Enjoy Labor Day weekend under the stars. | Photo by Hipcamp
As summer winds down, there’s no better way to savor the season than by spending time outdoors. Here are six campsites to check out within an hour of downtown Arlington.
Distance from downtown Arlington: 38-minute drive
Set up your tent or park your RV at this cozy campsite, ideal for you and up to five friends. Enjoy access to a nearby body of water — kayaks are available to rent for a small fee. Plus, you’re just 10 miles from the stunning trails and views of Great Falls Park.
Distance from downtown Arlington: 51-minute drive
Explore scenic nearby trails, then kick back in one of the on-site hammocks. A peaceful stream runs near the campsite — perfect for reading, relaxing, or taking your dog for a swim. Bonus: Kids stay free.
A. 🏡 More homes being built or sold B. 💼 New jobs or companies moving in C. 🚙 Increased traffic or commute times D. 🛍️ More restaurants, stores, or services E. 💸 Rising rents or home prices F. Other
Labor Day Special | 12 p.m. | Fair Winds Brewing Company, Lorton | Price of purchase | Grab discounted beverages for your Labor Day celebrations.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Bike for Good | 11:30 a.m. | City Hall, Alexandria | Free | Help out Alexandria community members in need and drop off produce from the Old Town farmers market.
La Prensa: Tamales & Empanadas | 12-2 p.m. | La Prensa Tacos & Tapas, Sterling | $82 | Join for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll uncover the secrets and expert tips to making delicious tamales and empanadas from scratch.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Backyard Show: Joe Troop’s Truth Machine | 6-8 p.m. | Stone Room Concerts, Falls Church | $30 | Listen to this band that combines music with social justice this Labor Day weekend.
Monday, Sept. 1
Labor Day Forest Bathing: Wonder in the Woods | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington | Free | Take advantage of the beautiful weather in NOVA this Labor Day — step outside, relax, and make the most of the long weekend.
I loveeeee the Bacon Sun City made with bacon, eggs, cheese, and spicy honey. | Photo via NOVAtoday
Biz
The beloved bagel chain, Call Your Mother, is bringing its popular deli to Gainesville, opening its first Prince William County location at 7372 Atlas Walk Way. Other locations in NOVA include Crystal City, Vienna, and Reston. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Drink
Bloom Tea, a new Vietnamese coffee + bubble tea shop, is now open in Old Town Alexandria. Head to 425 S. Washington St. to try over 50 different drink options, satisfying your refreshment needs every day of the week. (ALXnow)
Development
There’s a new place to stay in NOVA. Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key officially opened yesterday at 1900 Fort Myer Dr. Have family visiting soon? Here’s our guide on what to do with a tourist. (InsideNOVA)
Eat
A new Peruvian restaurant, Machu Picchu Restobar, is coming to the Ashbrook Commons shopping plaza. They plan to open on Wednesday, Sept. 3, featuring traditional dishes like caldo de gallina soup + pollo a la brasa. (The Burn)
Opening
Gaming Giant is now open in Fairfax City, offering a wide selection of trading cards for games like Pokémon and One Piece. The spacious venue also features a dedicated area for community events, along with food and alcohol service. (FFXnow)
Shop
Good news, shoppers, new stores are coming to Tysons Corner Center. You can soon expect the car store Rivian, the artisan cookie shop Chip City, and the shoe retailer Kizik. (FFXnow)
Community
Arlington’s Historical Society seeks local writers to help create 250 little-known stories for the city’s 250th birthday next year. Students in grades 8–12 can also enter a contest using various media to share Arlington’s history. (ARLnow)
History
Goodies Frozen Custard + Treats has been awarded $50,000 from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation through its Backing Small Historic Restaurants program. The grant recognizes the shop’s location in Alexandria’s historic ice house — go grab a scoop. (ALXnow)
This one is for my Loudoun County readers and Dachshund lovers everywhere.
Don’t miss the Doxie Derby at The Henway Hard Cider Barn on Saturday, August 30 from 12–6 p.m. Watch a spirited group of adorable Dachshund rescues dash for glory in this fun-filled race.
It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon — cider in hand, pups on the track.
Self-care isn’t all spa days and forest bathing — although we do love a nice hot stone massage. More often than not, it’s the simple things like prioritizing rest, practicing good hygiene, and practicing mindfulness. Elevate your self-care rituals with these five products:
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.
Some pop culture news for you and all of the Swifties out there. Taylor Swift is officially engaged to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — and the ring is a showstopper. May I suggest The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens as a wedding venue, Mr. and Mrs. Kelce?