2011 The Best Entertainment

By Shannon McNeely

Billiards
Bungalow Billiards
For a second consecutive year, Bungalow Billiards has emerged as a favorite place to cue up. Guests can enjoy great food, exceptional service and a comfortable environment in which to socialize while shooting some pool. Depending on the time of day, an unlimited amount of pool is available for only $5 an hour. Multiple NoVA locations; www.bungalow4u.com

Festival
Herndon Festival
With everything from live entertainment and carnival rides to international food and fireworks, it is easy to see the reason behind this “Best of” pick. “We try very hard to make it a great experience that the community will enjoy,” director Cindy Roeder explains. The Herndon Festival has been around since 1980, and will be celebrating its 31st annual celebration this month. The festival is constantly adding new attractions to keep the public interested. 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon; 703-787-7300; www.herndonfestival.net

Jazz/Blues Venue
Bangkok Blues
One of the best places to hear local blues, Bangkok Blues is notorious for its great food and live music. The idea began after Thailand native Chai Siribongkot developed a love and appreciation for American jazz. He opened the restaurant in order to “combine authentic Thai food with the hottest live music.” Today, the restaurant continues to preserve the established tradition. There is live music every night, and all local performers are welcome. 926 W. Broad St., Falls Church, 703-534-0095; www.bangkokblues.com

Performing Arts Company
Signature Theatre
Signature Theatre is a company “with a mission to produce contemporary musicals and plays, reinvent classic musicals, develop new work and reach its community.” With multiple performance genres, the company has successfully been in operation for over 16 years, and has many awards to back it up. The theater has become known for its readiness to present bold, fresh projects and willingness to take chances on forgotten works. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-820-9771; www.signature-theatre.org

Dance Studio
DivaFit
With four studios in the area, DivaFit is committed to bringing a fun and feel-good environment for all types of women. “We have fun and it is entertaining,” says owner Lisa Peklo. “It’s sort of like a club dance party.” Feeling fit, having a good time, and creating bonds is truly what the ladies look forward to when dancing at DivaFit. Multiple NoVA locations; www.divafitonline.com

Golf Course
Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club
Located in Loudoun County, Raspberry Falls has had a lasting reputation since it opened in 1996. From humble beginnings, it has been a favorite of many golfers. Featuring Virginia’s first Gary Player Signature Course, Raspberry Falls has been a constant trendsetter in the golf arena. “People come here for the conditioning of the golf course; we have been providing a quality product for 15 years,” says head golf professional David Finocchiaro. 41401 Raspberry Drive, Leesburg; 703-779-2555; www.raspberryfalls.com.

Adult Sports League (Male & Coed)
Fairfax Adult Softball
Housing over 10,000 players and 950 teams a year, Fairfax Adult Softball has been around since the 1970s and is the largest Amateur Softball Association affiliate in the country. The league is non-profit, and welcomes softball enthusiasts from ages 18 to 88. “We take great pride in our program,” says manager Sharon Sealock. “It has always been our goal to offer competitive and fun-natured softball in a well-organized and professional manner.” 14701 Lee Highway, Centreville; 703 815-9007; www.fairfaxadultsoftball.com.

Adult Sports League (Female)
Golden Girls Senior Women’s Softball Organization
A unique sports league for women over age 40, The Golden Girls league began in 1989 and has been growing ever since. “We currently have 170 members,” says publicity and public relations chairperson Marilyn Mallery. Also, tournament teams in the 50-70 age brackets travel and compete throughout the United States. The Golden Girls advocate sportsmanship, skills building and enjoyment, and also give back to the community by participating in local charity events. www.goldengirls.org

Artist
Kevin Bednarz
With a style that is unmistakably bold and contemporary in color and design, it is no wonder that Kevin Bednarz has become recognized for his outstanding artistic abilities. A Purcellville resident, Bednarz started his company Double Down Designs in 2005, but he has over 20 years experience. What started as a beloved hobby and pasttime has turned into a home-operated business that serves the residential area, as well as national clients including The Philadelphia Eagles, Linens & Things, Petco and others. Bednarz says. “I can relate to all types of people with my art. From refined portraits and classical paintings to splashy graffiti street art or huge, bold commercial murals.” Double Down Designs, 401 McDaniel Drive, Purcellville; 703-862-5063; www.doubledowndesigns.net

