Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum Touches Down on It's First Decade

from about.com/washingtondc

In 2003 the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum opened a companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, on the property of Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. This new museum provides a second location, about half an hour's drive from Washington, DC, to display the space shuttle Discovery, the Lockheed SR-71 and numerous aircraft, spacecraft and other artifacts that the Smithsonian's National Mall location is unable to accommodate. 

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center provides dramatic views of an aerobatic airplane hot-dogging upside down, World War II fighters angling for a victory or numerous engines, rockets, satellites, gliders, helicopters, airliners, ultra-lights and experimental flying machines. Watch air traffic leaving from and arriving to Washington Dulles International Airport from the 164-foot Donald D. Engen Observation Tower. The tower displays air traffic control equipment that replicates those used in an operating airport control tower. 

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center doors are open 10 a. m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is free, however public parking is $15. The center has an IMAX theater and offers flight simulator rides for a fee. There is a cafeteria and a museum store. 

Address
14390 Air & Space Museum Pkwy
Chantilly, VA 
(202)633-1000

Floor Plans and Guides: Click Here

Since there is no direct Metro service to the Udvar-Hazy Center and parking at the facility is $15 per day you can save time, money and enjoy a Air and Space Museum Weekend at Embassy Suites Dulles Airport.

The hotel's Air and Space Udvar Hazy Museum Package includes:

• Free hotel shuttle to and from Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum (parking is $15)
• Two tickets to the IMAX theatre at museum
• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite

Click Here to begin your Udvar Hazy Air and Space Vacation with Embassy Suites Dulles Airport 

Enjoy a Space Shuttle Discovery Retrospective

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2015 Wold Police & Fire Games coming to Virginia

2015 World Police & Fire Games - Fairfax, VA

Friday, June 26, 2015 at 8:00am

Fairfax County Park Authority in Fairfax, Virginia

The World Police & Fire Games are coming to Fairfax County in 2015.  Yes that's 2015.  Planning ahead is necessary for the 30th Anniversary of this international sporting event.

After beating out numerous major destinations to become a finalist, Fairfax County's "Team Fairfax" made their case before the selection committee on July 30th in Vancouver, Canada - the site of this year's Games. Team Fairfax was made up of representatives from Fairfax County's police, fire and sheriff departments, Fairfax County, Visit Fairfax, the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and others including strong support from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"The race among the three finalists was extremely close," says Mike Graham, President of the World Police & Fire Games Federation. "The choice came down to the commitment from the Fairfax bid committee, from the governor down to local business leaders, the world-class facilities that are already in place to host the Games, as well as the passionate dedication to the WPFG of key members of Team Fairfax."

Since first held in 1985, the World Police & Fire Games have continued to grow in terms of attendance and number of participating countries. Today, these Games are a spectacular 10-day international sporting event providing more than 10,000 active and retired police officers, firefighters, and other public safety servants from around the world the opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in more than 60 sporting events. The proposed dates for the 2015 Games are June 26 - July 5, 2015.

 "The 2015 Games in Fairfax County promise to deliver a lifetime of memories with celebrations and festivities worthy of the event's 30th anniversary, which happens to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Fairfax County Police Department," says Bruce Blechl, Executive Director of Team Fairfax, Lieutenant of the Fairfax County Police Department, and five-time WPFG competitor. "To be able to celebrate these anniversaries along with the birthday of America on the 4th of July in the Washington, DC area will be phenomenal."

The benefits to hosting will be significant to the County. Conservative estimates expect an economic impact of $30 - 35 million. "This is an outstanding opportunity for Fairfax County to showcase our exceptional First Responders and the world-class destination that we are" says Michael Frey, Fairfax County Supervisor for Sully District who represented the County on the bid committee.

Says Visit Fairfax President & CEO Barry Biggar, "Our region is incredibly vibrant, with colorful, lively neighborhoods that offer great cuisine and an active nightlife for those seeking fun and entertainment after a hard day of competition, first-class attractions, exceptional air access and the best of all lodging."

Fairfax County Virginia looks forward to welcoming the world to Virginia in 2015 for the World Police & Fire Games.

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