Oakwood School is an independent day school for students ages 5 to 14 years old with mild to moderate learning differences. Oakwood is a non-sectarian school whose goal is to offer those students a multisensory education so that they can accomplish all of their academic and social potential. The school serves as a co-educational day school for elementary and middle school students. Programs offered included speech therapy and occupational therapy. Each class at Oakwood is kept small, between 8 and 13 students, in order for each skilled teacher to devote an adequate amount of time and attention to each student.
The Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) is made up of over 100 volunteers who take in and take care of animals in need, host fundraisers, work at the society's thrift stores (one in Fairfax, one in Falls Church), educate the public on animal care, foster adoptable pets and more.
The society owns two buildings in Fairfax City, one holds offices and a small animal adoption center, the other is rented out to help fund the group. HSFC also owns a 13-acre farm in Centreville that is home to horses, dogs and other larger animals.
Click here for a list of animals waiting for their new homes.
Arlington Montessori House (AMH) is known as the "Hippo House" by the families of its students. AMH follows the Montessori philosophy of teaching, allowing children freedom to learn within limits. AMH has two classes of 28 children of mixed ages. Each class is taught by a teacher and an assistant. AMH is on a three-year program, and expects their families to enroll their children from age three until kindergarten. AMH is parent-run, and the parents are involved in all aspects of the school.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located near King Street and Callahan Drive. George Washington Masonic National Memorial was established in 1920. This is more than just a memorial and a museum. George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also a research center, library, community center, performing arts center and also a concert hall. Admission is free for the first two floors.
This location is the headquarters of the American Horticultural society, one of the country's oldest gardening organizations. Founded in 1922, it exists to provide gardening and horticulture information, upholds standards of social responsibility and works in the interest of environmental stewardship. The headquarters is located on the River Farm property that once belonged to George Washington. It is between Mt. Vernon and Old Town Alexandria, and features 25 acres of gardens, grounds and picnic areas overlooking the Potomac. It is open to the public on weekdays and Saturdays in the spring and summer. Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated. Group activities are welcome but parties should make a reservation. A schedule of activities and events is available on the organization's website.
Hollywood Cemetery, named for the abundance of holly trees on the property, is a huge and often visited national cemetery located in Richmond City. Locals frequently walk or jog the paved paths for exercise and sightseeing, and history buffs come to visit the famous grave sites of presidents and noteworthy Americans. The cemetery is also the center of several urban legends such as the Richmond vampire and the black dog, and thrill seekers visit these spooky spots from time to time. Parking is available at the church at the top of the hill, which is generally considered the 'address' for Hollywood Cemetery, and some information about the cemetery is available there for visitors.
Parking and Public Transportation at Hollywood Cemetery
There is some parking available at the cemetery entrance on Cherry St. in the church lot. Cars are allowed inside the cemetery as well, so you may opt for a self guided driving tour instead. If you plan to participate in a walking, segway, or trolley tour, check the website ahead of time to find out where the tour will start and plan accordingly.
Must See and Do at Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery is home to the final resting places of President James Monroe, President John Tyler, and President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis. A huge stone pyramid stands as a monument to dead Confederate soldiers. In addition to two US and one Confederate president, Hollywood Cemetery hosts the remains of six former Virginia governors, twenty two Confederate generals, two Supreme Court justices, thousands of Confederate soldiers, and a smattering of others important in specific fields of interest. The tomb of W. W. Poole is associated with the legend of The Richmond Vampire, and even the cemetery's website lists The Iron Dog as one of their landmarks, though they do not include the urban legend associated with it. It's advisable to download the map from their website before your visit.
Best and Worst Times to Go to Hollywood Cemetery
Since Hollywood Cemetery is huge, it's rare that you'll find yourself fighting a crowd. However, some areas are not fully shaded, so hot sunny days can be brutal if you choose to take a walk through the headstones. The best and most beautiful visits can be had on sunny mornings just after 8 a.m. in early summer before the heat becomes too intense. Hollywood Cemetery also offers guided tours and events, including Segway and Trolley Tours for those that aren't up to walking the distance amidst the rolling hills.
Admission to Hollywood Cemetery
There are no admission charges to Hollywood Cemetery, but you are welcome to make a donation towards preservation and restoration if you choose.
Other Places to Visit Near Hollywood Cemetery
The North Bank Trail runs past Hollywood Cemetery. It is a walking, jogging, and biking path that parallels the James River and is part of the James River Park System. A four minute drive will take you in range of a wide variety of restaurants and attractions including La Parisienne Bistro and Cafe, which offers contemporary French and Belgian cuisine.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Hollywood Cemetery
Download the map first, and find your way to the Palmer Chapel Mausoleum for a breathtaking view of the James River. Immediately to your right as you stand on the Mausoleum balcony, you'll be able to see a gently twisting train track that runs alongside the river and makes for a picturesque photo backdrop, or even just a nice place to sit and contemplate life for a while. The James River can also be viewed quite well from several other points in the cemetery, and a nice cool breeze comes up from the water in summertime, which is refreshing after the long walk to get there from the church on Cherry Street.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
