Nervous to bike around Northern Virginia? Let’s break it down for you. | Photo by NOVAtoday
How easy is it to bike around Northern Virginia? Arlington is ranked 158th in the country for bikeability, while Fairfax ranks 286th, and Alexandria ranks 482nd, according to PeopleForBike’s 2025 city rankings. Follow me, your newsletter editor, as I spin my wheels around NOVA, starting with Arlington.
Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood
Clarendon truly felt like one of the easiest places to bike in Northern Virginia. When traveling west in Clarendon, take Wilson Boulevard the whole way — it offers a very distinct bike lane. This road is primarily uphill, so it will definitely feel like a workout.
Heading back east, you’ll take Clarendon Boulevard. This bike lane felt safer than the one on Wilson Boulevard because there is more separation from the lanes that cars use. Not to mention it’s more of a downhill ride.
Election Day has come and gone in Virginia. Missed the results? Grab your coffee and catch up on who won races across the state.
Opening
Want free chicken salad? The first 100 guests at Chicken Salad Chick’s newest location in Herndon on Tuesday, Nov. 18, will get free chicken salad for a year. Festivities continue through Saturday, Nov. 22, with more giveaways. (Patch)
Development
Fairfax City just broke ground on Beacon Landing — a 54-unit apartment community for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Replacing the old Hy-way Motel on Fairfax Boulevard, it will be the largest permanent supportive housing complex in Northern Virginia. (FFXnow)
Drink
DC’s Farragut West neighborhood is now home to Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant, founded in 1698. It has been supplying the British royal family since the time of King George III. Located at 888 17th St. NW, this is the company’s first US location. (Washington Business Journal)
Outdoors
If you’re reading this before 8:19 a.m., it’s not too late. The year’s second supermoon hits its peak illumination this morning at 8:19 a.m. — solook up. We think you’ll get a kick out of its name.
Number
145. That’s the number of units planned for the four-story affordable apartment complex proposed by Alfred Street Baptist Church in Old Town Alexandria. The Planning Commission is expected to review the proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 2. (ALXnow)
Plan Ahead
A new development proposal could bring 640 residential units, 13,000 sqft of retail space, and public open areas to Potomac Yard in Alexandria. The plan is set for review by the City Planning Commission on Tuesday, Dec. 2. (ALXnow)
Closing
Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood is closing this weekend after nearly 20 years in business. The new tenant has not yet been announced — stay tuned for updates. (ARLnow)
Arts
In response to the government shutdown, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is offering complimentary tickets to federal employees. Learn which upcoming concerts are eligible. (ALXnow)
State
Virginia State Parks announced a 455-acre lakefront addition to Caledon State Park, expanding the site to 3,000+ total acres. This shoreline park sits east of Fredericksburg, along the Potomac River — less than a 2-hour-drive from downtown Arlington. Road trip, anyone?
Featured Deal
Put your business’s message here in as little as two days when you score 15% off your first ad buy on our business promo portal. Redeem your discount with code NEW15 at checkout.
Health
Discover sharper hearing and a sharper mind with the Horizon IX hearing aid. Known as “a time machine for the brain,” it supports mental engagement and enhances your cognitive vitality. See if you qualify for a 45-day no-risk trial.*
Shop
Our version of the perfect fall cardigan features ultra-soft fabric, chunky gold buttons, and a slouchy yet chic silhouette. Think: Daytime errands and date night.*
Amazon Data Services has purchased Devlin Tech Park in Bristow, marking another step in the ongoing data center expansion across Northern Virginia. The company purchased roughly 70% of the 270-acre site, with the remaining land designated as open space.
The right American Home Shield plan to cover your plumbing, electrical, and heating this winter. For a manageable monthly fee, you can cover the repair or replacement of major home systems. Aka: If you find yourself in need of a new $12,000 gas furnace, you’ll have a coverage plan to turn to. Phew.*
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.
You’ve heard of Fat Bear Week, but did you catch the inaugural Fat Squirrel Week? The winner was a squirrel by the name of Chunkosaurus Rex from Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas... I guess everything IS bigger in Texas. Think NOVA has a bigger squirrel? Start by looking on your next hike around NOVA.
}})
}})
