Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, VA Area Guide

The Arlington National Cemetery and adjacent Fort Myer have roots in the American Civil War. While the cemetery now houses the dead of many other wars, pre and post Civil War, it was originally intended for the war-torn nation's deceased. Five years after the Civil War ended, the old U.S. Army post of Fort Myer became the birth place of the National Weather Service.

Today, the area surrounding the cemetery is completely developed with both commercial and residential neighborhoods. The development boom really took off during the late 1970s as the completion of both the Rosslyn and Pentagon City metro stations in 1977 allowed for unparalleled access between the nation's capital and Northern Virginia.

The neighborhoods also have an array of activities from plays at the Synetic Theater, tours of the DEA Museum and of course the National Cemetery itself which hosts many annual events in memory of the fallen.

Dining and nightlife options abound in the area surrounding the cemetery. Pay a visit to Fyve Restaurant Lounge in the Crystal City Ritz Carlton, easily one the area's best restaurants. While the government powers come here for after-work drinks, the Sunday brunch serves as the real showstopper. Along with the impressive buffet, the crabcake benedict stands as a local favorite.

For a less formal affair, head to Epic SmokeHouse on South Fern Street. The ribs and burnt ends bring locals back for more, and make sure to try the kahlua pig rolls for a nice kick of flavor. For dessert, be sure to sample the bread pudding and bacon cupcakes, preferably in one sitting.

All the nightlife activities take place on the north end of the cemetery along Wilson Boulevard. Whitlow's On Wilson remains one of the most popular local bars, providing good food, drinks and service along with live music and a friendly atmosphere. Every year, the opening of the rooftop tiki bar serves as another reminder of the wonders of spring.

Check out Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant on South Joyce Street for authentic Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. The beef and Guinness stew represents the specialty of the house, while late-night entertainment includes trivia. Owners favor the Minnesota Vikings on Sundays, so arrive in your purple and black to blend into the rowdy crowd.

Walking is not the best option in the vast area surrounding the cemetery. Instead, excellent bike lanes lend themselves well to commuters who enjoy the flat terrain.

Along the metro lines, public transportation remains a fantastic option, and many locals make use of it. The Arlington National Cemetery even has its own metro stop along the blue line which can take you through the heart of D.C. and into Maryland or south to Reagan National Airport, through Alexandria, VA and beyond. Metro rates range between $1.75 and $5.90 depending on the time of day and how far you go. To get the best rates and convenience, purchase a reloadable SmarTrip card.

Cabs are common along Wilson Boulevard to the north of the cemetery and around the commercial areas of Crystal City to the south and the adjacent airport. In the residential area, calling a cab or an Uber is your best bet.

Driving also proves much less difficult in these residential areas, and is often necessary, unless you intend to take a cab everywhere. Parking can be an issue along Wilson Boulevard and in other commercial areas, but the tremendous access to major highways make driving very attractive. Highways 1 and 50 and Interstates 395 and 66 are all easily accessible from this area.

Just south of Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Virginia Highlands Park brings in all members of the community, especially on weekends. Kids love the playground and open fields which are also used for a number of organized sports. Games of flag football and soccer are always going on, as are basketball and tennis on the well-maintained courts. There's always ample parking and the meters aren't checked on the weekends. Dogs walkers are commonplace here as well.

The Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park in Penrose also features ample green space with a playground and athletic facilities, including ball fields and tennis courts.

Just north of the cemetery in Rosslyn, Arlington Gateway Park offers D.C. views, a fountain and an amphitheater which hosts many free events, such as the Rosslyn Jazz Festival every September and outdoor movie nights every Friday evening from May to August.

In this area the average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,417 per month, about 12 percent lower than the Arlington average of $1,621 a month. The neighborhoods along the metro line are more expensive than average, while the residential communities in between are less expensive.

Transportation costs are lightly less and gas costs about five percent less than the national average. Restaurant meals start at $12 per person, while a beer at a local bar runs about $5 a pint during non-happy hour times.

Shopping options are plentiful just south of the cemetery in the Pentagon City neighborhood. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City has most everything you can need. From high-end to high-value, Nordstrom, Macy's, J Crew, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Sephora, Express, Marshalls; this mall has it all. The massive food court also contains a number of eateries as well.

For a less commercial experience, head north of the cemetery to Malena which carries a great selection of jewelry and stylish women's clothing. Another local favorite is Current Boutique a designer take on consignment shopping. Along with it's good customer service this store has an extensive quality selection of top designer brands at great prices.

Arlington residents with cars take advantage of the Pentagon City Costco. Most locals, especially those with families, come here for groceries, while the neighboring Harris Teeter remains another option.

Just a little further west along Columbia Pike lies the Columbia Pike Farmers Market on Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's a fantastic local spot, with all sorts of items, from soap to salsa, cheese, and tea. Sample the pink lemonade from TeaCo for a taste of the divine.