Unique Museum
National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Housing a portion of the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world, this site provides a unique view of helicopters, experimental flying machines and many other flying contraptions. A place where the sky is only the beginning, visitors are welcome to navigate the “Boeing Aviation Hangar” featuring three levels of aircrafts suspended in mid-air. There are 35 one-of-a-kind aircrafts on display that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world, and Udvar-Hazy will be the home to space shuttle Discovery. 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly; 703-572-4118; www.nasm.si.edu

Under-the-Radar Museum
Morven Park
Located just west of Leesburg lies Morven Park, a historic property consisting of 1,000 acres—home to three museums, a versatile equestrian center, historic gardens and more. “We are the stewards of a great treasure here … expansive and scenic open space, and a uniquely compelling history with significant relevance even today,” explains executive director Frank Milligan. 17263 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg; 703-777-2414; www.morvenpark.org

Under-the-Radar Museum
Reston Museum
Showcasing a collection of historical documents, the Reston Museum is a celebration of Reston’s origins and evolving history. “Its exhibits, which tell the story of Reston’s founding, ideas and civic life, are eye-catching and interactive,” says Reston Historic Trust chair Shelley Mastran. The museum was founded in 1963, and built on the basis of Robert E Simon’s vision for a new community. 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston; 703-709-7700; www.restonmuseum.org

Art Gallery
ArtInsights
A gallery filled with countless pieces of production art, ArtInsights specializes in providing original animation art from Disney, Warner Brothers and films such as “Harry Potter” and Pixar’s “Wall-E.” “We have original and limited art by artists that nobody else has in the world. Collectors from all over the world buy from us,” says co-owner Leslie Combemale. 11921 Freedom Drive, Reston; 703-478-0778; www.artinsights.com

New Hot Spot
Mad Fox Brewing Company
After only nine months, Mad Fox Brewing Company has quickly made a name for itself with its “English-style gastro brewpub” feel. “What makes us unique is the fresh food and beer that we brew in the restaurant,” says manager Drew Lisitza. “Everything is made fresh.” The restaurant has become not only a hot spot but a local hangout. Credit is due to Bill Madden, the genius behind the brewery and concept of the entire restaurant. 444 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-942-6840; www.madfoxbrewing.com

Outdoor Venue
Wolf Trap
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, it is obvious that this venue has a long history of bringing audience satisfaction. “The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a unique and inspiring space … We are delighted that people of all ages find inspiration and comfort gathering together on warm summer nights, under the stars at Wolf Trap, to create lasting memories with family and friends,” explains president and CEO Terre Jones. 1645 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1849; www.wolftrap.org

Dive Bar where everyone knows your name
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
With a slogan that reads “Where Everyone is Treated Like a Regular,” it is easy to kick back and feel welcome at this home-like bar. “The whole thing about it is that everyone is a regular, period. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here once or a million times. You are treated the same,” says owner Jimmy Cirrito. A place where there are virtually “no rules,” people come in simply to socialize with one another. 697 Spring St., Herndon; 703-435-5467; www.jimmystavern.com

Dive Bar for keeping it low-key
Jay’s Saloon & Grille
For those who are trying to keep it casual and low-key, there is no contest when it comes to finding just the right place. At Jay’s Saloon everyone keeps it simple. They don’t have a blender, the menu is basic, and there are no rules for dress code. A family-owned bar, Jay’s Saloon prides itself on being “One of Arlington’s last true dive bars.” 3114 N. 10th St., Arlington; 703-527-3093; www.jayssaloon.com

Happy Hour Mingling
Clyde’s
Although Clyde’s has multiple locations through the Northern Virginia area, no two restaurants are alike. Showcasing a wide range of décor for each location, guests will find that the menu selection at each differs as well. The perfect spot for enjoying an evening with some good companionship, there is no limit to the amount of socializing to be done. Multiple NoVA locations; www.clydes.com

