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Editor’s Pick
This is for my nature lovers who don’t want to sleep in a tent. | Photo via Maryland DNR
Looking for an easy summer trip? A new state park is opening in Maryland this summer, and it’s just under three hours from downtown Arlington. Savage Highlands State Park will offer about eight miles of multi-use trails, along with cabins and yurts for a glamping experience.
Asked
Asked
⛺ How many cabins and yurts will the state park have?
The recently rebranded fair trade store Ten Thousand Villages in Alexandria is celebrating its grand reopening. Now known as The World Crafted on King, festivities will take place starting today through Sunday. What activities can you take part in?Find out here. (ALXnow)
Number
328. That’s how many crossings are currently patrolled by local police officers in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Police Department intends to stop using officers as crossing guards for local schools. The cut would save the county about $1.9 million if approved, and they plan to fill the void with contractors. (FFXnow)
Opening
A new Toastique location will open next month at Reston Town Center on Saturday, March 7, offering $50 gift cards to the first 100 customers who make a $10 purchase. See what other promotions will take place throughout the week. (FFXnow)
Say goodbye to this Alexandria restaurant. After seven years, Whiskey & Oyster’s last day of service is Saturday, Feb. 28. Part of the Homegrown Restaurant Group, owner Mike Anderson explained that the restaurant did not recover financially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Scroll down to tell us what closed restaurants you miss.(ALXnow)
Coming Soon
We recently highlighted the new development at 2011 Crystal Dr., featuring Altitude Wine Bar and Constellation cafe. Both are expected to open in early spring. Get a preview of what these exciting new spots will look like — we’ll be watching their progress and sharing updates along the way.(ARLnow)
Quoted
A priority for an upcoming pedestrian safety project in Alexandria? To “strengthen connectivity to nearby neighborhoods,” per officials. More than $2 million in federal funding will support improvements near George Washington Middle School and Charles Barrett Elementary School, including curb extensions, bus stop upgrades, and other enhancements. (ALXnow)
Kids
The WestEnd development replacing Landmark Mall in Alexandria will be home to a new child care center. Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion day care, expects to open in early 2028. The development also includes the new Inova Alexandria Hospital. (ALXnow)
Biz
The ground floor of the Avalon Dunn Loring apartments in Vienna is getting a new resident. The Vienna Lodge Cabin & Grill plans to open, offering an outdoorsy atmosphere. There’s also a location in the works at the Great Falls Center. (FFXnow)
Sports
Queue the Olympic fanfare. The closing ceremony will take place onSunday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. There were three athletes from Northern Virginia who competed. Don’t miss the Paralympic Games from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 15 — NOVA’s very own Evan Nichols will be on the USA sled hockey team.
Mailbag
We recently reported that “See Me” safety flags are up for discussion for crosswalks in Falls Church. We asked what you thought, and reader Candis C. said, “I think they are a great idea and they save lives.”
Pets
Today is National Love Your Pet Day, an excuse to show the furry friend in your life even more love than usual. Because they aren’t spoiled enough already. Make it a weekend to remember for your pup at one of NOVA’s dog-friendly businesses.
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Featured Deal
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Get out those calendars again, and mark them for Sunday, May 17. That’s when the Asian Festival on Main will be taking place in the Fairfax City Old Town Square from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about the event.
A set of shower steamers with 11 unique scents like jasmine, chamomile, lavender, and mint. The variety lets you tailor the experience to your mood: a relaxing spa night, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing morning reset. Bonus: They make great gifts.
I’m curious... what’s a Northern Virginia restaurant that you miss that’s no longer open? It can be one that recently closed, or one that’s been closed for years. I’m working on putting together a piece on restaurants we miss, and I’d love to include your takes.
Send us the name of the restaurant, where it was in NOVA, and a photo if you have one from the establishment.
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