High tides 10:18 a.m. and 11:01 p.m. | Low tide 5:19 p.m.
Let’s explore Theodore Roosevelt Island
Cross the bridge to enter this stunning natural spot. | Photo via NPS.
It’s easy to get lost around NOVA, but sometimes you stumble upon a place that’s worth getting lost in. At least, that’s what happened to me when I visited Theodore Roosevelt Island.
How did it become Theodore Roosevelt Island?
In the 1930s, landscape architects decided to revamp the island and rebuild the forest that had previously filled this spot. President Roosevelt was an advocate for conservation, whether that was protecting public land, national parks (especially the Grand Canyon), or national monuments. This is exactly why landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. worked to design this memorial surrounded by such a natural landscape.
The plan to make the island what we know today received approval in 1934. Swampy areas were drained, non-native plants were removed, and native greenery was planted. Paths were created to make the island accessible to the public, which officially opened in 1936.
How to explore the island today
Today, the island offers various activities for community members and visitors. Take part in a guided tour with a ranger on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m., go for a jog by yourself, grab your binoculars to go bird watching, or paddle around the island on a kayak or paddleboard.
For the kiddos, you can earn your junior ranger badge through the NPS Junior Ranger program. They can also take part in adventures like bird watching or scavenger hunts with the Track the Trails program.
Horseback Trail Ride | Times vary | Frying Pan Farm Park Equestrian Location, Herndon | $100 | Each trail ride includes a 15-minute indoor riding session, a 30-minute trail ride around the property, and 15 minutes of horse and tack care.
Better Off Dead - Grateful Dead Tribute | 7 p.m. | Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg | $22+ | Calling all “Deadheads” — transport back to the 1960s with this Grateful Dead tribute and enjoy songs like “Sugar Magnolia” and “Touch of Grey.”
Saturday, June 14
250th Celebration of Washington Taking Command | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon | $0-$28 | Celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army with patriotic music, a boat parade along the Potomac River, and a presentation with George Washington’s horses.
Sunday, June 15
Rooftop Yoga & Coffee at Hotel Heron | 8-9 a.m. | Hotel Heron Old Town Alexandria, Alexandria | $29 | Get your flow on while taking in the view of Old Town during this yoga class.
Plants & Fungi Microcosms Walk | 6-7:30 p.m. | Gulf Branch Nature Center, Arlington | $9 | Use a magnifying glass to scope out the micro-world of mosses, fungi, and more.
Netherlands Carillon Concert Series | 3-4:30 p.m. | Netherlands Carillon, Arlington | Free | Pack a picnic and take in the views as you soak in the sounds of an outdoor live concert.
Paragon Theaters opens today at 112 Founders Ave. in Falls Church and will offer $8 movie tickets through June 30. The theater has seven auditoriums, recliner seats, and a full-service bar. They offer a $5 ticket deal on Tuesdays and $9 tickets to military personnel, government employees, and their families. (ARLnow)
Read
Want to get free Nationals tickets? Sign up for Arlington Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge and read at least five minutes a day for 30 days. After completing the challenge, visit any of the eight libraries to claim a free book and a voucher for two free Nationals tickets.
History
Calling all history buffs. Check out these Historic Alexandria events going on next week. From a tavern game night to a Juneteenth celebration, there are a bunch of ways you can get involved.
Plan Ahead
Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau has added two stops in DC for her Surviving and Thriving tour. She will perform at the Warner Theatre on Friday, March 20 + Saturday, March 21, 2026. Snag those tickets now.
Number
300+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on the NOVAtoday Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Post of the Day
Looking for ways to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday? Here are just a few activities you can do around Arlington.
Might we recommend grabbing brunch — bacon and a Bloody Mary, anyone?
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💎 Choose your favorite color of Anthropologie’s Fiona beaded bag and watch the compliments flood in.
🥝 Madewell’s best-selling handwoven mini tote comes in bright summer colors like kiwi, apricot, and festival red.
👀 If you’re searching for something simple instead, this crochet tote bag is under $30 and will look adorable for walks, beach days, or running errands.
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.
Any soccer fans out there? DC is hosting not one, but three, FIFA World Cup games with the first one being on Wednesday, June 18. Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates will face Juventus FC from Italy.
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