History

An old photo of Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, VA.
History
Caroline Street through the ages
Recently recognized as the South’s best Main Street, this vibrant thoroughfare invites you to explore its rich history and enduring charm.
April 14, 2026 12:56 PM
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Victorian-style homes in the Occoquan Historic District.
Real Estate
Victorian-style architecture in Northern Virginia
Have you noticed all of the architectural styles around NOVA? Learn about the Victorian-style and where you can see it in the area.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Katie Couric hosting the 63rd Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon.
History
Six well-known women with connections to Northern Virginia
March is Women’s History Month, and these remarkable women all have ties to Northern Virginia.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The Washington Commanders playing against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VII.
Sports
The history of the Washington Commanders in the Super Bowl
While the Washington Commanders are not playing in the Super Bowl this year, there’s still time to reminisce. Learn more about the history of the Commanders in the Super Bowl.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Black and white postcard depicting Arlington mansion and grounds
History
Local history: How Arlington got its name
Did you know that Arlington has gone through several different names and forms of government since its creation? Here’s a short history lesson on the basics.
July 8, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
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
Black and white photo of U Street in Washington, DC, showing a wide street, historic buildings, cars, and a church.
Culture
“Black Broadway": The history of DC’s U Street neighborhood
We’re putting this DC neighborhood center stage + sharing how it was and continues to be a cultural hub for the African American community.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A black and white illustration of the Belvoir estate, which sat along the west bank of the Potomac, occupied by the Fairfax family.
History
The family that launched George Washington’s political career
Washington’s relationship with his neighbors, the Fairfaxes, awarded him some of his early career opportunities and most important friendships.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Grace Powers
A trailhead on a path shows an image of a stick figure with a leashed dog and says "Turkey Run Loop .75 MI" and "Potomac Heritage Trail .25MI." A river is visible through the trees and down a small set of wooden steps.
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around Northern Virginia
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
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More from NOVAtoday
A bee on a flower.
Food
Where to get local honey in Northern Virginia
Curb your spring allergies by eating some local honey from these five spots around NOVA.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of Nettie's Tavern in Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood.
Food
Local food and drinks for less than NOVA’s current gas prices
Gas prices may be high, but here are different food and beverages around NOVA that are $4 or less.
April 13, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The main area of Reston Town Center.
Take a stroll around Reston Town Center
Join Editor Ava for a stroll through Reston Town Center — and discover upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA-landing-bg.jpg
Culture
One year of NOVAtoday
NOVAtoday has been coming to your inbox for a full 365 days — here’s a breakdown of some stats.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A view of a green gold course with spectators lining the opposite side of a pond in its middle.
Sports
Bring Augusta National to Northern Virginia
You don’t need to travel to Georgia to experience the beauty of Augusta. We rounded up some ways to replicate the Masters experience in NOVA.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Plants outside for the Spring Garden Market with the American Horticultural Society.
Travel and Outdoors
A gardener’s guide to Northern Virginia
Are you an expert gardener or hoping to get into it? Here’s your guide on how to garden in NOVA, from local plant sales to gardening clubs.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Tulips at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington with DC in the background.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Northern Virginia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Staff
The inside of Union Station in Washington, DC.
Airports and Transportation
Inside Newsletter Editor Ava’s Amtrak journey to New York
Planning a trip to New York or somewhere along the East Coast? Here’s what my firsthand Amtrak experience was really like.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
An aerial shot of the coastline that lines Lima Peru. A vast number of buildings line the land atop cliffs, with a deep blue ocean on the right of the image, running alongside a road beneath the cliffs.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share NOVA’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of Northern Virginia, cities across the world await.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A bracket of sports bars in Northern Virginia.
Business
What’s the best sports bar in Northern Virginia?
Cast your vote in the bracket and help decide the best sports bar in the area.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski