What do Arlington and Aachen, Germany have in common? The two are actually sister cities — municipalities that partner with each other in order to promote human connection, mutual respect, cross-cultural contact, understanding, and cooperation.
Sister cities often engage with each other across activities and programs, including those related to healthcare, business, education + the arts. Ready to book a trip? Across NOVA and DC, we claim relationships with 26 destinations.
Rue Froide is one of Caen’s oldest streets — now it’s full of bookstores, boutiques, and bistros.
You have a few options, depending on which city you’re interested in fostering a relationship with.
The city of Alexandria’s Sister Cities Committee is dedicated to the relationship with Dundee and Helsingborg. Interested in joining? There may be an opening.
Thursday, April 17 Egg-Streme Night Egg Hunt | 8 p.m. | Historic Blenheim, Fairfax | $5 | Ages 10-14 can join this egg hunt that’s a bit more challenging than usual — get there early for crafts and games.
Sunday, April 20 Easter Buffet | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, Mount Vernon | $25+ | Make reservations for a special Easter buffet including spiral-cut honey-glazed ham, roasted leg of lamb, and Martha’s hoecakes.
Thursday, April 24 Washington Ballet Presents: “Alice (in Wonderland)” | 7:30 p.m.| Capital One Hall, Tysons | $59+ | Follow Alice through the rabbit hole in this ballet production with vibrant costumes, puppetry, and choreography.
Saturday, April 26 Historic Garden Week Old Town Alexandria Tour | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Alexandria Visitors Center, Alexandria | $55+ | This annual tour is your chance to explore private townhomes and secluded gardens along the streets of Old Town Alexandria.
Taste of Vienna | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, Vienna | Cost of purchase | Explore some of the best bites in Vienna, sip on beverages from the beer and wine tent + listen to live music.
Thursday, May 1 “12 Angry Jurors” | Thursday, May 1-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax | $24 | Based on the classic Henry Fonda movie, this play follows a jury faced with a complex case and a sweltering jury room.
Saturday, May 3 Rec Fest 2025 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Alexandria | Free | Connect with the ALX community at this fest — filled with games, nature activities + live music — and learn about local ways to get involved.
Saturday, May 17 McLean Day 2025 | 11 a.m. | Lewinsville Park, McLean | Free | The festival is back and bigger than ever for its 110th year, with live music, gourmet food trucks, games, amusement rides, and endless fun.
Development A seven-story apartment building is in the works near Mark Center in Alexandria. Plans for Mark Center Apartments include 400+ apartments, an inner courtyard, a swimming pool, and underground parking. Peep the rendering. (Washington Business Journal)
Community Ahead of the Alexandria Economic Summit on Thursday, May 8, locals are invited to take a quick survey. Answer questions like how you’d rate the local business climate to shape the summit’s framework.
Open Coffee is the way to our hearts, and we’re eager to try this new spot in Fairfax City. Haraz Coffee House, located in the Fairfax Junction Westfair shopping center, serves Yemeni coffee, pastries, and Dubai chocolate. (Patch)
Edu A local first-grade teacher made it to the quarterfinals for America’s Favorite Teacher. Marcy Fisher, who teaches at Union Mill Elementary School in Clifton, is currently in second place. Vote for her online by Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. (WTOP)
Award Restaurants in Arlington, Alexandria, and other surrounding NOVA communities have been named finalists in DC’s 2025 Rammy Awards. Check out the nominees, and stay tuned to see who wins on Aug. 3. (Washingtonian)
Outdoors Is the grass in your yard looking a little long? Fairfax County’s Department of Code Compliance is now investigating grass complaints — they may cite violations for grass that exceeds county code. (FFX Now)
Traffic The Virginia Department of Transportation will pause various highway work zones, opening lane closures across Virginia from noon on Friday, April 18, to noon on Tuesday, April 22, for Easter weekend. (InsideNOVA)
Health The city of Alexandria will host a Drug Take Back Day drop-off event on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can dispose of unneeded prescription drugs for you and your pets at six different locations throughout the city. Needles are not accepted. (City of Alexandria)
Feel Good In February, a group of Girl Scouts in Arlington saved their money from cookie sales to add flag baskets to North Livingston and North Liberty streets. They’ve now received a Bronze award, which is the highest honor a junior Scout can receive for community service. (ARLNow)
Games
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The best pet supply products to simplify at-home care and keep your fur baby happy:
🐾 Pet ear wipes are a quick, one-step solution to make sure pets don’t develop problems caused by build-up. 🐾 This cat + dog steam brush de-sheds better than plain brushes or combs, thanks to hair-attracting steam. 🐾 Eager to avoid expensive teeth cleaning? Once-a-week dental wipes can get you there without tangling with a toothbrush. 🐾 Swapping water bowls for a pet water fountain keeps water filtered and fresh — and pets tend to love drinking from it. 🐾 As seen on TV, Muddy Mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, and sand from paws, keeping entryways clean — no toweling off required.
My first visit to DC was a 2009 college trip for Model African Union, hosted by Howard University, where I represented the delegation of Botswana. Since we had limited time between sessions, a friend and I sprint-walked the National Mall to check off as many landmarks as we could fit in. In years since, the National Museum of Asian Art and Renwick Gallery have become some of my favorites.
}})
}})
