Arlington Magazine May/Jun 2020

7 wide open spaces to hike in the age of social distancing

Compton Peak

DISCOVER LUXURY OF A DIFFERENT KIND

Introducing The Mather in Tysons, Virginia—a forward-thinking destination for those 62 and better projected to open in 2023.

Forget what you thought you knew about senior living. Inquire today.

CON TENTS

n FEATURES

RECREATION

66 Take a Hike

Need some exercise and fresh air? Head to one of these scenic Virginia trails.

HEALTH

82 Poison Peanuts

Nearly 8 percent of kids in the U.S. have a food allergy. It makes everyday life complicated—and sometimes scary.

LOCAL HISTORY

92 River Crossing

Over 223 years, eight bridges were built in succession to traverse this narrow stretch of the Potomac. Chain Bridge has a long and storied history.

HOME

104 Getting Her Groove Back

After her husband’s death, she channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn to remake their Arlington townhouse.

ON THE COVER: Compton Peak.

Photo by Vladimir Grablev.

We can’t thank our community enough for the outpouring of support during this di cult time. Your health and safety is our highest priority. Go to vhcupdates.com for updates on COVID-19, visitation guidelines and information on Telehealth Visits. Our community and Virginia Hospital Center are better together.

CON TENTS

103 Great Spaces

This magical closet under the stairs isn’t a holding cell for Harry Potter. It’s a wine cellar.

136 Driving Range

Breathtaking vistas and cool small towns— you can connect the dots by bike on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, a rails-to-trails project.

142 Get Away

14 Neighborhood Watch

Tales from the trenches: How local residents, businesses and community groups are stepping up to help their neighbors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

22 Familiar Faces

A juvenile and domestic court judge’s view of Arlington—from the bench.

26 My Life

She stopped learning her parents’ native tongue at a young age. Now she regrets it.

119 Prime Numbers

The area’s most expensive home sales, and real-estate trends by ZIP code.

124 Places to Eat

Once the coronavirus crisis is behind us and restaurants have reopened, these eateries will need your business more than ever. For now, many are offering takeout.

132 Style Counsel

Shop online for ocean-inspired jewelry and luxury consignment pieces. Plus, seasonal bouquets available by subscription.

Doesn’t hurt to dream. Somewhere in the future is a spa retreat with the girls, or animated fun with the kids at a new cartoon-themed hotel.

144 Back Story

A historic landmark crumbles, and is the better for it.

letter from the publisher

Better Angels

ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020, we learned that schools would be closed due to COVID-19. March 13 is a significant date for Arlington Magazine because it was the copy deadline for our May/June issue. In case you’re unfamiliar with magazine publishing, the copy deadline is the date by which all of the articles are due to the art department for layouts. In other words, our stories for the issue had been edited and were ready to be designed.

We woke up on Monday, March 16, and came to the realization that a number of our stories were no longer relevant, and that publishing them would make us seem tone-deaf at best. Normally the May/June issue is our annual food and drink issue. But with restaurants and bars closed, and some making the difficult decision to lay off staff, it would have been the worst time in recent history to publish a magazine focused on dining trends and eating and drinking out.

My editor, art director and I reviewed the stories and made the decision to hold or discard about 30 percent of the content. To help fill the hole, we asked one of our writers, Kim O’Connell, to expedite a piece that was already in the works to meet a much-earlier deadline. Fortunately, she was able to accommodate us (and she did a terrifi c job) with a new cover story that explores seven beautiful hikes around Virginia, from the mountains to the coast. I hope you enjoy reading about them, and will visit them as soon as it’s permitted and safe to do.

We also decided to rewrite our Neighborhood Watch section and expand its size, focusing on our

wonderful community and all of the amazing people and organizations that have sprung into action to help their neighbors. The accounts are inspiring and heartwarming: Teachers and restaurateurs who are raising money for and serving free meals to ensure kids don’t go hungry. People who are making and donating surgical masks and other protective gear for health care workers. Community groups that are forming and recruiting dozens of volunteers to help the elderly and disabled with mundane, but critical tasks. And nonprofits that are doing urgent work in these uncertain times. (Now more than ever, they need your support so that they can meet the surge of demand for their services. Please turn to page 20 to learn more and consider a contribution.)

If you see neighbors and friends displaying acts of kindness and generosity, please email their stories and contact information to me at greg. hamilton@arlingtonmagazine.com. We have been and plan to continue publishing these stories on ArlingtonMagazine.com, as well as in the magazine. I am awestruck at the way our community has responded. In the face of a crisis, people here are eager to lend a hand. We will get through this together and emerge stronger than ever.

Greg Hamilton Publisher

Kim O’Connell

LIVES IN: Arlington (Aurora Highlands)

IN THIS ISSUE: Penned our cover story on beautiful Virginia hiking trails

FAVORITE PLACES TO HIKE: “My heart is pretty evenly split between Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Acadia National Park in Maine.”

COVID COPING: “Baking. Maybe too much baking.”

SILVER LINING: “Family movie nights, which used to be a once-a-week thing, are now almost an everyday occurrence. I tend toward classics and made my kids watch All the President’s Men. Not sorry!”

VIRTUAL SANITY: “I live in a tight-knit neighborhood, where people hang out on the sidewalk chatting all the time. The quiet right now is eerie. And yet, my neighbors are still there—in group text chains, Zoom happy hours and on Facebook. I have always felt lucky to live here, maybe never more so than now.”

LOOKING FORWARD TO: “Watching Max Scherzer pitch again…I mean, baseball at Nationals Park.”

CURIOUS ENDEAVORS: “I recently had a research fellowship at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. This fall I’m scheduled to be a writer-in-residence at the Wildacres Retreat, an artist colony near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.”

ONLINE: kimaoconnell.com

Jianan Liu

LIVES IN: Baltimore

IN THIS ISSUE: Illustrated Sravya Tadepalli’s essay about bilingualism and being a first-generation-American child of immigrants.

FLUENCY: “Chinese is my native language and English is my second one.”

INSPIRED BY: Illustrators John Holcroft, Emiliano Ponzi, Owen Gent and Sanyu

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: “Some editorial illustrations. And I’m preparing to switch to teaching online. I’m teaching at Prince George’s Community College this semester.”

COVID COPING: “I’ve been doing more yoga, working out, catching up with family and friends, and spending time with my cat, Notch. Scheduling my free time prevents me from feeling lazy.”

SILVER LINING: “Most of us are trying to support each other mentally, financially. Which gives me the belief that we can get through this!”

LOOKING FORWARD TO: “Having a picnic with my friends...eventually.”

PORTFOLIO INCLUDES: NPR, Chronicle Books, Scientific American, the Institute for Public Policy Research, Columbia Magazine, Johns Hopkins Magazine, NUVO magazine, Breathe magazine

ONLINE: jiananliu.com

PUBLISHER & PARTNER

Greg Hamilton PARTNER

Steve Hull

EDITOR

Jenny Sullivan

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Susan Hull

ART DIRECTOR

Laura Goode

DESIGNER

Kari Mason

WEB PRODUCER

Erin Roby

DINING CRITIC

David Hagedorn

COPY EDITOR

Sandy Fleishman

WRITERS

Matt Blitz, Lisa Kaplan Gordon, Rachael Keeney, Christine Koubek, Lisa Lednicer, Kim O’Connell, Rina Rapuano, Jennifer Sergent, Sravya Tadepalli, Amy Brecount White, Adrienne Wichard-Edds

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Stephanie Bragg, Lawrence Cheng, Heather Fuentes, Erick Gibson, Vladimir Grablev, Lisa Helfert, Darren Higgins, Danny Kim, Chris Langford, Tony J. Lewis, Jianan Liu, Cesar A. Olivares, Hilary Schwab, Jonathan Timmes, Joseph Tran, Michael Ventura, William Waldron, Amy Brecount White, Stephanie Williams, Stacy Zarin Goldberg

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Traci Ball, Alison York

FINANCE MANAGER

Jill Trone

AD PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Meghan K. Murphy

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

Leigh McDonald

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

Onecia Ribeiro

Arlington Magazine is published six times a year by Greenbrier Media LLC © 2020 1319 N. Greenbrier St., Arlington, VA 22205

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neighbors neighbors Helping

Nothing like a pandemic to bring forth— to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln—the better angels of our nature. Here are just a few snapshots of kind acts and quick mobilization in the place we call home.

All Hands on Deck

It’s like the Peace Corps, but local. If you’re interested in sharing your skills, consider joining the Arlington Community Corps, launched on March 23 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. “Government cannot do this alone,” says organizer and former school board member Abby Raphael. “The Corps is a network of residents who can quickly share needs, resources and ideas with each other.” As of April 1, the Corps had 181 volunteers and counting. “We are also trying to recruit co-captains for every civic association in Arlington,” Raphael says. “The first activity we are suggesting for each civic association is a food drive for the Arlington Food Assistance Center.” At press time, the Corps was also working with the county to coordinate food distribution to local residents who cannot leave their homes. To become a volunteer, go to beaneighbor.vomo.org/org/arlington-community-corps, find your neighborhood and register. To become a civic association co-captain, email Corps co-founder Evan Burfield at eburfield@gmail.com.

Abby Raphael gathers food for AFAC.

PPE STAT

In late March, Marymount University’s Malek School of Health Professions donated 550 surgical masks, 110 isolation gowns, 60 fullbody suits (aka “bunny suits”) and seven sets of reusable goggles to Virginia Hospital Center. With college courses suspended and medical workers facing dire shortages of PPE (personal protective equipment), it was a no-brainer. “When we leave the hospital, there is a risk of increased exposure if we do not have proper supplies when caring for our patients,” says Alicia Marconi, an adjunct lab instructor in Marymount’s nursing program and an ICU nurse at the hospital. “If we, the health care workers, get sick, then there are fewer of us to take care of patients in need.”

Clean Hands

Some make lemonade out of lemons. Falls Church Distillers in late March began making hand sanitizer out of corn whiskey for distribution to hospitals, first responders, retirement communities and government agencies, as well as the general public. The first 300 gallons of Aim High Hand Sanitizer, given away for free in 5-ounce portions, disappeared in less than five hours. Owner Michael Paluzzi says the distillery will continue to churn out more batches of the product—which it’s now selling—to help meet local needs. The main ingredients are 190proof alcohol, glycerin and botanical essential oils. “We are a threegeneration Air Force family,” he says. “We’re going to attack this problem like we are in the military.”

