Playa Bowls is new to Hillsborough Street and serves colorful superfood bowls and smoothies. | Photo by Noah Fecks/Playa Bowls
Looking for the next restaurant hitting NOVA’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Northern Virginia — plus, some spots coming soon. Van Leeuwen | 2831 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington | ETA: Friday, Oct. 17
This ice cream chain is coming to Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood this October. It’s taking over the spot where Nicecream was once located. On opening day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can get $1 scoops of ice cream, and the first 100 customers will get a free tote bag.
Wonder, 7001 Manchester Blvd., Alexandria + 1690 Plaza America Drive, Reston | ETA: Thursday, Oct. 23 + Thursday, Oct. 30 Arlington isn’t the only city getting a taste of Wonder. Franconia and Reston will soon welcome locations of the Wonder food hall, opening in September and October, respectively. Take a look at which restaurants will be part of this exciting new addition to Fairfax County.
Pak Soii Izakaya and Bar soft-opens tomorrow, Oct. 17, at 1909 Mount Vernon Ave. in Del Ray from 4 to 9 p.m. It will then be open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. (ALXnow)
Drink
Eavesdrop Brewery in Manassas is hosting its first-ever No Beer Beer Fest on Saturday, Oct. 18, starting at 11 a.m. This festival will spotlight ciders and meads instead of beer. Tickets include a 5-ounce tasting glass and 12 tasting tickets to sample a variety of drinks on tap. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Community
A public hearing will be held in Alexandria on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss proposed development projects and zoning ordinances. The meeting will take place in person at City Hall, or you can join via Zoom. (ALXnow)
Art
A one-of-a-kind art vending machine, first introduced at the City of Fairfax Fall Festival, is now set up for a limited time at Commonwealth Brewing Co., starting today. For just four quarters, you can grab a mini print created by local artist Ash Smith. Stop by, show your support, and take home a piece of local creativity.
Closing
Lost Dog Cafe at 2920 Columbia Pike is closing after 16 years. The owners say prolonged road work has hurt business, making it difficult to stay open. Despite the setback, the team hopes to reopen in a new, more accessible location in the future. (ARLnow)
Eat
Corisca Wine Bar, which opened in September, now offers weekend brunch. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. See the full brunch menu here. (The Burn)
Tech
Swedish company Candela will demo its electric hydrofoiling vessel on the Potomac, Oct. 17 to 23, as part of the 2025 Swedish Green Transition Summit in DC, Oct. 20 + 21. The P-12 Ferry, already in use in Stockholm, reduces energy use, wake, and travel time through cutting-edge hydrofoil technology. (ALXnow)
Watch
A new PBS documentary is airing this weekend, and it’s going to highlight NOVA’s Washington + Old Dominion Trail. “From Rails to Trails” showcases the difficulties of transforming old railroad tracks into public trails. Watch the premiere on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. on WETA. (FFXnow)
Finance
Crush credit card debt with a balance transfer.This card offers nearly two years of 0% interest (into 2027) + cash back perks on additional purchases. Learn more and apply.*
Cause
The Virginia Lottery’s mission is clear: giving back to Virginia public schools. Since 1999, all Lottery profits — totaling over $17 billion — have gone to support local students and teachers in grades K-12. Follow the money.*
Correction
Yesterday, we mentioned the soft opening of Bar 86 and stated it would begin on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The soft-opening dates are actually Friday, Oct. 24, through Saturday, Oct. 25. Don’t miss the chance to check out this new spot.
Get ready for Maple Avenue in Vienna to transform on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The 79th Annual Halloween Parade will begin at 7 p.m. with costumes, music, and floats.
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On the hunt for unique antiques?Middleburg is a treasure trove for collectors and vintage lovers alike, offering a variety of charming antique shops. Plan your next visit and discover the perfect pieces to add character to your home.