“Heated Rivalry”? No. Just the Caps practicing. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Want to watch the Washington Capitals for free? I recently went to the MedStar Capitals Iceplex at Ballston Quarter (floor G8) and watched the team at one of their free, open practices.
Check out the practice schedule to find a time that works best for you. Note: If you don’t see the team on the first rink, make sure to go to the other rink because they practice on both. There are also open skate events available, perfect for those hoping to be the next Ovechkin.
Pro tip: Make sure to grab some merch at the team store — you’ll wanna look like a true fan when watching the Caps. And if you hang around until after practice, you might even be able to get autographs and photos with the players.
Asked
Asked
🏒 Which of these Capitals players will be playing for Team Canada in the Winter Olympics?
A. Alex Ovechkin B. Tom Wilson C. Logan Thompson D. Declan Chisholm
You can check out The Commodore location in DC before its new location opens in Alexandria. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Opening
The team behind The Commodore in Washington, DC, is planning to open a second location in Old Town Alexandria. It will be taking over 220 N. Lee St., where Mystic BBQ & Grill was located, and hopes to open sometime in March. (ALXnow)
Coming Soon
Northern Virginia Magazine released its list of the most anticipated restaurants coming to NOVA in 2026. See what to expect. This includes a Fairfax City location of Ruthie’s All-Day, which currently only has a location in Arlington. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Development
A new $35 million visitor education center is expected to break ground in mid-September near the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. The project is currently expected to be completed in 2029. (ARLnow)
Mansion Monday
This McLean home offers the sweetest backyard with a ton of green space for you and your family. I’m in love with one of the six full bathrooms, shown in image 44, with stunning tile floors and a huge shower. Take a look around.
Try This
A new Thai restaurant called Nalak Thai is now open at the Fairfax Court shopping center. Indulge in dishes like pad Thai and drunken noodles at this new spot, and don’t forget to get a hand-whisked Japanese matcha to wash it down. (FFXnow)
Pizzerias aren’t ruling the restaurant world like they used to. After hitting a record high in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has steadily declined, with coffee shops and Mexican restaurants now outnumbering them. Slice lovers, consider this your cue to support local pizza purveyors. (Wall Street Journal)
On This Day
On Jan. 12, 1966, the first-ever TV episode of “Batman” aired. Since then, Bruce Wayne’s adventures have become commonplace in popular media. If you’re looking to binge the series, make sure to get some local takeout while you do so.
Ranked
No. 8. That’s where Washington, DC, ranked on WalletHub’s new list of best cities for job-seekers in the US. Openings per applicant, starting salaries, and employment growth were all considered in the rankings. If you’re looking for a fresh start in your career, our jobs board has 240,000+ listings.
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
The Buy
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
Get a cup of joe at this Compass Coffee location. | Photo by NOVAtoday
We recently reported on how some Compass Coffee locations in Virginia will be closing due to bankruptcy. Although the Ballston location at 4300 Wilson Blvd. is closing, the other Ballston location at 4100 Wilson Blvd. will remain open for now. Insider tip: It’s right next to the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, perfect for grabbing a coffee before stopping at the rink.
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