Brown-Bagging It

Chef David Guas jumped into action in March to help area families who normally rely on free or reduced-price lunches. Concerned that Arlington Public Schools’ designated pickup spots for grab-and-go lunches might not reach all those in need, the chef-owner of Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery got cooking and established a pickup spot outside his Courthouse restaurant for free weekday meals featuring a nutritious main staple—vegan beans and rice. The effort was launched in partnership with Real Food for Kids, a Northern Virginia nonprofit dedicated to elevating the quality of school food, and Fruitful Planet, the charitable arm of juice purveyor South Block, which is donating fresh produce to the effort. At press time the operation was distributing roughly 400 meals per day to underserved and military families. “We’re seeing a lot of repeats, so we know that people are relying on us,” Guas says. “Until somebody says we can’t even be out of our house, I’m going to show up every day.”

Masked Men

About a year ago, Arlingtonian Andrew Springer happened upon a loaded dumpster filled with more than 20,000 boxed, unopened N95 surgical masks. Springer, along with his business partners Gary and Brian Shipp (who are father and son), co-owns Sun Recycling, a waste management and recycling business based in Beltsville, Maryland, and the container had arrived at the company’s plant to be recycled. Rather than sending the masks through the shredder, however, Gary Shipp moved the stash to a warehouse about a mile away, where it sat, unopened, for months. Perhaps he had a hunch they needed saving. “Gary is the hardest-working person I know,” Springer says. “He tries not to throw anything away.” You can guess what happened next. In March, the company divided up and donated the masks to a number of D.C.-area hospitals, including Virginia Hospital Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital, as well as to nursing care facilities, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other health care organizations facing critical shortages of medical supplies.

David Guas chops onions for vegan beans and rice.

Sew Good

When her kids were small, Arlingtonian Dani Seltzer sewed clothes for them. Now she’s one of more than 800 local “craftivisits” firing up their sewing machines and joining a nationwide effort to offset shortages of hospital masks amid the COVID-19 epidemic. As of April 1, members of the Virginia-D.C.-Maryland chapter of the Million Mask Challenge had created and donated more than 6,700 masks to doctors’ offices, nursing care facilities, home health aides, animal clinics and others. At press time, the group was scrambling to fill orders for another 3,900 masks, and had begun sewing surgical caps as well.

Time for Takeout

As this issue went to press, area restaurants were closed for in-dining by order of Gov. Ralph Northam. However, scores of them—including Arlington’s beloved Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe, now celebrating its 45th year in business—had pivoted to serve customers via carryout, curbside pickup and delivery. Which means you can still enjoy decadent desserts and a whole lot more while practicing social distancing and supporting the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our dining landscape. To help restaurants facilitate curbside and onsite pickup orders Radius Networks, a technology company founded by District Taco co-owner Marc Wallace, is offering real-time customer tracking software for free (details at radiusnetworks.com/flybuylite).

For a list of eateries and food shops that remain open for takeout and delivery, visit arlingtonmagazine.com/ restaurants-and-shops-offering-takeout-and-delivery

Though the homemade masks are not a replacement for the FDA-approved N95 surgical masks that medical workers need, they are providing an extra level of protection that otherwise would not exist. “Our group is focusing on two styles,” Seltzer says. “One is a cover for the N95, which some facilities are requesting to extend the life of their existing N95s. The other is a basic mask for everyone else in situations where the CDC has advised using a bandana. Our masks are #betterthanabandana.”

In addition to those handy with a needle and thread, the grassroots effort has enlisted volunteers to help with sourcing and distributing donated fabrics, coordinating requests for masks, and managing pickups and deliveries of masks coming off the production line. For more info, visit facebook.com/groups/millionmaskchallenge or millionmaskchallenge.com.

Masks made by Arlington volunteer Karen Gorman

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe’s chocolate mousse cup

Home is not a place, it is a feeling. We know this to be true now more than ever. For the last 44 years, Buck & Associates has been committed to helping residents of Virginia and the DC area find a place to call home. Though we are in uncertain times due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are still in operation and are committed to ensuring families find their forever home. We continue to prioritize the safety of our clients, agents, and partners in the buying and selling of your home. We are

by our clients’ loyalty and take our responsibility to the community very seriously. Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected at this time.

Ken

Errands and More

Falls Church City residents have launched a grassroots effort to assist neighbors in need, including the elderly and people with disabilities, with problems ranging from dead cellphone batteries and dwindling toilet paper supplies to dog-walking and vet visits for sick pets. The network, which has a Facebook page, Falls Church Area COVID19 Aid, was spearheaded by residents Mike Michener, Ally Bernstein and Tamar Abrams. “I lived in Rome for four years…and have heard heartwarming stories about how young Italians are checking on their elderly neighbors and doing the shopping so they can stay home and safe,” says Michener. “I thought we could do something similar here.” He floated the idea on the social networking platform Nextdoor and it quickly gained momentum. The relief effort now has more than 100 volunteers, including phone operators (the hotline is 703-982-0736), logistics coordinators, retail “runners” providing no-contact deliveries and others doing whatever is needed.

Post Haste

Food for Thought

When schools close, what happens to the 8,300 Arlington Public Schools students who rely on free or reducedprice lunches? Yorktown High School teachers Aaron Schuetz, Laurie Vena and Deborah Waldron didn’t wait to find out. In mid-March, they launched a GoFundMe page (“OPTin–One Pantry at a Time”) to make sure Arlington’s most vulnerable students would be able to eat during the COVID-19 school shutdown. As of April 1, the page had raised more than $225,000 and the teachers had delivered more than 2,000 grocery store gift cards ($100 each) to families coping with food insecurity. “Our district has about 25 percent of kids who get free and reduced lunches,” says Waldron, a physics teacher. “We are working with schools, social workers and principals to distribute them.” The organizers have since shifted gears and are asking community members to donate directly to local food banks and nonprofits that are providing critical aid (see page 20).

In Arlington, a Facebook page, Arlington Neighbors Helping Each Other Through COVID-19, has amassed close to 7,700 followers and raised more than $11,000 for the Arlington Food Assistance Center within days of its formation. Through community posts, members have since identified and responded to countless other needs, big and small—coffee and food donations for health care workers; free online yoga and fitness classes for bored kids and stressed adults; mental health support; public safety guidelines; and much more. Little free libraries have been converted into mini canned food pantries. Craft supply drives (via Amazon wish lists) have put creative tools in the hands of low-income kindergartners stuck at home. At least one local photographer began offering “front porch” family photo sessions (using digital image transfer and the recommended social distancing) with proceeds going to local charities. The page, which was created by Arlingtonian Kellen MacBeth, has also provided moments of levity and inspiration during a time of crisis, from videos of roving bagpipers to snapshots of children’s sidewalk chalk art.

Volunteer Ben Hubbert on a grocery run for a neighbor

n neighborhood watch

Funding the Front Lines

Local nonprofits are already in the business of tackling our community’s most critical needs. They are our safety nets. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, these groups remain at the forefront of emergency aid. To support them, the Arlington Community Foundation (ACF), in partnership with the Washington Forrest Foundation (as well as a $1 million grant from Amazon, $350,000 of which is earmarked for targeted use in Arlington), has created a COVID-19 Prompt Response Fund to channel funding where it is most urgently needed, including to organizations focusing on food insecurity, health care for the uninsured and support for displaced workers. Donated funds are being distributed daily to local charitable organizations in the form of emergency grants. To date, the fund has awarded more than $300,000 to 23 area nonprofits. To make a gift to the fund, visit arlcf.org.

The following front-line organizations represent just a few that have received ACF funding and are also accepting direct donations:

Arlington Food Assistance Center

The county’s primary food pantry, AFAC provides dignified access to nutritious, supplemental groceries. afac.org

Arlington Free Clinic

Provides free, high-quality medical and dental care for low-income, uninsured Arlington County adults. arlingtonfreeclinic.org

Arlington Housing Corp.

Provides quality affordable housing for low-income families, along

with on-site education and literacy programs, college and career readiness, and a summer camp. ahcinc.org

Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing

Develops affordable apartment buildings, many of which integrate health, workforce success and education programs. apah.org

A-SPAN

Works to end homelessness in Arlington by helping to secure

Comforts of Home

Bridges to Independence (bridges2. org), an Arlington nonprofit that supports families experiencing homelessness, is seeing an influx of need. Many families are reeling from lost wages/layoffs, the inability to

reach food distribution sites due to a lack of transportation, and difficulties balancing work with child care needs now that schools are closed. At the same time, the community has stepped up to help, says Christina Armstrong, the organization’s chief philanthropic partnerships officer. Students from Abingdon Elementary

permanent housing and providing life-sustaining services for vulnerable individuals. a-span.org

Arlington Pediatric Center (Virginia Hospital Center Pediatrics)

Offers comprehensive, affordable, quality health care in a culturally sensitive environment to Arlington children (newborns to age 18) with family incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. virginiahospitalcenter.com/medical/ pediatrics/arlington.aspx

Arlington Thrive

Delivers same-day emergency funds to neighbors in crisis, so they can be secure in their jobs, health and homes. Thrive’s newly formed Arlington Emergency Relief Fund raised more than $70,000 in its first 10 days. Arlingtonthrive.org

Culpepper Garden

Provides quality, affordable housing, assisted-living services and programs to lower-income older persons. culpeppergarden.org

dropped off new art supplies for youth in temporary housing and at Sullivan House, the county’s largest emergency family shelter. A local bookstore donated children’s books.

Two youth volunteers (pictured) collected more than $4,000 in gift cards in a week’s time.

“The longer-term impacts [of COVID-19] remain to be seen,” Armstrong says. “While evictions have been suspended in most cases, and utility companies are waiving fees, when the community returns to its day-today activities, the families who already lost their jobs, in a down economy, are most susceptible to recidivism.”

Youth volunteers Jim and Bailey

Recipients enjoying art supplies Supplies donated by a local 9-year-old

Friendly Phone Calls

Loneliness has been a tough side-effect of social distancing, particularly for elderly residents in assisted living who, for public safety reasons, have not been allowed visitors. Culpepper Garden, an assisted-living community in Arlington, has enlisted members of the larger community as friendly callers to check in with residents by phone. “To date, 13 volunteers have signed up—most coming through our faith-based partners,” says executive director Linda Kelleher. “We have 24 residents who have requested a friendly caller. We are in the process of screening volunteers, developing a short ‘how-to’ script and alerting residents.”

