Sourdough can blur the line between art and food. | Photo by @madisonsourdough
Starter your engines. Sourdough is soaring in popularity, and according to Google Trends, so is interest in making your own — surpassing 2020’s pandemic-induced explosion in interest earlier this year.
If you’re among those baking some new habits into your life via flour and yeast, here are a few ways to get in on the action in NOVA:
Arlington Public Schools hosts frequent classes for beginners, the perfect way to get newbies introduced to the process.
Once you’re a little further along, Knead and Know will help elevate your sourdough game with more advanced lessons — and have your kitchen smelling delightful. Heads up: These sell out quick.
Or bring the party to you with a private class from The Flour District. Whatever the celebration, swapping flowers for flour would make a night to remember.
A. Yes, I’d win the Great British Baking Show B. Yes, but I’ve only made a few loaves C. No, but I’d like to get started D. No, I prefer to do the eating
Fairfax Knitters | 6:30-8 p.m. | City of Fairfax Regional Library, Fairfax | Free | To be or knit to be, that is the question. Find the answer at the library — all skill levels welcome.
Wednesday, July 30
Old Town New Films | 7-11 p.m. | Galactic Panther Art Gallery, Alexandria | $13 | Join local filmmakers as they showcase 10 or so short films, followed by a Q+A and happy hour.
Thursday, July 31
Concerts in the Park: Summer Concert Series | 7 p.m. | Cherry Hill Park, Falls Church | Free | It’s the final installment in the series — head down to catch the rock and blues sounds of local band Big Tow.
Friday, Aug. 1
Grenache/Garnacha: A wine tasting and class | 6 p.m. | Planet Wine, Alexandria | $53 | Start your weekend with a casual seated wine class, featuring half a dozen tastings, cheese to pair, and discounts on bottles.
Saturday, Aug. 2
The Weeknd | 7 p.m. | Northwest Stadium | $150+ | The superstar is bringing his “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” to town, featuring Playboi Carti and all the hits you know and love.
The redevelopment of a century-old Fairfax home is one step closer to reality after a narrow vote in City Council. Officials approved the building of up to 276 apartment units at 4131 Chain Bridge Rd., with ground floor retail + office space also in the cards. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one. (FFXnow)
Number
$4 million. That’s how much 1st Stage Theater in Tysons is trying to raise for some major improvements. The plan is to upgrade the facility, expand program offerings, and increase staff wages. With almost $3 million already raised, the future is bright. (FFXnow)
Where’s your favorite spot to catch a NOVA sunset?
Photo by Geoff Livingston via Flickr
Weather
It’s hot out there, folks. And that means the evening is arguably the best time to head out into the great NOVA outdoors at the moment. Luckily for us, there are plenty of good sunset-watching spots in our area. If you have a favorite, let us know. (Northern Virginia Mag)
Seasonal
Alternatively, you could hunker down and wait for the winter months. That’s when Gaylord National’s popular holiday spectacular ICE! event will return, and this year’s bringing some animatedly good fun. Festivities will be themed around “The Polar Express,” featuring movie scenes, sculptures, and other family-friendly activities. (Northern Virginia Mag)
Community
From hot to cold, and back to hot again. The Friendship Fire Company is hosting its annual community festival Saturday, Aug. 2 to celebrate its 251st birthday. Head to the 100-block of S. Alfred Street in Alexandria from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for interactive fire safety demonstrations, local food vendors, performances, and community celebrations. (ALXnow)
Plan Ahead
There are plenty of ways to do good in Northern Virginia. Head to the Community Volunteer Fair in Alexandria on Saturday, Sept. 13 to find out how. There will be 40+ local nonprofits at 2810 King St. — but we rounded up more if you can’t wait until then. (ALXtoday)
Older Adults
Did you know about these senior discounts? Aside from basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 20 savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Learn
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Learn AI skills in three minutes a day with Superhuman AI newsletter. Subscribe for free.*
Trending
Amazon Essentials just launched a new activewear collection (read: soft, comfortable gym clothes for less). We’re loving these high-waist leggings and these colorful capri-length leggings.*
Post of the Day
Here’s one for the Potterheads. If you’ve ever wondered where Snape, Hagrid, and Dumbledore would be found during their free time in NOVA, Discover Arlington has the answers.
Looking for a Butterbeer or two for yourself? We’ve got our fair share of thirst-quenching spots.
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.
Ava will be back in a couple of days, and I’ve got a favor to ask. She wants to round up your suggestions for songs that emulate NOVA. Given how active folks are in this area, my vote is “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen.
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