Fairfax , General info:
1/10

The Fairfax County government is run by a bunch of socialist dictators who line their pockets with kickbacks and corporate bribes. Big government and buraucracy at its finest, the bedroom of the Nation's Capitol. Watch out for the police who protect the rich politicians.

Fairfax , Cheap stuff:
1/10

No alians welcome here. Demographics have been changing, much to the chagrin of those in power.

Fairfax , Different stuff:
2/10

Every house must look similar to the neighboring houses, or else the owner gets cited for an eyesore and a 'Blightful influence' and can go to jail. Yes, people have been arrested and jailed for as little as not planting pleasant trees on their property.

Fairfax , Don't miss:
1/10

Well, watch out for the crazy drivers. Traffic is a real nightmare, even on weekends. There are a few good places to see, but wear personal protection gear and don't travel at night alone.

Fairfax , Food:
4/10

Stay away from the tainted peanut butter. And the bad tomatos. And the Enquirer.

Fairfax , Hotels:
1/10

Fair but expensive.

Fairfax , Safety:
1/10

Not so good, sometimes those in positions of public trust abuse their power. Especially the Board of Supervisors, the BZA, and administrative judges. Guilty until proven innocent if a lay administrator arbitrarily decides you are a violator.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.