Hitting the trail? Bonus points if you bring your furry friend along. | Photo by @artfuleyesadventures
We already know you’re cool. You read NOVAtoday — or if you don’t, you can start by subscribing here — so you’ve got the scoop on what’s happening around town. But what about what’s hot and what’s not for this spring?
As we finally start defrosting, here’s a list of our hot (or at least lukewarm) takes:
In: Getting some fresh air with a ride along the Mount Vernon Trail — bonus points if you bring along a horchata latte or paleta from Mpanadas to keep yourself refreshed.
Out: Shopping big-box. Let’s get local: What are your favorite small businesses in your neighborhood? Let us know.
National Fentanyl Awareness Day | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center, Alexandria | Free | The event will feature education, demonstrations, free distribution of Narcan overdose medication, and more.
Thursday, May 1
Community Bike Ride & Happy Hour | 4:30-7 p.m. | Kaldi’s Social Club, Arlington | Free | Enjoy a 30-minute bike ride throughout the Potomac Yard neighborhood with a happy hour at Kaldi’s Social House afterward.
Friday, May 2
Latin Restaurant Week | 7 a.m. | DMV Area, Washington, DC | Cost of purchase | Latin Restaurant Week brings delicious specials from local Latin eateries, food trucks, and chefs across the DMV.
Monday, May 5
Cinco de MaYOGA at Fair Winds | 6:30 p.m. | Fair Winds Brewing Company, Lorton | $30 | Stretch it out to a mix of Mexican artists, and grab a craft beer or seltzer after your flow.
Wednesday, May 7
Northern Virginia Bird Club Walk | 8:30-11 a.m. | Long Branch Nature Center, Arlington | Free | Bring your binoculars and venture through Glencarlyn Park to spot birds with the Northern Virginia Bird Club.
Movies Under the Moon | 8-10 p.m. | Van Dyck Park, Fairfax | Free | Bring a blanket, chairs, and your favorite movie snacks for a family-friendly flick — the fun starts with “Finding Dory.”
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has unveiled a draft plan for a new Bus Rapid Transit system, featuring 28 potential routes designed to streamline your commute. Explore the draft and see how your daily travel could get faster and easier.
Sports
With their top pick in the NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected tackle Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon. The team used its No. 29 overall pick to add Conerly to the roster for his standout abilities to protect QBs like Jayden Daniels.
Community
The City of Alexandria is once again hosting its Community Cookout events around the city this spring and summer. These free events allow residents to come together and eat food, play games, and more. The first cookout will take place tomorrow. (ALXnow)
Plan Ahead
Registration for the free Bike to Work Day event on Thursday, May 15, is open. Head to one of the 109 pit stops in the NOVA/DC area to get your free Bike to Work T-shirt, which is first come, first served.
Opening
Vintage lovers, mark your calendars. Stardust Vintage + Gift will open Saturday, June 7, in Del Ray at 1904 Mount Vernon Ave. Founded by Amy Eggers — also co-founder of the Del Ray Vintage + Flea Market — the shop offers a curated mix of vintage items along with new pieces made from vintage materials. (ALXnow)
Coming Soon
A new Club Pilates studio is set to open in Clarendon at the end of July, taking over the former Urban Kempo space at 3000 Washington Blvd. The martial arts studio closed last year, making way for the fitness chain’s latest expansion. (ARLnow)
Eat
Our mouths are already watering. Buffalo + Bergen, an NYC-based deli and soda shop, plans to come to Clarendon this summer. Get a breakfast sandwich with cream cheese and smoked fish, or maybe some matzo ball soup. And wash it down with a handcrafted soda, float, and more. (ARLnow)
Ranked
No car, no problem. According to Realtor.com, Arlington ranked in the top 10 cities for eco-friendly cities for car-free transit in America. Our neighbors in DC ranked fifth.
Try This
Your commute to Nationals games is about to get easier. Alexandria’s water taxi to Nationals Park, Audi Field, and the Navy Yard District is up and running again. Here is the schedule of water taxi rides for the upcoming games in the Navy Yard neighborhood. (Alexandria Living)
Art
Old Town Alexandria will host a free one-day art exhibition on Saturday, May 10, featuring Rosemary Feit Covey’s piece shedding light on Sudan’s humanitarian crisis. The exhibit will be at Historic Christ Church Auditorium from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keep in mind, the event may not be suitable for young children. (ALXnow)
Mansion Monday
When we first saw this house in Arlington, all we could think about was “The Notebook.” While it doesn’t have a wrap-around porch, it does look like something Noah might build. It also has historical significance, as it was used as the headquarters of a Civil War general. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
The Wrap
The Wrap
From our Editor
Check this out. Capitals player Nicklas Backstrom has put his McLean home on the market for a wopping $15 million. And it gets better — this means you could be neighbors with THE Alex Ovechkin.