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Academic cap on, lens cap off
Endless photo-worthy views at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. | Photo via NOVA Parks
As graduation season approaches and the weather warms, it’s the perfect time to start planning where you’ll take your photos. And these locations aren’t just great for graduation pictures — they also work for engagement, maternity, and other special photo shoots.
Netherlands Carillon | Arlington
This location blends peaceful natural surroundings with some of DC’s most iconic landmarks, creating a perfect backdrop that includes views of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Jones Point Park | Alexandria
When in doubt? A scenic, basic background is your best bet. This park is set on the Potomac River, making it great to get photos with a natural water background.
Morven Park | Leesburg
The park’s gardens provide an ideal backdrop for graduation photos. If you plan to bring a photographer, either amateur or professional, be sure to register in advance for a free permit.
Peruvian Brothers Alpaca Happy Hour | 5-7 p.m. | Peruvian Brothers, Arlington | Free | Come visit with these sweet and curious creatures + grab some delicious food and drinks from your favorite neighborhood Peruvian spot.*
Over the last ten years, the program has distributed more than 800,000 thank-you notes. | Photo via Virginia Lottery
Five minutes (or less) is all it could take to make a teacher’s day.
Remember the teacher who made an impact in your life? Now’s your chance to tell them — but the deadline is just two weeks away.
In partnership with The Supply Room, the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher program invites Virginians to recognize K-12 educators making a difference every day.
Send a thank-you note by May 8 and your teacher could win prizes for themselves and their school.
A women’s sports bar has officially opened in Arlington. Located on Washington Boulevard, Westover Taco is now Northern Virginia’s first restaurant dedicated to celebrating women’s sports. It’s the perfect spot to catch games and support local teams like the Washington Spirit and the DC Divas. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Try This
Mount Vernon has a couple of new features as we head into the warmer months. Along with the reopening of the centerpiece mansion after renovations, you can also expect a new beer garden and 28 newborn lambs. (FFXnow)
Concert
Jazz returns to Metropolitan Park with a free four-part concert series from 5 to 7 p.m. on select Thursdays, May 7-June 18. Enjoy live performances from go-go to bossa nova, plus art activities, local vendors, and complimentary mocktail samples. Pack a picnic or explore nearby restaurants for the perfect evening out. Learn more.*
Outdoors
Have you ever wanted to try fly fishing? Hotel Burg in Leesburg has partnered with Orvis to offer guests half- and full-day fly fishing experiences on the Potomac River. Book your stay here. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Coming Soon
Falls Church is getting a new local cafe. Rasha Cafe, a Yemeni cafe, expects to open in June at 310 S. Washington St. You can expect speciality Yemeni coffee, rawani cake, honeycomb bread, and other tasty treats. (ARLnow)
Development
VHC Health is hoping to build a 146-bed behavioral health and rehabilitation facility at 601 S. Carlin Springs Rd. in Arlington. Learn more about the project’s timeline. (ARLnow)
Opening
Friends of Dorothy Cafe, a queer-owned and family-friendly concept, is working toward opening a location near Huntington as it continues its fundraising efforts. If funding continues to come through, the cafe is expected to open sometime next year. (ALXnow)
Travel
Do you have a plane connoisseur at home? The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is creating an online store for folks to buy Reagan National and Dulles merch. A timeline is not yet known for when this website will launch. (Washington Business Journal)
Pro Tip
Every Thursday, lululemon adds new markdowns to its We Made Too Much section. Read: Deals, on deals, on deals. We’re eyeing this breathable short sleeve tee that’s perfect for warm-weather workouts, or this cropped legging that’s a great price for lululemon leggings.*
While we know this is outside of Northern Virginia, we think it’s worth the trip. Wind Vineyards in Tappahannock, which is a little less than two hours from downtown Arlington, is hosting a hot air balloon and wine festival on Saturday, May 9 from 3 to 8 p.m. See what you can expect.
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While yesterday was officially Earth Day, I feel that this is something that should be celebrated every day. Don’t miss this free Earth Day Fairfax event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Fairfax Park.
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