As I mentioned in yesterday’s newsletter, I took my mom to the National Air and Space Museum this past weekend. However, if you really want to impress your plane and space-obsessed friends, take them to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. You’re able to see a variety of aircraft, like the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the Space Shuttle Discovery. You can also see other gadgets like telescopes, missiles, and more.
Events
Events
Saturday, Aug. 2
Friendship Firehouse Festival | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Friendship Firehouse Museum, Alexandria | Free | Enjoy local vendors, tasty food and drinks, and explore fire trucks while learning fire safety tips.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Intro to River Kayaking | 8 a.m. | Riverbend Park, Great Falls | $43 | Looking for a way to cool off? Learn the basics of kayaking at this introductory class.
Monday, Aug. 4
Knit Pickers: Knitting Club for All Levels | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Centreville Regional Library, Centreville | Free | Join Knit Pickers to knit, share your projects, or get inspired — knitting needles, yarn, and patterns provided.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Kids on the Green | 10-11 a.m. | Vienna Town Green, Vienna | Free | Bring your kids for free, interactive programs, including a live music performance.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Ceramic Paint Party | 2-3 p.m. | Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, Alexandria | Free | Drop in to create your own ceramic planter — first-come, first-served.
Nash + Smashed, a Nashville-style burger and fried chicken chain, opens in about a month at 310 N. Glebe Rd. in Arlington. Go all out with the Nash + Smash: a smash patty, Nashville chicken, crispy onion strings, cheese, and signature sauce. (ARLnow)
Eat
The popular chain South Block is set to open this fall at 1835 Fountain Dr., bringing its signature acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices to the Reston community. My go-to? The Cave Monkey with peanut butter, chocolate, and bananas. I also add espresso when I get it in the morning. (Restaurant News)
Biz
A new spot is coming to satisfy your caffeine fix. Simply Social Coffee, currently in Vienna’s Cedar Park Shopping Center, is expanding to Reston. The new location will open in mid-August on the second floor of Sunrise Valley Center. (FFXnow)
Arts
The high school orchestra player in me is freaking out. Yo-Yo Ma will perform with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 6 as part of the 2025-2026 season. Season tickets are already on sale, and single-concert tickets are on sale starting at 10 a.m. today. (FFXnow)
Development
In the coming months, the South Alex shopping center is getting three new businesses, including the Korean BBQ chain Kpot, a Mexican restaurant called Big Papi’s, and a nail salon chain called Inspire Nail Bar. (FFXnow)
Coming Soon
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is touring the US and will stop in Pentagon City tomorrow, Aug. 2. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., head to 1101 S. Joyce St. for merch, sweet treats, and more. The truck will also stop in Bethesda and Annapolis in late August. (ARLnow)
Asked
We can’t believe it’s already August — only one month left of summer. Where did the time go?Send us a photo of something you’ve done in NOVA this summer, and we might just include it in a future newsletter.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Edu
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Now through Sunday, stop by Yoders’ Dutch Delights in Manassas Park and explore their pop-up shop, where you can craft your own custom donut masterpiece.
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.
I’m here once again to yap about hiking. Well, kinda. Looking to check out nature without having to trek too far? Here are the best no-hike views in Virginia.
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