Arlington Magazine Issue - Arlington Magazine

Letter from the Publisher

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Get Away: West Virginia’s Tygart Hotel

Nestled in an Appalachian mountain town, this historic property is an ideal base for a weekend hike or a scenic train ride.

Great Spaces: A Fanciful Dining Room

Wild colors and patterns elevate this whimsical dining room in Arlington's Williamsburg neighborhood.

An Impaired Motorist, a Child Lost and a Mother’s Fight

Four decades after her daughter's death, Candace Lightner is still fighting against drunk, drugged and distracted driving.

Shop Local: Tiny Hooray Cards & Stationery

Arlington illustrator Beth Roszkowski’s cheeky product line is filled with relatable sentiments.

Get Away: The Mimslyn Inn

The historic property is close to Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns and other outdoor attractions.

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Injured Animal? Meet Arlington’s Wildlife Rescue Experts

Who to call when you discover orphaned raccoons, stunned birds and other wild creatures that need help.

Shop Local: Icon Line Design

Upcycled jewelry made with vintage designer buttons—for your favorite fashionista.

Arlington Is Competitive. Take It From This Trivia Night Host

Match wits in a Virginia bar outside the nation's capital and you never know the experts you'll be up against.

When Parents Split: Divorcing With Kids

Some break-ups are unavoidable, but there are ways to make it easier on the kids if you decide to call it quits.

Hit This Butcher Shop for Prime Proteins and Creative Sausages

Beer season is upon us, and Brick House Butcher in Falls Church has all kinds of grillable goodies to go with those pilsners and lagers.

When Arlington Banned School Dances

A statewide attempt to stymie desegregation in the wake of Brown v. Board of Ed didn't stop local teens from finding their groove.

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This Persian Bar is Hopping in Tysons

Sharing space with upscale restaurant Joon, MayBar centers on clever cocktails, bar snacks and a vibey outdoor patio.

Art Imitates Nature at Meridian High School in Falls Church

Birds? Pollen spores? Coral reef? A community art project involving 850 students and faculty evokes images from the natural world. What do you see?

Have Yourself a Wizarding Weekend

Find potions, spells, Quidditch and cosplay at the Queen City Mischief & Magic festival in Staunton, Virginia.

Teachers We Love

Seasoned educators share stories and takeaways from their many years on the job.

Get Away: The Oaks Waterfront Hotel

Relax and recharge your batteries at this picturesque waterfront retreat in Easton, Maryland.

AI Has Entered the Classroom. Are We Ready?

Generative AI has made its way into K-12 schools whether we like it or not. Here's how teachers and students are using the technology.

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Restaurant Review: NiHao

Chef Peter Chang's Sichuan small plates restaurant in National Landing is a taste sensation.

Where Arlington’s Class of 2024 Applied to College

Which colleges and universities were most popular among this year's graduates? A look at the numbers.

Letter from the Publisher

Breaking Bad

Shop Local: Metal & Stone Creations

Sustainable, nature-inspired pieces by Falls Church artist Lisette Bez honor the jewelry-making traditions of Ecuador's Andean highlands.

Shop Local: We Love Sabrina Cabada

The Falls Church artist and D.C. gallery owner is known for her portraits of bold, audacious women. 🖌️

Get Away: Tracks and Yaks Rail Bike Tours

Chat it up as you pedal alongside the Great Allegheny Passage on a tandem...

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Great Spaces: How to Make a Retaining Wall Barely Noticeable

A lush landscape design by Scott Brinitzer tricks the eye in Country Club Hills.

Weird History: A Plane Crash at Bishop O’Connell

Remembering the day a pilot ran out of fuel and narrowly averted disaster in an Arlington schoolyard. 🛩️

Get Away: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn

This breezy boardwalk beach property isn't your average chain hotel. It feels like a coastal inn.

De-Stress in These Low-Key New Jersey Beach Towns

The 7-mile barrier island anchored by Avalon and Stone Harbor is a paradise for birding, pampering, lounging and sticking your toes in the sand. 🏖️

April’s Most Expensive Home Sales

Recent sales included a Lyon Park bungalow that sold for $2.75 million and a McLean residence that commanded $5 million.

Extraordinary Teen Awards 2024

There are many ways to be extraordinary. These Northern Virginia students paint a multifaceted portrait of resilience and brilliance.

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7 Things to Eat and Drink at Upside on Moore

Our dining critic went on a tasting tour of Rosslyn's new food hall. Here are a few of his faves.

Get Away: Sun Outdoors Chincoteague Bay

Outdoor lovers, rejoice! This bayside vacation spot offers fancy tents, waterfront cottages, RV sites and all kinds of summer fun.

What We’re Learning About Menopause and HRT

Women of a certain age are frustrated, fired up and tired of suffering. A new medical specialty is emerging.

