Can you handle the scares? | Photo by Michael Orr via Flickr
Get into the Halloween spirit by visiting one of the top haunted houses in the area. Here are five of the best haunted attractions in and around Northern Virginia.
When: Friday-Sunday from now to Sunday, Nov. 2 Tickets: $5 for Farm Midway experience, $40 for general admission, and $50 for RIP admission (front-of-the-line entry to all 3 haunted attractions)
This haunted house features three distinct attractions: Throne House + Barn of Fears, Tricksters Hollow, and The Void. For those who want the seasonal fun without the frights, the Farm Midway offers a more relaxed experience with food trucks, One Family Brewing, games, and other festive activities.
If you really want to get scared, Saturday, Nov. 1, is Extreme Night for those 21 years or older.
When: Saturdaysfromnow to Saturday, Nov. 8, plus Sunday, Oct. 12 Tickets: $35-$40
Spread across more than 20 acres, this haunted house experience is packed with spooky fun. Attractions include the Cornightmare, Dark Side Hayride, The Firegrounds, and The Forest: Back 40. For a lighter touch, enjoy festive extras like fresh donuts, a giant slide, and Foamhenge.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Alexandria needs community members to help with a cleanup at the Holmes Run Channel on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. The city will provide gloves, bags, and first aid kits — you’re just asked to wear pants, close-toed shoes, and bring your own water. (ALXnow)
Opening
Ornery Beer Company is getting ready to open a location in Herndon at 2310 Woodland Crossing Dr. later this month. Looking to join the team? The business’s second location is already hiring. (FFXnow)
Mansion Monday
We’re adding a third M word to today’s segment — modern. This mansion in McLean has very futuristic qualities, seen clearly from the outside of the home. I’m ogling the walk-in closet with a floor-to-ceiling mirror.
Number
96,350. That’s how many votes 32 Chunk received to win the title of Fat Bear Week 2025 champion. The huge bear won the crown for his salmon-eating dominance in Katmai National Park despite breaking his jaw earlier in the year. Hopefully, he doesn’t show up along a local trail. (The Guardian)
Seasonal
Stocking up for trick-or-treaters? In Virginia, you can’t go wrong with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate — it’s the most popular candy in the state, according to a new Instacart study. And let’s be honest: We’ll be sneaking sweets all month long — a little sugar rush pairs perfectly with October’s nonstop festivities.
Today Is
National Noodle Day, a chance to celebrate the strips of unleavened dough found in dishes around the world. It’s also the perfect excuse for a bowl of ramen at Kozy Ramen + Bar, or one of the decadent dishes comprised of pasta at Mia’s Italian Kitchen.
Sports
In case you missed it, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is set to headline Super Bowl LX’s halftime show. The big game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — until then, we’ll keep cheering on the Commanders in hopes that they make it. (Variety)
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietician with Nourish. Find a dietician covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan.*
Biz
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Along with coffee, it also offers a variety of dishes and pastries, including a pumpkin croissant to pair with the season. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Searching for your new favorite coffee shop in Northern Virginia? We’re here to help. Peruse our guide to find the local coffee shop or cafe that works for you — from the cafes where you can get work done to the best roasteries in town.
Second Nature Coffee Co., Leesburg | This coffee shop has such a cozy, homey vibe — probably because it’s actually set in a house. Sip on a steaming cup of joe or indulge in an affogato.
Caffe Amouri Coffee Roaster, Vienna | If you’re looking for a cafe that truly values sustainability, this is the perfect spot. Sip on crafted coffee on-site, pick up ethically sourced beans to brew at home, and take part in barista classes to sharpen your coffee-making skills.
Foundation Coffee Roasters, Fairfax | If you’re on the hunt for a local spot to stock up on coffee beans, this is the place to visit. They offer an impressive selection of roasts, from African Flower to Blackbird.
Start speaking a new language in just weeks with Babbel’s expert-made lessons. For a limited time, get lifetime access for only $239 — their best deal of the year. Hurry — these savings end tonight.
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.
How are we feeling, Swifties? I’ll admit that I am not an avid Taylor Swift listener, but I’m excited to give her new album a listen. Want to see a candlelight, orchestral performance of her music? Get your tickets to the Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift in Baltimore, Maryland, on Saturday, Nov. 29, now.
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