The Fairfax Girl Team 
There are a few things we love more than Virginia, and one of those is our furry friends. We were so excited to find the blog Roving Through Virginia with Rover, where Lisa and Mack Fisher explore Virginia with their three dogs, Jake, Amos, and Grendel. They’re on a mission to visit all of Virginia’s 95 counties in alphabetical order and highlight dog-friendly activities and accommodations. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re sharing a very special piece written by Jake, Amos, and Grendel, the dogs at the heart of this state-wide adventure. They shared their thoughts on visiting Fairfax County with The Fairfax Girl. Special thank you to Lisa Fisher for capturing Jake, Amos, and Grendel’s thoughts about visiting Fairfax County.
Take 5 for Fido in Fairfax County
We are the dogs behind Roving through Virginia with Rover.
Amos: I’m a Virginia native on a mission to sniff out all of the dog-friendly activities in my home state.
Jake: Where are the treats?
Grendel: WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!
Roving through Virginia with Rover picked 5 of our favorite destinations in Fairfax County, all dog-friendly.
The gang explores Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy of Lisa Fisher.
Mount Vernon. Grendel here. I know my humans like visiting the grounds around Mount Vernon because I hear them discussing the architecture, and gardens, and stuff about George and Martha, but I like the – oh look, there’s a squirrel! Fun fact: The American Kennel Club recognizes George Washington as the founding father of the American Foxhound.
Enjoying the rapids at Great Falls. Photo courtesy of Lisa Fisher.
Great Falls. This is Amos. I like bringing my humans to Great Falls. They stand around staring at the rushing water and say things like Wow. That’s all fine, but I suggest exploring the trails and experiencing the earthy bouquet with hints of white oak and moss. Ah….Fun Fact: George Washington visited Great Falls multiple times while he strategized how to bypass the rapids to establish a trade route.
Jake sits with Bronze Bob (Robert E. Simon, the founder of Reston). Photo courtesy of Lisa Fisher.
Reston. This is Jake, and my mom is a big fan of Reston’s public art. She likes walking all over Lake Anne Plaza and Reston Town Center, looking for art and getting some exercise in the process. My favorite part of Reston? So glad you asked. The dozens of dog-friendly restaurants, of course. Fun Fact: Developed in the 1960s, Reston is the nation’s first modern planned community, proposed as an alternative to suburban sprawl.
Smells at Mason Neck. Photo courtesy of Lisa Fisher.
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Grendel here again. I’m working on sit and stay. Our entire family likes Mason Neck. It has trails right next to the Potomac River. We always see – and smell! – wildlife when we visit. Fun Fact: The Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck Refuge was established in 1969 as the first federal refuge to protect bald eagles.
Special guest Oshie, a Springerdoodle, shows off his BARK credentials at Wolf Trap. Photo courtesy of Lisa Fisher.
Wolf Trap. Guest blogger Oshie here. My human seems quite fond of Wolf Trap’s picturesque trails, but I’m partial to the National Park’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program. I’m a sworn-in B.A.R.K. Ranger at Wolf Trap National Park, and I solemnly swear to Bag waste, Always leash up, Respect wildlife, and Know what’s off limits. Fun fact: Wolf Trap is the only national park completely dedicated to the performing arts.
Thank you, Lisa, Mack, Jake, Amos, Grende,l and Oshie for sharing your experiences in Fairfax County! We hope to see you soon.
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