St. Patrick’s Day In The Area: How Locals Can Celebrate

by Patricia Leslie

More than Irish eyes will be smiling Friday, March 17, to mark the feast day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who arrived on the Emerald Isle about 432 CE bringing Christianity to the nation which prides itself on everything green, from the countryside to the shamrocks to its speciality drinks.

The day is usually recognized as the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death which many local venues will commemorate with Irish dishes, Irish coffees and drinks, dancing, children’s events and would you believe a politician has even seized March 17 for a big soiree (and you’re invited!)?

Traditional meals of Shepherd’s pie, Reuben rolls, corned beef and cabbage, and Guinness stew will be available at various sites, including desserts like Guinness floats, chocolate Guinness cake, Irish soda bread, Irish coffee with Baileys whipped cream, Baileys brownies, and whiskey ice cream.

(Guinness is Ireland’s national drink, a dry stout.)

At the bars you’ll find Irish car bombs (Irish stout, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream), Irish mules (Irish whiskey, lime, and ginger beer) Buena Vista Irish coffee (sugar, coffee, Irish whiskey, heavy cream), cold brew Irish coffees and more.

Right in our midst, the Little City can claim an Irish landmark with Ireland’s Four Provinces where celebrants can party all day long at the corner of Washington Street and West Broad beginning with a “K’eggs” breakfast (8 to 10 a.m.). With required reservations for seatings until 10 p.m, you may stay for the threecourse lunch and/or dinner with music galore. 105 W. Broad Street, ph. 703-534-8999.

Across the street is the Dogwood Tavern at 132 West Broad which will party all day, too, with traditional Irish foods, drinks and live music until 1:30 a.m. (the next day is Saturday). Basketball fans will find TVs screening March Madness. Ph. 703-237-8333.

Not far away is the Solace Outpost at 444 West Broad Street, with sports TVs and specials planned for Friday night. Ph. 571-378-1469.

Further along West Broad is St. James Catholic Church at North Spring Street which hosts its Friday Lenten Fish Fry from 5 - 8 p.m. Ph. 703-532-8815.

On Pimmit Drive, Mark’s Pub will be having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Smoked ribs, brisket and pork, as well as roasted corned beef and homemade cakes will be on the menu, with live music by Liz Taylor and The Husbands.

The VFW Post 9274 at 7118 Shreve Road is having a St. Paddy’s party beginning at 5 p.m. with corned beef and cabbage for $10 with extra green for jello shots and a raffle. Ph. 703 241-9274 or 703-639-7535.

Kilted men are promised on stage when Skinny Wallace starts playing at 8:30 p.m. Friday at JV’s. Cover, $10. Shartel and Hume Duo begin the music at 4 p.m. 6666 Arlington Boulevard, ph. 703-241-9504. For those who may desire a more elegant ambiance, head for Wildfire at Tysons Galleria where green of $34.95 will get you a St. Patrick’s Day plate of corned beef and cabbage and chocolate stout cake beginning Thursday after 3 p.m. and all day Friday. 2002 International Drive, ph. 703-442-9110.

Another Tysons spot celebrating St. Patrick’s is Shipgarten at 7581 Colshire Drive which will hold a three-day extravaganza starting Friday with “live leprechauns,’’ corn hole, giant Jenga, and cup pong games, green eggs and kegs, corned beef hash, a beer festival on Saturday, and on Sunday, a kids festival, moon bounce, face painting, jungle gym, crafts and scavenger hunt. Four sets of live music start Friday at 2 p.m. with a DJ ending at 2 a.m. Saturday’s music plays 12:30-7:30 p.m. Ph. 703-241-9274.

If corned beef hash and cabbage are not your thing or your children’s, how about some green slim worms and green snow?

Children ages 5 - 12 may explore these and other appealing works of nature at “leprechaun science,” sponsored by Fairfax County’s Park Authority at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale Community Park, 7701 Royce St., from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. or 7 - 8 p.m. Friday. Price, $10. Register online or call 703-941-1065 to confirm dates and times.

The Park Authority will also present “Saint Patrick’s Day Experiments & Fun” at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 18 for children ages 6 - 10. $16, each. Register online.

Younger children, ages 3 to 6, can sing Irish songs, dance, enjoy musical props and themed sensory play at St. Patrick’s

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�� Attend the largest annual political event in Northern Virginia this Friday March 17th, for Congressman Connolly’s 29th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Fête!

�� This gala celebration will have plenty of live music, speakers, a full Irish dinner, drinks, games and fellowship!

�� Ernst Cultural Center - Northern VA Community College - Annandale Campus 8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003