Arlington Magazine Issue - Arlington Magazine

From the Caribbean, With Love

At 13, Daniella Senior launched a catering business. Now the Colada Shop founder is expanding her hospitality empire and advocating for immigrants.

Make Time for Creativity at Studio PAUSE

The Columbia Pike creative studio hosts workshops and doubles as a gallery displaying visual and literary artworks in a variety of media.

Remembering IOTA Club & Cafe

For 23 years, this Clarendon music venue was Arlington’s talent-spotting band locus. We asked some of its key players to reminisce.

Get Away: Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel

The nature- and music-inspired hotel is only a short walk from Merriweather Post Pavilion, the iconic concert venue in Columbia, Maryland.

‘I Have a Lot of Pride in Who I Am’

Arlington has one of the largest Mongolian populations in the U.S. Growing up, that was my community.

Get Away: Spacious Skies-Shenandoah Views

Take in the scenery and see wildflowers in bloom during a stay at this rustic campground near Shenandoah National Park.

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A Historic Queen Anne Home Gets a New Lease on Life

Built in 1881, Broadview suffered a series of bad additions over the years. The latest renovation honors its original architecture.

Get Away: Townley House in Easton, Pennsylvania

Located along Easton’s famed “Millionaire’s Row,” this vintage property is now a boutique hotel.

These Tantalizing Cookies Have a Surprise Inside

Falls Church baker Jessica Ogle gets a sweet thumbs-up from our dining critic.

For Sculptor Foon Sham, Art is Second Nature

'Ridge," a permanent installation in Virginia Square, is one in a series of works exploring natural materials and the concept of shelter.

Go Crazy for Dumplings at Tiger Dumplings

Visit the Clarendon eatery for steamed and soup dumplings, pot stickers and other Northern Chinese specialties.

How to Make Your House More ‘Climate Resilient’

Climate change is intensifying heat waves, severe storms and floods. Here are some ways to safeguard your home against the elements.

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Bidding Farewell to That Makeshift Home Office

During the pandemic, their Arlington dining room was overrun with office equipment. Now they've taken it back.

Letter from the Publisher

This Old House

How Signature Theatre’s Mark G. Meadows Found His Jam

Once upon a time, the jazz virtuoso and musical theater star was a reluctant performer. Not anymore.

Where In the World Is Frank Fumich?

Whether he’s running a 150-mile race in extreme terrain, running the company he built, or running a fundraiser for someone in need, this guy never stops running.

Book a Stay at a Treehouse Hideaway

Spending the night in the wooded embrace of the forest appeals to the inner child in all of us. Cozy up in one of these cabin rentals.

Letter from the Publisher

This Old House

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A Place for Homegoing During Segregation

Chinn-Baker Funeral Service started out serving Arlington's Black community when others would not. It's still in business today.

Who Were the Rosslyn Mountain Boys?

During the disco era, this local country band made an ironic name for itself, sharing bills with Emmylou Harris and Jerry Lee Lewis.

A Confederate Officer Built This House. Today Its Owner is Black.

Larry Chattoo has made peace with his home’s complicated past. The design speaks volumes.

Neighborhood Real Estate Guide 2024

Looking to buy or sell? Here's the latest inventory data, average sale prices and average days on market in 400+ subdivisions in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church.

Restaurant Review: Surreal

Chef Enrique Limardo puts whimsical twists on casual classics at his new restaurant in National Landing.

This Sears Kit House Renovation Is Fresh and Nostalgic

A restored 1932 catalog home in historic Maywood goes for maximum efficiency with some cool retro touches.

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The Beauty of the Bedtime Story

The evening ritual with my daughters has changed over time, but it’s still magical.

32 Splendid Brunch Spots Around Town

Treat yourself to mimosas, bloody marys and breakfast foods galore. Daylight hours never tasted so good.

What David Guas Is Cooking Up Next

The local chef and humanitarian dishes on his rise to culinary fame, his next venture, and why nothing beats hitting the open road on a Harley.

Get Away: Pennsylvania’s Wilbur Mansion

The Gothic Revival-style mansion in Bethlehem is a popular wedding destination and a cozy spot for a winter weekend escape.

Raising the Roof in Penrose

A tiny house on a small Arlington lot goes vertical for a family of four.

Shop Local: Sister Sister Jewelry

Need a special gift for a special someone? Designer Lisa Mauer's collection includes customizable rings, earrings and pendant necklaces.

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Great Spaces: A Rustic Wine Room

Bottle storage is part of the design in this Arlington home's lower-level tasting lounge.

Visit This Pop-Up Sandwich Shop While It’s Hot

Rising star chef Armani Johnson is serving up po'boys, crab dip burgers and galbi cheesesteaks in Arlington for a limited time.