Culpepper Garden also has an Amazon wish list and donation opportunities for those interested in providing material assistance to residents. To volunteer as a phone caller, contact volunteer manager Hannah Becker-Menditto at hbeckermenditto@culpeppergarden.org. n

Kaplan Gordon | photo

Sitting Courtside

Everyone has their own view of life in Arlington. This is how a chief judge sees it from the bench.

THE HONORABLE George D. Varoutsos is in the home stretch of his fourth term presiding over Arlington County’s 17th District Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He’s a tough nut to crack.

As the court’s chief judge, he sees family heartbreaks daily—termination of parental rights, child custody and support battles, domestic abuse, neglect and violence. But when he grants a rare interview, he mostly stares ahead and talks about these gutwrenching topics in a flat baritone, a paragon of impartiality.

Varoutsos says he rarely gets choked up when adjudicating on a family’s collapse. At the end of most days, he leaves the turmoil at his chambers’ door.

“Once you’ve made a decision, you’ve got to move on and not worry,” he says. “You can only do the best you can do.”

When pressed, he admits that he “hates” when he has to put a child into foster care, and that he becomes particularly riled when he hears domestic violence cases—especially those in which a child has witnessed spousal abuse.

“When a child is present during domestic violence, they learn that’s the way life is,” he says. “I grew up in a

by Michael Ventura

house where we weren’t hugging each other every minute, but there wasn’t any violence or serious arguing. That’s what I thought was normal.”

Varoutsos spent his childhood in Lyon Park and Country Club Hills. He remembers growing up in an Ozzie and Harriet-type home, the 1950s TV model of an intact family with two parents and two kids whose biggest problems were pimples before a big date. In that world (as in his), Mom kept house, Dad arrived home from work around 6, and the family gathered for dinner each night without fail.

“Now, I see these families that are very dysfunctional,” says the judge, who lives off Williamsburg Boulevard, about 2 miles from where he grew up. “My family had no issues. It’s hard to understand how these other families

have so many things going wrong with their lives.”

“Doesn’t every family have issues?” I ask, trying to dig a little deeper.

Not his. That’s the story, and he’s sticking to it.

Varoutsos was the kind of kid who rarely shows up in the courtroom he now runs. He remembers his young self as studious and respectful, a first child (his younger brother is a pit boss in Atlantic City) determined to sail smoothly through life.

His most defiant act was refusing to attend Greek school. “I told my parents I’d run away from home,” he says. They didn’t make him go.

He achieved a nearly perfect attendance record at Yorktown High School— a “reverse truant,” he says wryly—then graduated from the University of Rich-

mond with a bachelor’s and a law degree.

“My father wanted me to be a lawyer,” he says about his dad, Paul Varoutsos, a partner at Varoutsos, Koutoulakos, Arthur & Dolan, a law firm in Arlington. “It was expected of me.”

After law school, Varoutsos was fixed up with and married Sandra Trahos, a lovely girl from Alexandria who had happily attended Greek school; he then clerked for federal Judge Oren Ritter Lewis of the Eastern District of Virginia. He worked for his dad’s firm for a couple of years, then opened his own shop practicing civil and criminal litigation.

In 1998, the Virginia General Assembly elected Varoutsos to his first of four six-year terms sitting on the juvenile and domestic relations court bench. “In Arlington, there aren’t that many judgeships, and that was the

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n familiar faces

position that became available when I was applying,” he says. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me. This court is so interesting. Every day is so different. And you feel good about the stuff you’re working on.”

He loves when someone makes the most of a break he has given them. He grows frustrated when “I’ve taken a chance on someone, and they didn’t take advantage of it and messed up later.”

Today Varoutsos is a trim 71 with wispy, receding gray hair and bushy, salt-and-pepper eyebrows. His forehead is creased with lines—perhaps the only outward sign of the tragedies he’s observed over time.

Inside his chambers, one finds a riot of D.C. team sports memorabilia— “I’m the oldest continuous season ticket holder of the Wizards,” he says proudly—alongside family pictures of his wife, his grown daughter, Christine, and his toddler grandson, Georgie. (It’s

a Greek tradition to name a boy after his grandfather.) The requisite leatherbound lawbooks line the back wall, and a black judge’s robe lies draped over a chair.

His favorite part of judging comes on the first Wednesday of every month when he presides over the Formal Driver’s License Ceremony, lecturing and handing out licenses to 50-75 new drivers.

“I tell them it’s a privilege to have your license. But if you make a mistake for a second or two, it could be a major life-changing event,” he cautions.

Meanwhile, a life-changing event of a different sort is barreling toward the judge himself. He’ll be required to retire in a couple of years, at 73.

“I’m not looking forward to it, but I’m not dreading it,” he says. “It makes me nervous. It’s a sign of getting old.”

It’s not like he’ll have nothing to do. He could work part time as a substitute

judge, and have coffee or lunch almost every day with one of the 30 friends from his Arlington school days that he still sees regularly.

He’ll go to ball games—he loves the Nationals and the Wizards (the Redskins, not so much) and attends most University of Richmond football home games. And he’s hoping to fly to his place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, more often.

Truthfully, he says, he’s already accomplished more than he ever imagined. He’s traveled to Greece, Italy and many national parks. He’s attended the last 29 Super Bowls.

When the Nats won the World Series in November—he attended all three home games—the boxes on his bucket list were officially checked.

“My life has gone too well,” he says. n

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a freelance writer living in McLean.

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Spectacular Private Balcony

Sravya Tadepalli | illustration by Jianan Liu

Language Lessons

I stopped learning my parents’ native tongue at a young age. Now I regret it.

IN JANUARY I ATTENDED a protest in Washington, D.C., against the persecution of Muslim minorities in India. During the rally, Indian-American organizers tried to lead protesters in the chant, “Ain’t no power like the power of the people, ’cause the power of the people don’t stop.”

I smiled as hundreds of Indian uncles and aunties stared back disapprovingly, refusing to repeat a line so grammatically unsound. I could only imagine what my grandfather, an English professor, would have said if he were there.

“Ain’t is not a word!” he would bellow. “And ‘ain’t no’ is a double negative!”

Indians have long been proud of knowing English—proper, British English. Rapid growth in Indian immigration to the U.S. over the last 30 years was largely fueled by Indians having

scientific expertise and speaking fluent English, making them excellent candidates for the H-1B visas given to highly skilled workers.

English is often seen as a marker of gentility in India, and fluency is a key to class mobility. Though Indian proficiency in English comes from a violent colonial history, English has long been a golden ticket to acceptance and success, and my immigrant parents wanted to ensure that I would speak it perfectly. But in learning English, I forgot how to speak the language of my parents, Telugu.

My parents were among the first Indian immigrants to settle in the predominantly white town of Corvallis, Oregon, in the early 1990s. When I was a toddler, they spoke to me only in Telugu, but my mother later decided to speak to me only in English—out of fear and the desire to see her child suc-

ceed in a country that saw bilingualism as a deficit and a threat. She was afraid that if we spoke Telugu at home, I would be put into an English as a Second Language (ESL) class; that I would be pulled out of regular classes to learn English and would fall behind in school.

English became the language we spoke at home, and the little Telugu I knew quickly fell out of use.

My English, however, was great. I was reading chapter books by the time I was 6, and I had a natural ear for grammar and spelling. Despite my mother’s endeavors, my school still dragged me out of my regular classes to drill me on my English, seeing it impossible that a brown girl with accented parents could possibly speak English well.

“What’s this image of?”

“A door.”

“And what’s this in your language?”

“My language?”

“Don’t you speak another language?” “No.”

“Are you sure?” “Yeah.”

The school tried its hardest to justify keeping me in ESL, wanting the extra state funding that came with every student enrolled, but I was grudgingly let go.

Not speaking Telugu didn’t somehow become a magical shield against racism. I was still called “Sacagawea” on the bus and had trouble getting cast in school plays. People loved to mock Indian accents and my Hindu faith. And despite my natural grasp of syntax and solid comprehension of the unreal conditional and the nominative and objective case structures, I found my English wasn’t perfect enough to avoid scrutiny.

My accented parents pronounced the word “embarrassed” with the emphasis

on the last syllable, “embarrASSED.”

When I said the word in class the way I had grown up hearing it, I was met with a contemptuous explosion of giggles.

In high school, I was in a play and had to say a line that had the word “stove,” which I pronounced as rhyming with “love.” When the director corrected me, saying it was pronounced “stove” like “cove,” I was astounded.

When I relayed the story years later to my college roommate—who was Indian—she was also shocked. “Stove is pronounced stove?” she said in awe.

But over time, the teasing slowed. By the time I was in college, bilingualism was all the rage, and criticism started to emerge from another direction.

“Why on earth did your parents not teach you your language?” a professor asked me, astonished. “That is very unfortunate.”

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“We’re teaching our daughter French, Spanish and English,” a classmate’s mother beamed. “We think it’s valuable to be cosmopolitan.”

While my mother felt guilty, I felt mad. All throughout my childhood, school and society had taught me that I had to be American, speak English and act as white as possible. All of a sudden the rules changed, and it was “cool” to come from another culture. I was “supposed” to speak another language.

As I grew up, I saw the consequences of not having learned Telugu at a younger age. I loved Indian history and religion and would have loved to talk with my older family members in India about their lives, but I couldn’t communicate with them without my mother translating. I couldn’t enjoy Indian TV programs or listen to the family gossip. Most of all, it became difficult to con-

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nect to other Telugu people in the way language can.

I was recently at the Ballston Quarter Macy’s and overheard a man and his mother chatting in Telugu. They were having a hard time finding what they were looking for. We made eye contact.

“ Emi chustunnaru ?” I squeaked. “What are you looking for?”

The man’s mother, dressed in a seafoam green sari, smiled wide and began to chatter to me in rapid Telugu. But it quickly became apparent that beyond “ emi chustunnaru ,” I couldn’t reciprocate, and we drifted apart to do our own shopping. We were brought together by language for a split second, only to be pulled apart by the words I couldn’t speak.

