Editor Pick
Climbing/Ropes Course
Climb UPton
Arlington has no literal mountains to climb, but as of this past summer it does have Climb UPton—an aerial ropes course that challenges scramblers of all abilities to test their mettle on 90 built-in elements, from swinging ladders and cargo nets to zip lines and a free-fall element called “Tarzan.” Rising 40 feet off the ground (roughly the height of a three-story building), the ropes course is tucked into Upton Hill Regional Park and run by NOVA Parks. Harnesses, helmets and a “smart belay” clip system ensure the safety of even the most fearless daredevils, and those brave enough to scale the apparatus to its uppermost observation deck can enjoy panoramic views. –Eliza Tebo Berkon
Reader Pick
Hair Salon
Urban Halo
Styling hair is simply in Nash Noufal’s DNA. The son of two hairdressers (he co-owns Urban Halo with his father, Henry), he also has about 25 other family members in the industry, plus another eight on his wife’s side. In Clarendon, his staff of 20+ stylists are experts in cuts, color, straightening and smoothing. The balayage technique of hand painting hair color is the most requested service, but just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s for everyone, Noufal says. “The haircut is really about understanding the need, the purpose and how you want to apply it. People just want a beautiful cut that suits them.” –Stephanie Kanowitz
Other top vote-getters:
Casals Salon Collective, Elements McLean Hair Salon, Eli Salon, Hier & Haines Salon, hŌm Salon, Jon David Salon, PR at Partners, Salon Sage, Smitten
Reader Pick
Spa
Origins Thai Spa
Thai massage differs from Swedish massage in that it combines passive stretching with muscle kneading and attention to acupressure points. “It goes to the knot tension even deeper,” says Origins owner Uma Carroll, who started her business in Sterling before expanding to Arlington in 2016 and to Alexandria last year. The Clarendon location’s 25 trained therapists see about 2,000 clients each month, using traditional techniques to alleviate stress, tension and sore muscles. Of the 14 treatments available, the most popular are Thai, deep tissue and sports massages. “Our concept is wellness,” Carroll says. “We are not luxury.” You can’t get a mani-pedi here, but waxing, facials and scrubs are also on the menu.–Stephanie Kanowitz
Other top vote-getters:
Adara Spa, Aura Day Spa, Azure Dream Day Spa, Massage Envy, Nothing in Between Studio
Reader Pick
Yoga Studio
Sun & Moon Yoga Studio
Other top vote-getters:
CorePower Yoga, EvolveAll, Karma Yoga, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
Reader Pick
Gym
Gold’s Gym
Other top vote-getters:
Ballston CrossFit, EvolveAll, Evolve to Fit, Good Sweat, Onelife Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Patriot CrossFit, VIDA Fitness
Reader Pick
Boot Camp
BbG Fitness
Other top vote-getters: