Guide to Living and Working in Northern Virginia

Welcome to the NRO and to Northern Virginia! Northern Virginia is right next door to the nations
capital, Washington, D.C. It is a highly populated area with a very diverse population. As you may soon find
out, Virginia is a state that is full of American history. With so much to do and see in the surrounding area,
you should never be bored. This packet is designed to help you adjust to life in Northern Virginia. It will tell
you everything you need to know from good places to live, eat, and shop, to finding fun activities to do on the
weekends and much more.

Table of Contents
Climate...2
Travel..3-4
Housing.5
Tourist Attractions6-8
Shopping Areas9
Restaurants.10
Nightlife..11
Media...12
Health..13
Other Helpful Resources..14

Climate
Climate
Rainfall (in.)
Snowfall (in.)
Precipitation Days
Sunny Days
Avg. Summer High
Avg. Winter Low

Chantilly, VA
42.8
21.4
120
197
87
21.2

United States
36.5
25
100
205
86.5
20.5

Travel
Northern Virginia has many different travel options. Please note that traffic near and around the Washington,
D.C. Metropolitan Area (WMA) can often be congested, especially during rush hour. Plan accordingly.

Major Roads

I-495 The Beltway. The beltway is a 64-mile (103.00 km)

Interstate Highway that surrounds the United States' Capital
of Washington, D.C. and its inner suburbs in Maryland and
Virginia. I-495 is widely known as the Capital Beltway or
simply the Beltway. Interstate 95 utilizes the southern and
eastern half of the Capital Beltway to circumnavigate
Washington, D.C., and is cosigned with I-495 along that
route.
I-95. I-95 is the main highway on the East Coast of the
United States, paralleling the Atlantic Ocean from Maine to
Florida and serving some of the most populated urban areas
in the country, including Boston, Providence, New York
City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond,
Jacksonville and Miami. I-95 utilizes the southern and eastern half of the Capital Beltway to
circumnavigate Washington, D.C., and is cosigned with I-495 along that route.
Fairfax County Parkway. The Fairfax County Parkway, signed as State Route 7100, is a secondary state
highway in the U.S. state of Virginia. It provides a northsouth arterial route in Fairfax County with a
mix of interchanges and signalized and unsignalized intersections.
I-66. I-66 is an Interstate Highway in the eastern United States. As indicated by its even route number,
it runs in an eastwest direction. Its western terminus is at Middletown, Virginia, at an intersection
with Interstate 81, its eastern terminus is in Washington, D.C., at an intersection with U.S. Route 29.
US Route 50. The eastern two-thirds of US 50 in Virginia is substantially paralleled by Interstate 66,
although the newer highway gradually diverges to the south to Front Royal and meets Interstate 81 at
Strasburg, about 15 miles (24 km) south of Winchester, where US 50 meets I-81.
Dulles Toll Road. The toll road provides access to Dulles Air Port, I-66, I-95, and other useful roads
navigating the area.
Route 28. Route 28 is a primary state highway that traverses the counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince
William, and Fauquier in the U.S. state of Virginia. It is a major artery through Northern Virginia. The
NRO is off of Route 28. From the NRO, Route 28 can be used to get to Dulles Airport, I-66, and the
Dulles Toll Road.
For more information about Virginias roads, please visit the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) website at www.virginiadot.org

Airports

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles Airport is the closest airport to the NRO
headquarters. Travel north on Route 28 for 10 miles and you will reach the airport. Dulles Airport is
located in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, Virginia.
It is 26 miles and 30 minutes (non-rush hour) from
downtown Washington DC. You can get to
Washington DC by bus, taxi or car. There is no
subway or train from Dulles to Washington DC. The
airports address is:
Dulles International Airport
Aviation Dr & Autopilot Dr
Sterling, VA 20166
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Reagan National Airport is located just across
the Potomac River from D.C. The address is:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Thomas Ave & Abingdon
Arlington, VA 22202
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The airport serves both
Baltimore and Washington DC. It is farther away than Dulles or Reagan, but the rates at BWI tend to
be much less expensive.
For more information on local airports please visit www.metwashairports.com