People from immigrant communities struggle for acceptance on a daily basis. I still see parents who view monolingualism as imperative for their

children to fit in, and kids who think speaking another language is uncool. Like my 6-year-old nephew, who said “I hate Telugu!” after his mother tried to get him to respond to a question in the language.

And yet, English has never really been the criterion for our acceptance. Indian-Americans can win the national spelling bee year after year after year, and people will still roll their eyes and angrily tweet, “Why can’t an AMERICAN win the spelling bee?”

For as long as immigrants are in this country, they will be seen as “other” if they look a different way.

I’ve decided that acting like everybody else will not make people of color more accepted, so we might as well embrace our culture, religion, histories and language to be fully ourselves. Others should see us as we truly are, not judging us or tokenizing us for speak-

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ing or not speaking another language.

As for me, I have spent the last year working to improve my Telugu. I can now read and write it, and that has helped with the speaking. It’s hard. At 23, I’ve passed the age where learning a language is simple. But I’m trying and learning so I can improve my connection to this beautiful Telugu diaspora I am a part of.

If I run into the elderly woman in the seafoam sari again, I hope we can have a moment of cheerful conversation, recognition and solidarity. n

Sravya Tadepalli is a recent graduate of the University of Oregon and currently lives in Arlington. Her writing has been featured in Teaching Tolerance, the Portland Tribune, the Salem Statesman Journal, Oregon Humanities and the textbook America Now. She is also a 2018 Harry S. Truman Scholar.

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The Face of

Beautiful Nail Care

Jade Kim Trusso, Founder | Nothing In Between Non-Toxic Nail Bar & Organic Spa

From her studio in Falls Church, animal lover and environmental activist Jade Trusso delivers safe, clean nail care to clients throughout Northern Virginia. Her goal is to set a new industry standard in nail care and provide a better work environment for employees by using non-toxic and certified organic products. The airy studio is scented with essential oils—not chemical fumes or particle dust. Nothing in Between reinvents the nail industry by creating a health-inspiring, eco-friendly, non-toxic, plant-based

and cruelty-free salon. Her vision fuses all these concepts together, providing a great experience. “It’s not just nail care, it’s a service that refreshes your body, mind and soul,” she says. “We offer a calm wellness experience for clients, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after every visit.”

703-241-1257 www.nothinginbetweenstudio.com

The Face of

Bicycling Realty

Natalie U. Roy, Bicycling Realty Group | KW Metro Center

Prior to getting into the real estate field, Natalie Roy had the privilege of working as an environmental professional and community activist for more than 30 years. “I use my advocacy and community experience to help clients realize their real estate goals,” she says. “Whether it is selling property quickly at the best possible price or finding the perfect new home.”

“As a longtime member of the Arlington community, I specialize in Arlington and cover much of Northern

Virginia. As a biking enthusiast, I also offer a unique eco-friendly service, Bicycling Realty Services. There is no better way to check out a community than by biking through it. Call me today to schedule a bike househunting tour today for a fun and informative real estate workout!”

703-819-4915 www.bicyclingrealty.com

TONY

The Face

of

Catholic Education

Saint Luke Catholic School

Saint Luke Catholic School is dedicated to educating the whole child: mind, body and soul. With Christ as the guide, the school instills Catholic values and faith, promotes academic excellence, and inspires students to be lifelong learners who are socially responsible citizens committed to serving others.

Here is Saint Luke at a glance:

• 201 students enrolled, 2019–2020, with 24 full-time faculty.

• 222 years of faculty teaching experience, with 11 Master’s

degrees, 2 PhDs and 1 JD.

• Programs include Spanish and French, Choir and Band, plus Technology, Art, Music and PE, all offered K-8.

• Morning Care and Extended Day are available, Pre-K-8.

• Makerspace and Middle School Electives coming 2020–2021.

www.stlukeschool.com 703-356-1508

The Face of Community Banking

The Arlington Community Federal Credit Union

You likely recognize these faces. This team is everywhere. Their mission is to financially empower their members, but their positive impact in the community goes well beyond their membership. They are active Arlington Chamber members that support and empower local businesses. They help APS students run their own in-school branches to learn the importance of saving. They partner with local nonprofits to enhance the good they do in the county. If there’s a way to shout out loud their love of Arlington, they’re doing it.

Team

ACFCU is local banking at its best. The staff understands the unique benefits and challenges of living and owning a business here, and they are ready to support you in both. They’re with you every step of your financial journey.

703-526-0200 www.arlingtoncu.org

Jim Wilmot, Chief Lending Officer; Katherine Magruder, Director of Real Estate; Karen Rosales, CEO; Reyes Gonzalez, Commercial Banking Manager; Amy Thomas, Chief of Staff.

The Face of Criminal Defense

Harry A. Dennis III, Andrew M. Stewart & Adam M. Krischer Dennis, Stewart & Krischer, PLLC

The attorneys at DSK | Law are experienced trial and appellate lawyers with over 70 years of combined experience handling a range of state and federal criminal cases, from traffic offenses and DUIs to drug conspiracies and capital murder.

DSK | Law represents clients under investigation or charged with criminal offenses. They also serve as local counsel for national and international firms not licensed to practice in Washington, D.C. and Virginia

federal courts. Criminal convictions may result in collateral consequences beyond incarceration, such as loss of housing, immigration difficulties, loss of security clearance or termination from employment. The attorneys and staff at DSK | Law provide clients with the resources necessary to address their individual needs and resolve their case with the best possible result.

703-248-0626 www.dskvalaw.com

The

Face of Cut, Color and Style

Fadi, Owner | Salon Virage

Recognized as a top salon in the metro area by Washingtonian, Arlington and Northern Virginia magazines, Salon Virage focuses on client’s needs through great consultations! Their master stylists stay on top of trends and are continuously updating their knowledge through professional classes from leaders in the industry. Your stylist can transform trends into either everyday looks or styles that stand out.

“Clients that visit us are looking for something new. They want something different but they’re unsure what look suits them best,” says Fadi. “Our team takes the time to address any question a client might have about their hair and suggests what works best for the client based on their needs. Our goal is to find a look that’s personally tailored for you.”

The

Face

of Design Build

Michael Sauri | TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Michael and TriVistaUSA Design + Build have thrived for over 15 years in the competitive Arlington design/build market. How? “Creative solutions, rooted in resourceefficient building techniques with an understanding of zoning regulations—all while having fun,” says Sauri. “Best of all? We do cool projects for cool people.”

Clients often mention that he asks more questions than other remodelers. “There’s no end to answers that can inform a remodel: What do you eat for dinner? What are

your children’s names? Where do you like to vacation? When you understand your clients better, you end up doing better work for them,” he says.

Widely recognized for his expertise, he is a sought-after speaker, NARI chapter board member, and valued business advisor to other companies in the U.S. and Canada.

703-243-3171 www.TriVistaUSA.com

The Face of Differentiated Instruction

Anabelle C. Morgan, Head of School | Commonwealth Academy

Commonwealth Academy offers an exceptional college preparatory program for bright students in Grades 3–12. Students have varying learning styles, often accompanied by ADHD/Executive Function challenges. They benefit from the school’s small classes and differentiated instruction. Commonwealth Academy students graduate prepared for college, careers and life pursuits.

Located in the Del Ray section of Alexandria, the school community empowers students to realize their

highest potential. The inclusive learning environment includes a broad-based curriculum and compensatory strategies, enhanced by transformational educational technologies.

“Our school culture fosters both academic risk-taking and social/emotional success. Commonwealth Academy students thrive in a comfortable, diverse community,” says Anabelle Morgan, Head of School. 703-548-6912 www.ca-empowers.org

Downsizing Specialist Anna Novak helps her clients navigate the complex process of whole-home downsizing, estate closeouts, and transitions to retirement or senior living.

Anna’s nationally known website, HomeTransitionPros.com, keeps her followers current on the latest solutions for downsizing. It also offers free checklists, plans and workbooks to help people stay organized throughout the process.

Here in Arlington, Anna supports senior living communities and Realtors and their clients with detailed plans, vetted referrals and project oversight from beginning to end. “Every transition is different. We take out the guesswork and recommend a highly customized solution for each client’s needs.”

“I love the expression of relief I see when our clients realize we can manage the whole thing,” says Anna. “It’s such a weight off their shoulders.”

The Face of Educational Coaching

Kristin Carpenter, Founder | Linder

To be the Face of Educational Coaching is to have many faces. Kristin Carpenter has spent the past 11 years building Linder Educational Coaching in order to have a truly elite staff, from developmental psychologists to SAT/ACT specialists.

Linder began as a company focused on helping students with learning disabilities, but it has evolved to meet the demands of clients navigating an increasingly challenging academic space. Carpenter prides herself on her holistic approach, which requires providing

Educational Coaching

direct help to students as well as the indirect support of IEP/504 creation and management, parenting guidance and college applications.

Educational coaching is like sports coaching. It requires passion and a team of specialists. With Linder, Carpenter has created a company that helps children become great students, but more importantly, happier and more confident people.

703-672-0506 www.LinderEC.com

The Face of

Employment Law

Broderick C. Dunn, Esquire, Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC

A firm partner, Broderick Dunn helps individuals and small businesses navigate litigation and counsels clients in dispute avoidance. Focusing on labor and employment counseling and litigation, Dunn represents federal government and private sector employees as well as employers. Licensed in Virginia and Maryland as well as federal courts in the District of Columbia, his practice also covers business torts, creditor’s rights, constitutional law and commercial landlord/tenant

issues. For the past several years, he’s been honored by Super Lawyers in the area of Employment Litigation. He was also recently named to Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Mr. Dunn is a graduate of Woodberry Forest School, Williams College and Washington & Lee University School of Law.

703-865-7480

www.cookcraig.com/broderick-c-dunn.html

Being a Realtor® perfectly blends Tori’s passion for Falls Church and finding clients their dream homes. After moving to Falls Church in 1998, she immediately immersed herself in community advocacy as a 10-year Housing Commissioner and a 20-year public school volunteer.

Tori is Executive Producer of Tinner Hill Music Festival, taking place on June 13, 2020. Philanthropic work in the arts combines her prior music industry career with her dedication to live music and the musicians who are the creative fabric of our community.

Tori and her ROCK STAR Realty team give ROCK STAR service to each and every client during their home buying and selling experience. Her market expertise and personal care ensure a seamless move. Call Tori to help you find the home you LOVE!

