Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia’
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Study says nuclear bomb wouldn’t destroy D.C. area
Man charged with trespassing at Fairfax High School
Loudoun County non-profit designated as ‘hate group’
Scottish distillers fill barrels at Mount Vernon
First Lady to give commencement address at Virginia Tech
Virginia the ‘go-to’ state for terrorism cases
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy Shutterstock/Sergej Khakimullin)
If You Build (Streetcars), They Will Come (to Eat)
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
In the April Northern Virginia Magazine (now on news stands), I take a look at how urban transportation plays a roll in shaping a community’s dining scene. When Metro decided to add stops in North Arlington it became an area for restaurant development and turned into one of the most important places to eat in the DMV. South Arlington, with no connection to the subway, didn’t see an uptick in trendy restaurants or bars for 30 years.
But that’s starting to change.
The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization is working on securing grants to build street cars for Columbia Pike that will stretch down the street and connect Skyline Fairfax to Pentagon City. With this push for public transit, Columbia Pike started seeing new development, including William Jeffery’s Tavern, and soon Eamonn’s (its second location) and Taqueria Poboano (its third location).
Will the funding commitments still undecided, some are pushing for the much cheaper options of articulated buses instead of street cars. Check out the video on ARLNOW.com about Vegas’ experiment with these fancy buses (and read through the conversation in the comments).
How do you think we can continue to grow Columbia Pike to become a restaurant destination?
Photo: Stefanie Gans
Spring Break Guide: On The Cheap
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Save some money and have a ball. / Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Yan Lev
We know times can be tough (could gas be any more expensive right now?) but with the break from school and classes, it’s about time to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. (If you are hitting the road, check out our post for a few travel tips). Here are a few inexpensive ways to enjoy all that lovely free time:
Free:
- Hit up a local farmer’s market. Browse through all the yummy local produce, smell the pretty blooms and maybe even pet an animal or two. We love Cox Farms Market in Centreville with its great selection of jams, great playground area for the little ones and spring container gardens. The market opens for the season on April 5th.
- Get cultured at a local museum or art studio. We are lucky to have over 50 free museums and historical sites in NoVA. The Artisphere always has a ton of shows and exhibits that won’t cost you a penny. View Luis Sierra’s take on The Wizard of Oz with a prism twist, the Congressional Art Competition selections and more. McLean Project for the Arts is currently showing a youth art show and the Torpedo Factory has tons of great fiber and glass exhibits throughout the month. Or head to The Udvar-Hazy Center* in Chantilly for an up close look at air and space crafts. *While admission is free, parking is $15 so plan to visit after 4 pm.
$5 or less:
- Catch a flick at the Drafthouse. With a wide variety of films on screen (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Sitter and more), Arlington’s old school cinema showcase has $1 movie nights. Bypass The Hunger Games and that means date night could be $2, plus change left over for some Reeses Pieces or Milk Duds. Movies on Mondays are $1, Tuesday nights are $2. Head there Wednesday through Sunday night? Tickets bump up to $5.50.
- Make like the 80s and hit a roller skating rink. Reminisce over middle school birthday parties and holding hands during slow songs at Skate-N-Fun Zone. Tuesday nights at the Manassas are just $5 a person, including skate rentals, play zone and four tokens. They also have laser tag on Wednesday nights for $4, plus $1.99. Although it’s technically above the $5 max, it’s still a heck of a good deal.
$10 or less:
- Hunt for marshmallows. Really get into the spring of things (pun intended) by heading to Great County Farms for their 9th annual search for the fluffy white goodness. The marshmallows are usually ready for picking on or around April 1st. To make it even better, Great County Farms also has daily Easter egg hunts for the kiddos. With four separate hunts (separated by age groups), there’s no egg shortage here. Advanced tickets are recommended and can be bought online here.
- Jump and then jump some more. If you like trampolines, you’ll love rebounding. What’s rebounding? Glad you asked – it’s basically a room full of connected trampolines that allows you to freely run, jump and flip for 60 minutes at a time. Rebounderz in Sterling has the market cornered on this fantastic idea. With under $10 deals running from Monday through Thursday nights, you may just have to go more than once.
$20 or less:
- Get your roller coaster fix. For a limited time, Six Flags will be offering up deeply discounted tickets ($20 per person) for the park’s opening day this season. With more than 100 rides to choose from, this deal’s too good to pass up. Tickets are available online here (select “buy tickets now” under daily tickets and choose opening day) and at the Main Gate on March 31st.
- Grab a few drinks at a tiki bar and bask in the sunshine. So you can’t head to Bora Bora? No problemo. NoVA has plenty of hot spots with cool drinks that will have you forgetting you’re still landlocked. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack anyone? For a full list, check out over here.
