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NOVA for the not-so-social club
You could spend weeks working through all of the games available for play at Crossroads. | Photo via @crossroads_tabletop_tavern
Just because you’re energized by alone time doesn’t mean you don’t want to get out of the house. We’re here to help with a guide to local organizations and events well suited for introverts.
Silent socialization
Silent Book Club is an organization with chapters across the globe that offer no-pressure meetups — bring your own book and read alongside other individuals.
Silent Book Club NOVA | This chapter of the club meets on the first Monday of each month at North Side Social.
Let pets do the talking
If you have a furry friend, you have an instant conversation starter — and a simple way to bond with people over a shared interest.
NOVA Trail Dogs hiking group | Join this local Meetup group that’s passionate about safely hiking with dogs in the DC metro area.
Clubs for true connection
Try joining a group or getting involved in a way that interests you.
Run clubs | Running is a simple way to socialize without pressure. (Don’t wanna chat? You’re focusing on breathing correctly, duh.) Find the right fit for you at one of these 15+ NOVA run clubs.
Rosslyn Cinema | 6-10:30 p.m. | Central Place Plaza, Arlington | Free | Seating and the bar will open at 6 p.m., and Twisters (2024) will begin around sundown.
Friday, May 16
Verragio Jewelry Trunk Show | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Mervis Diamond, Tysons | Cost of purchase | Appointments are strongly encouraged for personalized service and early access.
Saturday, May 17
DMV Salsa and Bachata Fest | 12 p.m.-3 a.m. | Hyatt Regency Dulles, Herndon | $40+ | Attend workshops, a day social, and a party to celebrate the first DMV Salsa and Bachata Fest.
Sunday, May 18
Virginia Psychic Fair 2025 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Elks Lodge, Fairfax | Donations-based | Meet psychics, mediums, healers, and more from Virginia.
Saturday, May 31
Nature Journaling Club | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria | Free | Make time for quiet observation as you sketch flowers, plants, and wildlife — bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable.
Mount Vernon will host its annual Spring Wine Festival this weekend, from May 16-18. Enjoy live music while sipping on Virginia-made wines overlooking the Potomac River. Seating is not provided, so guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Read here for more information.
The 9th annual Well Ray Festival is Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy free access to health and wellness vendors and $5 outdoor fitness classes — from yoga to boxing. Don’t forget your water bottle, yoga mat, and workout shoes.
Plan Ahead
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month by attending the Asian Festival on Main this Sunday, May 18, in Historic Old Town Fairfax. There will be 60+ food vendors, 60+ local and artisanal vendors, cultural performances, and more.
Community
The City of Alexandria is seeking community feedback on the Duke Street Land Use Plan. The first meeting will be held at Patrick Henry Recreation Center on June 9. This area hasn’t been updated since 1992, and the City is now looking to shape a new vision for its future.
Civic
Fairfax County approved a 4% meals tax that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. It applies to all prepared meals countywide, except in Clifton, Fairfax, Herndon, and Vienna, which already have their own food taxes. The final vote on this measure is tomorrow. (Fairfax County Times)
Mansion Monday
This Fairfax home is giving barn chic, and we’re honestly kind of here for it. Built in 2025, this 6-bedroom, 7-bathroom house includes amenities like a gas fireplace, programmable heated floors, large French doors to a patio, and more.
Award
We recently covered how the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce released its 40 Under 40 list. On Friday, they released their 40 Over 40 list. Get your tickets now for the awards ceremony on Aug. 21.
Civic
Falls Church recently launched a task force to help decide how the city’s funding for trash collection should be shifted. This task force will weigh different options and will report to council members by Aug. 4 with recommendations. (ARLnow)
Feel Good
We’d call this a runaway success. The inaugural PNC Alexandria Half Marathon raised more than $20,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria. The event brought about 5,800 participants, who donated $9,913.85 of that amount.
The Word
Ailurophile. According to linguists, the word that means “cat lover” is one of the most beautiful in the English language. If you’re an Ailurophile yourself, check out adoptable cats at the Humane Society of Fairfax County. (Word Smarts)
In Friday’s newsletter, we shared upcoming fitness and healthy lifestyle sessions, hosted by VHC Health (formerly Virginia Hospital Center). We mistakenly referred to them as the Virginia Health Center.
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.
🍓 Strawberry picking, anyone? Northern Virginia Magazine recently released a roundup of five different spots in NOVA to enjoy berry season.
Answered
Answered
🏃 How many minutes of cardio does the VHC Health recommend you get a week?
VHC Health recommends that you get at least 150-250 minutes of cardio a week. This level of effort should get you breathing hard, but you should still be able to finish a sentence.
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