Idylwood Falls Church, VA

When the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad came through the area around 1912, Idylwood developed along the route. When the Capital Beltway and the Metro station arrived, the neighborhood began to grow at a rapid pace. Falls Church offers several unique historic sites, dating back to the mid-1700s. The area was first settled by colonists around 1676, soon after the Bacon's Rebellion. This revolt of Virginia settlers against Governor William Berkeley was led by Nathaniel Bacon. Due to clashes with the Doeg tribe, colonists settling the frontier didn't feel safe. They went to the governor with their concerns and were dismissed. Feeling ignored, they staged the revolt. With all of the battling going on, some colonists migrated to the area to escape. The "Big Chimneys" house was built during this first settlement, around 1699. Nearby historic places to visit include Cherry Hill Farmhouse, an 1845 farmhouse that now serves as a museum. The farmhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was once the home of author James Whitcomb Riley. He is most famous for writing "Little Orphant Annie" and "The Raggedy Man." The Falls Church, for which the community was named, is an Episcopal church built in 1769. The church is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1769 church was built to replace an earlier wooden structure from around 1732.

If you are looking for a terrific meal close to home, Idylwood offers several options. Victor's Grill Churrasqueria, and Argentinean steakhouse, is a great place to start. In addition to the area's best steaks, this restaurant features live music on weekends. Top off dinner with Arroz con Leche, which is highly recommended by locals. When you want a good curry, head to Myanmar. This Burmese restaurant offers amazing dishes with unique flavors -- try starting off with the Tea Leaf Salad and follow it up with the Mutton Curry. On the north side of the neighborhood you'll find Taco Bamba -- ideal for quick take-out since you order at the counter. Residents consider these to be the best tacos around, and the Chirozo Sope and Black Pearl are both highly recommended. In the same plaza as Taco Bamba, Idylwood Grill and Wine Bar provides a slightly more elegant atmosphere. Try the Scallops Risotto or the Rack of Lamb. For dessert, try the Chocolate Mousse Cake or the Key Lime Tart. Can't decide between doughnuts and fried chicken? Have both! Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken is exactly what it sounds like -- a doughnut and fried chicken sandwich, served with lettuce and tomato. You can also just get doughnuts -- the Creme Brulee comes highly recommended.

Choose your method: walking, bicycling, mass transit, driving -- it's all available in Idylwood. The Capital Beltway (I-495) hugs the west side of the neighborhood, while I-66 passes through the center. Washington DC's Metro train system is available from the West Falls Church Metro Station (Orange Line) and the Tysons Corner Metro Station (Silver Line). Several bus stations are located throughout the neighborhood, as well. For cyclists, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail runs through Idylwood. This paved trail is nine feet wide and extends 45 miles through Northern Virginia.

Located in the center of the neighborhood, Idylwood Park has access to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, ball fields, benches, and a playground. The south side of the neighborhood contains Jefferson District Park, a large park with basketball courts, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a playground. Several large parks are located just outside the neighborhood, including Accotink Stream Valley Park, Holmes Run Stream Valley Park, and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

With its fantastic location and beautiful setting, Idylwood is one of Virginia's more expensive neighborhoods. Apartments in Idylwood average about $1,692, while homes cost around $491,000 (compared to the state average of $239,000). While commuting into DC is a terrific option for many, it isn't the only option. Nearby Tysons Corner is home to a large number of companies, including Gannett, Freddie Mac, Intelsat, Hilton Worldwide, MITRE Corporation, and Capital One. Tysons Corner is considered the business district of Fairfax County. Tysons Corner Center is the largest mall in Virginia.

Don't let Idylwood's pretty face fool you -- the wooded beauty may bring to mind a remote country village, but all of the unique shops in and around Idylwood remind you that you're still in the DC metro area. Idylwood Plaza, at the north end of the neighborhood, contains a Whole Foods Market, Wylie Wagg pet store, and several restaurants. On the other side of Leesburg Pike, Tysons Station features a Trader Joe's, Reico Kitchen and Bath, and Pet Supplies Plus. Just outside Idylwood on the north side, Fairfax Square is an upscale shopping plaza with shops like Nordstrom Rack, Tiffany, and Miele. Across from Fairfax Square, Tysons Corner Center is a huge shopping mall with an outdoor plaza. This mall contains stores like Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, Pottery Barn, Fossil, American Girl, the Lego Store, and Arhaus Furniture. Head just about a block up International Drive and you'll discover Tysons Galleria, another upscale mall featuring Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue, Kate Spade, Williams-Sonoma, Coach, and Lilly Pulitzer. If you still haven't had your shopping fill, head to the southwest end of the neighborhood and visit the Mosaic District. This mixed-use village has it all -- including great shops. Here, you'll find Neiman Marcus Last Call, Scout and Molly's Boutique, MOM's Organic Market, Alex and Ani, and Anthropologie.