Get Away: Snow Riders Tubing in Harpers Ferry

The tubing park at River Riders Family Adventure Resort pipes in music, and the course is illuminated with fun colors for sliding after dark.

Letter from the Publisher

Why We Give

Letter from the Publisher

Going Private

Letter from the Publisher

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

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Letter from the Publisher

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Get Away: The Omni Homestead Resort

Set in the Allegheny Mountains, this newly renovated property and its natural warm springs are a choice spot for a winter escape.

Fentanyl: The Deadliest Dose

Teens don’t always know what’s in the drugs they’re using. The pill they think is Oxy or Xanax could contain fentanyl—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Elegy for a Snow Day?

Are snow days a dying tradition in Northern Virginia? We asked a local meteorologist and Arlington science teacher to weigh in.

20 Great Pizza Places In and Around Arlington

Craving a slice? Luckily, there’s no shortage of outstanding pizza parlors in town.

Letter from the Publisher

The Votes Are In

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Restaurant Review: Pikoteo

Let the tropical fare and cheerful ambience of this Latin bistro transport you to warmer climes.

October’s Most Expensive Home Sales

Recent sales included a new build in Lyon Village that commanded $4.23 million and a McLean estate that garnered $7 million.

5 Dishes to Try at Water Park in National Landing

Our food critic went on a tasting tour of the kiosks on Crystal Drive. Here are some of his favorite cheap eats.

Dog Sledding Adventures in Maryland

Get your thrills with an Iditarod-style winter outing within driving distance of D.C. Snow not required.

Celebrate a Crabby New Year on the Eastern Shore

Ring in 2024 with fire jugglers, magic shows, an air guitar contest and the drop of a giant crab at First Night Talbot in Easton, Maryland.

Best of Arlington 2024

Our annual roundup of all things awesome returns! Here are the latest, greatest people, places, services and things to do in Arlington, McLean and Falls Church.

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Shop Local: MarzDM Studio

Maria Milton's stained glass designs include suncatchers, plant propagators and glass earrings in vivid hues.

The Making of a Ballerina

Caroline Hamilton found her passion at a young age. Her dreams of becoming a dancer took her to Europe at 16.

Great Spaces: A Wallpapered Bedroom Alcove

Under a sloping roofline, a cozy sleeping nook for a design-savvy teen embraces color and pattern.

Get Away: Moxy Hotel Virginia Beach

The fun decor at this surfer-chic Marriott Bonvoy property includes a Zoltar fortune-telling machine, tabletop shuffleboard and an indoor slide.

Follow the Stars to Bethlehem PA, aka ‘Christmas City’

Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious, secular or commercial holiday, this former steel town brings the magic.

Shop Local: Spice n’ Nice Coffee Flavorings

Stuff those stockings and brighten up your morning cup with options like cinnamon apple, cardamom rose, lavender vanilla and vanilla chai.

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This Imported Olive Oil Has an Arlington Connection

Libellula, a collective of small, Italian, family-owned olive farms, was co-founded by W-L alumna Julia Franchi Scarselli.

Searching for Selina Gray, Keeper of Arlington House

A cemetery near Mount Vernon may be the final resting place of the enslaved woman who held the keys to the Custis-Lee estate during the Civil War.

Shop Local: FrontYard Farm

Heather and Josh Mazen donate 10% of the proceeds from their artisanal soaps and rustic signs to racial and climate justice organizations.

Guide to Giving

Want to make a difference in your community? Donate your time or money to one of these local nonprofits.

My Hyphenated Self

Growing up, I felt neither Indian nor American enough. Now, I’ve found the blended beauty of being both.

After Braylon

Rose Kehoe and Kris Meade lost their son weeks shy of his 18th birthday. One year later, a portrait of grief, community support and healing.

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Get Away: The Union Hotel in Gettysburg

A Union theme runs throughout this historic boutique property, with subtle nods to Lincoln in pictures and books.

This Arlington Pizzeria Is Legit, Per an Italian Ranking

A Modo Mio's Neapolitan pies were named among the "Best in the U.S." by Top 50 Pizza.

Shop Local: B.Birdwatcher Spiritual Stones

Arlington jewelry maker Crystal Ellis designs custom bracelets with symbolic meaning.

Making School a ‘Happy Place’

John and Joyce Wanda grew up in poverty and left Uganda. Their commitment to education took them back.

Shop Local: Livin’ the Pie Life

A tiny, homespun bakery has found its sweet spot in Arlington serving up seasonal pies, cakes, cookies, turnovers and other goodies.

Restaurant Review: Joon

An upscale Persian concept with a culinary dream team makes a splash in Tysons.

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Top Attorneys 2023

Our area’s most respected attorneys as nominated by their peers in the legal community.

