This Clifton home goes above and beyond when it comes to Halloween decor. | Photos by Greg M.
And the award for best Halloween decorations goes to this Clifton home. For over 15 years, Greg M. has transformed his house into a spooky spectacle, adding new props and displays each season. This year’s highlights include eerie scenes inspired by Halloween favorites like Frankenstein. A big thank-you to reader Cindy S. for sharing this festive find with us.
Asked
Asked
🍫 What is the most popular Halloween candy in Virginia?
A. Snickers B. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups C. Sour Patch Kids D. Twix E. Skittles
Here come the Swedish meatballs. IKEA plans to open a new store at 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Dr., replacing the Dulles Expo Center. The location will be the furniture retailer’s third in Virginia and is slated to open in spring 2026. (FFXnnow)
Today Is
Halloween, Samhain, and the eve of Dia de los Muertos, which takes place from Saturday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 2. Whether you’re decorating for trick-or-treaters, preparing an ofrenda, or just going about business as usual, check out these terrifying tales local to us in NOVA.
Open
Stockyard Brewery is now open in Lovettsville. Set on a 50-acre property, this new spot serves everything from IPAs and sours to seltzers. You can also look forward to live music, trivia nights, and plenty of family-friendly fun. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Try This
Don’t forget to set your clocks back — Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, ushering in brighter mornings and earlier sunsets. Need help adjusting to the change? Enjoying a sun-soaked morning at a local coffee shop should do the trick.
Transit
Prince William County now offers a 10-minute grace period for failure to display a valid parking permit. This change will provide additional protection to individuals seeking to obtain a parking permit, delivery drivers, and those who need to stop briefly. (InsideNOVA)
Sports
This sounds… interesting. On Saturday, Nov. 29, runners will take on the Taco Bell DC 50K — a race that winds through nine Taco Bell locations across Alexandria, Arlington, and DC. The twist? Participants must eat one menu item at each stop — and still finish the 50K within 11 hours. Want to take on the challenge?
Development
Old Town North’s Urban Design Advisory Committee plans to lead its annual walking tour on Wednesday, Nov. 12, highlighting various mixed-use development projects. See which projects you’ll get to learn about. (ALXnow)
State
Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 4, and the last day of in-person voting is tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1. Need to find your polling location? Check out our 2025 election guide to make sure you’re ready to use your voice.
Read
On the hunt for a spooky read to celebrate Halloween? Check out “Haunted Northern Virginia,” the new book by Alex Matsuo. She’s an author, YouTuber, and a paranormal investigator. Learn more from Matsuo herself. It might even give you the heebie-jeebies.
Seasonal
Fall is reaching its peak in NOVA — a time to delight in the scenery of every neighborhood stroll, bike ride, and grocery store run. If you’re eager to chase the changing leaves, here are a few of our favorite fall foliage spots + some tips on where to hike in NOVA.
Biz
Do you need hiring help? We’ve got your back. Post your open roles on our Job Board + get connected with local candidates in no time. Pssst — did we mention it’s free?
Have your eyes on opening your own winery? Well, we have some good news for you. This award-winning winery in Middleburg will be listed for sale in early 2026 for just under $10 million. This price point includes all of the equipment, allowing the buyer to keep the business going.
The Shark Matrix IQ Robot Vacuum that’s 40% off for a limited time. Psst — that’s a savings of $120. The Buy Editor Emily loves its precision home mapping technology that results in a more thorough clean on multiple surfaces.
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.
Looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your pumpkin after the holidays? From Saturday, Nov. 1, through Saturday, Jan. 31, you can donate pumpkins and other items to local farms, sanctuaries, and animal rescues. Learn more here.