Great Escape

Escape the Usual Routine

Try a new workout at Chantilly's Hammer Down CrossFit.

With spring at our fingertips, everyone’s doing what they can to get back into or stay in shape. If you’re finding that your diet or exercise plan isn’t working for your body, CrossFit has found the plan that works for everyone. According to their website, they use the "same routines for elderly individuals with heart disease and cage fighters one month out from televised bouts. We scale load and intensity; we don’t change programs." The program is general, using several different types of training, and is used by police academies, martial artists and athletes. You can e-mail Coach Todd at todd_katz@hotmail.com to try a free class. Take an hour for yourself, and lose those worries while you prepare for beach weather.

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Great Escape

Take A Dive with Adventure Scuba

Explore Lake Millbrook with Chantilly's Adventure Scuba Company and see what treasures shine beneath the surface.

While Northern Virginia isn’t exactly home to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, we do have Lake Millbrook. The lake, located about 30 minutes from Chantilly, just outside of Haymarket, is Adventure Scuba Company’s local scuba-diving spot. Instructors come out every Saturday and Sunday from spring, starting in April, through fall. In the lake, you can check out a sunken airplane, school bus, cars, and, of course, fish. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, no problem. The scuba company trains people of all skill levels. And if you find that you have an eye for sunken treasure, they take travel groups around the world on diving adventures. You may find yourself at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef after all!

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Great Escape

From Tuesdays to Birthdays, Otani Performs on Every Occasion

Enjoy dinner and a show this weekend at Otani Japanese Steak & Seafood.

Full disclosure: I love Otani. Since high school, it’s been my traditional birthday dinner restaurant. (It’s also my traditional I’ve-had-a-bad-day-and-don’t-want-to-cook-dinner restaurant. The prices allow me to do both.) If it’s your birthday, they take a Polaroid picture of you and post it on a bulletin board near the door. Every August, I’m on there. In addition to the sushi menu, the hibachi menu offers a wide range of meats in hibachi or teriyaki styles. My personal favorite is teriyaki shrimp, but there’s always a good number of people ordering the steak as well. Each meal comes with a broth soup, house salad, rice, mixed vegetables and noodles. Don’t worry, they have boxes. But it’s not just the food that brings me back again and …

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Great Escape

Look Up Into Air and Space

Rediscover the wonder and awe of a museum.

I know what you’re thinking. Museums are where parents take kids for a “fun and educational activity.” But when’s the last time a chaperone got the chance to really enjoy an exhibit? Try going to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on your own, or with a friend who doesn’t run off and try to touch things that are clearly marked “Do Not Touch.” You may find yourself in a child-like state of awe, staring up at some of the most famous airplanes in aviation history. With its close proximity to Dulles, the museum is able to boast an observation tower with a view of planes flying in and out of the airport that the D.C. location can’t claim. There’s also an IMAX theatre and flight simulator, just in case your inner child feels the …

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Great Escape

Tag, You're It!

Laser tag offers an exciting escape at this extraordinary location right here in Chantilly.

Between work stress and demands at home, it can be hard to remember just what is supposed to be so fun about being an adult.  With this week's Great Escape, you can forget about your responsibilities for a few hours and get in touch with your inner child! Shadowland Laser Adventures is more than a good place for taking bored kids.  It can also be an escape for you.  Take a night off from your routine and gather up some equally exhausted friends and partake in a rejuvenating night of adventure.  This location offers a variety of fun options in a great location: the arena is multi-level, featuring ramps, towers, bridges and more.  Fog filters through the room as you play, and you never know who is around the next corner. 

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Great Escape

Frozen Treats

Dessert can be more than feeding the kids cookies after dinner.

Maybe it's wishful thinking (that spring weather will stop teasing us and actually show up) or maybe the incessant chatter in my house about this week's Great Escape is getting to me, but whatever the case, I suggest Milwaukee Frozen Custard for your next night out. It certainly makes for a nostalgic date night — you, your partner and a sundae with two spoons.  Or holding an ice cream cone in one hand and your date's hand in the other.  Milwaukee Frozen Custard offers a wide selection of flavors, including one that changes daily! Sure, it may not seem the season for a tasty frozen treat, but the best part of eating frozen custard when it's still cold outside is that it doesn't melt as quickly!  On a more serious note, it also evokes …

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Great Escape

Bowling in Style

It's not your parents' game anymore.

If the term "bowling" calls forth images of loud noises and shared shoes, a trip to the local Bowl America may be just what you need for that night away from the family. The world's # 1 participation sport (according to the website), bowling is known as a family game.  Little did you know it could also be a fun night out on the town.  Head over to the Chantilly location on Stonecroft Boulevard for a little Cosmic Bowling  You'll find a mix of clubbing and gaming to enjoy with anyone from your significant other to your old college roomates.   Experience the loud music, laser lights and a darkened room with lit-up pins.  The conveniently located snack bar means you won't even need to leave the building when the growls of your stomach can no …

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Great Escape

Potter's Wheel Studio

Make your own pottery with the girls.

The hearts and flowers overdose that comes hand in hand with Valentine's Day can be enough to trigger anyone's gag reflex, whether you're happily in love or not.  This week's get-away is for you and the girls, no boys allowed! The Potter's Wheel Studio offers a fun activity for you and your best friend or you can invite the whole crew. Enjoy a complete potter's studio, where you can do a variety of activities, such as paint your own pottery to use wet clay. Once finished, you can admire pieces in the gallery. While this would be a fun destination anytime, on the second Saturday of every month, it's Ladies' Night! Enjoy 20% off and having the store to yourselves for some quality girl time from 7-9 p.m. Bring food, friends, or go alone to …

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Carolyn Pendleton

4:07 pm on Friday, February 18, 2011

This sounds like so much fun!   more ›

Great Escape: Valentine's Day Deal

For only $30 you can taste several scrumptious treats with your dream date.

Each week we'll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe even a lot easier! With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may be rushing to make plans with your significant other; ones that won't break the bank!  New Chantilly restaurant Catch 52 (owned by its popular neighbor Vintage 51) is offering just the ticket: $30 for delicious bites made of ingredients with aphrodisiac qualities, including oysters, chocolates and more.   It's only available on Feb. 14 starting at 6 p.m., and you can make reservations by calling (703) 327-4774.

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Elena Sonnino

8:56 pm on Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sounds delish! We are adding it to our list of "to try" places!   more ›