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Editor Ava’s Amtrak trip to New York
Sick of hectic airports? Why not opt for train travel instead? | Photo by NOVAtoday
This past weekend, I took an Amtrak train to New York. This was my experience.
My train left from Union Station in Washington, DC at 7:10 a.m. The train line I took was the Northeast Regional. If you’re looking for faster service, usually at a higher cost, you’d want to opt for the Acela Train Line.
I arrived at the station around 6:10 a.m. — I’m a bit of an anxious traveler, and I’d rather be safe than sorry. I could have arrived 30 to 45 minutes before and would have been totally fine.
We started boarding about 20 minutes before departure. When boarding, you can sit in any seat as long as it’s in your section. I had a coach seat, but there are also business class seats, a quiet car, and a cafe car.
The train stopped at BWI Airport Station, Baltimore Penn Station, Wilmington Station, 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Trenton Transit Center in New Jersey, and Newark Penn Station. Wait times vary by station, with major stops typically having longer layovers than smaller ones.
Plan your commute accordingly. A resurfacing project on the George Washington Parkway between Arlington and Alexandria is to begin this week. The project is expected to last through mid-June. When can you expect lane closures? See here. (ALXnow)
Opening
Cheers, Herndon. A brewpub by the name of NH44 Indian Brewing Company is in the works at Arrowbrook Centre and expects to open in late spring. The brewery is planning to offer craft beers and Indian-fusion food. What else is coming to the site? (FFXnow)
Outdoors
Beginning this summer, Leesylvania State Park will implement a day-use reservation system on weekends and state holidays. This is to ensure guests can enjoy the park without being turned away due to capacity limits. Learn more here. (InsideNOVA)
Coming Soon
Old Town Alexandria’s restaurant scene is continuing to grow. Life Alive Cafe is planning to open this summer at 400 King St., serving dishes like grain bowls and sandwiches. A location opened in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood back in November. (ALXnow)
Biz
Mellow Mushroom, the pizza franchise, is planning to expand into the DC area with locations in Arlington and Alexandria. There are currently locations in Chantilly and Fredericksburg. While exact addresses have yet to be announced, the first restaurant is expected to open within the next 12 to 18 months. (ARLnow)
Try This
Skin Pharm in Arlington is celebrating its grand opening on Thursday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests can enter to win a $1,000 Skin Pharm gift card, gift bags for the first 50 attendees, and enjoy a variety of exclusive perks throughout the event.
Arts
The Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation is launching a Free Little Art Gallery on Friday, May 8. Modeled after the Free Little Library, it encourages community members to share creativity by leaving artwork for others or taking a piece that inspires them. (FFXnow)
Wellness
A new fitness concept is coming to Arlington soon. In the Crystal City neighborhood, Pilates on the Mat is set to open on the ground floor of the Grace and Reva apartments. While an official opening date has yet to be announced, this marks the studio’s very first location. (ARLnow)
Award
The semifinalists for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Awards, better known as the RAMMYs, have been announced, with many nominees representing Northern Virginia. Check out the full roundup here.
Seasonal
Looking for ways to celebrate Easter? Capital One Center is hosting various events like an egg hunt, goat yoga, a rescue puppy party, and other family-friendly festivities. Don’t miss the full schedule. (FFXnow)
Editor’s Pick
Who will win? | Photo by NOVAtoday
Today is your final chance to cast your vote for the first-round pick of Northern Virginia’s Best Sports Bar. We’ll be running three rounds of voting to crown our readers’ ultimate favorite — make sure your voice is heard.
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Do you have an upcoming trip planned? If you’re worried about long TSA lines, make sure to plan accordingly by checking out our guide to Dulles International Airport.
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