The Face of Family Law

Mullett Dove Meacham & Bradley, PLLC

MDMB offers award-winning counsel for divorce and family law. With an emphasis on comprehensive service, firm attorneys are dedicated to assisting clients in a wide variety of family related matters. The attorneys of MDMB have significant experience handling complex divorce and custody issues, and they also efficiently resolve many routine and straightforward uncontested matters. Firm services are tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. The attorneys make every effort to reach resolution through amicable negotiations, mediation or

the collaborative divorce process, but they are also well known for producing positive results in the courtroom and zealously advocating for clients when litigation is necessary.

The practice is focused primarily in the trial courts of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as the appellate courts of the Commonwealth.

703-522-8100 www.mdmblaw.com

2020 FACES

The Face of Fitness

Andrew & Michelle Shin | Andy Shin Fitness

Everyone’s fitness journey starts somewhere. For Arlingtonbased trainer Andy Shin, it was breaking the cycle of unhealthy living after the passing of his mother from cancer. Now, he combats the ever-present possibility of illness by prioritizing wellness for himself and his clients.

“Exercise is powerful medicine and can be used preventatively or for healing,” says Andy Shin. Since 2013, he has trained more than 650 people ranging in age, ability, needs and goals—and his wife Michelle’s support has been

integral to success. Individualized training plans carefully accommodate physical limitations and health concerns. Drawing from personal experience, extensive fitness and nutritional knowledge, and his desire to help people, Shin relishes empowering clients—as partner and coach—to achieve their goals, and ultimately, feel stronger and healthier.

571-550-1042 www.andyshinfitness.com

The Clarendon Dental Arts “Mouth, Mind and Body” tagline embraces its unique gentleness and spirit of relationship building over the past 25 years. Most importantly, it increasingly empowers patients to make oral health part of their long-term healthy living plan.

Today’s known links between systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and oral conditions challenge us to promote risk factor analysis and conservative, yet proactive, treatment options.

“Our goal is to determine the ‘whys’ behind dental challenges to keep our patients healthy for a lifetime—not just the next six months,” says Dr. Fresch. “Your smile design should be created upon a foundation of health.”

On a good day, Clarendon Dental Arts creates beautiful smiles. On a great day, Dr. Fresch and her team saves lives!

The Face of Home Loans

Robert Martinson, Joe Prentice, Scott Gordon, Ru Toyama Monument Home Loans

Home mortgages are what Monument does—and all it does. With no juggling of auto loans, ATMs and asset management, the focus is solely on ensuring every client has a smooth and predictable financing experience. Monument’s team works with clients from all backgrounds—first-time buyers, experienced buyers, refinancing, jumbo loans, self-employed, creditchallenged—and is adept at finding the right options for any situation.

Monument understands mortgages should not be one-

size-fits-all, offering one of the widest arrays of mortgage products in the DMV, and works closely with each client to identify the program that best meets their needs and goals. Regardless of a customer’s circumstances, the Monument team has one objective—to close loans on time, as expected, and as efficiently as possible. 703-650-7431 | www.monumenthomeloans.com nmlsconsumeraccess.org info@monumenthomeloans.com 4075 Wilson Blvd., Suite 823, Arlington, VA 22203

The Face of Home Renovations and Remodeling

Josh Newfield | Commonwealth Restorations

Arlington offers an endless array of architectural styles. No matter the style or age of your home, Commonwealth Restorations can help you turn your existing house into your dream home. A highly experienced remodeling contractor, Josh Newfield and his team offer restorations, renovations, repairs and new construction expertise, from design through movein—all at a very high level of quality and service.

“We offer an end-to-end client experience,” he says. “This

includes seamless communication, budgeting, staffing, on-site organization, and solid, quality craftsmanship every time.” The design team works with clients on every aspect of architectural design, including product selection for all types of projects.

“Our in-house designers and project coordinators will work closely with you to produce results that you will love.”

703-525-5255 www.commonwealthrestorations.com

Land Use & Zoning Law

Active throughout Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland, Venable’s experienced land use team works with developers and landowners on some of the most noteworthy developments in the region, from initial due diligence through the lifecycle of the building. Time is critical in a development project, and our unique team-based approach ensures that a seasoned land use attorney is always available to devote the time and attention necessary for success. From small housing projects to mixed-use urban

703-760-1600 www.venable.com The Face of

environments, we have a strong track record of working collaboratively with local government and community representatives to build consensus and address neighborhood concerns. In one recent example, we secured zoning approvals to transform a struggling shopping center in Arlington into a thriving mixed-use development that’s become an iconic community gathering place.

The

Face

of Medicare Insurance

The Medicare Portal Team

Are you turning 65 soon? Retiring? Do you find Medicare to be confusing? Medicare Portal’s dedicated team of local insurance professionals are available, at no cost, to offer guidance in navigating eligible beneficiaries through the enrollment process.

Serving the metro D.C. area, Medicare Portal is a local agency of more than a dozen professionals offering the technology, experience and leadership of a national provider. They offer individual counseling, various

educational events, benefit options guidance and plan reviews, along with lifetime support for their clients. Their agents can assist current Medicare beneficiaries as well as those transitioning into Medicare for the first time.

Medicare can be very complex and confusing. Navigate it with the team at Medicare Portal for a successful Medicare experience.

703-214-4600 www.medicareportal.org

Mortgage Banking

Johnathan Thomas, Senior Loan Officer | Citizens One Home Loans

Johnathan Thomas: Born, raised and still living in Arlington. The longtime mortgage banker remains one of the area’s all-time top producers and there isn’t much he hasn’t experienced with home financing. He loves Citizens One because, “We’re a portfolio lender offering all types of financing, from the first-time condo buyer to large teardown construction financing.”

One piece of advice from Johnathan for homeowners: “Take advantage of all economic markets, good or bad. When times are good, enjoy your investments and the growth of your home’s equity. But when times are bad, take advantage

of lower interest rates by refinancing your mortgage or purchasing that more affordable house you’ve always wanted. Citizens is here to help.”

https://lo.citizensone.com/jthomas Johnathan.Thomas@citizensone.com

NMLS ID 98951

Mortgages are offered and originated by Citizens Bank, N.A. Citizens One Home Loans™ is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. (NMLS ID# 433960). All loans are subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.

The Face of

The Face of

A Mosquito-Free Yard

Kenny & Stephanie Bowen | Mosquito Shield

Stay-Outside-Longer and Get-Bit-Less, that’s Mosquito Shield’s credo. “With schools closed, and most people working from home, we’re anticipating more families using their yards. A mild winter also makes for a buggy and itchy year,” says Kenny. Be educated. Scrutinize unrealistic claims and avoid the upsell from the pest control and lawn industry. Just killing mosquitoes isn’t enough. For fewer bites and superior results, you need to drastically reduce the number of mosquitoes in

your yard. Super-effective repellants are the secret; without them, new mosquitoes move right in! “This is why all-natural garlic and cedar oil repellants are the cornerstones of our mixes,” says Stephanie. Whether you’re telecommuting from the patio or sending the kids outside to unplug, we’re here to help you get-bit-less.

703-828-7510 www.moshield.com/nva

The Face of North Arlington Real Estate

During her previous career in public accounting and consulting, Katie enjoyed being a trusted advisor, working with people needing her help and advice. She leveraged that financial and consultative expertise into a real estate career and, over the past 15 years, has built a likeminded team.

The Wethman Group has helped hundreds of clients throughout D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Over 75 percent of clients come from referrals, and she is in the top one percent of Realtors nationwide. “Everyone on our team earns our clients’ trust, helping them think through all the options, buying a great home and making a great investment,” she says. “There are many moving parts in buying and selling. We can make the process as educational, easy and stress-free as possible.”

703-655-7672 www.WethmanGroup.com

TONY

The Face of Outdoor Living

Groff Landscape Design specializes in designing and building beautiful outdoor spaces that are perfect for your lifestyle. From patios and fire pits to more complex projects, Groff manages the entire project using full-time staff and guarantees their patios for 10 years and their plants for life.

“We create a low-stress experience for our clients,” says Robert Groff. “Most families we work with are busy professionals with children and pets. They want a reliable and organized contractor who listens to them and

communicates extremely well. That’s us.”

Groff specializes in client service. “We just happen to also be exceptional at the design and construction of high quality residential outdoor spaces, helping our clients to extend their living space outdoors,” adds Groff. “Clients love working with us because there are no surprises.”

The Face of

Pet Care Services

Tammy & Steve Rosen | Fur-Get Me Not

Tammy Rosen started Fur-Get Me Not in Arlington as a onewoman operation. Twenty years later, it’s still thriving with 120 pet-loving professionals. Her husband Steve later joined the company making it a family affair.

Fur-Get Me Not’s caring employees are in great demand for their in-home and on-site services. They don’t use independent contractors and thoroughly vet all their employees, allowing them to stand confidently behind their reliability and quality of service. Each one advocates for the

animals in their care, and animal experience and behavioral knowledge is applied across all their services.

“We do it all,” says Tammy. “Dog daycare, boarding, training, dog walking, pet sitting. If one service doesn’t meet your needs, we provide alternatives. You come to us or we come to you.”

703-933-1935

www.furgetmenot.com

The Face of

Private Mortgage Banking

Brandon Frye, Private Mortgage Banker | Wells Fargo Private Mortgage

A seasoned mortgage banker with over 10 years at Wells Fargo, Brandon was recognized as a national top producer in 2019. Specializing in jumbo mortgages, he has helped hundreds of individuals and families find the right mortgage to meet their goals he has helped hundreds of individuals and families find the right mortgage to meet their goals.

Previously an NFL Offensive Lineman, Brandon applies the work ethic and attention to detail he learned as a pro athlete to his lending career. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance from Virginia Tech and strives to uphold its motto, “Ut Prosim” (“That I may Serve”), by being available for his clients to ensure they’re comfortable and educated throughout the lending process.

Listed as a Top Mortgage Professional in Washingtonian Magazine, Brandon’s passion for his customers sets him apart from other lenders.

202-895-5155 www.wfhm.com/brandon-frye brandon.frye@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 519595

For a company that specializes in “metropolitan luxury homes,” Denny + Gardner comes from humble roots. They go back to Norm Gardner’s dad, who started the company as a handyman service. In 2019, Denny + Gardner was elected as one of the country’s top 50 remodelers via Remodeling Magazine’s Big50 Award. They have about a 50 percent mix of larger architect referrals to smaller kitchen and bath remodels.

