Is cottagecore still in? After seeing this mansion in Vienna, the answer is totally yes. Immediately, you see the patio where vines and twinkle lights interlace throughout the ceiling. As a little girl, I would have believed fairies lived on the property. Consider this your breadcrumb trail guidance to step inside; it truly feels straight out of a storybook.
Asked
Asked
Which aspect of the house is your favorite?
A. The fairytale-esque patio B. The pool with a dancing fountain C. The closet the size of a bedroom D. The greenery surrounding the home E. Other
A new residential neighborhood in Kingstowne called Banner Heights is expected to break ground this spring. This new neighborhood will be part of the Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation, meaning residents will have access to amenities like a pool and pickleball courts. The townhouses will likely go on sale in mid-March. (FFXnow)
Mansion Monday
I’m swooning over this Alexandria mansion. With four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this eclectic residence blends modern design with a touch of whimsy. There’s even a little green house.
Coming Soon
Bradlee Shopping Center is getting a new sandwich and wine shop called Chord Bread and Bottle this spring. The new spot, taking over the former Unwined space, is expected to open at the end of April. (ALXnow)
Try This
Looking for a gift to give this Valentine’s Day? The Fairfax Main Street Market will have a specialty Valentine’s market on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 12 to 4 p.m. So support local, and get someone you love a trinket.
Opening
Exciting news for Fredericksburg. The popular grocery chain Trader Joe’s is planning to open a location, though the exact timeline and site have not been confirmed. According to a report from the Fredericksburg Free Press, a preliminary plan suggests the store could be located at the Shops at Fall Hill. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Plan Ahead
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. If you’re planning a swanky date night, lock in a table at one of NOVA’s buzzy new restaurants while you still can. Flying solo or hanging out with friends? Check out our events calendar for happenings that’ll make the night unforgettable.
Listen
Remember when almost every artist would release live albums? Streaming has drastically changed our access to live music, but we can still reminisce on the best examples from history. An album is good, but the real thing is better — as you’ll discover at NOVA’s music venues. (The Guardian)
On This Day
On Jan. 26, 1932, a New York doctor subverted prohibition laws to benefit visiting British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The physician wrote a letter claiming Churchill’s recovery from an accident “necessitates the use of alcoholic spirits, especially at mealtimes.” No doctor’s note needed here — NOVA’s happy hours await. (History.com)
Real Estate
Do smaller homes house happier people?Studies show that moving into a bigger home doesn’t always boost life satisfaction — sometimes it does the opposite. Case in point: This two-bedroom, one-bath home with a lovely sunroom proves that less can be more. (Washington Post)
Job
Manifesting a new job for 2026? Let us help. Our Job Board has 240,000+ active listings across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Search open jobs now.
Fact or Fiction
This popular balance transfer card can help you crush credit card debt with nearly two years of 0% interest. Fact. Plus, it has zero annual fees + cash back perks on additional purchase. Apply in minutes.*
Featured Deal
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*
You’re gonna want to watch this reel and then mark your calendars. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Garage Racing National Championships will be taking place in National Landing. Watch bikers shred laps in, yes, you saw that right, a parking garage.
A lifetime subscription to Calmind, now 80% off for a limited time. We love that this mental relaxation app uses a scientifically backed method to help you reset + unwind quickly — offering a fresh take on meditation and mental well-being. Trusted by 10,000+ users, real benefits include enhanced mental clarity and focus, improved quality of sleep, and reduced stress. Normally $300, the lifetime subscription is on sale now for less than $50.
The Lunar New Year is coming up, with the Year of the Fire Horse starting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, representing movement, change, and opportunity. We’ll have plenty of happenings in our newsletters as we approach the occasion — our events calendar is already full of ideas.