax Inn Restaurant is also serving up classic American dishes, starting with a long list of breakfast treats, including omelets, pancakes and healthy specials./ 2946 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church; 703-532-0616; fairfaxinnrestaurant.com.
Lunch and Dinner
Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae
For the best egg salad you’ll ever eat, stop by Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae located off of North West Street. Be sure to follow your sandwich with a scoop of their delectable homemade ice cream. Better yet, try the banana split! / 112 North West St., Falls Church; 703-532-LAZY; mikesdeliatlazysundae.com.
ZPizza
If you prefer a midday break with some Italian cuisine, there is no better place than Zpizza, an organic sold-by-the-slice pizza shop, located off of West Broad Street. Salads, sandwiches, pastas and full-size pizzas are also available./ 1051 West Broad St., Falls Church; 703-536-6969; zpizza.com.
Elevation Burger
For all you carnivores out there, Elevation Burger is the place to go. Known for its sustainably-prepared, highest-quality ingredients, these burgers will be sure to leave your mouth watering./ 442 S Washington St., Falls Church; 703-237-4343; elevationburger.com.
Pie-Tanza
Wish you could go to Italy, but don’t have the time or money? Head over to Pie-Tanza, located off of West Broad Street, for authentic Italian dishes with a taste you won’t soon forget and for a price that won’t break the bank. Lunch Special Monday-Friday from 11a.m.-4p.m. 10” personal pizza (up to two toppings) with a soda or iced tea for $8.99 (Dine-In Only)./ Falls Plaza, 1216 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-237-0977; pie-tanza.com.
Dogwood Tavern
With a completely renovated interior, Dogwood Tavern celebrates Virginia and all of its glory. Serving soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, bar bites and Sunday brunch, Dogwood Tavern has something delightful for any palette./ 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-237-8333; dogwoodtavern.com.
DogFish Head Alehouse
Simple, fresh delicious food, from burgers to pizzas and fresh-brewed beer, DogFish Head Alehouse offers a dining experience like no other./ Seven Corners Shopping Center, 6220 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church; 703-534-3342; dogfishalehouse.com.
Mad Fox Brewing Company
Mad Fox offers a casual upscale dining experience with an emphasis on high-quality food complemented by house-brewed beers. With a seasonal menu and numerous daily specials, you’re sure to never get bored of the cuisine at this English-style pub./ 444 W. Broad St., Suite 1, Falls Church; 703-942-6840; madfoxbrewing.com.
Ireland’s Four Provinces
Voted Northern Virginia’s Best Trivia Bar in 2010 by Northern Virginia Magazine, it’s clear that IFP is a favorite. With a wide array of food for reasonable prices and happy hour deals to boast about, it’s the place to be when you need to sit back and relax with a stiff drink./ 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-534-8999; 4psva.com.
Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar
Craving authentic Vietnamese food? Head over to Hoang’s for savory Vietnamese cuisine and a full-service sushi bar in an environment reminiscent of the Asian countryside./ 502 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-536-7777; hoangcuisine.com.
Argia’s
Italian lovers unite and head straight to Argia’s, Falls Church’s very own hot spot for family-style Italian cuisine. The lively atmosphere is perfect for all occasions—family outings or intimate dates. Serving lunch and dinner with individual and family portions, you’re sure to not go hungry in the presence of this delicious establishment./ 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-534-1033; argias.com.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack
Head over to Clare and Don’s for a taste of Florida right here in Falls Church! With live music every weekend and a menu reminiscent of the beach, Clare and Don’s is the perfect place to unwind in the midst of the hustle and bustle that we know as home./ 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-532-9283; clareanddons.com.
2941 Restaurant
For an upscale evening, but still within budget, head over to 2941 Restaurant to try delicious dishes of pasta, fish and meat. A full bar menu, cocktails and dessert are sure to top off any entrée./ 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church; 703-270-1500; 2941.com.