“From modest beginnings, we’ve grown quite a bit,”

says Miller, co-owner of the firm. “Being conversant in the upper-end details that go with fine design is a starting point. Not every contractor understands that conversation or design intent.”

Denny + Gardner is on the side of all customers to ensure their space is transformed into a sanctuary.

The Face of Skin Care

Coming from Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. Kent’s style is like a family practitioner from small-town USA—giving patients’ problems all the attention they deserve. Internal medicine and dermatology training at Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown, Children’s National and NIH brought Dr. Kent, also known as Dr. Skin, to the DMV. His roots grew after falling in love. His practice excels in minimally invasive aesthetics with a focus on lasers and injectable therapies. His office

is the one stop for children and adults needing medical dermatology and skin cancer management. The office is easily accessible in Arlington, offering twice-daily appointments available for acute needs.

“In the hustle and bustle around us, I try to be the rock that patients can depend on over a lifetime,” says Dr. Kent.

Face of

South Arlington Real Estate

Our Team | Kay Houghton & Associates

The announcement of Amazon HQ2 has made South Arlington one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. Kay Houghton has been a resident of South Arlington’s popular Fairlington neighborhood for over a decade and has long been a champion of the area. “South Arlington has it all: history, charm, shops, restaurants, festivals—it’s just a fabulous place to call home,” says Houghton. “The Amazon announcement has taken an already hot location and made it that much more desirable.”

For several years running, Kay Houghton has been the number one real estate agent in the three zip codes that comprise South Arlington. Her team helps more buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants than any other agent or team of agents in the area.

703-CALL-KAY (703-225-5529) www.khassociates.com

TONY J. LEWIS

Care

Experience the difference at Virginia Spine Institute! This concierge team of specialists seamlessly provides an elevated standard of spine care to those suffering with neck and back conditions. With all of the necessary disciplines under one roof (spine surgeons, regenerative medicine specialists, non-operative physicians, doctor of osteopathic medicine, neurologist and spine-specialized physical therapists), this world-renowned team has collaborated to improve the lives of over 90,000 patients. Your time is valuable and your quality of life matters in making memories and fulfilling career commitments. Patients return to their lives faster with customized treatment plans that include technologically advanced surgeries, minimally invasive procedures and the latest alternatives to surgery, including regenerative medicine. Through innovative treatments, patients experience less downtime and get back to the demands of life and their loved ones faster.

703-709-1114 www.spinemd.com

Front L-R: President Dr. Christopher Good; Founder & CEO

Dr. Thomas Schuler, Dr. Ehsan Jazini

Back L-R: Dr. Thomas Nguyen, Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Steven Papuchis, Dr. Colin Haines, Dr. Sommer Ebdlahad

Face

The Face of

TMJ Therapy & Sleep Apnea

Jeffery L. Brown, DDS, MBA | Sleep & TMJ Therapy

Dr. Brown’s practice focuses solely on TMD, sleep apnea and pain management. Every day, he helps patients experiencing sleep issues, bite problems, chronic headaches, migraines, ear ringing, jaw joint noises, movement disorders and much more. In the body, if there is an internal imbalance, whether in an adult or child, the body will not function properly. That is why Dr. Brown takes a whole-body approach when treatment planning. His expertise allows him to identify and treat the underlying

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Panoramic views from the summit of Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park

From the mountains to the coast, these invigorating and stress-relieving Virginia hikes are all within a two-hour drive of Arlington.

BY KIM O’CONNELL

Trails lend themselves well to metaphors. They provide terrific lessons about trusting a winding path, even if you’re not sure where it leads, and staying in the moment, putting one foot in front of the other. At the end of a rocky, uphill climb, there is often a beautiful view that was worth every hard step to get there. Walking in the woods might be the original form of #selfcare. Rich in history and natural beauty, Virginia boasts numerous places to hike, from Shenandoah National

Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the many state parks that encompass mountain, lake and river experiences. We’ve chosen seven beautiful spots for hiking within about a two-hour drive of Arlington, and we hope you’ll use them as jumping-off points to discover other outdoor opportunities around the state. Be sure to check websites and alerts before you go to verify that trails and parks are open, and take all necessary safety precautions. Then lace up. The woods are waiting.

Editor’s Note: At press time, most of the parks in this story remained open for day-use activities, although some were modifying operations, including closing certain trailhead parking lots in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Be sure to check park websites for status updates before you head out.

Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park

The constant lapping sound of the water against Lake Anna’s shoreline is hypnotic and peaceful. Marine biologist Wallace Nichols, author of the 2014 book Blue Mind, has said that the sight and sound of water releases neurochemicals that increase blood flow to the brain and heart, among other benefits. Located in Spotsylvania County, Lake Anna State Park offers hikers both woodsy shade and solitude, as well as lake views that can induce that much-needed serene feeling.

Situated on the site of an early-19thcentury gold mine, Lake Anna is a reservoir that was created as a cooling facility for Dominion Energy’s North Anna Power Station. The lake is one of the largest in the state, stretching 17.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, with some 200 miles of shoreline. It has both a private side and a public side—the state park. Here, a dozen interconnected trails range from a short quarter-mile leg-stretcher to ones that are 2 to 3 miles long, although hikers can easily combine different trails to extend the experience. Several hikes, such as the Railroad Ford and Big Woods trails, offer glittering glimpses of the lake, with places to pause at a waterfront bench and allow the neurochemicals to do their job.

Lake Anna is ideal for hikers who want to add on other recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming or horseback riding. Both tent and cabin camping are available, and a visitor center features exhibits on the site’s gold mining history. The park also runs popular gold panning programs and tours of the Goodwin Gold Mine site, where ruins and trenches can still be seen.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/lake-anna

Stand-up paddle boarding on the lake

Lake Anna

Sky Meadows State Park

Between Virginia’s eastern coastal plain and its Appalachian spine lies its rolling heart—the Piedmont. Located near the town of Paris, off U.S. 17, Sky Meadows State Park celebrates these Virginia foothills in all their glory, occupying a 1,860-acre tract donated to the state by philanthropist Paul Mellon. Nestled into an undulating valley

east of the Blue Ridge, the park combines meadows, forest, streams and tended fields, as well as a historic district with 18th- and 19th-century farm buildings that interpret colonial and antebellum life.

Hikers at Sky Meadows have their choice of trails of varying difficulty and length, for a total of 22 miles. One of

the most scenic circuits, however, is a 5.2-mile combination of the park’s Piedmont Overlook and North Ridge trails, as well as a short section of the Appalachian Trail, that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and farmlands. Although sections of the circuit are forested, the hike is unusual in that it traverses open fields with un-

View from the Piedmont Overlook Trail

impeded vistas. Forget Montana— this is big sky country in Virginia. Because of its dark, relatively unpolluted nights, Sky Meadows is popular with stargazers, too. You could join one of the park’s regular astronomy nights, when astronomers bring telescopes and point out constellations and other celestial features—although after a day of hiking you might just want to book a campsite, kick off your shoes and look up.

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ sky-meadows

Sky Meadows State Park

Compton Peak

With more than 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah National Park offers a bevy of options that range from short nature walks to the rugged Appalachian Trail (AT), which traverses the entire 100-mile length of the park. Broad vistas, rushing waterfalls and historic sites can all be seen from the park’s trails, most of which are accessed from overlooks and parking areas along Skyline Drive.

The moderately difficult, 2.4-mile Compton Peak trail, for one, offers a quintessential Shenandoah experience in relative proximity to I-66 and the amenities in Front Royal. The trail-

head sits across Skyline Drive from the Compton Gap parking area at mile 10.4 (mileposts begin at zero at the park’s northern Front Royal entrance). Almost immediately, you’ll head uphill on a portion of the AT past large intact and crumbling boulders. At the junction with the Compton Peak trail, you can go right toward a magnificent view of the surrounding Appalachians, or left to see a volcanic columnar jointing feature, a series of connected hexagonal basalt columns (the same geological process that created the striated Devils Tower in Wyoming).

Adventurers who want a bigger challenge might consider joining the growing number of people in the informal

Shenandoah 500 Mile Club—those intrepid wanderers who have hiked all of the park’s trails. Hikers who finish the “SHEN500” earn unlimited bragging rights, along with a special patch featuring one of the park’s famous black bears.

If you get lucky, you might see the real thing in Shenandoah. Several hundred black bears are thought to reside in the park, most active between April and November. Although black bears almost always scamper away at the sight or sound of humans, check the park website for tips on how to stay safe in bear country. nps.gov/thingstodo/hikecompton peak.htm

Endless Possibilities

• Delicious cuisine

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• Exercise room, classes and trainer available

• Salon and barber shop

• Café, library and lounges

• Pool and gardens

The view from Compton Peak

Ball’s Bluff

Among the many Civil War sites in Virginia, Ball’s Bluff Battlefield and Cemetery in Leesburg is a hidden gem. Tucked into a suburban development, this riverside regional park offers history-minded hikers both varied trails and interpretive markers that describe the early-war battle that took place here.

On Oct. 21, 1861, Union forces under Maj. Gen. George McClellan, attempting a reconnaissance of sites along the Potomac River, were easily repulsed by a Confederate regiment, resulting in the death of Col. Edward Baker, a U.S. senator, among others.

Today, a memorial to Baker, along with a small stone-walled cemetery containing the mostly unknown re-

The cemetery at Ball’s Bluff

mains of Union soldiers who perished in the battle, are among the many historic stops awaiting hikers at Ball’s Bluff. A series of interconnected and colorfully blazed trails weave up and down through the park’s forest topography, making it easy for hikers to extend or shorten their trip as they wish.

Because of the park’s small size (76 acres), bounded on one side by suburbia and the other by the Potomac, it’s nearly impossible to get lost. Kids will love literally choosing their own adventure among the different paths through the woods.

Along the river, where the bluff at the water’s edge can be seen, springtime brings a profusion of Virginia bluebells, whose bright green leaves and delicate blue-lavender flowers are important for native bees and butterflies.

