Let’s walk around Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Hi, NOVA. Ava here, your newsletter editor, back with another neighborhood guide. This month, we’re circling back to Arlington and checking out the Ballston neighborhood.
As always, let’s start with a good cup of coffee.
I recommend checking out the Ballstonian. Owner Isa Seyran is serving up tasty Turkish coffee + teas, sure to keep you warm on your stroll around town.
Our mouths are still watering. | Photo by NOVAtoday
As far as food goes, I opted for Grazie Grazie. This is the business’ only location in NOVA, with its other two in DC. I got the 8+1, made with salami, capicola, prosciutto, provolone, and red wine vinegar.
My friend went with the NYC Bodega, which comes with breaded chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing. They also offer other sandwiches like cheesesteaks, along with items like pizza and salads. The sandwiches are massive so come hungry, or prepare for leftovers.
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Do you have opinions about Alexandria’s recreation programs? The city is seeking the public’s feedback on a program interest survey, open until Saturday, Nov. 1. This survey will help the city learn about recreational interests of the respondents and how they think current offerings could be improved. (ALXnow)
Learn
Construction on the North Columbus Street Sanitary Sewer Project in Old Town West is expected to begin in December. The City of Alexandria will host an open house on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center to share project details, road closure information, and answer community questions. (ALXnow)
Opening
A popular Southern-style brunch spot is now open at Cardinal Forest Plaza shopping center in Springfield. Milk & Honey serves dishes like cheesecake pancakes and seafood gumbo. The chain also opened a location in Old Town Alexandria over the summer. Want to see what else has recently opened in NOVA?Check out our restaurant guide. (FFXnow)
Eat
Sterling will soon be home to a Bobby’s Bagel Cafe in the Countryside Marketplace center. There are three locations of this bagel spot around NOVA: Herndon, Reston, and Oakton. Stay tuned for when this spot opens. (The Burn)
Development
A new housing project in Oakton is moving forward. Flint Hill Propco LLC plans to redevelop part of the Flint Hill Office Park, replacing an office building with single-family homes and townhouses. Though the development won’t qualify as affordable housing under Fairfax County standards, it will include four affordable units. (FFXnow)
Biz
Sweet news for Reston.River-Sea Chocolates is now open — perfect timing for Halloween treats. Stop by their new shop at 11495 Sunset Hills Rd. to enjoy their signature chocolate bars and gift boxes. This is their second location after the original Chantilly store. (FFXnow)
Regional
The streaming platform Netflix is looking to open a space on the first and second floors of DC’s Woodies Building. It would serve as an office space, screening rooms, and event spaces. (Urban Turf)
Number
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Read
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We recently highlighted major events taking place around Northern Virginia in November. Now, we’re sharing some of the holiday markets happening throughout next month and into December. Bring on the hot chocolate and the roasted nuts.
A foaming toilet cleaner you’ll be sad you didn’t make the switch to sooner. Splash Foam Cleaner is the fast, hands-free way to clean toilet rings, stains, and grime. The best part? It does all the hard work for you. Read: No more toilet scrubbing in your future.
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 many data centers are currently operating in Prince William County?
There are 44 data centers in prince William County — and only 35% of you got this question right. The option 59 was a tricky one — that number includes the 15 additional data centers currently planned or under construction, which would bring the total to 59 if all goes according to plan.
Did you miss our article about data centers in Northern Virginia? Learn about the pros + cons by clicking the button below.
Y’all have been loving my neighborhood guides. Which neighborhood should I cover next month?Drop your suggestions here — I’ll take the top responses and put them to a reader vote to decide which one I’ll feature in December.