Public Transportation

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Washington D.C. has a metro rail system
that runs throughout the city and the immediate surrounding area. Using the
metro rail is recommended when going into D.C.
o WMATA also has a metro bus that travels all throughout the D.C. area
o For more information on metro rail and metro bus schedules, routes, and
maps, please visit the WMATA website at www.WMATA.com
Fairfax Connector. The Fairfax Connector is a public bus that covers a large part of
Northern Virginia. The Fairfax Connector has routes that come out to the Westfields area (where the
NRO is located), going between Westfields and the Vienna Metro Rail Station. For more information
about the Fairfax Connector please visit their website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector
Virginia Railway Express (VRE). The Virginia Railway Express is a commuter rail service that
connects the Northern Virginia suburbs to Union Station in Washington, D.C., via two lines: the
Fredericksburg Line from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and the Manassas Line from Broad Run/Airport
station in Bristow, Virginia. For more information about the VRE maps and schedules visit
www.vre.org

Housing

The NRO has housing agreements with two nearby hotels.

o Hotel Sierra in Sterling, VA, is offering studio suites for $89.00 (plus tax) per night for a
minimum of 30 nights. Includes a complimentary shuttle to and from Dulles Airport, wireless
internet, 24 hour fitness center, 24 hour private
business center (PCs, printing, etc), outdoor pool and
BBQ.
o Hampton Inn Dulles Airport South in Chantilly, VA,
is offering double guestrooms for $89.00 (plus tax) per
night. Includes a complimentary shuttle to and from
the NRO, Dulles Airport, and the immediate
shopping area. Breakfast, fitness center, wireless
internet, and an indoor pool are also included.
The Northern Virginia area has many different housing
options and residency areas. To learn about the different areas and communities in Virginia, please
visit www.bestplaces.net/state/virginia
o www.apartments.com is a great website that can be used to find nice apartments in the area
o The closest apartment complex to the NRO building is called Chantilly Crossing. You can read
about Chantilly Crossing at www.apartments.com/chantillycrossing
Some government agencies post housing options on their internal websites. Contact the NRO Strategic
Staffing Group for more information on these options by calling 1-800-306-6990 x2102.

Tourist Attractions
Virginia is a state that is loaded with historical sites that make great day or weekend trips. With D.C. so close,
you will never run out of things to do or places to see. This section will help you get a grasp on the sites to see
in the area.

Historical Sites

Colonial Williamsburg/ Jamestown. Williamsburg is located 3-4 hours south of the D.C. area. It is rich
with both Virginia and American history. The historic Jamestown settlement is also located in the same
area. For more information visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
Mount Vernon. The estate of President George Washington. This is a scenic location right along the
Potomac River. For more information visit www.mountvernon.org
Battlefields. The Revolutionary War and the Civil War were fought on Virginia battlegrounds that
have been preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, Virginia State Parks and private
organizations. Now these battlefields are open for the public to visit. For more information on historic
battlefields in Virginia visit www.virginia.org and search for battlefields.
Sully Plantation. An oasis of the past, Sully reflects
the history of Fairfax County. Completed in 1799 by
Richard Bland Lee, the main house at Sully
combines aspects of Georgian and Federal
architecture. Richard Bland Lee was Northern
Virginia's first Representative to Congress, as well as
General Robert E. Lee's uncle. Sully Historic Site is
located near the NRO in Chantilly, VA. For more
information please visit
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sully
Monticello. Situated on a mountaintop outside
Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello, a 5,000-acre
plantation, was the home of Thomas Jefferson. For more information about Monticello visit
www.monticello.org
For more information about historical tourist sites in Virginia visit www.virginia.org

Washington D.C.

