The holiday season kicks off with a variety of local events this Thursday through Sunday.   24th Annual Virginia Run Turkey Trot 5K Run/2K Walk Where: Virginia Run Community Center, Centreville When: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 8 a.m. Why Go: All proceeds will benefit the Life With Cancer organization.  Note: 5K will be limited to the first 4,000 registrants. Price: See website for registration details.   Alexandria Turkey Trot 2012 Where: Begins at George Washington Middle School, Alexandria When: Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. Why Go: Start your Thanksgiving Day with this annual race event.  There …

One of these days, Adonis Dorsey may look out at a cheering audience and remember that it all started at the Lorton Library. On Tuesday, he and a few other students got an introduction to the art of the spoken, beated word from Jesse Baskin, a 25-year-old artist from Springfield. This was Adonis' first piece:  "My name is Adonis Dorsey, My favorite character is Luigi, Every time I go somewhere my brother just acts cheesy.  My favorite food's p'zoloJay-Z is really ghetto, and,When my dad gets home, he just eats a ho ho." Baskin has one rule in the class: "No cursing. I believe that it shows a …

The Workhouse Arts Center, in cooperation with the Occoquan Regional Park and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, is hosting its annual Youth Arts Celebration Saturday. The full day of activities celebrates the diversity of the cultural arts in Northern Virginia with dancing, art and food.  THe Workhouse campus will be alive with demonstrations from artist members, and their studios will be open for a closer look. Scheduled demos will feature works with fiber, clay and glass.Performances: 11:15 a.m. - Natananjali School of Dance Noon - Fraternidad Cultural Pachamama 12:45 p.m. - …

    The Lorton Farmer's Market is back! Patch was there on Sunday to ask Lorton residents about this week's Lorton Perspective question, and also got a few good shots. It was a beautiful day - perfect for Mother's Day, and we were wondering if anyone else got pictures from that day. If so, add them to this article! By the way, if you're out this Sunday, stop on by the market. There, you'll find these vendors:  Kuhn Orchards, LLC Laurel Grove Farms Mt. Olympus Farm Ochoa Produce Ole Pioneer's Kitchen PK Hot Sauce LLC Side Street Catering Smith Family Farm The Swiss Bakery Follow Lorton Patch …

What will you do this weekend? Let Patch help you decide with our list of various local events happening this Friday through Sunday.  Basic Gardening: Veggies in Small Places Where: Green Spring Gardens, Annandale When: Friday, March 2 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  Why Go: Want your own veggie garden but don't have the space? Learn to grow food you love in any size home of yard.  Price: $10 for Fairfax County residents; $12 for non-residents Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! at Burke Centre Library, Friday, March 2, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. FREE – Registration required. Dr. …

Why slave over the stove fixing dinner this Sunday instead of hunting eggs with your family? This edition of the Get Out Planner is going to give you five places to have a great Easter Brunch close to Lorton.   Pane E Vino is serving Easter Brunch from 10:00am – 3:00pm. In addition to the regular brunch menu of omelets, waffles, and pizzas, lamb, shrimp cocktail, and tuna are on the menu. The cost is $34.99 for adults and 9.99 for children under 10. Reservations are recommended. Fireside Grill’s brunch is from 10:00am – 3:00pm. The menu selections include Virginia ham, Lamb, roasted and …

It is the official start of Spring Break this weekend. And we have the wacky spring weather to prove it. It will be sunny Friday and Sunday, but cooler and rainy on Saturday. Not to worry, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor events going on this weekend. Here are Lorton Patch's Top Five: 1. Mason Neck State Park has its annual Eagle Festival on Saturday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Come enjoy hayrides, food, canoe tours, and more. This is a family event and is free. 2. Are you a Dancing with the Stars fan and want to try the Venetian Waltz? The Workhouse Arts Center is hosting Gallery After …

How long will your weekend be? For some government workers who are furloughed, a shut down starting Friday at Midnight means you may have an extended weekend. The Smithsonian, National Parks, and all Federal buildings will be closed if the  budget is not passed. The good news: there are great things going on here in Lorton, many of which are free. 1. Pohick Bay Regional Park is putting on an Amphibian Safari. Meet at 7:00pm on Friday night at the Pohick Bay Marina. Bring a flashlight to this free event and be ready for an evening of searching and discovery while looking for frogs, toads, and …

Lorton Patch has you covered with five great things to do this weekend in the Lorton Area. 1. The Workhouse has a special event in correlation with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. On Friday, April 1 and Saturday April 2, they are presenting the Japanese Film & Animation Series. Both days have a long list of events from a film screening to a sushi demo. 2. Friday Night in the Courtyard begins this week in Lorton Station Town Center. This week is Polynesian Night. Watch hula and fire dances along with family activities. The fun starts at 7:00pm and the local restaurants are offering …

The first weekend of spring is here. There are activities going on at the Lorton's parks, local schools, and all over the Metro D.C. area. We normally give you five things to do in Lorton, but this weekend boasts some great activities that make all the I-95 traffic worth it. 1. The Workhouse has you covered again this weekend.  The Film Institute presents: “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” with Special Guest, “Tom Teasley”. The screening of the film is on Saturday, March 26th at 7:30pm. Tickets start are $10. 2. Job seekers and Entrepreneurs can go to the Fairfax County Mega Job and …

