This story appears in our weekly Things to Do newsletter, sent out to subscribers every Monday. Get it in your inbox by signing up here.
By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Get reacquainted with Virginia wine country
I just got off a deep-dive into Virginia wine country—see the October cover story, which hit newsstands on Thursday—and getting to write and meet so many in the industry during the creation of this package makes me only want to explore more. My plan is to head to a family-friendly winery (see Nancy Bauer’s list of kid-welcoming and adult-only wineries) every week until it’s too cold to let the kids run around among the verdant vines. First stop, and the winery on the cover of the magazine, Hillsboro Winery, which also boasts a brewery. Everyone’s happy. -Stefanie Gans, Dining Editor// Hillsboro Winery: 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro
I most certainly can’t beat Bobby Flay
I recently moved and am pretty thrilled about my new home. My favorite part? Having a fully functioning, spacious kitchen with ample counter space, giving me the chance to fulfill my desired goal of taking my cooking expertise to the next level. While I can make any style of egg within a 20-minute span and have mastered about five healthy dinner recipes to get me through the week, I am hoping to get a bit more complex than a basic cauliflower stir fry or teriyaki salmon. That’s why I will be heading to Williams Sonoma in the Mosaic District tomorrow to purchase a copy of famed-chef Bobby Flay’s newest cookbook, Bobby at Home, featuring 165 recipes. The best part: He will be there to sign my copy, and maybe even give me some pro tips to get my journey as a cook started on the right foot. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Williams Sonoma Mosaic: 2920 District Ave., Suite 115, Fairfax; Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m.; $34.20
This isn’t Germany, but it’ll do
One of the top things on my bucket list is to go to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest. I studied abroad in college, but did so during the spring semester. While I attended Okbtoberfest’s “little sister,” Springfest, it just put more of a craving in me to get back to the city for the annual fall festival. Eventually, I’ll book my flight to return. But this year, I’ll be making due with a good ol’ American-style festival at Crystal City Oktoberfest, on Saturday, Sept. 28. I’m looking forward to the selection of local beers, especially those being custom-made for the event. Want to see more Oktoberfests in the area? Read our roundup here. Prost! -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // The Grounds: 1102 S. Eads St., Arlington; $40-$60
Pumpkin spice … spa treatment
My birthday is coming up and, luckily for my husband, I’ve become very easy to buy for in the last few years. Point me to the nearest spa, please. With two kids and a full-time job, I’m basically ready for a nap anytime, anywhere. My birthday presents a good excuse to fall asleep on a massage table instead of on the couch while watching HGTV after the kids are in bed. I’m partial to The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons because it also has an indoor pool and hot tub, lovely quiet room and a stack of fashion magazines to catch up on. This fall, the luxe spa is offering seasonal treatments. I’ve got my eye on the Apple Harvest Body Polish with a spiced apple toddy soak. I’m feeling refreshed already. –Katie Bianco, Editor // The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Spa: 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean; Apple Harvest Body Polish, $180 for 50 minutes
We all scream for Nicecream
I’ll be the first to admit that whenever I get a craving for something sweet, it’s always ice cream. Sure, I occasionally whip up a random layer cake when I get inspired, or go nuts until I can bake the newest trending cookie recipe, but a majority of the time, I just want ice cream. Even my partner knows not to mention it unless he really means we’re getting it. On a cone, in a cup, topped with sprinkles. It doesn’t matter. Just … give it to me. Since moving to NoVA, I haven’t gotten the chance to try the ever-popular Nicecream that everyone talks about, but it’s caught my attention. And with the fall season kicking off this week, it’s time to grab scoops of the seasonal flavors I’ve been waiting for: brown sugar baked pear, caramel apple and cinnamon dulce latte. Step aside pumpkin spice lattes, this is the sweet treat I’m looking for. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // various locations
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.