Plus, step inside this Lorton mansion on the Potomac.
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Sunrise 6:25 a.m. | Sunset 7:50 p.m.

High tides 11:00 a.m. + 11:48 p.m. | Low tides 5:09 a.m. + 6:16 p.m.

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Editor Ava roams around Falls Church

A Falls Church sign.
Falls Church is also referred to as “The Little City.” | Photo by NOVAtoday
I’m deeming Falls Church the Midwest of Northern Virginia, purely because everyone I interacted with was very, very kind. It brought me back to my Midwest roots.

Upon arriving in Falls Church, I got off at the East Falls Church Metro station and took a 20-minute walk to Broad Street, the town’s main thoroughfare.

I kicked off my journey at, shocker, a coffee shop. Rare Bird Coffee Roasters is the ideal location, especially if you’re looking for a place to work. There’s a good amount of seating and a bunch of outlets. I opted for a flat white with oat milk and a piece of the morning bread. Pro tip: Don’t miss the locally-made pottery from Pottery Nomad.
The inside of Coco Cameo Vintage in Falls Church.

There are soooo many fun pieces at this shop. | Photo by NOVAtoday

I then stopped by Coco Cameo Vintage, a shop that opened just a few months ago, offering a curated mix of pieces spanning from the 1950s through the Y2K era.

While there, I had the chance to chat with the owner, Jessica Stanis, who shared several of her favorite spots around Falls Church. Her top recommendation? The bulgogi fries at Seoul Prime Steakhouse. She suggested grabbing a seat at the bar during happy hour — the perfect way to enjoy them.
Where else did I stop?

Virginia Lottery

Events

Monday, April 20

A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Rust Library, Leesburg | Free

Tuesday, April 21

Historic Garden Week 2026 Fredericksburg Tour | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Upper Caroline Street, Fredericksburg | $48

Wednesday, April 22

Earth Day Volunteer Workday: Invasive Plant Removal | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna | Free, RSVP

Thursday, April 23

George Mason Friends Spring Book Sale | Thursday, April 23-Sunday, April 26 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | George Mason Regional Library, Annandale | Price of purchase

Friday, April 24

Arbor Day Liberty Tree Patriotic Planting & Picnic | 4-7 p.m. | Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Leesburg | Free

Saturday, April 25

Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Church of St. Clement, Alexandria | Price of purchase

Sunday, April 26

PNC Alexandria Half Marathon, Kids Dash, and 5K | 7 a.m. | Alexandria City Hall, Alexandria | $20+
See our full events calendar
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News Notes

Mansion Monday

A pool with a view? We’re sold. This Lorton property sits right on the Potomac River, with a pool that overlooks the water and a private dock for your use. How much does it cost?

Festivals

As the weather warms, many festivals are making their way to NOVA. Here are nine food festivals for you to check out this spring. I’m eyeing the Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival.

Active

Fit @ Potomac is back in National Landing at Center Park in Potomac Yard through Sunday, May 17, as a free instructor-led fitness series in partnership with DC Fray. Every Sunday from 2-3 p.m., participants enjoy a different workout, all levels welcome, with punch-card prizes and giveaways. Learn more + RSVP.*

Try This

Beep, beep. Make sure to check out these car shows around Northern Virginia in the coming months. (Northern Virginia Magazine)

Number

60-70 minutes. That’s how much daylight NOVA will gain throughout April, ushering in longer, sun-soaked evenings. Translation: It’s officially patio season, so make plans to enjoy dinner al fresco at one of these local restaurants.

Read

Plot twist: It’s National Library Week. If your library card is collecting dust, consider this your reminder to put it back into circulation. Don’t have one yet? You can start the application process online in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax.

Drink

Have you seen Coca-Cola’s limited edition Virginia can? In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the beverage company released special mini cans for each US state — ours proves that Virginia is for lovers. (Nextstar Media)

Try This

Got a product parents will tot-ally love? Add it to our upcoming Parents Gift Guide, publishing in May + June. Your product will be featured in our online guide where we’re highlighting products that make parenting easier. In other words: a little extra visibility to help your brand earn some serious parent points. Add your product.*

The Buy

A warm-weather workout set featuring this supportive sports bra and flattering biker shorts with pockets. The set was made in collaboration with Broadway performers and delivers all-day comfort with ultra-stretchy fabric that supports without restrictive compression, all while featuring a dynamic design that enhances your natural contours.
More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Mother’s Day is a little less than a month away. Why not make something she’ll love at this new pottery studio in Shirlington called Paint Your Heart Out? This is the second location, with the first one being located in Historic Occoquan, VA. Homemade gifts are so in.
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