Sheriff Jose Quiroz Has a Few Thoughts About Jail Time

Arlington's first Latino sheriff grew up here and served in the Marine Corps. His corrections philosophy centers on accountability, structure and skill building.

Get Away: White Swan Tavern in Chestertown, Maryland

This Eastern Shore bed-and-breakfast is a short walk to the town’s waterfront, restaurants, shops, galleries and Washington College.

Who Invited You, Parkinson’s?

I thought our empty-nester years would bring carefree fun and travel. An unwelcome diagnosis prompted me to rewrite my next chapter.

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Restaurant Review: Padaek

Chef Seng Luangrath takes her Lao food movement to soaring heights in Arlington Ridge.

Rediscovering the Anacostia River

Once too polluted for recreation, this D.C. waterway is making a dramatic comeback. Here are some fun ways to get out on the water.

Great Spaces: A ‘Rye Whiskey Kind of Room’

This vibey McLean sitting room designed by Ann Gottlieb is a place for after-dinner drinks and conversation.

Shop Local: Custom Woodcrafts With an Edge

Arlington woodworker David DeJulio juxtaposes natural woods with epoxy resin to create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces.

How to Make Downsizing Less Overwhelming

Shedding a lifetime of belongings can be emotional, hard work. Break it down into these steps, says professional move manager Anna Novak.

Peek Inside These Dreamy Arlington Kitchen Makeovers

Thinking about remodeling? These culinary beauties will surely give you house envy.

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These Craft Cocktail Trends Are on Fire

Thirsty for something special? Here's what’s fresh and new in the wonderful world of mixology.

Honeybees Aren’t the Pollinators We Should Be Most Worried About

Native bees play a vital role in healthy ecosystems, and their populations are dwindling. They need our protection.

It Was One of the Better Senior Pranks in Arlington’s History

That time a Bob's Big Boy mascot ended up on the roof of Wakefield High School...and other memorable acts of mischief.

Sample a ‘Coffee Omakase’ at Gute Leute

Love coffee? Try a tasting flight of fancy caffeinated beverages, from a lavender float to a bubble-topped espresso, at this Ballston cafe.

Get Away: Charlottesville’s Little Mod Hotel

If you love retro furnishings, this groovy boutique hotel is just the place for a UVA college visit or graduation weekend.

The House That Grief Built

At first, decorating my house felt trivial after my mom’s death. It wasn’t.

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Classic Hometown Restaurants We Love

There's a reason they've been in business for decades. Meet the families and friends behind the menus.

Get Away: Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Find lush displays of peonies, irises and roses, plus outdoor concerts and fun for kids in this garden paradise.

Why We Should All Be Worried About Arlington’s Empty Office Buildings

Arlington has a lot of vacant office space. It’s not just a problem for the commercial sector.

Cupcakes Almost Too Pretty to Eat

Celebrating a special occasion? These botanical beauties by Jam Sweet Bouquets are a buttercream dream.

Do You Know the ‘Mushroom Man’?

Meet Ian Triplett of Three Cap Farms. His weekly farmers market yield invariably sells out in National Landing's MetPark.

Shop Local: Fonts Books & Gifts

Attention readers: McLean now has its own independent bookstore.

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From the Caribbean, With Love

At 13, Daniella Senior launched a catering business. Now the Colada Shop founder is expanding her hospitality empire and advocating for immigrants.

Make Time for Creativity at Studio PAUSE

The Columbia Pike creative studio hosts workshops and doubles as a gallery displaying visual and literary artworks in a variety of media.

Remembering IOTA Club & Cafe

For 23 years, this Clarendon music venue was Arlington’s talent-spotting band locus. We asked some of its key players to reminisce.

Get Away: Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel

The nature- and music-inspired hotel is only a short walk from Merriweather Post Pavilion, the iconic concert venue in Columbia, Maryland.

‘I Have a Lot of Pride in Who I Am’

Arlington has one of the largest Mongolian populations in the U.S. Growing up, that was my community.

Get Away: Spacious Skies-Shenandoah Views

Take in the scenery and see wildflowers in bloom during a stay at this rustic campground near Shenandoah National Park.

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A Historic Queen Anne Home Gets a New Lease on Life

Built in 1881, Broadview suffered a series of bad additions over the years. The latest renovation honors its original architecture.

Get Away: Townley House in Easton, Pennsylvania

Located along Easton’s famed “Millionaire’s Row,” this vintage property is now a boutique hotel.

These Tantalizing Cookies Have a Surprise Inside

Falls Church baker Jessica Ogle gets a sweet thumbs-up from our dining critic.

For Sculptor Foon Sham, Art is Second Nature

'Ridge," a permanent installation in Virginia Square, is one in a series of works exploring natural materials and the concept of shelter.