For more spring break goodness, check out our Ultimate Spring Break Guide, Gut Check’s recommended eats, SWAG’s spring style deals and steals, plus stop by our blog daily.
– Lorin Drinkard
Spring Break Food Fun: How to Start a Vegetable Garden
Posted by Joey Hernandez / Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Need more spring break ideas? Check out the full NoVA Spring Break Guide.
Spring break is here which means it’s time to get the backyard ready for some serious gardening. Here’s how to start and take advantage of this beautiful March weather.
Rake, Shovel and Wheelbarrow
While there are thousands of tools for the garden, there are a few that are an absolute must for converting the winter jungle into a spring garden: rake, shovel and wheelbarrow. If you are due for new garden tools check out ergonomic tools that will save your hands and back from future injuries. If not, then take a few minutes to get last years tools ready to use by sanding handles to keep splinters away and sharpen shovels to make digging easier on your back. Not ready to buy new or sand old tools, borrow from neighbors through Commonplace, a web platform for community sharing and engagement.
Gloves, Shoes and Sunscreen
Gardening should involve physical labor but not physical damage. Besides staying hydrated, having the right gloves, shoes and sunscreen protection is a must. For longer periods out in the sun think of using hats such as the ones available on Sun Day Afternoons, offering certified UPF50+ sun rating and 360 degree sun protection.
Vines, Herbs and Curb Appeal
Setting a goal for your garden will make trips to the store and integration of your garden plans much more efficient. Attend one of these classes at Merrifield Garden Center to help you in choosing the right goal for your garden:
Saturday, March 31st
Merrifield – Introduction to Ground Covers and Vines at 10 a.m.
Fair Oaks – Landscaping with Herbs at 10 a.m.
Gainesville – Landscaping with Herbs at 2 pm
Gainesville – Curb Appeal at 10 a.m.
Photo: Shutterstock/Sandra Cunningham
[tips for the food desk / follow @JoeyHndz]
Palates Behind The Plate: Robert Wiedmaier of Brabo
Posted by Joey Hernandez / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
A series dedicated to the palates behind NVM’s 2011 Fifty Best Restaurants. We know what they serve, but what do they eat?
Restaurant: Brabo
2011 Rank: #35
Executive Chef: Robert Wiedmaier
NoVA’s best dish:
Davis Guas’ muff-a-lotta sandwich from Bayou Bakery.
Never would I ever eat:
I don’t like watermelon and I don’t like cinnamon. I don’t put cinnamon on anything.
After work grub:
I used to eat a lot after dinner service, but I’m 52-years-old now and I’m trying to get back in shape so I don’t eat past 7pm.
At home cooking:
This morning for breakfast I cooked scrambled eggs with olive oil, tzatziki sauce, hummus and avocado.
Burger, burrito or bánh mì:
It would be a burrito.
Photo courtesy of Robert Wiedmaier Restaurant Group
[tips for the food desk / follow @JoeyHndz]
Spring Break Food Fun: Tiki & Beach Bar Round-Up
Posted by Sally Traynham / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Need more spring break ideas? Check out the full NoVA Spring Break Guide.
For all of those staying in NoVA this spring break, bring the breezy beach fun to you. Enjoy friends and drinks at one of these tiki and beach-themed bars:
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, Falls Church
A beach-themed patio with live music and a seafood-focused menu.
MacDowell Brew Kitchen, Leesburg
An outdoor patio where you can feel the sand between your toes and sip on craft beer. There’s a fire pit too!
Madigan’s Waterfront, Occoquan
Waterfront views via an outside tiki bar and deck with a Seafood-inspired menu.
Mango Mike’s, Alexandria
Alexandria’s tropical paradise with palm trees and an outdoor deck.
John’s Place, Fairfax
A dive bar with a rooftop tiki bar, pool tables and vintage pinball machines.
Whitlow’s on Wilson, Arlington
Arlington’s newest tiki deck, perched on a roof overlooking Clarendon with karaoke.
Photo: Grant Terry/Shutterstock
[tips for the food desk]
Spring Break Guide: The Water Exodus
Posted by Matt Basheda / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Many of NoVA’s students flee their school’s halls simultaneously this year. The mass exodus known as spring break is upon us.
Who knew that the weather would be so warm, nay, hot, so early in the year? This killer March sun is enough to work up a sweat or even a tan. And when those two are involved, water must be near at hand, even in early April.
Unfortunately, swimming won’t be in your forecast. All the local watering holes either don’t allow swimmers, or don’t allow them until summer. But that’s OK–there are lots of activities while afloat besides immersing oneself.
Photo: Lane V. Erickson / Shutterstock.com
The best place to start is Burke Lake Park. Burke Lake is one of the biggest lakes in the immediate area, and you can set sail in a rented rowboat to see the spring scenery. If you’re lucky enough to own a boat, you can use that too. Burke Lake is also one of NoVA’s most popular fishing destinations, so bring a rod and pick a prime spot.
