Most Valuable Place: Lake Anne Plaza
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011
Somehow, it still escapes attention.
Lake Anne Plaza was the first community in Reston, founded in 1964. But despite its decades-long existence, I only heard of the place a few months ago.
The lake front. Photo courtesy Maurisa Potts.
And once I set foot in its sunny, European-style village center, I was enamored. Walk down an unassuming set of steps, and you’re suddenly in a secluded, lake-side village center. Rows of flower-bedecked benches line a miniature harbor, with paddleboats at bay. At the water’s edge are lookout towers for tranquil meditations.
Lake Anne Plaza is also a shopping center, but not at all what you might expect. Only small, independent businesses occupy the storefronts–no chain retailers or restaurants.
The shops themselves are one-of-a-kind. A used book store teeming with treasured tomes, a children’s consignment store and even a from-scratch chocolate shop are just a few of the businesses unique to Lake Anne.
This Saturday sees “Jingle on Lake Anne,” a charming holiday event. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a petting zoo, strolling carolers and plenty of merchant specials. At noon, Santa shows up on a lake barge.
Santa and Bob Simon, founder of Reston. Photo courtesy Maurisa Potts.
–Matt Basheda
Tags: Chesapeake Chocolates, culture gurus, Entertainment, Events, game plan, Jingle on Lake Anne, Lake Anne, Lake Anne Plaza, Matt Basheda, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Reston, Reston's Used Book Shop, small change consignment, things to do
One Response
Kathryn Westgard Says:
December 1st, 2011 at 4:17 pm
December 1st, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Wanted to add from scratch organic cupcakes – The CupCake Ladi rocks the plaza too!
An authentic, groovy community with May – early December Farmers market and craft venders – 5 restaurants. Chill daily or kick up your heels at our annual festivals!