Pizzeria Orso
Just because it is casual dining, does not mean the chefs at Pizzeria Orso are sparing anything but the best in ingredients and quality. Enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza or Italian-inspired entrée./ 400 South Maple Ave., Falls Church; 703-226-3460; pizzeriaorso.com.
Fast Food
Noodles: 7511 Leesburg Pike; 703-442-7525
Jason’s Deli: 7505 Leesburg Pike; 703-448-5514
McDonalds: At the Corner of Shreve Road and Route 7
Chipotle: 358 W. Broad Street; 703-534-8301
Wendy’s: 6349 Seven Corners Center; 703-538-3854
Burger King: 700 W. Broad Street; 703-538-3085
Panera: 450 W. Broad Street; 703-241-5954
Subway: 1142 W. Broad Street; 703-536-7870
Baja Fresh: 1116 W. Broad Street; 703-237-0020
Sit Down Chains
Ledo Pizza: 7510 Leesburg Pike; 703-847-5336
Famous Dave’s: 370 W. Broad Street; 703-533-3418
Applebees: 127 E. Broad Street; 703-532-5380
Red Robin: 6331 Seven Corners Center; 703-531-1390
Dessert
Starbucks
If you’re in need of a pick-me-up cappuccino or something sweet to end your day, head over to the Starbucks in Falls Plaza. The fantastic service makes this sweet spot even sweeter./ 344 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-536-6971; starbucks.com.
Baskin Robbins
With 31 flavors, low-fat and fat-free options, chilled beverages and more, you can never go wrong with Baskin Robbins./ 1140 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-532-6100; baskinrobbins.com.
Cosi
There’s nothing like S’mores and you can make your own if you just head over to Cosi!/ 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-237-7766; getcosi.com.
PastryXpo
Behind rows and rows of glass lie delicious sweet treats that you will not be able to resist, from cupcakes to chocolates and French macaroons./ 8190 Strawberry Lane, Falls Church; 571-282-4970; pastryxpo.com.
Annual Events
Falls Church celebrates the best way, with many family-friendly outings and events centered around our favorite holidays and seasons.
Farmer’s Market
This Year-Round Farmer’s Market is one of the best in Northern Virginia. From baked goods to hot sauces, there’s an array of vendors fit for any person’s need/ City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church; fallschurchva.gov.
July 4th Firework Celebration
Join hundreds at George Mason High School to watch a concert and firework show that will leave you in awe. Music at 7p.m., fireworks start around 9:20 p.m. 7124 Leesburg Pike
Farm Day
Hop on the hayride and paint some pumpkins, learn some of the tricks-of-the-trade in farming and give the farm animals some lovin’ at the annual Cherry Hill Historic House and Farm Farm Day. Held annually in October, check online for more details/ 312 Park Ave., Falls Church; 703-248-5171; cherryhillfallschurch.org.
Halloween Carnival
Held annually at the Community Center, the Halloween Carnival provides entertainment and games for infants through sixth graders and their families. Equipped with moon bounces, face painting and more, it’s an event the little ones won’t want to miss. The event is usually from 6-8:30 p.m./ 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church; 703-248-5077; fallschurchva.gov.
Veteran’s Day Ceremony
Join the Recreation and Parks Department of Falls Church as they honor Veteran’s of the armed forces annually on Veteran’s Day at 11 a.m./ 223 Little Falls Street; 703-248-5077 fallschurchva.gov.
Civil War Thanksgiving
Visitors can stop in and enjoy a Thanksgiving circa 1863 complete with entertainment and re-enactors. Held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving at the Cherry Hill Historic House and Farm./ 312 Park Ave., Falls Church; 703-248-5171; cherryhillfallschurch.org.
Watch Night
From 7-9p.m., enjoy face-painting, magicians, storytelling and more right in the heart of Falls Church as the New Year rolls in. It’s an event that the family won’t want to miss./ Intersection of Broad Street (Rt. 7) and Washington Street (Rt. 29); 703-248-5077; fallschurchva.gov.
–Rebecca Norris