Travel and Outdoors

A view of a green gold course with spectators lining the opposite side of a pond in its middle.
Sports
Bring Augusta National to Northern Virginia
You don’t need to travel to Georgia to experience the beauty of Augusta. We rounded up some ways to replicate the Masters experience in NOVA.
April 01, 2026 10:44 AM
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Plants outside for the Spring Garden Market with the American Horticultural Society.
Travel and Outdoors
A gardener’s guide to Northern Virginia
Are you an expert gardener or hoping to get into it? Here’s your guide on how to garden in NOVA, from local plant sales to gardening clubs.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The inside of Union Station in Washington, DC.
Airports and Transportation
Inside Newsletter Editor Ava’s Amtrak journey to New York
Planning a trip to New York or somewhere along the East Coast? Here’s what my firsthand Amtrak experience was really like.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
An aerial shot of the coastline that lines Lima Peru. A vast number of buildings line the land atop cliffs, with a deep blue ocean on the right of the image, running alongside a road beneath the cliffs.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share NOVA’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of Northern Virginia, cities across the world await.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
People standing on a bridge on the Virginia Creeper Trail.
Travel and Outdoors
Weekend trips near Northern Virginia
There are a ton of cool areas to see in and around Virginia. Don’t miss these seven weekend trips under six hours away from NOVA.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A red-flanked bluetail on a tree branch.
Travel and Outdoors
Where this rare bird can be found in Northern Virginia
Originally from Asia, this bird is now making appearances in NOVA.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A dock in Woodstock, Virginia.
Travel and Outdoors
Northern Virginia day trips to add to your bucket list
Looking to escape Northern Virginia without going far? Here are eight day trips to go on throughout the year.
March 9, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Two people holding wine glasses looking at a field of cows.
Food
A new winery is coming to Ovoka Farm — here’s what to expect
Wine enthusiasts can now plan their visit to Ovoka Farm’s brand-new winery, with the official opening weekend finally announced.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
A rain barrel outside of a house in Alexandria.
Weather
How to get a rain barrel in Northern Virginia
Explore sustainability workshops across NOVA and learn how you can earn compensation for installing a rain barrel.
February 17, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The inside of Friends to Lovers Bookstore in Alexandria.
Entertainment
A procrastinators guide to Valentine’s Day
Looking for some last-minute plans this Valentine’s Day? Here are ideas on how you can celebrate around Northern Virginia.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The Potomac Yard metro station in Alexandria.
Development
Mark your calendars for these metro closures in Northern Virginia
The Blue and Yellow lines will be impacted by various closures throughout the spring. Plan your travel accordingly, as the National Airport stop will be impacted.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
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The outside of Nettie's Tavern in Arlington's Clarendon neighborhood.
Food
Local food and drinks for less than NOVA’s current gas prices
Gas prices may be high, but here are different food and beverages around NOVA that are $4 or less.
April 13, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The main area of Reston Town Center.
Take a stroll around Reston Town Center
Join Editor Ava for a stroll through Reston Town Center — and discover upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
April 8, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
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Culture
One year of NOVAtoday
NOVAtoday has been coming to your inbox for a full 365 days — here’s a breakdown of some stats.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Victorian-style homes in the Occoquan Historic District.
Real Estate
Victorian-style architecture in Northern Virginia
Have you noticed all of the architectural styles around NOVA? Learn about the Victorian-style and where you can see it in the area.
April 1, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Tulips at the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington with DC in the background.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Northern Virginia
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Staff
A bracket of sports bars in Northern Virginia.
Business
What’s the best sports bar in Northern Virginia?
Cast your vote in the bracket and help decide the best sports bar in the area.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
Katie Couric hosting the 63rd Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon.
History
Six well-known women with connections to Northern Virginia
March is Women’s History Month, and these remarkable women all have ties to Northern Virginia.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
The outside of Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington.
Culture
Northern Virginia’s must-visit Irish pubs
These six Irish pubs are the perfect local spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski
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Cherry blossoms in full bloom at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Northern Virginia
Want to avoid the crowds checking out the cherry blossoms in DC? Here are spots around Northern Virginia that offer an equal, if not better, glimpse of the beloved cherry blossoms.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Ava Wojnowski