This weekend will be the last weekend of winter. Lorton once again provides plenty of options for those of us wanting to stay close to home.  We have five great recommendations of how to say goodbye to winter this weekend. 1. The Workhouse has an opportunity to dance the night away on Saturday with the Gallery After Hours: Ballroom Social Dance. Starting at 7:30pm dance lessons and an evening of dancing begins. 2. Enjoy a cup of coffee at one of Lorton’s coffee shops. From Caribou, Starbucks, and Great Harvest, there are plenty of great places to start your weekend with a cup of Joe and a …

Despite all the soggy, wet weather this week, Saturday and Sunday are looking fabulous. If you can not wait to get out of the house and find some great family adventures, we have you covered. Check out the great things going on for families this weekend. Friday, March 11th ■ Start the weekend out with an adventure at Hidden Pond Nature Center looking for Vernal Pools and exploring for creatures that live in them. The quest begins at 4:30p.m. Saturday, March 12th ■ The batting cages open for the season at 10:00a.m. at Occoquan Regional Park, so take the kids out to hit a few balls and enjoy …

The weekend is almost here again, and it looks to be a great one. On Sunday, daylight savings time begins which means we get to enjoy an additional hour of daylight. The weather will be in the mid-50’s and sunny, which will make up for all the rain last weekend. Here are five things that are close enough by that your weekend will not be spent sitting on I-95 in traffic. 1. As always, the Workhouse has some great events, The 2nd Saturday Art Walk is this weekend, so head over to the Lorton Workhouse from 6:00-9:00p.m. and enjoy the free evening. 2. If you are looking for a more hands-on …

March is here already and spring is around the corner. Spend this weekend waking up from your winter hibernation with the animals at Mason Neck State Park. Mason Neck, one of Lorton’s eleven parks has all the adventures you need to leave winter behind.  Mason Neck State Park is located on Pohick Bay here in Lorton. The standard parking fee of $4 per car, and all activities are free.  Here are five great things you could do there this weekend: Saturday, March 5, 2011 1. Got Butter?: Learn how to church butter the same way our ancestors did. Enjoy making and eating fresh butter from 12:00-1:00p…

The warm weather ha eluded us again this weekend. If you are looking for some great indoor activities, Patch has you covered.  Here are my recommendations for the best way to spend time with your kids this weekend. Saturday, February 26th ■ Find one of the Girl Scout Troops selling cookies in and around Lorton. Let the kids pick out their favorites while supporting a great organization.  Stands will be set up throughout March at grocery stores and gas stations. ■ Sassy Science for Families, 10:00am Lake Ridge Park. Your entire family can participate in hands-on activities. This week’s theme …

The weekend cannot get here soon enough.  This weekend highlights musical performances and volunteer opportunities.  Here’s five things that are close enough by that your weekend won’t be spent sitting on I-95 in traffic. 1. The Workhouse Film Institute presents, “Herb and Dorothy” on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.. This is a film about a couple’s vast collection of art, which is on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.   To purchase tickets click here. 2. Music will fill the Workhouse on Saturday night, when Simple Gifts performs. These three talented women show case their …

The weekend is just around the corner and while you may feel loyalty to the television you laid out serious cash for and the accompanying cable or satellite package, the weekend is the time to get out of the house. That said, here’s five things that are either a short car ride away—yes it is possible in Northern Virginia—or, depending on where you live a short walk. There is always something happening at Workhouse and this weekend is no exception.  Saturday is the last day of the Collector’s Showcase Exhibition and it will be celebrated with a Gala. Get information about the Gala here. This …

Wondering how to spend your weekend with the kids and what is going on in and around Lorton? Our Grab and Go Family Planner has activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day and African American History Month this weekend. Make a craft with your child or take them to experience one of the wonders of the area. Below are my top five picks for things to do this weekend. Be sure to check out the Lorton Patch events calendar for even more ideas. Saturday, February 12, 2011 1. Make Valentines at Lake Accotink’s Hearts and Crafts Program. Accotink Park -Springfield Time: 10am – 12:00pm  Cost: $24 Advanced…

Valentine's Day is coming up on Monday (guys, you may want to write that down), Lorton Patch has five great ways to celebrate this weekend. If there is something you would like to see added to the list, tell us at shawn@patch.com. Not sure anything on our list is what you're looking for? Check out our Lorton Patch Events  page for even more great ideas. 1.Volunteer Clean Up Project. Giving back to others is the perfect way to celebrate a holiday about love. Help clean up the Lower Potomac Park on Saturday morning from 9:00am - 11:00am with the Lions Club. 2. Enjoy one of Lorton's dining …

Starting today, and on each ensuing Thursday, readers of Lorton Patch can find five things to do over the coming weekend without having to go more than a few minutes from Lorton. If something isn't on this list that you think should be, let us know at shawn@patch.com You may have heard, this weekend, the massive spectacle known as the Super Bowl happens. While many find Super Bowl Sunday to be something just short of a national holiday some others may just find it just another hype-driven event. So here are some options: 1. Visit the Workhouse Arts Center. This weekend there is an exhibition …