Local news matters — now more than ever. We’re close to our fundraising deadline and need your support. Help us keep sharing positive, community-first stories. Donate today to keep local media strong.
Do you know these Virginia laws?
As the “Ham Capital of the World,” Smithfield takes the topic of ham very seriously. A local museum even hosts the World’s Oldest Ham, which you can carefully observe on a 24/7 live stream. | Photo via Flikr, Joe Schumacher
Calling all smooth criminals. Take a perusal of these curious Virginia laws that you may not have heard before.
Are you an accidental criminal? Take a browse through…
Respect the Smithfield ham
You’re not allowed to label and advertise a ham as a Smithfield ham if it isn’t a genuine Smithfield ham. What makes it authentic? It must be produced in Smithfield, Virginia, of course.
Speak wisely
If you’re known to have a potty mouth, you’d better think twice. In the state of Virginia, it’s illegal to use vulgar language on any phone or a citizens’ band radio. So think twice if you plan to curse on the phone.
With Unison, you can access up to $500K of your home’s equity with no monthly payments. | Photo via Unsplash
Your home equity belongs to you. Period. And there are ways to access these funds when you need them.
One way: An Equity Sharing Agreement that lets you turn your equity into cash, without a traditional loan. Think: No monthly payments or interest, and you share in your home’s future value changes.
With Unison as your partner, you can make those renovations you’ve been dreaming of, travel, pay off debt, or even fund retirement.
Fairfax County approved a plan for a mixed-use development, including housing, retail, hotel, and park space on a total of 4.8 acres of land. The concept is called the Piazza at Tysons — take a look at these renderings. (FFXnow)
State
OpenTable released its list of the top 100 restaurants in the US, and it features two Virginia restaurants: L’Opossum in Richmond and L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls. The list takes into account stats like reviews and reservations demand. Here are some other recently recognized restaurants. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Open
Loudoun County is home to a new bowling alley and entertainment center at the Dulles Town Center shopping mall in Sterling. 810 Entertainment offers a variety of activities, including axe-throwing, arcade games, pool, and other family-friendly options. (The Burn)
Seasonal
Want to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie? Check out these five carriage rides around Northern Virginia to get into the holiday spirit. I want to check out the one at Reston Town Center, plus, all proceeds go to charity. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Try This
Downtown DC is attempting to break a world record: most couples kissing under the mistletoe. On Saturday, Dec. 13, PDA-okay couples are invited to meet under the “National Mistletoe,” a 10-foot-wide suspended holiday installation. Sign up to smooch. (Washingtonian)
Listen
Two local psychologists from Del Ray Psych & Wellness have started a podcast called “Shrink On Tap” in an effort to raise awareness about mental health. Listen to the podcast from Doctors Eleni Boosalis and Lauren Fisher on numerous platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. (ALXnow)
Ranked
Safe to say, Washington, DC residents are happy with their city. In a recent Axios survey, DC ranked fifth nationwide for overall satisfaction, with at least 74% of respondents expressing a positive view.
Question
Did you know you can submit events to us? Just fill out this form with your event details, and we’ll consider it when selecting future newsletter features.
Show
Celebrate the holidays with the Manassas Ballet Theatre’s timeless performance of “The Nutcracker.” Opening Dec. 17 at the Hylton, grab tickets to enjoy enchanting scenes, dazzling choreography, and the magic of a live orchestra through Dec. 23.*
Middleburg, Virginia, was just named the second-best “Christmas Town” in America.
Get in the holiday spirit with the Christmas in Middleburg, with events taking place from Friday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 7. There will also be a tree lighting, shopping, caroling, and other festive activities.
Wondering why there are so many dogs? You’ll want to check out the Middleburg Hunt event on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
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.
Trying to find ways to occupy the fam over Thanksgiving break? Here’s a roundup of events and exhibits that you can check out over the holiday weekend. Perfect for getting out of the house for a little bit.
}})
}})