Happy Hour Mingling
Jackson Mighty Fine Food-Lucky Lounge
As if the great service weren’t enough, this restaurant and lounge provides a friendly environment to hang out with friends, or make a few new ones. The 1940s theme that spreads throughout the booth dining room and outdoor bar pays tribute to mid-century America. The cozy aura of the restaurant makes it an easy choice for mixing it up with some company. 11927 Democracy Drive, Reston; 703-437-0800; www.greatamericanrestaurants.com

Happy Hour Deals
McCormick & Schmick’s
Although McCormick & Schmick’s is primarily known for its tasty seafood, the deals during its happy hour have become no secret. The $1.95 bar food menu features delectable food and drink for a bargain price. Hungry bar- goers can enjoy the half-pound cheeseburger or steamed mussels combined with specially priced drinks. Multiple NoVA locations; www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Sports Bar
Glory Days Grill
“There are days, and there are glory days,” says the slogan of Glory Days Grill, a bar that focuses on excellent service paired with unbeatable sports access. Twenty-five TVs broadcast live sporting events, classic sports moments and sports news for fans of all kinds. The menu is chock-full of unique foods that can be found in only certain cities across America. Some of these items include “Beef on Weck” and the “Philly Cheesesteak.” Multiple NoVA locations; www.glorydaysgrill.com

Authentic Pub
Old Brogue Irish Pub
At The Old Brogue Irish Pub, guests can find drinks from all over the world. This charming little venue, whose name means ‘the old shoe” in Gaelic, is family owned and operated. The Kearney family opened the pub on St. Patrick’s Day in 1981. Today, the pub is keeping with the traditions of Ireland offering live entertainment most weekends. Everyone is welcome to come in and experience some good old-fashion Irish hospitality. 760C Walker Road, Great Falls; 703-759-3309; www.oldbrogue.com

Trivia Night
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern
It started 13 years ago when the staff at Jimmy’s decided to create a trivia night, much like Jeopardy!; but at Jimmy’s, everybody calls it “Jotteopardy.” Every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., guests can win a spot in “Jotteopardy” by filling out trivia sheets. “It gets a little kooky,” says owner Jimmy Cirrito. 697 Spring St., Herndon; 703-435-5467; www.jimmystavern.com

Karaoke
Queen’s Gambit
With karaoke every night starting at 9 p.m., people have been known to get a little carried away at this hidden jewel right off of the Prince William Parkway. There is always a diverse crowd that partakes in the karaoke festivities. Of course, there are regulars, but new faces are drawn in as well. The place really has only one rule: If you go in, you have to sing. 12730 Black Forest Lane,Woodbridge; 703-590-4300

Karaoke
Rock It Grill
On any given night, an influx of people ages 21 and up can be found rocking out at this little karaoke bar. It feels like a family event, as karaoke lovers cheer and dance during the time that each performer takes the stage. There is a fun and friendly vibe found here, with song genres ranging from country to hip-hop. Singing well isn’t a requirement, but having fun is a must. 1319 King St., Alexandria; 703-739-2274; www.rockit-grill.com

Musician
The Dreamscapes Project
For the second year in a row, The Dreamscapes Project has captured the attention of music lovers throughout Northern Virginia. Last year, the guys were hard at work with their “12 Days Project”; a musical experiment involving the release of one single a month, and interpretations from local musicians, artists, writers and filmmakers. With the project receiving a great response, the band hopes to do some type of physical release of it in the near future. Even with such a massive feat completed, the band’s ambition does not seem to dim. “Last year was spent celebrating the D.C. area, showing our area what it had to offer locally,” says vocalist Keith Center. “[This year] will be spent taking that message on the road and showing the East Coast that D.C. is as much of an arts town as it is a political town.” Performing June 25 @ 7 p.m. at Shenandoah Midsummer Festival. 8950 Valley Pike, Middletown; www.shenandoahmidsummer.com; www.thedreamscapesproject.com; Twitter: Dreamscapes