Plus, is this really the best French onion soup in the state?
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Sweat it out at these six saunas

A sauna at Woodhouse Spa.
Warm up and wind down at these cozy saunas in Northern Virginia. | Photo by CLTtoday
Haven’t you heard? Saunas are having a major moment.

According to Technavio, the US sauna market is projected to grow by $151 million between 2025 and 2029, thanks to its rising popularity for both health and social benefits.

Curious to see what the buzz is about? Here are six saunas in Northern Virginia worth checking out.

Woodhouse Spa | Leesburg

With locations across the US, this popular wellness destination is a must-visit in Leesburg. Enjoy a 25-minute infrared sauna session for just $40, designed to help you detox and recharge. The spa also offers a wide range of services, including facials, massages, and other treatments.

King Spa + Sauna | Chantilly

Voted Best Day Spa by Northern Virginia Magazine for the last three years, this Korean day spa offers a variety of amenities. There are 10 different types of saunas that you can choose from, including a charcoal sauna and a yellow mud sauna — find out what they both entail.
4 more saunas

Asked

♨️ In which country did the tradition of using saunas originate?

A. Russia
B. United States
C. Canada
D. Finland
E. Thailand
Take the quiz

Events

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Flower Workshop: Pumpkin Fun | 6:30-8 p.m. | Petal’s Edge Floral Design, Alexandria | $150

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Wednesday Night Bingo | 7-9 p.m. | Atlas Brew Works Alexandria, Alexandria | Price of purchase

Thursday, Oct. 23

American Style Mahjong: Learn and Play | 2-4 p.m. | Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library, Alexandria | Free

Friday, Oct 24

Reston Community Players: Opening Night of “The Rocky Horror Show” | Friday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26 | Times vary | The Leila Gordon Theatre, Reston | $31+

Campfire Fridays | 6:30-8 p.m. | Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield | $12

Saturday, Oct. 25

2025 Reston Home Tour | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Various locations, Reston | $40
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Closing

Falafel Inc has relocated from Water Park to Restaurant Row at 500 23rd St. S. in Arlington’s Crystal City neighborhood. To celebrate the move, the new location is offering a special promotion: local workers can receive one free menu item by showing valid ID that proves they work in the area. (ARLnow)

Seasonal

A local paranormal investigator and researcher is hosting a series of talks at Arlington Public Library. Alex Matsuo’s next talk will be on Thursday, Oct. 30 to break down Arlington’s haunted history. This event is first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early. (ARLnow)

Festival

Lost Boy Cider is hosting a Fall Fest Market on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 317 Hooffs Run Dr. in Alexandria. The event will feature a variety of local vendors and makers, a goat petting zoo, a free pumpkin patch, and live music. Admission is free, though some activities and items may have a cost.

Transit

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program is offering free Lyft rides, up to $15, from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1. You’ll be able to get the code at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 — a limited quantity is available.

History

The VA250 Mobile Museum is in Manassas through tomorrow, Oct. 22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), then heads to Woodbridge Oct. 23 to 25 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), and Sterling from Nov. 5 to 10. This interactive, immersive museum brings Virginia’s rich history to communities across the state. (InsideNOVA)

Biz

Fire Works Pizza, located in Arlington’s Court House neighborhood, is set for a makeover. Local restaurateur Fitzgerald Lewis has taken over the previously family-owned restaurant and plans to retain the current menu and staff. Renovations are expected to begin in early 2026. (ARLnow)

Development

It looks like townhouses might replace a three-story office building owned by the Corporation for National Research Initiatives at 1895 Preston White Dr. If approved, it would bring up to 71 single-family townhouses to the 4.6 acre property. Take a look at the illustrative plan. (FFXnow)

Eat

Many farmers markets are wrapping up this at the end of this month. See which ones end in October. Interested in markets that are happening all year round? Don’t miss our NOVA farmers market guide.

State

Merck has broken ground on a $3 billion, 400,000-sqft pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. This site is expected to generate 500 jobs for the community.

Number

217,734. That’s how many people have switched to Oricle hearing aids — enjoying conversations, TV, and the sounds of life for under $100. Learn more.*

Post of the Day

On the hunt for the best French onion soup in Virginia? You might not have to look far. Family Destinations Guide wrote a piece on how many Virginians are flocking to L’Auberge Chez François for one thing — the “life-altering French onion soup.” Do you know a better French onion soup in Virginia? Let us know.
Want to be featured?

The Buy

Looking for a little early holiday gift inspiration? While our official gift guide is on the way, here’s a sneak peek at what we’re loving right now.

🎁 A top-rated electric wine opener that’s cordless and rechargeable.
🎁 This cashmere ribbed beanie for under $35.
🎁 A pair of memory foam slippers available in 10+ colors.
🎁 This trendy Goorin’ Bros. lion trucker hat that’s 56% off.
🎁 Clinique’s best-selling Almost Lipstick in Black Honey that’s designed to flatter everyone.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Ava Wojnowski

Two sandwiches from Grazie Grazie in Arlington's Ballston neighborhood.

Our mouths are still watering. | Photo by NOVAtoday

Over the weekend, I tried Grazie Grazie in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood for the first time. This is the only location in NOVA, with the other two being 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. I would highly recommend this spot.

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