The Best Places

For an Anniversary
L’Auberge Chez Francois
Since 1954, this family of restaurateurs has been bringing a taste of France to the Metro-D.C. region—35 of which are at the country inn-styled Great Falls location. “Food trends come and go,” says Chef Jacques Haeringer, chef de cuisine and son of the founder Francois. He explains, “We are consistent.” Serving classic, European-style food, L’Auberge Chez Francois has always been associated with elegant dining. So what is Chef Jacques’ favorite for a special occasion? “The grilled ribeye.” 332 Springdale Road, Great Falls; 703-759-3800; www.laubergechezfrancois.com

Place To celebrate with a drink
Parallel Wine Bar
“We’re like the Baskin Robbins of wine,” says owner Jason Bursey. “It’s like a grown-up playground.” Self-serve wine, 50-plus beers, live music and more are behind the doors of this year-old Ashburn establishment. The casual, social setting has many coming in and grabbing a spot, especially near the self-serve station says Bursey. “We have no less than three to five parties in here a week.” 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Ashburn; 703-858-0077; www.parallelwinebistro.com

To take the in-laws
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Taking the rich history of Virginia as inspiration for the design at one of Clyde’s Restaurant Group’s newest locations, Willow Creek Farm has filled a niche in Ashburn—one of classic American food (Alaska Halibut, Chesapeake Bay Rockfish, Grilled New York Strip Steak, Tempura Fried Soft-Shell Crab, to name just a few) in a casual, yet sophisticated space. It’s no wonder couples flock to this restaurant to wine and dine their in-laws; it’s a great way of showing their appreciation (prices run not too high, not too low) and mature tastes. 42920 Broadlands Blvd., Ashburn; 571-209-1200; www.cyldes.com

Place For Meeting That Special Someone & For a First Date
Reston Town Center
A quasi-downtown atmosphere of tree-lit streets lined with boutique shops, Reston Town Center is a no-fail when it comes to a first date. Start off the night with a bite at one of the 30 restaurants catering to any taste, indulge a sweet-tooth or partake in a glass of vino. If the date is going well, stroll the streets. If it’s not, take in a movie (no conversing required) and then bid your date adieu.

To catch cougars
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
During the day you see businessmen and women sharing a meal over proposal talk. On Sunday mornings the brunch crowd takes over—familes enjoying a morning of service, young professionals enjoying the Bloody Mary’s. But during those hours after work and in the evenings, it is not unusual to see a middle-aged woman, maybe a divorcee, enjoying a drink and some conversation, sought-after or not. 42920 Broadlands Blvd., Ashburn; 571-209-1200; www.clydes.com

Guy’s night out
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
What is it that draws men in for their meetings of the minds? MEAT! At least that is what Christina Mohr, sales manager of Chima Steakhouse says. Sixteen types of meat are paraded through the restaurant by gaucho servers at this Tysons eatery, with a side buffet hosting more than 50 hot and cold dishes—all for only $49.50 (and if you sign up online, patrons can get a $20-off coupon). Another bonus that brings the guys in: the happy hour specials during the work week—30-percent off drinks. 8010 Towers Crescent Drive, Tysons; 703-639-3080; www.chima.cc

Girl’s night out
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern and Parallel Wine Bistro
Hanging out with friends, being catered to, and not being constantly interrupted by a guy you don’t know, nor do you want to know—a girl’s perfect night out, and something both Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern and Parallel Wine Bistro have in common. While one (Jimmy’s) hosts a more energetic evening—think dance floor, DJ and ice luge—the other (Parallel) caters to a calmer, classy clientele. “We celebrate everything,” says Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy’s. “We include everybody, and we arrange to make sure everyone gets home safely.” And Parallel, “We attract women because we created a place that is designed around them—good wine, good food, good setting,” says owner Jason Bursey. 697 Spring St., Herndon; 703-435-5467; www.jimmystavern.com / 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Ashburn; 703-858-0077; www.parallelwinebistro.com

To drink away your sorrows
Spanky’s Shenanigans
Everyone knows the best way to turn a bad mood into a good one is being surrounded by those who are going to forget the bad and drink to the good. At Spanky’s Shenanigan’s, “Best of Bartender” Joni Smith has been serving up the wet delights with a friendly face, and the bar itself offers enough entertainment to get anyone’s mind off something they don’t want to be thinking about—live music, fundraisers, holiday parties and nine large-screen TVs playing (with every game playing available). 538 E. Market St., Leesburg; 703-777-2454; www.spankyspub.net

