McLean, Virginia: Things to see and do

September 28, 7:28 PMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

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But, many people ask, “What can you do there”? Here are some of my recommendations:

1. McLean Community Center is the center of it all. From yoga and tap classes, to both community and professional theatre, festivals and community events, chess and bridge to scriptwriting, a teen center, dances for kids as well as adults, etc;

2. McLean Project for the Arts: MPA’s galleries and exhibitions are as lovely and diverse as any you’ll find. In addition, MPA often sponsors art talks, gallery walks, and classes for adults and children. Don't miss their annual ArtFest every October. This is an enormously popular, juried event, that brings our everyone in McLean.

3. Feel like sports? Drama? Langley and McLean High School :Throughout the year, both local high school drama departments perform to rave reviews, and their football rivalry makes for an exciting fall Friday night. Comedy Alert: The hysterically funny, wickedly satiric, Capitol Steps, will perform at Langley High School in January! They're so phenomenal, that if you can't get tickets for them, you can also see them at their regular abode, the Reagan Building in DC.

4. McLean Central Park: A lovely place for dog-walking (please pooper scoop), a young children’s playground, concerts frequently sponsored by the McLean Community Center, adjacent tennis courts behind the nearby library, and walking paths.

5. Clemyjontri Park: located on Georgetown Pike, this incredible park boasts a gorgeous carousel, careful planning to create an elaborate and extensive playground space for all children, regardless of physical disabilities or sensory impairments, and a picnic pavilion.

6. The Dolly Madison Library: sponsors a highly stimulating author lecture series (held at the Alden Theatre of the McLean Community Center) as well as fabulous children’s programs, a large collection, children’s exhibition space (call the library to find out how your child’s personal collections can be exhibited), and more.

7. Concerts at The Palladium: This high rise condominium hosts regular Saturday evening concerts from 6-8pm, and programs are free to the community in their outdoor theatre in the round.

8. Walking and hiking trails:Scotts’s Run is a popular, 350 acre hiking area that runs along the Potomac River. The parking lot is located adjacent to the scenic highway, Georgetown Pike

9. Where to eat? The McLean Family Restaurant: open breakfast, lunch and dinner, is a local hangout that's a terrific people-watching spot where you're sure to identify at least one political bigwig or captain of industry. Typical diner food with a Greek flair thanks to the owner-brothers who are uncles of tennis star Pete Sampras. Not in the mood for diner food? No worries. Even in little McLean, there are many sushi choices (try Endo Sushi on Old Dominion Drive…it’s my favorite, along with Tachibana, Ichiban and Myagi). And, don't forget Boss Hogs.  Readmy review of this delicious, cheap and family friendly BBQ joint.

10. Claude Moore Colonial Park: located conveniently off of Georgetown Pike, right near the entrance to the CIA headquarters at Langley, this facility, run by the US National Park Service, introduces visitors to life on a real working farm in the 18th century. There are special market day events planned three times a year. The farm is open to visitors through mid-December, and call ahead for special events and hours. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.