Go Crazy for Dumplings at Tiger Dumplings

Visit the Clarendon eatery for steamed and soup dumplings, pot stickers and other Northern Chinese specialties.

How to Make Your House More ‘Climate Resilient’

Climate change is intensifying heat waves, severe storms and floods. Here are some ways to safeguard your home against the elements.

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Bidding Farewell to That Makeshift Home Office

During the pandemic, their Arlington dining room was overrun with office equipment. Now they've taken it back.

Letter from the Publisher

This Old House

How Signature Theatre’s Mark G. Meadows Found His Jam

Once upon a time, the jazz virtuoso and musical theater star was a reluctant performer. Not anymore.

Where In the World Is Frank Fumich?

Whether he’s running a 150-mile race in extreme terrain, running the company he built, or running a fundraiser for someone in need, this guy never stops running.

Book a Stay at a Treehouse Hideaway

Spending the night in the wooded embrace of the forest appeals to the inner child in all of us. Cozy up in one of these cabin rentals.

Letter from the Publisher

This Old House

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A Place for Homegoing During Segregation

Chinn-Baker Funeral Service started out serving Arlington's Black community when others would not. It's still in business today.

Who Were the Rosslyn Mountain Boys?

During the disco era, this local country band made an ironic name for itself, sharing bills with Emmylou Harris and Jerry Lee Lewis.

A Confederate Officer Built This House. Today Its Owner is Black.

Larry Chattoo has made peace with his home’s complicated past. The design speaks volumes.

Neighborhood Real Estate Guide 2024

Looking to buy or sell? Here's the latest inventory data, average sale prices and average days on market in 400+ subdivisions in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church.

Restaurant Review: Surreal

Chef Enrique Limardo puts whimsical twists on casual classics at his new restaurant in National Landing.

This Sears Kit House Renovation Is Fresh and Nostalgic

A restored 1932 catalog home in historic Maywood goes for maximum efficiency with some cool retro touches.

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The Beauty of the Bedtime Story

The evening ritual with my daughters has changed over time, but it’s still magical.

What David Guas Is Cooking Up Next

The local chef and humanitarian dishes on his rise to culinary fame, his next venture, and why nothing beats hitting the open road on a Harley.

Get Away: Pennsylvania’s Wilbur Mansion

The Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem is a popular wedding destination and a cozy spot for a winter weekend escape.

Raising the Roof in Penrose

A tiny house on a small Arlington lot goes vertical for a family of four.

Shop Local: Sister Sister Jewelry

Need a special gift for a special someone? Designer Lisa Mauer's collection includes customizable rings, earrings and pendant necklaces.

Great Spaces: A Rustic Wine Room

Bottle storage is part of the design in this Arlington home's lower-level tasting lounge.

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Visit This Pop-Up Sandwich Shop While It’s Hot

Rising star chef Armani Johnson is serving up po'boys, crab dip burgers and galbi cheesesteaks in Arlington for a limited time.

Get Away: Snow Riders Tubing in Harpers Ferry

The tubing park at River Riders Family Adventure Resort pipes in music, and the course is illuminated with fun colors for sliding after dark.

Letter from the Publisher

Why We Give

Letter from the Publisher

Going Private

Letter from the Publisher

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Letter from the Publisher

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

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Get Away: The Omni Homestead Resort

Set in the Allegheny Mountains, this newly renovated property and its natural warm springs are a choice spot for a winter escape.

Fentanyl: The Deadliest Dose

Teens don’t always know what’s in the drugs they’re using. The pill they think is Oxy or Xanax could contain fentanyl—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Elegy for a Snow Day?

Are snow days a dying tradition in Northern Virginia? We asked a local meteorologist and Arlington science teacher to weigh in.

20 Great Pizza Places In and Around Arlington

Craving a slice? Luckily, there’s no shortage of outstanding pizza parlors in town.

Letter from the Publisher

The Votes Are In

Restaurant Review: Pikoteo

Let the tropical fare and cheerful ambience of this Latin bistro transport you to warmer climes.

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October’s Most Expensive Home Sales

Recent sales included a new build in Lyon Village that commanded $4.23 million and a McLean estate that garnered $7 million.

5 Dishes to Try at Water Park in National Landing

Our food critic went on a tasting tour of the kiosks on Crystal Drive. Here are some of his favorite cheap eats.

Dog Sledding Adventures in Maryland

Get your thrills with an Iditarod-style winter outing within driving distance of D.C. Snow not required.

Celebrate a Crabby New Year on the Eastern Shore

Ring in 2024 with fire jugglers, magic shows, an air guitar contest and the drop of a giant crab at First Night Talbot in Easton, Maryland.