Prepare beforehand and avoid any “Wait, where is my bus?” moments. | Photo via WMATA
Break out your SmarTrip card, we’re going on a ride. The WMATA is phasing in a metro-wide redesign of its bus system with updated routes, improved frequencies, and — you might have already noticed — new names + signage.
What changes are en route?
While the full transition doesn’t happen until Sunday, June 29, NOVA got an early start as the first of 7,000 new signs hit the streets this month. These fresh signs display both current and upcoming routes, giving riders a head start on navigating the switch.
A change we’re here for? New area-specific route letters — Arlington + Alexandria routes will start with “A,” while Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church will begin with “F.”
Spotlight on NOVA
Expect a smoother ride with WMATA consolidating ~500 underused stops, increasing frequency and ensuring many routes run every 12-20 minutes.
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace | 6-7 p.m. | Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria | $10 | Join an instructor-led gentle flow yoga class on Carlyle House’s picturesque Magnolia Terrace.
Thursday, May 8
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, Mount Vernon | $70 | Celebrate Mother’s Day with afternoon tea at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant.
Saturday, May 10
Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival | 7:30 p.m. | Kennedy Center, Washington, DC | $46+ | Celebrate the woman known as the first lady of jazz with two days of performances by jazz’s contemporary women leaders.
Sunday, May 11
Jamestown Park Invasive Plant Removal | 1-3 p.m. | Jamestown Park, Arlington | Free | Meet at the tennis courts at the end of Dickerson Street and make a difference in the great outdoors.
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.
Sunday, May 18
The Old Town Festival of Speed and Style | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | King Street, Alexandria | Free | You’ll feel the need for speed as you check out more than 100 rare vehicles, from motorcycles to supercars.
Hey, Rosslyn Metro users … wanna play a game of pinball? The Pinball Basement has opened its second location above the Rosslyn Metro Station. This arcade offers both daily passes and monthly memberships. (ARLnow)
Plan Ahead
This week is Air Quality Awareness Week, and to celebrate, Clean Air Partners and A Few Cool Hardware Stores are hosting a special event for residents of Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Trade in your old gas-powered lawn equipment and receive a free EGO Power+ replacement — while supplies last. (ALXnow)
Eat
It looks like the national ice cream franchise Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will be taking over Nicecream’s space in Clarendon. Records also show that this franchise is looking at a spot in Ballston at 4075 Wilson Blvd. (ARLnow)
Opening
Good news for Arlington residents. Sprouts Farmers Market will open a grocery store in 2026 at 3115 Langston Blvd. This grocery store focuses on offering fresh and organic products. Northern Virginia already has three other locations in Herndon, Manassas, and Leesburg. (ARLnow)
Award
Alexandria received the 2025 Better Practice Award from the US Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative, recognizing the city’s commitment to sustainability. Over the past five years, Alexandria has reduced its energy use by 16%, demonstrating effective energy management and environmental stewardship in its municipal operations and building practices. (ALXnow)
Development
The Town of Vienna and NOVA Parks are partnering to attract more users to the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park Trail. The goal is to establish a W&OD Trail Visitor Center in Vienna, transforming the town into a central hub and welcoming gateway for trail users.
Shop
She’s Unique, a local jewelry store in Old Town Alexandria, is under new ownership. Previous mother-daughter owners Katya + Sibila Ananieva have sold the biz to their longtime friends and business partners, Bridget Nistico and Rosio Garcia. (ALXnow)
Ranked
The Virginia Department of Health + Office of Vital Records released the top baby names in Virginia in 2024. Almost 94,500 babies were born in Virginia this past year — these were the top names. (InsideNOVA)
Mansion Monday
Located in the Rosemont neighborhood in Alexandria, this 8,000 sqft home is a showstopper. Our favorite part is the kitchen, which includes an island, gas + induction cooking options, two dishwashers, and more.
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.
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