Locals Love This Iconic Roadside Spot in Virginia – Here’s Why

Stonehenge is one of the world's most striking and recognizable landmarks. The prehistoric Wiltshire monument dates back nearly 5,000 years and receives upwards of one million visitors annually. It has inspired awe, wonder, and in the case of one Virginia resident, the desire to re-create it completely out of Styrofoam.

Mark Cline is the creator of Foamhenge, an exact replica of the real thing that now sits on a hilltop at Cox Farms in Centreville, Virginia. It all began when Cline, the founder of Enchanted Castle Studio, walked into a business that made 16-foot-tall blocks of Styrofoam and dreamed up the concept of Foamhenge immediately. It took a few years for the idea to take hold; however, the artist considers it among his finest achievements.

Foamhenge actually made its debut as an April Fools' joke, but it quickly garnered lots of attention and has now become one of the state's most popular roadside stops. The moment you set eyes on it, you'll understand why. Originally, Foamhenge was located in Natural Bridge, Virginia, but was eventually relocated to Cox Farms in 2017. Visitors should note that it's only open for tours during the Fall Festival and Fields of Fear events, along with select dates during the spring, summer, and winter via shuttle from the Corner Market. The farm is open seasonally, and the best way to see if they are open is to visit Cox Farms online.

Before agreeing to the big move from Natural Bridge to Centreville, artist Mark Cline wanted to make sure the structure would be as astronomically accurate as possible. Historians believe that Stonehenge was originally constructed as a way to tell time and mark the changing seasons, something of an early solar calendar.

Cox Farms owner Lucas Cox consulted with Harold Geller, the Observatory Director at George Mason University, to ensure that this foam replica was set up in the same way that the Neolithic people intended. To do this, the two men observed the site at Cox Farms on the summer solstice. As the sun appeared over the horizon, they were able to mark the spot where each foam piece should stand. Shortly after, the pieces were transferred to the family farm, where visitors can see them today.

And while Foamhenge may have started as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek idea, the artist, farm owners, and anyone who has visited can attest to its magnificence. Visitors describe it as a "bizarre masterpiece," "quirky," and "beautiful." I had the chance to visit Foamhenge when it was set up in Natural Bridge and still remember being quite moved by its size. It really has to be seen to be believed! And by all accounts, its newer location in Northern Virginia may be even more stunning; some say it rivals its English counterpart.

What do you think? Will you make the journey to Foamhenge? If you do, we think you'll love it! And if you're looking for more things to do in the area during your visit, be sure to check out our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations of things to do, see, and eat!