The Ballstonian, owned by Isa Seyran, has many regulars, one of whom is shown in this photo with him. | Photo by NOVAtoday
Did you know? Virginia is home to 880,366 small businesses. We want to celebrate all the businesses that make NOVA so special.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate the small businesses they love so we can share them with our entire audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed pieces like our guide to shopping Small Business Saturday.
Editor Ava’s pick Ballstonian | Coffee shop “It’s a neighborhood place, and that’s by design.” — Owner Isa Seyran
This local coffee cart sits on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, serving coffee, tea, and select pastries to hundreds of regulars and community members. He’s even described the spot as a local “watering hole.”
Asked
Asked
Is there a business you’d like to see in NOVAtoday?
Pickleball match, anyone? A 30,000 sqft pickleball facility is expected to open this spring at the Cascades Marketplace shopping center. The Picklr will offer 10 courts, a pro shop, and a private event space. Both children and adults can also take classes through The Picklr Academy. (The Burn)
State
Fredericksburg is now home to a new, immersive, sci-fi-inspired cookie shop. Smugglers Cafe hopes to transport you to a new world, taking inspo from cult classics like “Star Wars.” Not to mention, the cookies look delicious. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Try This
On the hunt for international ingredients to go in a new dish you’re whipping up? Head to these 10 markets around NOVA, selling items like Asian fruits or Weisswursts. I’ll be stopping at the Caffe Bottega Italiana in Leesburg to get some ingredients for an Italian sub… and a slice of tiramisu, of course. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Sports
The Croatia soccer team has selected Hotel AKA in North Old Town Alexandria as its home base for the FIFA World Cup. There were more than 60 base camp options for teams to choose from. If a player is reading this, we recommend checking out our Old Town guide. (Washington Business Journal)
Trending
Country line dancing is making a comeback, and bars across the US are embracing a honky-tonk vibe to draw in crowds. Editor’s pick: Slip on your cowboy boots and join the fun with Inspira Dance — here’s the schedule for January. (Wall Street Journal)
Eat
Is it hot in here? Texas Pete is the most popular hot sauce in Virginia, according to new data from Instacart. If you ask us, hot sauce pairs well with takeout from one of these new restaurants in NOVA.
Edu
Calling all K-12 public school students. Enter the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher Art Contest for a chance to win prizes for you and your school while recognizing a deserving teacher. Know a teacher who made a difference?Learn more.*
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.*
The Buy
We sifted through thousands of Nordstrom Rack deals to bring you five you don’t want to miss. Add them to your cart before they’re gone.
🛍️ Score these rarely-on-sale UGG slippers that are marked down to under $100.
🛍️ Take up to $100 off this cozy longline cardigan with an attached scarf.
🛍️ Get over 50% off this buttery-soft bralette with zero wires, elastic, or seams.
🛍️ Stun in this versatile cowl neck satin blouse that’s on sale for under $30.
🛍️ Don’t miss these top-rated flare leggings that are over 70% off.
Today is National Coffee Break Day, a reminder to partake in one of the country’s favorite pastimes — stepping away from your desk to grab a cup of joe. Fortunately, NOVA has no shortage of choices.
}})
}})
