Falls Church
A settlement that was founded and shared by colonists and Native Americans, Falls Church wasn’t officially established until 1734, when it was named after a branch of the Episcopal Church, The Falls Church. Since then, the city became an established township in 1875, and an independent city in 1948, which enabled it as a municipality that is separate from the surrounding counties of Fairfax and Arlington. This enables Falls Church to have its own school system and government and makes it one of the smallest independent cities in Virginia, with only a 2.2 square mile area.
Falls Church’s size and history make this city a unique area to live in. While residing there, you may choose to take advantage of the city’s proximity to Washington DC (Falls Church is proud to say that it’s City Hall is only nine miles from the White House) and make the drive or Metro ride right onto the national mall. There, you can explore various museums, such as the African American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and more. You can also tour famous landmarks that allow you to glimpse further into America’s history including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, or Vietnam Memorial.
If a trip into DC isn’t your speed, there’s no shortage of events and entertainment in the Falls Church area. Weekends can consist of trips to the Farmer’s Market at City Hall to get fresh produce and artisanal goods, or spend the day at a local park, many of which have walking paths, playground equipment, grills with picnic tables, and tennis courts. You can also spend an afternoon in The Eden Center, which is located at the city’s eastern tip, and is the largest Vietnamese Shopping Center on the East Coast. This center contains over 120 restaurants and shops and has an iconic Lion Arch gateway at the entrance, to honor both the Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. To round out your day, you may want to visit one of Falls Church’s unique and locally owned restaurants, such as Dogwood Tavern or Pho 88, or catch a movie, concert, or standup show at the historic State Theater. State Theater operated as a movie theater from 1936-1980 when it closed its doors, until it was restored in the late 1990’s to operate as an entertainment venue, with events such as standup comedians, concerts, and more.
Life in Falls Church can be as exciting as you want it to be. “The Little City” (as it’s been officially nicknamed) is full of events and day-to-day attractions for people from all walks of life, whether you want a more urban setting to a suburban oasis. You may never want to leave!
“Attractions: Falls Church, Va – Official Website.” Attractions | Falls Church, VA – Official Website, www.fallschurchva.gov/761/Attractions.
“About Falls Church: Falls Church, VA – Official Website.” About Falls Church | Falls Church, VA – Official Website, www.fallschurchva.gov/758/About-Falls-Church.
Merchant, Canaan. “Rendering of 301 West Broad.” Greater Greater Washington, 2 May 2014, ggwash.org/view/34554/with-new-mixed-use-development-the-little-city-of-falls-church-keeps-growing-up#:~:text=Nicknamed%20%E2%80%9Cthe%20Little%20City%2C%E2%80%9D,Fairfax%20County%20until%20last%20year.