Get Away: Brampton Bed and Breakfast Inn

Need a weekend escape? Cozy up by the fire or have a good soak at this revamped boutique property in Chestertown, Maryland.

Remembering Arlington’s ‘Experiment in Free-Form Education’

Half a century ago, this short-lived experiment in student-directed learning was a precursor to the creation of H-B Woodlawn.

Get Away: The Bucks County Wine & Art Trail

Drink wine, take in the scenery and peruse landscape paintings by local artists at these Pennsylvania vineyards.

Shop Local: Plants & What Knot

Plant whisperer Christina Foy specializes in easy-care greenery and handmade macrame accessories.

Great Spaces: A Budget-Friendly Basement Makeover

A Ballston basement is converted into a fresh and modern short-term rental unit.

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The Art of the Chainsaw

When death comes for old-growth trees, Andrew Mallon carves up their stumps, giving them new life.

Where To Eat and Drink in Rappahannock County

This bucolic area next to Shenandoah National Park is a foodie’s paradise.

Teachers We Love

Six local educators share their favorite stories, revelations and the life lessons they've learned on the job.

Get Away: Kimpton’s The Forum Hotel

Heading down to Charlottesville? Stay in style at this new, Jeffersonian-style hotel on UVA's campus.

The Blue House on the Corner

A thoughtful "pop top" renovation and a new hue made this family home in Bluemont much more functional—and fun.

Why Is Private School Enrollment on the Rise?

Northern Virginia is known for its excellent public schools, but private school interest is ticking up. For some, Covid was a tipping point.

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The Terror and Benediction of Open Mic Night

One night in Arlington, I conquered my fear and stepped into the spotlight to sing.

Out of the Ashes, Ireland’s Four Courts Returns

The beloved Arlington pub will reopen Sept. 7, one year after a tragic accident left it in flames.

What’s Nue? An Elegant Vietnamese Restaurant in Falls Church

Find seafood towers, cool cocktails and dreamlike murals at this newcomer to Founders Row.

The Dreamers Next Door

They came here under duress in search of a better life. Undocumented or not, they are proud to be American.

Get Away: Museum of Illusions Washington

Discover mind-bending optical illusions at this new attraction in CityCenterDC.

Restaurant Review: Ellie Bird

Carey and Yuan Tang return to their hometown with a delightful, family-friendly restaurant.

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Where Arlington’s Class of 2023 Applied to College and Got In

Here are the numbers, as reported by graduating seniors.

Mother Figure

My mom was a high-profile bureaucrat with a gift for storytelling. I'm now discovering that many of those stories were true.

Her Retirement Job? Ball Girl for the Nats

At home games, you’ll often find Tanya Schneider fielding balls along the first or third baseline.

Get Away: Great Wolf Lodge Maryland

The kid fun includes a massive indoor water park, arcades, mini golf, a ropes course, live action games, treasure hunts and more.

Great Spaces: Beguiling Tile

Quiet features allow the beautiful tiled walls to shine in this understated Arlington kitchen remodel.

Beyond the Beautiful Earth

Astronaut David M. Brown was as down-to-earth as he was starry-eyed. He perished on the space shuttle Columbia.

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Get Away: Hotel Bethany Beach

Need a beach weekend? This freshly renovated Delaware shore hotel is pet- and kid-friendly.

Stop and Smell the Roses in This Glorious Public Garden

Created at the end of World War II, Arlington's Bon Air Memorial Rose Garden is a feast for the senses.

Haute Dogs Is All About Fancy Franks

Hot dogs get the star treatment at this Arlington eatery with jazzy toppings such as bruschetta, buffalo or banh mi.

Shop Local: The Happy Hour Flowers

No green thumb? This Arlington start-up sells pretty flowers with DIY growing tips. The floral-inspired cocktail recipes are a freebie.

Need a New Game Night Option? This One Is ‘Not So Neighborly’

Petty grudges? Theft? Arson? FamBam Games has a board game to satisfy those darkest urges.

What to Order at Maison Cheryl in Clarendon

Chef Robert Maher's Frenchy bistro does a proper duck à l’orange, says our dining critic.

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Extraordinary Teen Awards 2023

Greatness comes in many forms, whether it’s pioneering research, soul-bearing works of art or the simple gift of making people laugh. Meet this year’s exemplary students.

Delaware’s Cutest Beach Town Is Calling

Low-key Lewes is prized for its quiet shoreline, maritime history, bike trails, great restaurants and intimate charm.

A Mystery Illness Called POTS

A debilitating disorder with a constellation of symptoms, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is often misdiagnosed as anxiety. Doctors are missing the mark.

Restaurant Review: Jiwa Singapura

The chef behind D.C.'s Michelin-starred Cranes brings a taste of Southeast Asia to Tysons.