However, Burke Lake doesn’t open until Saturday, April 7, and is only open on weekends after that, until Memorial Day.
Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge is an excellent year-round waterway. Boating and fishing are both prime activities, and there’s lots of room for both. The park is actually pretty huge–542 acres–so if you have a car full of kids, Leesylvania is a surefire way to stretch out their legs and keep their minds sharp while they’re not in school.
Leesylvania actually has a beach area, but swimming is prohibited. According to the park’s official website, “wading, walking and sunning are allowed.”
If you’re dying to get out of the area, and want to actually immerse yourself in water, the beach is your only option. And oceanfront is just about the only thing NoVA lacks, which means a road trip (!) is your only option for getting wet. Ocean City, Md. and Virginia Beach are the closest true ocean beaches, each about four hours away.
The open road--I-95 outside Richmond. Photo: Heath Oldham / Shutterstock.com
So if hitting that tarmac is on your mind, prep your car first. No one wants to pay any more for gas than they have to, and there are a couple steps you can take to keep your car at its most efficient. First, change your oil. If your car is even slightly old, change it now before the weather gets too hot. Burning oil happens, and it greatly reduces fuel efficiency and puts considerable wear on your engine.
Second, keep those tires filled. Check the tire itself for recommended psi (pounds per square inch), and take it to the air pump at a gas station to check its level and fill it up if needed.
And believe it or not, cleaning out your car actually helps a ton. All that trash and junk in your back seat adds weight, and weight adds drag. Fill your car with the bare essentials–all your luggage is fine, but garbage is not. And you’ll be sailin’ on.
More essential pre-beach readiness–find a decent suit. Our shopping bloggers–thorough as usual–have laid out dozens of potential choices on their own blog.
And you’ll need some epic summer jams for your road trip, too. There are too many different directions in which to go when it comes to picking songs. My best recommendation is actually to not plan it out. Hit play on whatever you’re feeling at each moment on the way. But here’s a personal fave to get you started.
Also, since I-95 is the local exitway of choice, take a look at this awesome book all about our love-it-or-hate-it interstate, filled with interesting facts for just about each and every mile.
But wait! There’s more! We’ll be spring breaking along with you all this week and next, so check back. And check out what we’ve already got, plus deliciousness from the food desk.
–Matt Basheda
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Potomac High gun threat brings in extra security
Father, daughter dead in apparent Annandale murder-suicide
Virginia Tech bans all weapons from campus
NASA launches suborbital research rockets from Virginia
Polls open for Arlington County board seat
Police look for Lorton flasher in cowboy boots
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy Shutterstock/Olivier Le Queinec)
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
When Michael Vick joined the Philadelphia Eagles after being incarcerated for animal cruelty, many of my canine-loving friends refused to watch the Birds. They could no longer endorse a team that hired a convicted animal abuser.
I shot back.
There are many, many more current NFL players that have abused women, never received punishments and continue to play football without any penalties. How could they be okay with someone that rapes or hits a woman but not okay with violence against an animal?
I also asked them about their meat eating habits.
Did they understand the cruelty that goes on in the raising of factory-farmed animals?
Did they happily eat chicken, pork and cows that have been tortured?
What’s the difference between a farm animal and a dog? And is killing and eating an animal cruel?
Is it torture? Is it ethical?
The New York Times wants to hear your opinions on the subject. Read more about the essay contest and leave your thoughts here in the comments. I can’t wait to debate with you.
Tell Us Why It’s Ethical to Eat Meat – A Contest [NYT]
Posted by Sally Traynham / Monday, March 26th, 2012
Check out what national food chains—from Whole Foods and Wegman’s to Giant and Costco—are saying about “pink slime” in their beef. [ManassasParkPatch]
Arlington County and the City of Falls Church starts its annual cleaning of its water distribution system today—yes, your water may smell and taste a little bit like chlorine. [NVM]
Last night, I passed by what will soon be, south Arlington’s new ABC liquor store on Columbia Pike—shelves are in place, sign is posted out front, now all they need is the booze. [ARLnow]
Wendy’s is rolling out the Spicy Guacamole Chicken Club—a new, limited time sandwich—to accompany its recently released Asiago Ranch Chicken Club Sandwich. Wendy’s also changing practices for the killing of chickens and pigs. [Nation'sRestaurantNews]
Springfield native Samantha Miller competed in the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off contest this past weekend as one of 100 finalists. Results will be announced tomorrow. [WaPo]
Forced, in part, by angry parents Fairfax County Public Schools announce the removal of “pink slime” from its school’s cafeterias this spring. [McLeanPatch]
Photo: Sally Traynham
[tips for the food desk]