In an area better known for technology, GRACE is the prime jewel in Reston's cultural tapestry…read more Not only does this beautiful art space at the lower end of the Reston Town Center bring the best in cutting edge contemporary art and artists to Reston, but their annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is one of the most respected and best fine arts and crafts outdoor arts festivals in the nation. For that event GRACE brings several hundred artists and craftspeople from all over the nation for a two day art extravaganza in May. This is the perfect family outing for the art lover. The Center also offers all kinds of classes, talks and events designed to bring a powerful art presence to Restonians.

I went to the 2014 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in Reston. This is an annual event held…read moreevery year in mid-May. The Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) sponsors the event. Over 200 artists from around the country participate and set up booths in the Reston Town Center to display and sell their works. The items displayed are very professional and generally very attractive. The items range from traditional to the unusual. However, the items for sale tend to be very expensive. I'd recommend this festival; it is unique and has creative art.

This is one of my favorite markets in the area…read more https://www.capitalartandcraftfestivals.com Why? It's only $10 (tickets bought in line in advance). The aisles are large, the place is never crowded. They have a great combo of art, textiles, pottery, paintings, jewelry and food. Some of my favorite vendors: True honey teas Oompah udderific cheese spread Plantation nut company Artist: Greg Stone painter New in 2022- they have beer and wine to enjoy as you wander through the stalls!

This is a really cool spot, right in the middle of downtown. You can find so many unique gifts here…read morefrom paintings, carvings and unique items you just won't find anywhere else in town. The prices are very reasonable, with each purchase supporting local artists. We've come here in the past, and love the special events and open houses they offer of the space. Even if there isn't a special event happening, this place is well worth the visit. You'll find so many beautiful pieces and a wide variety of crafts.

Love the Art exhibit by Dr. Smalls thanks for hosting and I can't wait to come back to experience…read moremore Art and the dinner theater

I just happened to notice the sign for Black Horse Gallery today. Apparently they've only been open…read morefor a couple of weeks. Be careful! If you glance away momentarily - you'll miss the sign and entrance for his place. It's the same entrance for "Framing by Cyndy." You go through the door and descend a stairway - Black Horse Gallery is to the left right before the entrance to "Framing by Cyndy." I met the gentleman running the place - very nice man. The place has an array of historical and military-based framed and unframed artwork from the Revolutionary War onward. There are some gorgeous pieces here - I felt like they were reasonably priced! Check this place out!

Correction: The location is 201 East Jackson Street…read more Very nice framing and matting, and even perfectly matched the frame and matting of an older piece that I planned display alongside. The work is meticulously well done, and the staff was a pleasure. It's a nice shop with some lovely pieces on display. I was very pleased with the result. You won't go wrong. Other services are also available . This was a very pleasant experience.

Great framing shop! The owner is extremely helpful and kind. She explained all the available…read moreoptions and prices. Beautiful and through work , will last a lifetime. Worth a stop if you need expert framework.

I checked out Taylor Boyd Studios recently. I saw a sign on a street corner in Old Town Warrenton,…read moreso I had to check the place out! Ms. Boyd is a local artist - and she recently completed painting a massive mural on the side of a building at the other end of Main Street in Old Town Warrenton - which is a nice addition to the town! It's a gorgeous and colorful mural! I also follow her work on social media. She has a wide variety of beautiful and colorful paintings available for sale - some are just a copy of the print, while others are framed art pieces. I have my eye on a couple of pieces I'd like to buy at some point in the future! Check her studio out, buy some local art, and support local artists! #TaylorBoydStudios

This shop has VERY limited business hours (something like Thursday - Saturday only) and is on the…read morepricier side of the vintage market. But for a little antique shop on Main Street in quiet Front Royal, they have the booming selection of any multi-vendor vintage mall: Saarinen and Bertoia, Eames, Danish modern, Catherineholm, you name it. There's also a decent selection of vintage clothing and accessories. If you're a bargain hunter this probably isn't the place you want to pick up your Saarinen Tulip dining set (though it is available and in excellent condition), but if you're looking for a mid-century ceramic vase to round out your collection, Vintage Swank is a recommended destination.

Walking in the door (or glancing in the window) is a nostalgia trip, of the best kind. Think…read more"Father Knows Best," Rob and Laura Petrie, and Mad Men seasons 1-3. Great barware, linens, aprons, home decor of all kinds, feather hats, and wool coats with real fur collars. Prices are all over the lot. Sometimes you're surprised how low they are (martini shakers from about. $15) and other times everything's on sale. The Bakelite jewelry can be in the hundreds. The owner and her mom run the shop (hours are limited, so call first) and know their stuff. It's a fun place to shop!

If you find yourself in Warrenton, Virginia, spend an hour at the Fauquier History Museum at the…read moreOld Jail located inside the 1808 and 1823 jail houses. Visiting on a Thursday afternoon in October, a kind man named Fred took my ticket ($5) and gave me a brief history of the building and museum before letting me explore on my own. Here's my experience: 1) Exhibits: Located on two floors in two different historic buildings, the exhibits are small, but mighty. They come with a wide range of historic artifacts, signs that tell their stories, and a range of perspectives from what it was like for women and those enslaved while at the jail house. They also talk about mental illness and the jail house. It's inclusive, which I appreciate. 2) Store: It's well stocked with books, cards, and trinkets. 3) Parking: There's street parking easy to find nearby.

Nice local museum and old prison. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Entrance fee required. Takes…read moreabout 30 minutes to see it