Monuments. Washington, DC is a city of monuments and memorials. We honor the generals,

politicians, poets and statesmen who helped shape our great nation. Although the most famous
monuments and memorials are on the National Mall, you will find statues and plaques on many street
corners around the city. Since Washington, DC's monuments are spread out, it is hard to visit all of
them on foot. At busy times, traffic and parking makes it difficult to visit the monuments by car. The
best way to see all the monuments is to take a tour. Many of the monuments are open late at night. For
more information on national monuments and memorial parks visit www.nps.gov/nacc. Some of the
more famous monuments in Washington D.C. are as follows:
o Washington Monument
o Lincoln Memorial
o Thomas Jefferson Memorial
o World War II Memorial
o Vietnam Veterans Memorial
o

Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institute is centered in D.C. and operates many museums and a zoo,
most of which are free to the general public. For a complete list of the museums and more information
visit www.si.edu According to about.com, the best 5 museums to see in D.C. are:
o National Museum of Natural History
o National Air and Space Museum
o U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
o Newseum
o Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Cherry Blossom Festival. Each year, the National Cherry
Blossom Festival celebrates spring in Washington, DC, the
gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship
between the people of the United States and Japan. The
Festival produces and coordinates 16 days and 3 spectacular weekends of festivities, primarily free and
open to the public. For more information about the festival, please visit
www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Government Buildings. Some of the important government buildings are available for tours as well.
o U.S. Capitol Building. The Capitol building is open to the public for touring. For more
information on visiting the Capitol please visit www.visitthecapitol.gov
o The White House. The White House can be toured, but permission from your member of
Congress is required. For more information please visit www.whitehouse.gov/about/toursand-events
o The Pentagon. The Pentagon is also available for tours. See the website
www.pentagon.afis.osd.mil/ for more information or email [email protected]
Touring D.C. In order to more efficiently tour D.C., different touring and transportation options are
available.
o D.C. Circulator Buses. For only $1 a ride, the D.C. Circulator will take you around to the more
popular areas of the city. www.dccirculator.com
o D.C. Cruises. Take a cruise on the Potomac and see the city by water. www.dc-cruises.com
o For other options for touring D.C. visit www.dctours.us

Parks and Recreation

Theme Parks. There are a few theme parks in the areas surrounding the D.C. area.
o Six Flags America. Six Flags America is part of the Six Flags theme park chain. It is just over an
hour north from Northern Virginia near Baltimore, Maryland. Of all the theme parks in the
area, Six Flags America is the closest and least expensive. For more information visit
www.sixflagsamerica.com
o Kings Dominion. Kings Dominion is located less than 2 hours south of Northern Virginia in
Doswell, Virginia. It is a larger park than Six Flags with more rides and attractions, but it is
more expensive. For more information visit www.kingsdominion.com
o Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens is in Williamsburg, which is roughly 3-4 hours south of
Northern Virginia. Aside from the rides and attractions, Busch Gardens also features a wildlife
reserve. For more information about the park
visit www.buschgardens.com
o Hershey Park. This park is located roughly 4
hours north of Northern Virginia in Hershey,
Pennsylvania. This park is large and features
many different rides and attractions. The park
also includes Chocolate World which is a
museum/ shopping area. Hershey Park offers
hotels and resorts for out of town guests who
wish to stay the weekend. For more
information visit www.hersheypark.com
National Parks. Virginia houses many different National Parks. The parks are open and mostly free to
the public to use for site seeing and outdoor recreation. For a list of all the National Parks in Virginia
please visit www.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=va
Live Concert Centers/ Sporting Arenas. Below is a list of some of the more prominent venues and
arenas where concerts, performances, and sporting events are held.
o Verizon Center (D.C.). Concerts, events, Wizards Basketball, Capitals Ice Hockey.
www.verizoncenter.com
o Kennedy Center (D.C.). Performing arts. www.kennedy-center.org
o Nationals Park (D.C.). Nationals Baseball. http://washington.nationals.mlb.com
o Carter Barron Amphitheater (D.C.). Performing arts.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/cbarron.htm
9:30 Club (D.C.). Concerts. www.930.com
GMU Patriot Center (VA). Concerts, events.
www.patriotcenter.com
Jiffy Lube Live (VA). Concerts.
www.pavilionbristow.com
Wolf Trap (VA). Concerts, performing arts.
www.wolftrap.org
Merriweather Post Pavilion (MD). Concerts.
www.pavilion-md.com
FedEx Field (MD). Washington Redskins Football, concerts, other events.
http://fieldlandover.com
Music Center at Strathmore (MD). Performing arts. www.strathmore.org

