An outdoor dining feel without the outdoors? Count us in. | Photo via NOVAtoday
These aren’t your average bars. If you’re looking to spice up your cocktail outing, check out these eccentric bars around Northern Virginia for a new experience.
The Naisho Room
This new speakeasy is located in the oddest location — the gym of The Watermark Hotel in Tysons. Well, not exactly in the gym, but rather through a gym. The Tokyo-inspired nightlife lounge has been blowing up the internet for its quirky location and tasty food + drinks.
Shipgarten
This outdoor biergarten in McLean is the perfect spot to hang out with your friends and family. What makes it quirky, you may ask? You order your food and drinks out of old shipping containers. Make sure to check it out soon — it may not be around for much longer.
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: Casablanca | 7-10 p.m. | Transit Pier at The Wharf, Washington, DC | Free | Here’s looking at you, kid. Catch the classic “Casablanca” while enjoying the beautiful scenery at the Wharf.
Friday, July 25
The Enchanted Forest | 8 p.m. | NextStop Theatre Company, Herndon | $80+ | Watch the Shadow Cirque Foundation perform this magical folklore with aerial acrobatics, contortion, juggling, and more.
Saturday, July 26
Viva Peru | 8 p.m. | The Salsa Room Tysons, McLean | $28+ | Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day with salsa classes, a DJ, and more.
Sunday, July 27
Color Our World — Tie Dye Day | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Pohick Regional Library, Burke | Free | Get groovy at this first-come, first-served tie-dying event.
Monday, July 28
“Flourish” Exhibit | 9 a.m. | RCC Lake Anne, Reston | Free | Calling all art connoisseurs — witness pieces created by three artists who depict various flowers and women.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission wants to stop cars from blocking Arlington’s bus lanes. Currently, enforcement only happens when police are present, since Virginia law prohibits buses from recording violations. NVTC is pushing to change that rule to allow automated enforcement and keep bus lanes clear. (ARLnow)
Try This
Join fellow community members at the Indonesian Cultural Heritage Night, “Santi Budaya,” on Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m. This free event at Ossian Hall Park will showcase dance performances and music from various Indonesian Islands.
Cause
This cafe is getting a meaningful transformation. The nonprofit Kitchen of Purpose is transforming its former location at 918 S. Lincoln St. in Arlington into a hub for nourishing the community. Through its new initiative, “Meals With Dignity,” the organization will serve monthly three-course meals — crafted by local chefs — for underserved residents. (ARLnow)
Asked
An overwhelming majority of you said your go-to activity would be to go for a walk with friends in the survey we had in yesterday’s newsletter. Y’all really are my people. If you’re looking for more places to hike with friends, we’ve got you covered.
Older Adults
Are you 55+ and looking to make friends in NOVA? Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County all offer programs for folks in this age group with activities ranging from fitness classes to travel opportunities. Check out our guide to making friends to explore your options.
Edu
Since 1999, the Virginia Lottery has generated more than $12 billion for Virginia K-12 public education — including $867 million in Fiscal Year 2023 alone. It’s more than a game: It’s a mission to support students, recognize teachers, and invest in the future of every classroom. Learn more.*
Community
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on the NOVAtoday Job Board + get connected with local candidates quickly and efficiently. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Finance
Finance
From Italy to a Nasdaq reservation
Presented by Pacaso
Pacaso plans to expand to Italy. | Photo provided by Pacaso
How do you follow a record-setting year? By getting stronger.
Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year, so Pacaso’s planned Italy expansion is big.
They’ve already made $110 million+ in gross profits to date, including 41% YoY growth last year. (They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.) And you can invest for $2.90/share. †‡
Teva’s original universal sandal, now 50% off on Nordstrom Rack. A cushioned footbed + adjustable canvas straps make this a hikeable, wadeable, walkable sandal that will see you through all of your outdoor summer adventures.
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.
Beep, beep. The new DASH bus mascot officially has a name. Dashy received 37% of the 250+ votes, making it the most popular choice. Stay tuned for additional activities involving Dashy.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.