The river, usually calm and shallow, is actually a side channel of the Potomac passing between the park and Harrison Island. Tree branches twist and bend toward the river, including one downed, overhanging tree that dares brave souls to walk out as far as they can over the water. Be careful, or you’ll go home wet.

novaparks.com/parks/ balls-bluff-battlefield-regional-park

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Ball’s Bluff Battlefield

Old Rag

Of all the hikes in Virginia, Old Rag is a rite of passage. The granddaddy. The classic mountain rock scramble at Shenandoah National Park that is perennially popular. As a monadnock (meaning an isolated mountain or rock formation), Old Rag stands just east of the main ridge of Shenandoah and is a landmark visible from portions of Skyline Drive. Most hikers access the trailhead from a parking lot at the base of the mountain off Madison County state Route 601. Hikers can opt for a longer but (slightly) easier 9-mile circuit hike to reach the summit, or a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike.

The trail to the summit of Old Rag starts out like many Shenandoah trails—tree-shaded and slightly rocky. Before long, however, hikers come to the scramble, a long section of exposed rocks and boulders, which you often have to use all four limbs to get over, under and around as you proceed to the summit. Speaking of which, Old Rag plays dirty with a series of false summits that will elicit laughs or groans, depending on how much your muscles ache. Topping out at 3,291 feet, Old Rag’s true summit offers a well-earned reward: a 360-degree view of the Virginia countryside, as far as the eye can see. As for difficulty, the National Park Ser-

vice pulls no punches, calling Old Rag the park’s “most popular and most dangerous hike.” Sturdy hiking boots and ample water and snacks are a must, and you should plan to start as early as possible or risk meeting a full parking lot at the trailhead. Trekking poles might be useful on the lower trail portions, but they should be collapsible and packed away during the harder sections to keep hands free for scrambling. Old Rag is doable for adventurous kids, but only those who are big enough to navigate tricky sections, stay on trail, follow directions and enjoy a long, challenging day of hiking. nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/old-raghike-prep.htm

A view of Old Rag from Skyline Drive

The view from Old Rag

James River Pipeline Walkway

Only a few blocks from the Virginia State Capitol building in downtown Richmond sits one of the most unusual hikes in the entire state. The James River Pipeline Walkway is a metal catwalk that runs beneath a CSX railway viaduct and alongside a section of river rapids—providing an exciting juxtaposition between wild nature and an industrial urban environment. Because the catwalk usually sits just above the waterline, it provides hikers with an

up-close view of one of Virginia’s most historic and scenic rivers.

Accessible from a parking lot near the intersection of East Byrd and South 12th streets, only about a 10-minute walk from the Capitol grounds, the half-mile pipeline trail will weaken your knees during periods of high water as you pass by Class 3 rapids, the water foaming and churning and rushing past at an incredible speed. Sometimes, it roars so loud-

The James River Pipeline catwalk

ly that hearing your hiking companions will be a challenge. Yet tranquil spots can be found along the pipeline as well; the route passes near a small island that shelters nesting sites for great blue herons. A small swimming hole and beach near the trail’s downstream end offers hikers a chance to get their toes sandy, too.

Although the walkway has metal railings on either side, note that there are wide gaps, so it’s important to mind smaller children. Eventually the railings end, even though the trail continues, requiring extra care beyond that point. Sometimes, the water is so high that it’s over the pipeline—that’s your cue to turn around.

The walkway is itself part of the 550acre James River Park, which includes shoreline areas, islands, wetlands, trails and other places for a variety of recreational activities.

jamesriverpark.org/project/pipeline/

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A view of Richmond from the pipeline

Westmoreland State Park

Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, sharks’ teeth and fossils: This could be the description of a Steven Spielberg movie, yet these are some of the real-life features awaiting hikers at Westmoreland State Park in Montross, along Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Dating to the 1930s and boasting a mile and a half of Potomac River frontage, Westmoreland was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as one of the state’s six original state parks. More than 6 miles of footpaths, originally dug by hand, take hikers through a surprisingly diverse forest landscape. Most of the trails are easy to moderate in difficulty, and a flat fitness trail along the park road features a series of exercise stations.

The park’s Turkey Neck Trail, for example, is a 2.3-mile loop that passes through a forest of deciduous and

evergreen trees, including abundant American hollies, before taking a dramatic drop down toward the river. A boardwalk path traverses a marshy lowland section that is full of the common reeds also known by their scientific name, phragmites. (Although picturesque, phragmites are an invasive species and the park occasionally attempts to control them.)

Past the marsh, hikers can kick off their shoes at Fossil Beach, which affords stunning views of the Horse Head Cliffs, rising as high as 150 feet above the water, as well as a panoramic look at the river, which stretches more than five miles across at this point. Here’s your chance to search the shoreline for fossilized sharks’ teeth, thought to date back 15 million years when the area was covered by a shallow sea.

History buffs will appreciate that

several CCC-built log cabins still exist for visitors to rent. Birders will find much to love here, too, in the form of the resident bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers and other species. The park also has a visitor center, boat launch, playground, fishing pier and Olympic-size swimming pool, available in summer months. n

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ westmoreland

An avid hiker, Kim O’Connell has been a writer-in-residence at both Shenandoah and Acadia national parks.

poison PEANUTS

Nearly 8 percent of kids in the U.S. have a food allergy. It makes life complicated.

TBY LISA LEDNICER

he eczema that covered little Gwen’s body was the first clue for Kate Fairchild that something was amiss with her infant daughter. Their pediatrician suggested trying nondairy formula, but the eczema wouldn’t go away. “Her skin was so bad,” recalls the Arlington mom. “Her hands looked like a burn victim.”

The pediatrician ordered a blood test, which confirmed that Gwen was allergic to eggs, peanuts and tree nuts.

Fairchild was taken aback—neither she nor anyone else in her family has food allergies—but she looked at Gwen’s diag-

nosis as a project to tackle. Their family would live a great life, she decided. They’d just work around her daughter’s dietary restrictions.

As a stay-at-home parent, Fairchild didn’t worry much about her daughter’s health the first few years because she was with her all the time. Even so, there were close calls. When Gwen was 1, the family went out for breakfast and her face broke out in hives after she ate a piece of bacon. It turned out the bacon had been cooked in the same pan as another customer’s eggs.

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Fairchild says. “That was my first wake-up call.”

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Kate Fairchild bakes a dairy- and eggfree cake with daughters Gwen (right) and Julia.

Then there was the time she had to jam an EpiPen into Gwen’s leg on the last day of preschool. The place was nut-free and everyone knew her daughter had a severe egg allergy. But one of the parents had brought in turkey sandwiches with mayonnaise, not realizing that mayo contains eggs. Gwen started eating one, and told her mom her tongue and throat “felt funny.”

“I looked at this sweet little girl,” Fairchild says, “and I said, ‘I have to Epi you,’ and she burst into tears.”

IMAGINE, FOR A MOMENT, the things so many of us take for granted: the ability to eat whatever you like; to travel without lugging along special meals; to send your kid to a friend’s house without issuing a lengthy set of instructions about the foods they need to avoid. Not having to worry that your daughter may break out in hives if she eats the cupcakes in class. Not thinking about whether your high schooler brought his EpiPen to football practice.

Then consider how life works for families where one or more children have a severe food allergy. Going out to dinner turns into a cross-examination of the waiter, and sometimes the chef, about ingredients. Traveling outside the U.S. is risky if language barriers make it difficult to ask how the food is prepared. Sibling jealousy takes hold if one child has allergies and the other doesn’t.

“I’ve had families describe this as like a shadow that follows them around,” says Linda Herbert, director of the psychosocial services program for the Allergy and Immunology Division at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “We’re eating multiple times a day, and you have to make a decision about whether it’s safe, whether to trust the person giving you food. You need to be constantly prepared and be aware of what’s around you.”

Peanut allergy in children has increased 21% in the last decade.

Some 5.6 million U.S. children under age 18 (roughly 7.6%) have food allergies, according to research published in 2018 in the journal Pediatrics. Most of us are familiar with the most common allergen—peanuts. Other common offenders include milk, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, fish, wheat, soy and sesame.

Peanut allergy in children has increased 21% since 2010. Today, nearly 2.5% of all U.S. children are allergic to peanuts, according to research by Ruchi Gupta, a food allergy expert at Northwestern University. And it can be dangerous. Peanut allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction—and is rarely outgrown. (Kids can, however, outgrow milk, egg and wheat allergies.)

FOOD ALLERGIES ARE a significant source of stress and anxiety for kids and their families. Physicians routinely encounter preteens who are terrified to try new foods. Parents worry that their teenagers, already prone to risk-taking behaviors, might be tempted to ditch their auto-injectors (EpiPens) when they head out with friends.

Younger kids can get bullied. High schoolers may struggle with intimacy if, before kissing their boyfriend or girlfriend, they have to ask what they ate that morning.

But children with food allergies can also exhibit remarkable maturity for their age, especially if they’ve ever been rushed to a hospital after they started choking and wheezing, or have blown up with hives after eating something they shouldn’t have.

Or—in the case of Arlington sisters Josephine and Olivia Van Hoey—have had teachers who don’t understand how life-threatening their allergies are. Josephine, 12, is allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame. When she was in fifth grade, she remembers her homeroom teacher put up a sign saying that no food was allowed in class. Yet the teacher herself would eat yogurt or oatmeal in the classroom. “We kept having to explain to her that this was a very big deal,” Josephine says. One day, another teacher took out a doughnut and started eating it in class. Josephine politely explained the no-food-in-the-classroom policy, but “she didn’t really get it. She said she had a napkin, but she had been walking around getting crumbs in the classroom and touching the paper she handed to us. It was really scary.”

Olivia, 14, is allergic to eggs, cow’s milk, tree nuts and shrimp. Several of her science teachers have included food-related lab experiments in the curriculum, she says, and she’s had to ask them to warn her ahead of time.

Recently, though, one teacher forgot. As soon as Olivia entered the classroom—where an experiment with eggs had just concluded—she started coughing and wheezing. “I was a little panicked,” she says. “I only developed my allergies a few years ago, so it’s a bit of a new experience to have to talk to a teacher about that. It felt like she was being a little insensitive.”

The girls’ mom, Nicole Van Hoey, says she taught her daughters from an early age to speak up when adults put

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them at risk for an allergic reaction. She is heartened by their friends’ efforts to include her kids in things—like the one who asked whether she could bring a “safe meal” to Josephine’s orchestra practice so they could eat together. And the time classmates petitioned their teacher to allow once-a-month breakfasts with “safe foods” so Josephine could participate.