Shopping Areas
Below are some of the more prominent shopping areas in Northern Virginia:
Dulles Town Center. Dulles Town Center hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10:00am
9:30pm; Sunday 11:00am 7:00pm. 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles.
www.shopdullestowncenter.com Dulles Town Center is the closest major shopping area to the NRO.
Fair Oaks Mall. Fair Oaks Mall hours of operation are 10:00am 9:30pm. 11750 Fair Oaks Mall,
Fairfax. www.shopfairoaksmall.com
Reston Town Center. The Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market Street Reston
www.restontowncenter.com
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets hours of operation are Monday
- Saturday 10:00am -9:00pm; Sunday 10:00am 7:00pm. 241 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg.
www.premiumoutlets.com
Tysons Corner Center. Tysons Corner Center hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10:00am9;30pm; Sunday 11:00am 6:00pm. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean. www.shoptysons.com
Tysons Galleria. Tysons Galleria hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm; Sunday
12:00pm-6:00pm. 2001 International Drive, McLean. www.tysonsgalleria.com

Restaurants

Local to NRO:
o Famous Daves (BBQ) Entrees $7.99-22.99, 14452 Chantilly Crossing Lane Chantilly
o Red Robin (Burgers) Entrees $8.99-12.99, 14450 Chantilly Crossing Lane, Chantilly
o Texas Roadhouse (Steakhouse) Entrees $9.00-19.99, 4993 Westone Plaza, Chantilly
o Applebees (American) Entrees $8.99-17.99, 4995 Westone Plaza, Chantilly, VA
o Eggspectations (Breakfast, American) Entrees $10-15.00, 5009 Westone Plaza, Chantilly
o Sweetwater (Tavern, Grill) Entrees $8.00-26.00, 14250 Sweetwater Lane, Centreville
o Bonefish Grill (Seafood and Grill) Entrees $6.90-18.90, 6315 Multiplex Drive, Centreville
o Willards (BBQ) 4300 Chantilly Shopping Center Unit #1A, Chantilly, VA 20151
Reston/Herndon Area:
o Angeethi (Indian) Entres $11-23, 645 Elden St., Herndon
o Ariake (Japanese) Entres $12.50-27, 12184 Glade Dr., Reston
o The Counter (Burger) Entres $7.25-10.25, 11922 Democracy Dr., Reston
o Jacksons Mighty Fine Food (American, seafood) Entres $9.50-25, 11927 Democracy Dr.,
Reston
o Minerva Indian Cuisine (Indian) Entres $9.99-13.95, 2443-G1 Centreville Rd, Herndon
o Passion Fish (Seafood) Entres $19-35, 11960 Democracy Dr., Reston
o Wegmans Market Caf (Sushi, sandwiches, pasta) $5-15, 45131 Columbia Pl, Sterling
Fairfax:
o Pad Thai (Thai) Entres $7.95-15.95, 11199 Lee Hwy. East, Fairfax
o Temel (Mediterranean) Entres $6.50-22.95, 3232 Old Pickett Rd., Fairfax
o Tonys NY Pizza (Pizza) 13087 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, Fairfax
o Blue Ocean (Seafood) Entres $10.95-24.95, 9440 Main St. Fairfax
o Coastal Flats (American) Entres $12-24, 11901 Grand Commons Ave. Fairfax
o Cheesecake Factory (American) Entrees $7.95-29.95, Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Tysons Corner:
o Cheesecake Factory (American) Entrees $7.95-29.95, 1796 International Dr., McLean
o Clydes Tyson Corner (American) Entrees $10.95-24.95, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
o McCormick & Schmicks (Seafood and Grill) Entrees $6.95-32.95, 8484 Westpark Dr., McLean
o Taste Of Saigon (Asian) Entrees $6.00-15.50, 8201 Greensboro Dr., McLean
Alexandria:
o Bonefish Grill (Seafood and grill) 5920 Kingstown Towne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315
o Daniel OConnells (Irish) Entrees $7.00-32.00, 112 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
o Teds Montana Grill (Steakhouse) Entrees $7.00-29.00, 2451 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA
22314
o The Majestic (American) Entrees $9.25-27.00, 911 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Washington D.C.
o Baked and Wired (Bakery) 1052 Thomas Jefferson St., NW Washington D.C.
o Dean & DeLuca (Deli/quick bites, gourmet grocer, kid friendly) 3276 M St., NW Washington,
D.C.
o Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar (Seafood) 1054 31st St., NW Washington, D.C.
o BGR the Burger Joint (Burgers) 1514 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.
o Caf Asia (Pan-Asian, Sushi, Thai) 1720 I St., NW Washington, D.C.

