Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Look - no more memos! / Photo credit: Shutterstock/Lichtmeister
Whether you have the world’s greatest job selling hats, working for the Govt., building homes or perhaps dealing with musical animals, we all need some kick-back-and-relax in our lives. Fortunately for us all, TopGolf Alexandria hears that and raises our afterwork happy hours to a new level: three different days of golf and drink specials.
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, April 26th, 2012

We're laughing because it's funny ... and Thursday. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ StockLite
Celebrate the Caps’ big overtime playoff win vs. the Bruins, successfully sitting through three back-to-back meetings or the rainy weather (hey, if you can’t beat it …) with a happy hour on the town. Our pick for tonight: Bell20 Tavern. The Crystal City American tavern offers specials a’plenty – both drinks and grub. And t-r-i-v-i-a.
From 3:20 to 7:20 p.m.*, a Bud Light Draft is $3.20, Port City Optimum Wit and Port City Monumental IPA are $4.20, while a glass of the wine of the day is $5.20. Foodwise, order some garlic fries, wings, chips and salsa or pretzel rolls for $3.20 each. Spicy meatballs, fried chicken tenders, a bowl of turkey chili or juicy cheeseburgers are $6.20 a piece.
Happy hour runs Monday thru Friday each week. Thursday is extra special because you and your HH pals can enjoy a great round of thinking while drinking. Spotted on Bell20′s Twitter account from this past week:

Trivia starts at 6:30 but it’s wise to get there early to grab good seats. And speaking of being early, let’s hope no one has this traffic situation today. Poor Anne. We’ve been there, too.
Bell20 Tavern, Crystal City Marriott, 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington; 703-314-6520; www.bell20.com; happy hour: 3:20 – 7:20 p.m.; food & drink specials: from $3.20.
*Bar only
– Lorin Drinkard
Happy Hour: Calling All Wine-Chocolate-Pottery Lovers
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Look. Our glasses are touching. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Kzenon
Call it the perfect trifecta, the ultimate trio. Tonight at The Cooley Gallery guests will experience all three as Girl’s Night Out commences. With 3 Fox Vineyards providing the vino and MC2 Confections bringing the chocolate goodies, it’s a fabulous way to unwind from a long work week while browsing through the Gallery’s latest work.
Richard Busch’s “Hippie” photos are still on display this month. The former LIFE magazine staffer/photographer captured the shots during the ’60s and ’70s and his collection demonstrates the original flower power. Justin Rothshank’s pottery is also available for viewing. His ceramic work has been shown across the world as well as in publications like Ceramics Monthly, The Log Book and Studio Potter.
The Cooley Gallery, 5:30 to 8 pm; 12 S. King St., Leesburg; 703-779-4639; www.thecooleygallery.com.
– Lorin Drinkard
Green Roost – We’ll Toast To That
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Happy happy hour!

Parties just make the world a better place. / Shutterstock_Candybox Images
We just love birthdays, don’t you? Any excuse to wear a silly party hat + nibble on chocolately cake is a-okay in our book. Tomorrow night Green Roost, a lovely earth-friendly store in downtown Culpeper, is making it a splendid affair to ring in their third anniversary.
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

So funny. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Sergery Furtaev
If “Why so serious?” is a question coworkers and heck, even strangers, have asked you in reference to a furrowed brow or deep frown lines, it’s time for some funny. Riot Act is the name of the game and everyone’s a winner. You get to laugh, you get to laugh and you get to laugh! Oprah would just be so proud.
When You Want to Work Out and Drink: Sips & Sneakers
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Pre-race. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Have you ever walked through a shopping mall and thought, “Why not be drinking adult beverages while doing this?” Meet Washington Wine Academy (WWA), the brains behind making that notion a reality.
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Happy hour is coming early this week. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Fer Gregory
Well hello there! You’ve made it to Tuesday – after a long weekend/holiday, that’s always a tough feat to accomplish. We’d like to applaud you for braving the wintery weather, early morning monsooning and general work-related absurdity.
Feel like having some fun yet?
Make your calendar – Capital City Brewing will be tapping two casks tomorrow night in Shirlington. The featured seasonal beers are the Lil’ Black IPA, a very hoppy, toned down malt brew, and the Waffle Brown, a mapley syrup, rich-tasting “breakfast in a glass” beer.
The Cap City in-house brewers will be milling about, answering questions and talking about the brews all night, plus $5 appetizers and additional drink specials going throughout the event.
Capital City Brewery
The Village at Shirlington
4001 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, VA
703-578-3888
www.capcitybrew.com
When: Wednesday, Jan. 18th
HH: 6 to 10 pm
Price: $5 apps
– Lorin Drinkard
Happy Hour: The Great Gadsby (Tavern, That Is)
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 12th, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Although the classic and beloved novel is not the topic of today’s blog post, let’s just stop for a second and reflect on what an outstanding piece of American literature it really is.
Did I mention the novel will be turned into a movie starring Leo, Carrey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire out later this year? Yes, another round of “was-the-book-better-than-the-movie” will ensue.

