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An array of colorful bowls and smoothies from Playa Bowls.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in NOVA
Dining in NOVA is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
October 16, 2025 06:00 AM
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A wall that's painted yellow and filled with shelves of board and card games from the floor to the ceiling.
Culture
An introvert’s guide to Northern Virginia
Want to be more social, but hate the idea of chatting up a stranger? Try these activities for introverts in NOVA.
May 13, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A red brick building sits on a grassy lawn on a sunny day with blue skies. In the foreground is a group of red and white flowers.
City
Arlington neighborhood is the best place to live in America
Colonial Village is the No. 1 place to live in the US, according to a ranking by Niche.
March 25, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
View of the Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple, on the Acropolis of Athens. The temple, built in the 5th century BC, is characterized by its iconic columns and classical architectural design. The image shows the Parthenon with a clear sky in the background and part of the Acropolis hill surrounding it.
Culture
Take a virtual tour of Washington, DC’s 15 sister cities
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in South Korea or Thailand.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A tall, red brick house sits on a grassy yard surrounded by trees.
Play
16 of the top free things to do in NOVA
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in NOVA, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
March 24, 2025
Plate piled high with chicken, waffles, and syrup
Play
Where to plan your next brunch date in NOVA
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
A plastic container full of ahi tuna nachos.
Sports
4 NOVA businesses will sling eats at Nats games this season
Lucky Danger, Taqueria Picoso, Phoweels, and Kam & 46 will be of the 11 newcomers to serve concessions during the Nationals’ 2025 season.
March 21, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
Gatsby's Tavern. A large, red brick building next to a smaller red brick building. Both has white doors.
Culture
Gadsby’s Tavern history in Alexandria
The city’s oldest bar has been in service since the 18th century and has welcomed many historic figures, including the first US president.
March 20, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Illustration of three modern buildings labeled as condo, rental, and retail against a blue sky.
Development
3 high-dollar Alexandria developments in the construction phase
Check out this quick breakdown of some major projects on their way to being completed.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Four people from the "Queer Eye" cast are standing behind a desk looking at papers and jewelry sitting on top of the desk. Two of the four are hunched over to get a better look. On the other side of the desk, a man sits and points at one of the jewelry pieces. A "Netflix" banner can be seen in the background.
Culture
“Queer Eye” is searching for local heroes
The Netflix TV show is casting heroes for its next season in Washington, DC and the greater DMV area.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
An ariel shot of the 14th Street Bridge spanning the Potomac River to connect Arlington VA and Washing DC with images of the National Mall in the background.
Culture
Movies and TV shows filmed in Northern Virginia
NOVA is a star: You’ll be able to spot local destinations and landmarks while tuning in to these movies and television shows.
March 13, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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More from NOVAtoday
A brunch dish from Ruthie's All-Day.
Restaurants
9 restaurants to try in NOVA, according to a food critic
Explore the top NOVA restaurants recommended by Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
October 10, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
An aerial view of RTC Next.
Development
An Introduction to RTC Next: Reston’s expanding urban hub
Get the full breakdown of the RTC Next development phases and the businesses set to join the community.
October 8, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A sign to show people where to vote.
City
Your guide to Virginia’s general election
Get all the essential information about the upcoming general election in Virginia, including key dates, how to vote, what’s on your ballot, and where to watch the gubernatorial debate.
October 6, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A skeleton at a haunted house.
Entertainment
Five haunted attractions around Northern Virginia
From family-friendly fun to terrifying trails, here are the top haunted attractions to check out across Northern Virginia this Halloween season.
October 3, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Isa Seyran, owner of the Ballstonian, standing in front of his coffee cart.
Restaurants
Brewing community: The story behind this local coffee cart
What started as a simple coffee cart in Ballston has become a community hub, thanks to the vision of owner Isa Seyran.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA_Northside_Social_Aug15
Live
Sip on this: Where to grab coffee in Northern Virginia
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A photo of a cup of black coffee and a latte.
City
What Northern Virginia neighborhood best suits your personality based on your coffee order?
Learn which neighborhood best fits your personality based on your coffee order with this quiz.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA_Coffee_Class_Sept29
Culture
Four coffee shops offering workshops in Northern Virginia
Want to up your coffee game? Explore these classes around Northern Virginia, covering everything from latte art to the basics of roasting and brewing.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
An aerial photo of Widewater State Park.
City
How to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Virginia
Looking to give back? Join efforts across the state of Virginia to pick up trash, remove invasive species, and protect nature.
September 24, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of Oasis The Listening Bar.
Restaurants
Try Oasis: The Listening Bar with me
A new Japanese restaurant in Arlington is serving up sushi, cocktails, and live music. Newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski shares what she ordered on her first visit.
September 23, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski