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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
The skyline of Arlington, Virginia.
Development
What will Northern Virginia look like in 10 years?
Let’s take a deep dive into future development projects in Northern Virginia.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A sign that says "Hello Summer" at The Crossing in Clarendon.
Your guide to Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood
Let’s enjoy an evening in one of Arlington’s most popular neighborhoods.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, a public library in Alexandria.
Arts
Your guide to poetry in NOVA
Meet your local Poet Laureate and find ways to join the world of poetry.
August 14, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
NOVA_Chadwicks_July1
Restaurants
Plan Ahead: Northern Virginia Restaurant Weeks 2025
Fairfax City, Alexandria, and DC Restaurant Week are just around the corner — get ready to savor the season.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A pizza on a table.
Restaurants
Where to grab a pizza slice in Northern Virginia
Sometimes a whole pizza is just too much... let’s just grab a slice.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
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City
Want to reach Northern Virginia locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
A photo of the US Marine Corps War Memorial.
City
A guide to hosting a tourist in NOVA
Everything Newsletter Editor Ava Wojnowski did when hosting a tourist in NOVA.
August 7, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of an Airbnb.
Play
Airbnb and Vrbo rentals in Northern Virginia
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Northern Virginia and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A hand holds an iPhone open to a Spotify playlist titled "Nostalgia breakup Friday afternoon"
Arts
Northern Virginia’s Spotify daylist
We like to call this one, “NOVA Nostalgiawave Midweek Mood.”
August 4, 2025
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
two loaves of bread
Food
Join the sourdough revolution in Northern Virginia
The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in NOVA, or start making your own.
July 28, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell