Wander Arlington's Bon Air Rose Garden, take in the beauty and be sure to bring a picnic!

The concept for this living Memorial began because a rose lover, Nellie Broyhill, created the Arlington Rose Garden Foundation following World War II. She made the practice of honoring the troops with living memorials a reality in this area. The Memorial Rose Garden was installed near Arlington Hospital, which is now Virginia Hospital Center, in 1951, and in 1964 it moved to Bon Air Park.

Bon Air Park is a popular place for grilling and picnics because, in addition to the beautiful gardens, there are athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a small playground, and a picnic pavilion. Much of the equipment and the restrooms could use updating, so the rose garden is truly the star of the show, but the whole experience is well-rounded fun for all ages. Many people select the garden as an ideal place for family photo sessions, and it is not uncommon to run into couples doing engagement shoots or taking wedding photos after saying "I do."

In addition to the park itself, Bon Air has a path that connects to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, so it is a fabulous place to stroll and use as a bookend for a stroller run during naptime. Other destinations on the W&OD Trail include Bluemont Park and Glencarlyn Park (about 1/2 a mile, and 1 1/2 miles away). For more information check out W&OD Trail from Glencarlyn to Bon AIr. Custis Trail also connects to W&OD Trail nearby and in addition, Four Mile Run runs right through the park.