By Ann Witmer
A mile and half from the Mason Inn is the small city of Fairfax, ranked third in Forbes’ 2009 list of the “Top 25 Places to Live Well.”
The historic part of town, site of Civil War battles, has been renovated and a new development called Old Town Fairfax has added a library, condos, shops and restaurants. It’s a logical place for guests of the Mason Inn to wander, shop and dine.
Two Italian restaurants are good options for an off-site dinner excursion. Villa Mozart offers contemporary fare in a main dining room for 45, where yellow pansies add a splash of sunshine. Family-run Bellissimo feels like Italy with murals on the walls and homemade stuffed pasta. Its dining room seats 60.
Small restaurants that serve Vietnamese, Greek, Thai, Irish and Indian fare reflect the diversity of Northern Virginia. New Zealand lamb and Hudson Valley Duck are in demand at the Wine House.
800-545-8414 or 703-352-6097
www.visitfairfax.com