And back to the 1920s we go. / Photo courtesy: Fanpop
Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty: if any of your New Year’s resolutions involve picking up a new hobby/skill, or perhaps you’re just looking for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary way to spend your evening, this is for you.
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
… and give me a half-priced glass of wine.

Liberty's happening happy hour. / Photo credit: Lorin Drinkard
Yes, in the bustling corridor of Clarendon nightlife there sits a restaurant/bar that stands out among the rest. With their high-ranking menu of deliciousness (named to NoVA Mag’s 50 Best Restaurants) and classy bar-like appeal, The Liberty Tavern calls to us as a neon beacon of rest for weary 9 to 5ers, saying, “Do step out of the cold. Why don’t you grab a drink, order some food and stay awhile.”
“The food tastes like home cooking,” one female patron told us, as she sipped on Magic Hat #9. “I’ve been coming here since it first opened. We always come here before going out anywhere else.”
Even Mr. POTUS himself has dined at Liberty, enjoying an evening of conversation and swordfish.
Although happy hour specials at Liberty are only drink-related (fingers crossed they have a sudden change of heart and decide their menu should be deeply discounted, too!), they’re not too shabby. Wine is half-off (try the Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec) and beers are $5 a pop. Quite a few good draft picks, including Bell’s Oberon, Dale’s Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager and Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen.
They also serve up some mean specialty cocktails. A group of 20somethings ordered a round of Industrials (Liberty’s agave nectar margarita), then another. Happy hours prices brings them to $5 each. Another good choice: the LT G&T ($10), which is Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, lime and bottled Fever Tree Tonic.
Foodwise, the smells drifting from your neighbor’s plate will have you ordering in no time. Any of the wood-fired pizzas are a big hit and run from $12 to $15. The house smoked salmon “lasagne” ($11) is a small plate but packs great flavor. For other small bites, try the crispy shrimp/Ipswich claims ($9), Tavern salad with radish ($6) or hand-cut fries ($5) topped with herbs.
For full menu options, check out Liberty’s website here.
The Liberty Tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
703-465-9360
www.thelibertytavern.com
HH: 4 to 7 pm
Price: $3.50 and up for wines, $5 for beer and Industrials
–Lorin Drinkard
Christmas Countdown: Grown-Up Christmas List
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Well, folks, it’s just a mere 12 days until Christmas. But, no worries! That still leaves us with plenty of time to enjoy a cup of good cheer or two before December 25th rolls around. Just like we’ve been doing all month, we continue with our Christmas-themed posts. [Missed a post? Check here for more events, where to spot Santa and even gift giving suggestions.]

Make the seasons bright. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Anna Lisovskaya
Today’s theme? Our Grown-Up Christmas List.
Think cocktails and couples events. Like we say around here, sipping spiked eggnog + dancing under the mistletoe = a holly jolly Christmas.
Our Grown-Up Christmas List

Who spiked the eggnog? We're not telling. / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/ CGissemann
1. Spend more time a-wassailing.
With the craziness that is the holiday season, kick back and enjoy some yuletide drinks at Paradise Springs Winery. From sparkling pineapple wine to tours and discounts on winery merchandise, the 2nd Annual Holiday Party in Paradise is the perfect way to boost the Christmas spirit. Washington Wine Academy is hosting a perfectly-paired event this Thursday: wine tasting + National Tree visit. Need a wintery happy hour suggestion? Check out our round-up of where to grab some unique holiday sippers.
2. Put on your party clothes and really rock around the Christmas tree.
For some adult festivities, check out Old Town Alexandria’s Christmas in July this weekend, where celebrations will be merry. More information here. Plus, a Hairspray happy hour, Dance Factory Christmas ball and Martini’s & Mistletoe at Teatro Goldini.
3. Snuggle up together on a comfy, cozy sleigh ride for two.
No need to wait for the snowy goodness to arrive. Create your own winter wonderland by spending a romantic night in a carriage at one of NoVA’s many holiday hot spots: Reston Town Center, Old Towne Fredericksburg and Staunton.
4. Start a new tradition.

And to all a good night! / Photo courtesy: Shutterstock/Dmitriy Shironosov
In a holiday funk? Not for long. Drive over to Rebounderz of Sterling, a trampoline funland, for an exciting Jump into the Holidays Festival. Don’t let the kiddos have all the joy. Receive an instant mood boost, plus work on some of the office sweets you’ve been munching on, by bouncing on their many trampolines. Friday, Dec. 16th from 2 to 11 p.m. 22400 Davis Dr., Sterling; 703-433-5867; www.rebounderzsterling.com; $13.75/person for 90 min. of jumping.
5. Get a little theatrical while enjoying a Christmas classic.
For a must-see holiday show, quite a few NoVA venues are putting on pretty spectacular productions. The Fauquier Community Theatre is doing A Christmas Carol, Leesburg’s Pickwick Players are putting on Scrooge: The Musical, Pinky Swear Productions is hosting the premiere of Carol’s Christmas and 1st Stage of Tysons Corner is doing Parfumerie.
Check back tomorrow for NoVA’s best bets for spectacular Christmas trees around the region.
–Lorin Drinkard