Author: Nevin Martell

BRIAN NOYES lives in Arlington’s Glebewood neighborhood, but his cult-status baked goods—including pies, cakes, cookies and a granola that Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern called “the best granola in North America”—are made in points west. Housed in a charmingly repurposed gas station in Warrenton, Noyes’ award-winning Red Truck Bakery takes its name from the cherry-hued 1954 Ford pickup truck parked out front, which Noyes bought from designer Tommy Hilfiger.

Soup for You - Need something to warm you up when temperatures start to dip? These steaming elixirs will have you feeling toasty in no time. Busara- 8142 Watson St., McLean, 703-356-2288; busara.com. The aromatic Thai tom ka gai ($4.75) is rich with ginger, cilantro, coconut milk and tender sliced chicken ...

It’s not a Super Bowl party unless there’s a stellar spread to devour between victory dances and armchair commentary. Try these team-sized takeout options. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours before pickup. Bayou Bakery - 1515 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, 703-243-2410; bayoubakeryva.com. Chef-owner David Guas offers New Orleans-inspired fare, including gumbo, bacon-and-blue-cheese dip, deviled eggs and muffaletta sandwiches (prices vary) ...

Necessity is the mother of invention. Just ask Andie Nelson, who launched Creative Kids Kitchen three years ago while she was at home full time with her two young kids. “I started brainstorming how I could sign up people to come over to our house to do something fun and interesting,” says the Arlington mom, now 36. She decided to host a cooking playgroup for toddlers and their parents, inviting kids to get their hands dirty by mixing up batches of cupcakes and pizza bites. After three months of informal gatherings, Nelson felt she had enough interest to turn her hobby into a business. Creative Kids Kitchen now offers year-round classes for kids ages 18 months to 14 ...

Looking for an excuse to take in the fall foliage in the Virginia countryside? Savor the flavors of autumn by tipping back a glass of fresh, non-alcoholic cider at one of these apple-centric outposts. Trust us, they are worth the trip. And you won’t need a designated driver.

Fans of Clarendon’s South Block Café will be happy to hear that the health-conscious business is expanding into the space next door and opening a dedicated juice bar. The 640-square-foot South Block Juice Co. will showcase the same cold-pressed juices and cleanses that owner Amir Mostafavi has been selling at his adjacent eatery and by delivery since spring 2013 (his sister operation, D.C.’s Campus Fresh, also carries them). “The juice took on a life of its own,” says Mostafavi, “so this gives it its own space.