Relax and unwind in Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, where you can see the Korean Bell Garden. | Photo via NOVA Parks
Plane tickets can be pricey these days, and finding time for a long getaway isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the feeling of a far-off escape to Europe or Asia without ever leaving Northern Virginia.
Korea
Flee the hustle and bustle with a peaceful visit to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. Nestled within the gardens is the stunning Korean Bell Garden, home to a beautifully crafted bell made in South Korea. Adorned with traditional Korean imagery, the bell is housed in a hand-built pagoda that blends artistry with cultural heritage.
Italy
If you’re looking to go to Italy and back in a single night, head over to Trattoria Villagio in Clifton. It truly feels like you’ve crossed the Atlantic Ocean and just arrived in Rome. Enjoy handmade pasta and a raw bar full of various seafood dishes while sitting on a patio that feels oh so European.
National Women Veterans Recognition Day Celebration | 6:30-9 p.m. | Military Women’s Memorial, Arlington | Free | Join for an evening of honor, inspiration, and celebration to mark the 77th anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
Saturday, June 14
3rd Annual Puerto Rican Festival DMV | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Harris Pavilion, Manassas | Free | Celebrate Puerto Rican heritage with traditional dances, colorful costumes, and delicious cuisine.
Thursday, June 19
Honoring Juneteenth | 6-8 p.m. | Athenaeum, Alexandria | Free | Discover the history of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, art, African drumming, vendors, and poetry that commemorate the liberation of Black Americans.
Attend the Alexandria City Council Town Hall meeting on Thursday, June 12 from 6–8 p.m. Hear from your elected officials, share your thoughts, and ask questions. Registration is encouraged but not required. You can submit questions in advance or ask them during the event.
Opening
The Mount Vernon Rec Center will reopen at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 9, after major renovations. New amenities like a second ice rink and a climbing wall will now be available for community members. Later in the summer, you can also expect a pool, spa, and sauna. (FFXnow)
Biz
Crystal City is about to be home to a new Twins ACE Hardware store. It will be located on the first floor of the new residential building called The Zoe at 2051 S. Bell St., in Arlington. Cover all your home improvement needs from paint to gardening supplies. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Civic
The Fairfax County Police Department is increasing its presence for a three-month initiative beginning this June. You may spot them near popular dining, entertainment, and nightlife spots in an effort to address public safety concerns. (FFXnow)
Closed
Ever/Body, a spa chain located in DC and New York, closed its location at 2800 Clarendon Blvd. in Arlington after two years of business. The property is currently listed as “available soon” according to Regency Centers. (ARLnow)
Plan Ahead
This has been something on my bucket list for the longest time.The Savannah Bananas are coming to DC for games on June 27 + 28. While tickets are pricey, they basically get you a baseball game, a concert, and a theatre performance rolled all into one.
Development
Crystal City is expected to get a new conference and event center in 2026. This 12,000 sqft complex will be located at 2011 Crystal Dr. The location allows for easy access to the Pentagon, Amazon’s National Landing headquarters, and Reagan National Airport.
Feel Good
Francis C. Hammond Middle School received 500 backpacks full of school supplies from the United Way National Capital Area. A majority of the backpacks will be stored for students for the 2025-2026 school year. (ALXnow)
Post of the Day
Alexandria sunsets are truly the best. | Photo via visitalexva
Happy Friday, NOVA. As we round out the work week, we’re dreaming about this stunning sunset over Alexandria. How could you not enjoy this view?
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.
Next week, head on over to Van Dyck Park in Fairfax for June’s Movie Under the Moon. Don’t forget to bring your blankets, chairs, and snacks so you can relax and enjoy watching “Finding Dory.” I’d bring my favorite movie theater snack — white cheddar popcorn.
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