How different will NOVA’s skyline look in 2035? | Photo via Canva
Northern Virginia always seems to be under construction. From constant roadwork that fuels our least favorite pastime — sitting in traffic — to major development projects like new conference centers, hospital expansions, and other ambitious upgrades, the region is rapidly evolving. So, what will NOVA look like in the next 10 years? Let’s find out.
Target completion: Early 2026
This event center is set to open early 2026 in Arlington’s Crystal City neighborhood. It’s conveniently located near the Pentagon, Amazon’s National Landing headquarters, and the Ronald Reagan National Airport.
This 12,000-sqft facility features an on-site culinary program curated by David Morton, a Chicago-based restaurateur and founder of Episcope Hospitality.
Target Completion: 2026
This long-anticipated project, which began in March 2022, aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, expand travel options, and improve overall reliability for all road users.
One reader said:
“I am looking forward to the extended HOV lane around the American Legion Bridge finally being completed... I am so tired of the ongoing construction and horrific backups in that area.”
Plant + Paint Workshop | 5-7 p.m. | Shop Made in VA, Alexandria | $17 | Express your creativity by painting your own flower or plant pot, then bring it to life with a plant to take home.
Friday, Aug. 22
Alexandria Restaurant Week 2025 | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Price of purchase | Various locations | Savor the best of Alexandria with exclusive deals at 70+ restaurants around town.
Saturday, Aug. 23
History Hike: Battle of Ballston | 2-4 p.m. | Bluemont Park, Arlington | $12 | Go for a hike while learning about the history of the Ballston neighborhood in Arlington.
Dime Store Alchemy: Make a Found Object Poetry Box | 6-8:30 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans, Alexandria | $65+ | Create a personalized collage shadowbox while exploring the art of mixed media in a hands-on workshop.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Tango Pastry Tasting Experience | 3-5 p.m. | Tango Pastry Cafe, Vienna | $45 | Join fellow food lovers for a delicious tasting event featuring a variety of traditional Argentinian sweet and savory pastries.
Fairfax County’s Community Revitalization Section is seeking your input on new gateway signage designs for the Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners areas. You have until Sunday, Aug. 31 to vote for your favorite option from a variety of designs. Which one will you pick? (FFXnow)
Coming Soon
A shuttered pizza shop in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood has a new tenant. Paradise Juice has signed a lease for the space at 4219 Fairfax Dr. and plans to open within the next three months. In addition to fresh juices, the new spot will offer smoothies, acai bowls, and pastries. (ARLnow)
Shop
A new menswear store plans to open its first brick-and-mortar location in Falls Church. Withered Fig plans to open early next year at 255 W. Falls Station Blvd. It sells pieces from various brands, with a focus on vintage-inspired pieces. (ARLnow)
Biz
Dantos Pizza once had locations in Fairfax County, and it looks like they’ll be making a comeback. The Ohio-based chain hopes to open 20 locations in NOVA over the next two to three years. The first one is currently expected to open in the first quarter of 2026. (FFXnow)
Ranked
Now we know why we can always find cool mansions for Mansion Mondays. The DC region ranks second in the nation for the number of mansions, with approximately 65,300 homes meeting Zillow’s definition, according to a recent study. Only New York City surpasses it, with around 81,000 qualifying properties. (InsideNOVA)
Plan Ahead
Attitude reflects leadership, Captain.Cinema Del Ray movie nights return on Saturday, Sept. 20, kicking off with “Remember the Titans.” The night before, Alexandria City High School will host a pep rally celebrating the 25th anniversary of the film. (ALXnow)
Environment
AlexRenew, a sewage treatment plant in Alexandria, plans to offer free tours of its facility on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See the inner workings of this company and how it treats water for the 300,000 people in Alexandria and parts of Fairfax County. (ALXnow)
Asked
When asked about your ideal night out in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, most of you said you’d prefer a laid-back evening playing board games with friends while enjoying a cold beer. Didn’t get to share your opinion? Let us know what you would pick.
Number
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
The Virginia State Fair is just over a month away, and although it’s only about an hour from downtown Arlington, it promises a full day of fun worth the drive. Listen to live music, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, and experience a variety of free attractions and entertainment for all ages. Catch me munching on a turkey leg while washing it down with some pickle lemonade.
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.
DC Restaurant Week is in full swing, and Alexandria and Fairfax City join the festivities starting this Friday. What restaurant are you most excited to try? Let us know.
I’ve got a reservation at Ambar with a friend — $55 for unlimited small plates, a drink, and dessert? Yes, please. Stay tuned to see what I end up ordering.
}})
}})