For information about these and other restaurants in the area please see www.zagat.com or
www.opentable.com

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Nightlife

Virginia/ near NRO

o Fast Eddies, Sports and Billiards, Lounge, 14114 Lee Highway Centreville, VA,
www.fasteddies.com
o Ned Devines, Irish Pub, Bar, 6208 Multiplex Drive Centreville, VA, www.neddevines.com
o Sullys Station, Restaurant and Lounge, 14513 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway Suite H
Chantilly, www.mysullys.com
o Bungalows, Sports and Billiards, 13891 Metrotech Drive Chantilly, www.bungalow4u.com
Washington D.C.
o Lucky Strike 701 Seventh St. NW, Washington D.C., 21 + after 8pm daily
o Georgetown, Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, www.georgetowndc.com
o Adams Morgan, Restaurant, Bars, Lounges, www.dc.about.com
Maryland
o National Harbor National Plaza, National Harbor MD, www.nationalharbor.com
o Baltimore Inner Harbor 401 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202, www.baltimore.org
For more information about D.C. nightlife and clubs visit www.dcclubbing.com

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Media
The D.C. area has many different radio and cable channels, and various newspapers. Below are listed some of
the more prominent media channels in the area.

Cable. Some of the major cable providers in the area are (availability may differ upon location):
o Verizon Fios. www.verizon.com
o DIRECTV. www.directv.com
o Cox. www.cox.net
o Comcast. www.comcast.com
Radio. The area has many different AM and FM radio stations. See below for a list of some of the more
popular stations.
FM
GENRE
88.5
NPR
89.3
Jazz
92.5
Soft rock
93.9
Hip hop
94.7
Contemporary
95.5
Hip Hop
97.1
Soft rock (Also holiday music station during the holiday season)
98.7
Country
99.1
Spanish
99.5
Hottest hits, pop
100.3 Classic rock, oldies
101.1 Rock
104.1 Classical
105.9 Classic Rock
107.3 Contemporary hits
AM
1310
1050
1560
1690

GENRE
Asian
Business
Country
Sports

Newspapers. There are many different newspapers in the area. Different communities often have their
own local newspapers. Larger newspapers that are available throughout the D.C. area include:
o The Washington Post. www.washingtonpost.com
o The Washington Times. www.washingtontimes.com

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Health
Hospitals

Some hospitals near the NRO area include:

o Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. 3600 Joseph
Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033
o Reston Hospital Center. 1850 Town
Center Pkwy, Reston, VA 20190
o Inova Fairfax Hospital. 3300 Gallows
Road, Falls Church, VA 22042

Emergency Care Centers

Emergency care centers near the NRO area

include:
o Inova Urgent Care Center. 24801
Pinebrook Rd Ste 110, Chantilly, VA
o Inova Urgent Care Center. 6201 Centreville Rd Ste 200, Centreville, VA

Fitness Centers

The NRO headquarters building has a gym on the ground floor that is available for all employees to
use and is always open except from 8-10pm every evening for cleaning
There are many other fitness centers in the area. For a list of gyms in the area please visit
www.gymsnearyou.com

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Other Resources
The following websites are valuable resources you can use to better adapt to life in the D.C. area:

www.washingtonian.com
www.northernvirginiamag.com
www.virginia.org
www.worklife4you
www.washingtoncitypaper.com

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