New to area--what's there to do here?! (Reston, Great Falls: school, college)

[EtrnlEpiph]

I recently graduated college, I'm somewhat new to Sterling. I like anything outdoorsy, but I don't know much about the area or know many people to do things with.

Does anyone know of an outdoors club, or even a social club, for people in their 20s and 30s?

[linux_n_Pontiac]

Ski Club of Washington DC

Welcome to the area!

[NOVAmtneer82]

In the immediate area I would suggest heading to Great Falls park or bikng along the W&OD trail, did that for the first time last summer and had a blast. If you drive an hour out to Harpers Ferry WV you can go on canoe trips or walk along a portion of the Appalachian trail. I am constantly taking ski trips during the winter months, there are several great ski areas within a three hour driving distance of the DC area. I think claremarie mentioned a cycling club on here on time that sounded like a fun way to meet people, I'm sure she can elaborate more on that. This is a great area for outdoorsy type activities, have fun and welcome to NOVA!

[normie]

I would check with the chamber of commerce, or ask at the Ashburn library for lists of local groups for an activity you like (skiing, photography, swimming, whatever).

There are a few pubs that the kids like to hang out in. I'm not young anymore, so I don't know the current hot spots--but I think Foxchase Tavern has a lot of fun things going on (poker night, trivia night, concerts, that sort of tihng).

There is one singles group in particular that I hear people mentioning. It's a volunteer network. Every week they have some different activity--one week it's volunteering for the wine tasting festival, the next week everyone's in a marathon, etc. I don't recall the name offhand, but you could probably ask at the library.

Claude Moore park has a great public gym that includes a rock climbing wall. It's a good way to get in shape for summer climbs at Great Falls (or in the mountains).

The Potomac Swim School is very popular in the winter. During the summer, there are a ton of sport facilities. I personally enjoy going out to the driving course at Algonkian Park... the deer love to run out and chase the balls. It's very amusing, and don't worry, I've never seen one get hit.

My 20-something neighbors belong to Sterling Playmakers, and they love it. Toastmasters is also very popular here, but might be a little old for you (people seem to join in their 30's, not 20's).

And don't forget kayaking in the Potomac!

[normie]

Originally Posted by jfronz

If you drive an hour out to Harpers Ferry WV you can go on canoe trips or walk along a portion of the Appalachian trail.

Great suggestion--and don't forget that you can cool off after all that hiking by tubing down the river at Harper's Ferry.

[RRBC]

In addition to what people already suggested don't forget about things like the community section of craigslist, which lists things going on, groups and events. Also fun is a site called meetup.com, you search near your area and can see various groups and such that were made for almost any interest (you could start your own too) I've seen everything on there from singles speed dating to learn a new language groups to "hey we're all going to this movie at this place at this time, whoever wants to join us and possibly meet up for dinner after feel free" groups.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

go to Yahoo groups and pick a group to join - there are tons of them for almost any age range or interest!

Also Meetup.com is great for social clubs

[marcva]

Outside stuff

If you're a cyclist there are a lot of good options. Potomac pedalers is one of the largest road cycling groups in the country. There is also a surprising amount of good MTB riding in the area, to the extent that I've easily outridden friends living in Tahoe and CO when I visit them. There are lots of dual use horse and bikign trails that are a lot of fun. MTB trail closest to Sterling would be the difficult run trail that runs from Reston by Wiehle road all the way to Great Falls. Accessible off highway seven at Colven Run road. Lots of fun singletrack. you'd never think you're in the middle of a city. also good riding at Braddock park, Seneca, fountainhead, Patapsco up by BWI airport and numerous other spots. Check with a local shop.

Windsurfing is OK on the chesapeake, though if you're a shortboard sailor, you'll want to go to Hatteras, which is about a 5 hr drive.

Skiing at Whitetail and Liberty is OK/ Whitetail is probably about 1.15 hrs from you up 15 to 70W

The Washington Area Rollerbladers (WAR) used to meet in front of the Whitehouse on Wed nights at 7:00pm for wild skates around DC in the evenings during the summer. Look them up on the Web for more info. They're a pretty solid bunch of skaters, can be tough to keep up with unless you're a good skater happy on hills (which is what they look for).

Finally, if you have a sports car and want to get some time driving on a real race track. BSR racing at Summit Point will let you go out for a day (with an instructor). Look into Friday at the Track at the BSR/Summit Point Website.

HTH,

Marc
former:
- Bike rider
- Windsurfer
- Hockey Player/rollerblader
- Skier
- Golfer
- BMWCCA instructor

Now...father of two infants

[gzjht1]

Check out Meetup: World's largest community of local Meetups, clubs and groups! - Meetup.com. There's many things going on in NOVA.