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Travel and Outdoors

Tents in a field at night.
City
Campsites to check out in Northern Virginia
Make the most of Labor Day weekend by exploring these six Northern Virginia campsites before the cooler weather rolls in.
August 26, 2025 12:33 PM
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
People overlooking DC from Arlington Ridge Park. Small groups are spread out across the grass, some with dogs, some on blankets. The sky is blue, yellow, orange, and pink, and the Washington Memorial is visible in the background.
Culture
Where would you put an outdoor library in Northern Virginia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in NOVA.
July 23, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Grand museum atrium with tall arches, skylight, and a lifelike elephant statue. Visitors gaze in awe, creating a sense of wonder and exploration.
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Northern Virginia
We found the best kid-friendly activities in NOVA, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
March 28, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
View of the Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple, on the Acropolis of Athens. The temple, built in the 5th century BC, is characterized by its iconic columns and classical architectural design. The image shows the Parthenon with a clear sky in the background and part of the Acropolis hill surrounding it.
Culture
Take a virtual tour of Washington, DC’s 15 sister cities
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in South Korea or Thailand.
March 24, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A tall, red brick house sits on a grassy yard surrounded by trees.
Play
16 of the top free things to do in NOVA
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in NOVA, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
March 24, 2025
Five people dressed in reflective work vests look into overgrowth off the side of the road. The second volunteer from the left is looking behind and smiling at the camera while holding a sign that says "Volunteers at work, ask us why, Arlington Regional Master Naturalist Park Stewards Program."
Play
Where to give back and volunteer in NOVA
This list of volunteer opportunities around Arlington and Alexandria includes everything from animal shelters to veterans associations.
March 21, 2025
 · 
Madison McMillen
The west facade of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin, China, showcases its distinctive Byzantine-style architecture. The cathedral features a large green domed roof, brick walls with ornate detailing, and tall windows. The entrance is visible in the center, with decorative arches and a tower extending above the building.
Culture
Take a virtual tour of Fairfax’s 3 sister cities
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in South Korea or Turkey.
March 12, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Rue Froide, a narrow street with colorful shop fronts in Caen France
Culture
Alexandria’s 3 sister cities: A virtual tour
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister cities in Scotland or Sweden.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
NOVAtoday: NOVA_Mt. Vernon Trail dog_MAR25
Culture
NOVAtoday’s spring ‘in’ and ‘out’ list
Spring has sprung… almost. Here are our hot takes on what’s cool this season and what’s not.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
A trailhead on a path shows an image of a stick figure with a leashed dog and says "Turkey Run Loop .75 MI" and "Potomac Heritage Trail .25MI." A river is visible through the trees and down a small set of wooden steps.
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around Northern Virginia
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 6, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
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More from NOVAtoday
An aerial view of RTC Next.
Development
An Introduction to RTC Next: Reston’s expanding urban hub
Get the full breakdown of the RTC Next development phases and the businesses set to join the community.
October 8, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A sign to show people where to vote.
City
Your guide to Virginia’s general election
Get all the essential information about the upcoming general election in Virginia, including key dates, how to vote, what’s on your ballot, and where to watch the gubernatorial debate.
October 6, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A skeleton at a haunted house.
Entertainment
Five haunted attractions around Northern Virginia
From family-friendly fun to terrifying trails, here are the top haunted attractions to check out across Northern Virginia this Halloween season.
October 3, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Isa Seyran, owner of the Ballstonian, standing in front of his coffee cart.
Restaurants
Brewing community: The story behind this local coffee cart
What started as a simple coffee cart in Ballston has become a community hub, thanks to the vision of owner Isa Seyran.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA_Northside_Social_Aug15
Live
Sip on this: Where to grab coffee in Northern Virginia
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A photo of a cup of black coffee and a latte.
City
What Northern Virginia neighborhood best suits your personality based on your coffee order?
Learn which neighborhood best fits your personality based on your coffee order with this quiz.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA_Coffee_Class_Sept29
Culture
Four coffee shops offering workshops in Northern Virginia
Want to up your coffee game? Explore these classes around Northern Virginia, covering everything from latte art to the basics of roasting and brewing.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
An aerial photo of Widewater State Park.
City
How to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Virginia
Looking to give back? Join efforts across the state of Virginia to pick up trash, remove invasive species, and protect nature.
September 24, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of Oasis The Listening Bar.
Restaurants
Try Oasis: The Listening Bar with me
A new Japanese restaurant in Arlington is serving up sushi, cocktails, and live music. Newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski shares what she ordered on her first visit.
September 23, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Various stands at the Mosaic District farmers market.
City
Explore the Mosaic District in Fairfax with me
Join Newsletter Editor Ava Wojnowski for a stroll through the vibrant Mosaic District, exploring local farmers markets, unique boutiques, and must-try restaurants along the way.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski