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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Please do not step on the artwork
I still remember those hot summer days when my mom would hand me a fresh box of sidewalk chalk and send me outside to pass the time. I would march out to the driveway with the plastic bin in tow, ready to organize the bright pinks, blues and greens, and separate them all from the precious black, white and gray chalk pieces to avoid color cross-contamination. As you can see, this was serious business. But as an adult with no kiddos, my sidewalk chalk days have faded, much like the artwork does during an afternoon rainstorm. That’s why I’m headed to Chalkfest at Reston Town Center this Saturday, Sept. 14. I’ll watch as professional and amateur artists create temporary art alongside families and kids, and participate in the Audience Choice Awards. No chalk-stained hands for me, but I will be careful of where I walk. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Reston Town Center: 11900 Market St., Reston; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; free
You had me at giant pretzel
Ever since I can remember, fall has been my favorite season. And while I know that sentiment isn’t an uncommon one, I still find myself giddy every time the weather finally drops below 70 degrees. When I was a kid, though, the joy came from the thought of making apple pie with my mom, my inevitable birthday celebration and trick-or-treating on Halloween. While those things still intrigue me, I now tend to look forward to the various seasonal festivals taking place, including Oktoberfest. This weekend, I will be kicking off the traditional 16- to 18-day celebration at Arlington’s latest restaurant addition, Bronson Bier Hall, as owner Mike Cordero celebrates the grand opening with a tribute to the German festival. With giant pretzels, outdoor games and, of course, beer, how could I not attend? Learn more about the concept, here. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Bronson Beer Hall: 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington; Sept. 14, noon-10 p.m.; prices vary
Team summer. Team crabs.
It’s not fall yet, everyone. Put those tie-dye sweatshirts back in the closet. I’m keeping summer alive with a crab feast. Quarterdeck is bringing crustaceans over to Port City Brewing Co. and I can’t think of a better way to spend a late-summer Saturday than cracking crabs and drinking beers. -Stefanie Gans, Dining Editor // Crab Feast: Port City Brewing Company: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria; Sept. 14, seatings start at 1 p.m.; prices vary
Oh my quad
I love a good workout. I also love a good festival. Put the two together and you can guess where I’ll be this weekend: the Discover Arlington Fitness + Wellness Festival, which will feature short workouts (eight to 10 minutes each) every 20 minutes, hosted by multiple fitness studios in the area. I plan to get there early so I can score a swag bag (first 500 participants will receive one). Let’s get our sweat on! -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Gateway Park: 1300 Lee Highway, Arlington; Sept. 15, noon-4 p.m.; $32-$45
Quick changes
Last month, I interviewed a local entrepreneur and mom of two who had the same problem so many parents experience every few months. I’m paraphrasing here, but essentially she went into her daughter’s room one busy weekday morning and realized none of her toddler’s clothes fit. This happens to me all the time. With two young children who are growing like weeds, I usually end up in Old Navy frantically trying to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. But, this weekend, instead of spending my time digging through piles of fall clothes, I’m going to order up a box of seasonal outfits from Isaac & Isabel. The subscription service will send a week’s worth of clothes to your door every three months, and free you from the panicked shopping spree. Check out her story here, plus two other local companies devoted to helping parents save time. – Katie Bianco, Editor // Isaac & Isabel; $99 per quarter
Want more fun? Check out the September issue’s NoVA in 19 to see what else should be on your radar as we kick off the fall season.