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By Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Run for freedom
I’m always on the lookout for a way to get myself up and moving, especially when it supports a good cause. Before eating my weight in barbecue and coleslaw for Memorial Day today, you can find me running my way through Ringing In Hope’s: A Salute to Our Troops! race. Proceeds from the 1-mile Fun Run, 5K and 10K races go to Boulder Crest Retreat, supporting military families’ health and healing post-deployment. -JZ // 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn; Times vary; Race entries start at $15
Virginia is for drinking wine
“Keep ’em coming,” is what I usually say to the server pouring glasses of wine during dinners with friends, and this Friday, that will continue to be my go-to phrase at the Wine & Wanderlust event. It’s being hosted by McLean Project for the Arts, so you can expect not just wine (there will be over 100 varieties to sample), but also contemporary visuals. Sip, stare, repeat. –HG // Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center: 7901 Tysons One Place; 7-10 p.m.; $100
Screen savior
When I’m working, aka eating at restaurants, I always have my phone out, taking pictures, typing notes. I’m the worst date. But that doesn’t have to be you! On Thursdays, The Wine Kitchen in Leesburg offers “Date Night + Mindfulness.” It’s a three-course, $68 dinner for two—shared appetizer, two entrees, shared dessert and two flights of wine (each flight is two ounces of three different wines)—and if guests turn their phones in, the restaurant will take another 10% off the check. (The 10% is for anyone who gives up the phone, even if ordering from the regular menu). -SG // The Wine Kitchen: 7 S. King St., Leesburg, Date Night + Mindfulness dinner on Thursdays; $68
Feed me, Seymour!
Does anyone else remember the 1986 movie version of Little Shop of Horrors? I was 10, somehow saw this movie and was simultaneously entertained and terrified by the man-eating, Broadway-belting plant. The sci-fi play-turned-movie is on stage at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton starting June 1, and runs all month long. I plan to catch a show and see if it feels just as scary slash silly as an adult. -KB // Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton $20-$35