High School
Stone Bridge
Since 2000, when Stone Bridge High School opened its doors, the faculty and staff have always fostered an open, giving and inclusive environment, but it’s not always the precedent set that makes a school great; it is how the students and families interact with it. “First and foremost, it’s the kids and families that make this such a great school,” says Tim Lucas, guidance counselor at Stone Bridge. “It is such a community school. Kids excel and are supportive of each other, and the faculty and staff is phenomenal.” 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn; 571-252-2200; http://cmsweb1.loudoun.k12.va.us/sbhs

For Day Shopping Trip
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
A shopper’s dream, 110 stores (Barney’s New York, Coach, Burberry, Theory, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel, Bose, to name a few) offering huge discounts in an outdoor street setting. Become a VIP member and get coupons, promotions and invitations to exclusive shopping events. Another perk on shoppers’ greatest day of the year, Black Friday: Leesburg Outlets hosts special shopping hours, starting at midnight, along with ridiculously good sales, giving deal-seekers a perfect reason for guppling down the java and strapping on the sneakers. 241 Fort Evans Road, Leesburg; 703-737-3071; www.premiumoutlets.com

Local Coffee Shop
Greenberry’s Coffee and Tea Co.
What started in Charlottesville 19 years ago as a vision of a relaxed setting, decked out in plaid, to serve fantastic beverages and pastries has blossomed into a franchise bringing customers 30 different company hand-roasted blends (delivered to each store weekly) and 18 types of loose-leaf tea. But it’s not only java and tea. Greenberry’s Coffee and Tea Co. also offers juice, smoothies and chai, plus a bevy of pastries made in the store daily. Multiple NoVA locations; www.greenberrys.com

Trail For a Run
W&OD Trail
No matter where you are in Northern Virginia, the W&OD Trail is nearby, well almost. In addition to being so accessible, the 45-mile trail is paved and relatively flat, making it perfect for running and biking with the family. Given its popularity, a lot of local entrepreneurs have jumped into the game and set up shops along the way, catering to runners, bikers, bladders, etc. www.wodfriends.org

Winery
Breaux Vineyards
While this vineyard has more than wine—festivals, live music, family-friendly events—it pulls in the crowds because of its knowledgeable staff and great-tasting wines. And to think it all started as an unplanned hobby. In 1994 the 404-acre property Paul Breaux purchased had older grapevines that were found in the back corner, says son-in-law and general manager Chris Blosser. “He nursed them back to health and with an antique press made wine for parties he held for friends.” Now Breaux grows 18 different grapes, and produces 10,000-12,000 cases of wine every year. 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville; 800-492-9961; www.breauxvineyards.com

Organic Grocery Store
Whole Foods
Founded on the philosophy of providing high-quality, organic foods, Whole Foods grew from 19 people in 1980 to more than 300 stores worldwide, taking the title of the world’s largest organic grocerer. But it’s not only stores with aisles stocked with almost any type of organic food one can think of; the company hosts a blog and community store newsletters providing customers with health tips, recipes and news of farmers, producers, rancher and anglers doing their best to provide quality food all while working with the environment. Multiple NoVA locations; www.wholefoods.com

Place to Take the Dog
Shirlington Dog Park
What are two things dogs love, besides food and your spot on the couch? Running and water—two things they get at Shirlington Dog Park. Running alongside Four Mile Run, this quarter-mile fenced location allows for your canine buddy to book it around in circles with other pups, sans leash, and then cool off with a dip. If you have a smaller dog, there is also a separate fenced area so they don’t get trampled. 2601 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington; www.arlingtonva.us

City
Reston

Neighborhood for young professionals & Neighborhood for singles
Clarendon

Neighborhood for families
Ashburn

For People Watching
Dulles Town Center
Washington Dulles Airport
Any memorial
Lake Anne
Old Town Alexandria
Potomac Mills
Reston Town Center
Tysons Corner Center

For Popping the Question
Villa Mozart
Lightfoot
L’Auberge Chez Francois
Great Falls
2941

For a Break-Up
Great Falls Park
Facebook
Dulles Airport
the mall
online
Starbucks
Woodrow Wilson Bridge

To steal a kiss
Great Falls Park
Paradise Springs Winery
Gazebo on old Sallie Mae Campus

To steal a little bit more
Appalachian Trail
Bull Run Airport
In your car in the new parking garage in Old Town Fairfax

(June 2011)