Shop local in Old Town Alexandria this holiday season. | Photo via NOVAtoday
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift while supporting local businesses? Get into the holiday spirit with Plaid Friday in Old Town Alexandria on Friday, Nov. 28. Explore 50 local shops and discover unique finds. I’m especially excited to visit Shop Made in Virginia, which features beautifully crafted pottery, jewelry, and more from talented Virginia artisans.
Arlington National Cemetery is a great place to pay your respects this Veterans Day. | Photo by Elizabeth Fraser via Wikimedia Commons
Today Is
Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday, and help honor our military personnel by attending the observation event at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m.
Transit
Annoyed by the inability to use a card payment on the bus? It looks like this is about to change. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is adding the “Tap-Ride-Go” system that’s currently in place on the metro to the bus system. It’s expected to roll out this month — stay tuned. (ARLnow)
Opening
Lemongrass Thai, a new Thai restaurant, is coming to the Moorefield Village shopping center in Ashburn. It will be taking over the spot next to the Domino’s Pizza. Stay tuned for an opening date and menu. (The Burn)
Northern Virginian
An Ashburn home is getting recognized on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” on Thursday, Dec. 11. The family of Mike and Johanna Horn will showcase their holiday light display while competing against other families. Does your neighbor have an over-the-top Christmas display? Send us a photo. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Development
The Fairfax City Council has rejected a proposal to redevelop part of the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center into housing. According to meeting notes, council members said the plan did not align with the city’s preferred architectural elements and was inconsistent with the intent of the zoning ordinance. (FFXnow)
Ranked
This just in. Washington, DC, ranks 57th on the World’s Best Cities report, earning praise for its hotels, urban development, healthcare, and education. Download the report here.
Try This
The Freedom House Museum in Old Town Alexandria has officially reopened following a year-long exterior renovation. The next phase of renovations includes updating the interior, which will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors. (ALXnow)
Watch
Did you know that “Dance Moms: A New Era” is set in Ashburn and returns to Hulu on Monday, Dec. 8? While the first season was filmed at Studio Bleu, which has since closed, the new episodes will feature Project X Dance Company as the show’s home studio. (The Burn)
Job
Looking for a remote opportunity to lead and inspire a winning team? We’re hiring a Sales Director to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Tech
The Virginia Lottery app brings games, results, and promotions right to your fingertips. Play online games, check winning numbers, or enter from anywhere in the state. Get the details. Heads up: Must be 18+ to play or enter. For odds, prizes, and game info, check the app or website.*
Asked
Asked
🇺🇸 How often is the changing of the guard performed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
A. Every hour on the hour B. Every 30 minutes, year-round C. Both every hour + every 30 minutes (depending on the time of year) D. Twice daily
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Head to the Bull Run Festival of Lights starting Friday, Nov. 14. If you use the code EARLY25, you can get $10 off your tickets from Friday, Nov. 14 to Wednesday, Nov. 26. Get your tickets now.
Nordstrom Rack’s Holiday Gift Guide is here. Shop some of the season’s best deals on stocking stuffers, top-rated gift sets, cashmere favorites, and unique fashion finds. Five can’t-miss deals from the guide include:
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.
What’s your favorite item from Cook Out? | Photo by NOVAtoday
This past weekend, I tried the chain Cook Out for the first time. Did you know? Cook Out was founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
I went to the one in Manassas and ordered the Cajun chicken sandwich, a chicken quesadilla, fries, and the peanut butter fudge milkshake.
I’ll admit, I was a little overwhelmed by the menu — it felt like a mix of just about everything you could imagine. It made me miss my childhood favorite, Culver’s. Unfortunately, I’d have to head down to North Carolina to get that familiar taste again. What’s your Cook Out order?
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