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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Aslin arrives
After more than two years without a taproom, Aslin opens a Scandi industrial-designed brewery in Alexandria. Aslin has both been the most talked about brewery in Northern Virginia and also the most elusive. Finally, it’ll be easy to get my hands on a pint. -SG // Aslin Beer Company: 847 S. Pickett St., Alexandria
Pass the popcorn, please
It’s been far too long since my partner and I were able to go see a movie together while its still in theaters. Sure, he’s gone to see the recent releases of the Avengers and Spiderman films with his friends over the past two years, but I have only tagged along when it meant going to see Wonder Woman or the newest Star Wars (hello … December can’t get here soon enough.) So, this week we’re treating ourselves to a night out in honor of the 15th anniversary of Howl’s Moving Castle, an Academy Award-nominated film from Studio Ghibli. We’ve seen Ponyo and Totoro, but we can’t wait to have a date night devoted to our affinity for the Japanese animated films. And to make the 2005 classic even better? The English voice actors include Christian Bale, Jean Simmons and Billy Crystal. -JZ // Angelika Film Center: 2911 District Ave., Suite 200, Fairfax; July 24, 7 p.m.; $14.50
Is this going to make me feel guilty?
Let me start off by saying I love animals. I really, truly do. And, I think we need to do more to save our oceans, rain forests, and ya know, the entire planet. Here’s the thing, though: I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go vegetarian or vegan, even though the production of meat isn’t the best thing for the earth. It may sound awful to some, but I’ll always love putting bacon on my sandwiches. Yet, I’m still curious to learn how I can be a better advocate for animals, and what habits I can change to live a more vegan-friendly lifestyle (besides ditching cheese), which is why I agreed to tag along with a friend (who, yes, is vegan) to the Animal Rights National Conference this weekend. There’ll be lectures on veganism, vegan vendors, film premieres and, of course, free vegan snacks. Did I say vegan? -HG // Hilton Alexandria Mark Center: 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria; July 25-28, times vary; from $50
There’s no such thing as too much jewelry
As anybody who knows me would attest, I will never leave the house without my five, silver rings on my hands. Something about having bare fingers just feels wrong to me, especially since I now have tan lines from each ring after wearing these for so long. Every three or so years, I like to hunt for new jewels that will last a while, and also go with every outfit (which really isn’t hard to accomplish considering it’s a rarity to see me in a shade other than black or white). That time has officially come, so this weekend, I will be heading to the annual Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair to find a few recycled gems worth keeping. And who knows, maybe I’ll really switch things up and bump five up to six. -JF// Waterfront Park: 1 King St. & 1A Prince St., Alexandria; July 27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free
Lilly love
This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” ad campaign. What was supposed to be a fleeting tagline, has become the state’s long-lasting theme. All summer long, the Virginia tourism bureau, along with local counties, has been celebrating with “Summer of Love” events. On Saturday, I’m going to head to one at Morven Park, where it’ll host its weekly Polo in the Park, but with a LOVE-themed twist. The park is asking everyone to dress in their best “Lilly Pulitzer or Louder” outfits. I don’t actually have a Lilly in my closet at the moment, but the Tysons Galleria outpost of the iconic brand will have a pop-up on site for shopping. I plan to buy a brightly colored dress (and maybe even Mommy-and-Me it up with my 3-year-old daughter), then pose with the Summer of Love tour bus (a groovy ’60s VW van) and watch the ponies. -KB // Morven Park: 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg; July 27, 6 p.m.; car passes $35