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So Long to Summer at Wolf Trap

September 9, 2013 By Emily Yosmanovich

It is always bittersweet when summer draws to a close.  Personally, this particular summer has flown by all too fast.  Our new baby arrived in June and now suddenly it is early September.  She’s not so new anymore, and I’m left looking back on the summer, lamenting activities we should have done, places we should have visited… Northern Virginia just offers so much to do! 

The bucket list for next summer is growing in my mind.

Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods

The Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods is a miniature version of the Filene Center tucked away in the woods!

One of my favorite summer haunts for kids in Northern Virginia is Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.  Luckily, we made it there for one show the final week it was open this summer.  It left me wanting more, though, so I suppose I’ll just have to live with the anticipation of next summer’s season.

Most people know about Wolf Trap National Park’s Filene Center in Vienna Virginia.  If you live in this area, chances are you cherish the day that lovely foldout calendar arrives in your mailbox sometime in early Spring, detailing all the outdoor concerts your little heart desires.

Maybe you circle all the ones you want to attend, and then quickly realize you’ve circled just about every day of the summer.

No?  Just me?  Well, then!

The perfect Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods

What most people don’t necessarily know is that behind the Filene Center, tucked away off a dirt path in the woods is a mini version of the Center, with wooden bench seating just the right height for kids.

The Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the summer, with performances at 10:30 in the morning.  Shows are geared towards children ages four and up, but honestly, my son has loved going to the music shows since he was about four months old.

I’m glad we made it out in the end to see Culkin School of Irish Dance and The Bog Band.  The dancers’ quick steps and bright costumes fascinated my son.  The wide spaces between rows of benches allowed him quite enough space to do his best imitation of every movement.  Such enthusiasm for the arts is welcome at Wolf Trap, so I didn’t have to try to wrangle him back down in his seat… thank goodness, as I was juggling the baby and the diaper bag already!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a picnic lunch with some friends.  There are several tables nearby in the park, as well as plenty of grassy space to lay a blanket.  The kids also loved the creek that runs through the woods.  We played Poohsticks off of the little footbridge and listened to the soothing sounds of running water as we ate.

If you visit, I highly suggest taking a stroller if you have young children.  The walk from the parking lot is a bit long for little legs, and is also steeply uphill on the way back.  There is plenty of shaded stroller parking to the side of the theater.

Though the theater only operates in the summer months, you can still walk the trails behind the Filene Center throughout the year and take in approximately 65 acres of National Park wildlife.  I hear the sledding is quite good there, too… maybe it’s not so sad to say goodbye to summer after all!

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Filed Under: Blog, Living Here Tagged With: Vienna Virginia, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

About Emily Yosmanovich

Emily Yosmanovich is an elementary school teacher on “vacation” to raise her young family in Northern Virginia, an area she's called "home" for most of her life. Meanwhile, she also pursues her love of writing by freelancing and blogging about all things “mommy,” which includes documenting her family's lively local adventures! Read more from Emily on her blog ~ twowaystreetblog.com .

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

Helping my clients add value to their homes has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more than invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for 2023 right now.

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