Parents say the kids understand when their friend can’t eat certain foods; it’s the adults who often have trouble with the restrictions.

ACCORDING TO the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of children with food allergies increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011.

“No one knows for certain the cause of food allergy, but we do know that a child having one or more parents with any form of allergy—whether it’s to pollen or pet dander—can increase the child’s risk of developing an allergy to food or inhalant allergens by as much as 80%,” says Sally Joo Bailey, an assistant professor at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, whose practice, Allergy Associates of Northern Virginia, is located at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

Food allergies also tend to be more common in kids who have other allergies such as eczema—a red, itchy, dry rash that persists.

Researchers have recently started looking at the microbiome—the genetic material of the bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses that live inside the human gastrointestinal tract—for clues.

“One more novel hypothesis that’s gaining interest is epigenetics,” Bailey says. “The concept that your gut microbiome and the foods you eat can determine which genes are transcribed and activated, thus determining if you’re allergic or tolerant of a food.”

Allergies are most commonly identified via a skin test (also called a scratch test) in which tiny samples of proteins from, say, pollen or certain foods, are introduced to the skin via pinpricks to see if they cause a reaction. Blood tests may also be used for diagnosis.

After an allergy is confirmed, Bailey works with patients and their families to develop a “food allergy action plan,” which states which foods to avoid, when to administer epinephrine or antihistamine, and the recommended dosage of medicine if the child is exposed to an allergen and has a reaction.

“All patients should call 911 after using epinephrine,” Bailey advises. “Due to a 30% risk of a biphasic reaction—a second wave of severe anaphylactic reaction that can occur after the initial reaction—patients should be monitored for four to six hours in the emergency room afterward and should carry two epinephrine devices at all times.”

But an emergency plan generally doesn’t cover the tricky and potentially perilous social situations that can lead to an emergency—such as grandparents who don’t believe in food allergies. Or what young kids should do if they’re at the house of a new friend and that friend’s mom or dad serves a meal they can’t eat. Or how to navigate a classmate’s birthday party if they need to inspect the package that the sheet cake came in to check the ingredients.

Children are taught to be polite to adults; children with allergies have to be taught to advocate, sometimes forcefully, for themselves, says Jennifer Pedicano, an allergist and immunologist with offices in Falls Church.

Complicating the issue is societal confusion about what, exactly, constitutes an allergy and what is just physical intolerance.

Some adults who say they avoid gluten may do so for dietary reasons

rather than because they’re truly allergic. Lactose-intolerant people may experience intestinal distress after eating milk products, but they generally aren’t at risk for anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.

“I’m very straightforward with patients and their parents. A food allergy is a life-threatening diagnosis,” Pedicano says. “If your relative doesn’t agree, you have to put your foot down and say your child won’t eat there. Food allergies need to be taken seriously.”

ELI WALDMAN, a senior at Yorktown High School, has celiac disease—he can’t eat anything made with wheat, rye, barley, malt or oats—and a severe peanut allergy. When he was younger, he found himself in the uncomfortable position of interrogating his friends’ parents about their cooking methods: Were there traces of wheat in the pot they used? How about on the knives or other utensils? Any peanuts or peanut products in their kitchens?

In fifth grade, he remembers a class-

mate “thought it would be funny to chase me around the room with a peanut cookie and try to put it in my mouth,” he says. (That student landed in the principal’s office.) “I was mortified.”

In science, Waldman couldn’t work on a project constructing a tectonic plate with cookies. “I just remember feeling really isolated and ostracized from other kids,” he says. “At that age, everybody just wants to fit in.”

Waldman found a peer support group at Children’s National Hospital,

where the kids exchanged tips on topics such as how to question waiters and waitresses about ingredients and how to handle food at summer camp. Inspired, he decided in eighth grade to start a similar group for students in Arlington schools. “I wanted to help those younger kids avoid the kinds of experiences I had, to show them you can still go out to lunch with friends,” he says. “I really wanted to do the best job I could to make sure elementary school kids could get a head start on

Food allergy support group leader Eli Waldman with his successor, Arlington 8th-grader Grace Joseffer

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living an active, fun and productive childhood and not limit themselves.”

The groups typically meet once a month at Nottingham and Discovery elementary schools in Arlington (kids who attend other schools are welcome), and there are no adults in the room— only student facilitators. Waldman leads discussions about how to manage food allergies while traveling, or during holidays like Halloween and Christmas. He teaches participants how to read food

labels, and they act out scenarios about what to do if an adult offers them food they can’t eat. Once he graduates—he’s heading to Stanford University this fall—he’ll hand the lead facilitator role over to group member Grace Joseffer, a rising freshman at Washington-Liberty High School.

WITH FOOD ALLERGIES on the rise, advice for parents has shifted. For years, doctors recommended that par-

ents avoid introducing peanuts to children until at least 3 years of age. That changed in 2015 when the American Academy of Pediatrics began suggesting that parents instead start feeding peanut-containing foods to babies ages 4 to 11 months to help prevent allergies. The about-face came in the wake of a study in the United Kingdom that compared the differences between children in the U.K. versus children in Israel. Researchers found that Israeli

LISA HELFERT

Allergist Sally Joo Bailey administers a skin test.

kids whose parents fed them a peanutbased snack called Bamba from about 7 months of age and up were less likely to develop peanut-based allergies than kids in the U.K. whose parents avoided giving them anything with peanuts until at least a year after they were born.

Federal, state and local officials in the U.S. have taken note. In 2013, as part of a food-safety bill that Congress approved in 2011, the CDC developed a guide for schools on how to manage food allergies in students.

After the 2012 death of 7-year-old Ammaria Johnson, who went into cardiac arrest at her Richmond-area elementary school when she ate a peanut, Virginia state law now requires that all K-12 schools stock epinephrine for children who don’t have their own prescription injectors at their schools.

“I just remember feeling really isolated and ostracized from other kids. At that age, everybody just wants to fit in.”

Arlington and Fairfax County public schools have lengthy policies on food allergies, including an advisory that schools avoid using food as a reward or celebratory focus. Sharing or trading food in class isn’t allowed.

The policies also include ideas for creating food warning signs for cafeterias, as well as detailed instructions for adults on how to use an auto-injector

on a student in the throes of an anaphylactic reaction.

Falls Church City Public Schools doesn’t have a specific policy that covers food in classrooms, says Food Services Director Richard Kane, but the protocol does include “allergy tables” in elementary school cafeterias, and each school has a list of all students with allergies. So, if a child puts an item on

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their tray that they’re allergic to, a cafeteria worker will remove it.

Kane says that to his knowledge, FCCPS has never had an incident of a child having a severe allergic reaction to something served in school. “If you start eliminating for every allergy, you end up with almost nothing able to be served in schools,” he says. “Kids, especially in elementary schools, are taught to share. That’s hard to break.”

FOOD ALLERGY Research & Education, a McLean-based nonprofit funded by individual and corporate donors, says there’s a need for more legislation covering food allergies. The group supports the FASTER Act, a bill introduced in Congress last year that calls for a study to determine the economic costs of food allergies. The same bill seeks to

add sesame to the list of allergens recognized by the Food and Drug Administration—which would require it be included on food-label warnings.

The group also is hoping to persuade airlines to stock auto-injectors on all flights, says CEO Lisa Gable.

Recently, parents of kids with peanut allergies got some good news: The FDA in January approved the first drug to address potentially life-threatening reactions to peanuts. Called Palforzia, it is approved for children ages 4 to 17, and involves an oral immunotherapy regimen in which kids ingest gradually increasing doses of peanut protein to desensitize their allergies.

The drug isn’t for everyone—it must be taken under a doctor’s supervision, and the risks include severe allergic reactions. Patients are advised to not ex-

ercise or take a hot shower for several hours after each dose. The drug doesn’t “cure” the allergy—it just reduces the severity of the reaction if a patient is accidentally exposed to peanuts.

Nevertheless, researchers call it a huge step on the road to a new generation of food allergy treatments, perhaps ones that target particular molecules in the immune system.

“I’m optimistic,” says Hemant Sharma, chief of the division of Allergy and Immunology at Children’s National. “The field has progressed so much in the past decade.”

Other oral immunotherapy trials are exploring mitigating treatments for egg allergies. Annie Keffer’s son Jack, who was diagnosed when he was 2½, is part of one such trial in Chantilly. Now a fifth-grader at Nottingham El -

Beauvoir Summer offers an array of exciting activities

pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade campers, all led by experienced adult counselors!

ementary in Arlington, Jack has an allergy so severe that he can’t eat anything made with eggs, including bread products like hamburger buns or pizza crust.

At 4, Jack was diagnosed with leukemia. He’s in remission now, but the allergy remains. Keffer says her son hates the fact that he’s allergic to eggs, but “at his age, he’s super responsible. He just kind of owns it, and he doesn’t trust a lot of other people [when it comes to food safety]. He wants to read the label himself.”

Keffer keeps eggs in the house; when she makes scrambled eggs for herself, Jack heads to the basement and plays video games. He says the smell makes him feel bad.

Now 10, Jack says having an allergy is “annoying—like at a birthday party,

The FDA in January approved the rst drug to

when all my friends are having cake and I have Oreos. It’s just not fair that other kids get to have cake and I don’t.”

The Keffers do eat out, but they have a limited repertoire. Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s are their go-to restaurants. Jack’s palate is bland as can be—if it’s chicken, he wants nothing on it. If it’s rice, he insists there be no sauce on top. Overnight camps with his friends? Out of the question. “I couldn’t sleep a wink, and he couldn’t eat anything,” his mom says.

During a recent visit to the doctor, Keffer asked what precautions Jack will need to take once he’s older. She was shocked—and saddened—when the doctor said that kissing would be an issue.

“He can never do anything on a whim,” she says. “Nothing is going to be easy for this kid.” n

Lisa Lednicer, a writer in Arlington, is married to a man who is allergic to fish, shellfish, most beans, almost all beers, coconut and pineapple.

The Bradley model at Fillmore Place of

Chain Bridge during the Civil War

BY MATT BLITZ

River Crossing

Chain Bridge has carried its share of history over the centuries.

n river crossing

Commuters may think of Chain Bridge as a quaint and sometimes congested bottleneck prone to traffic accidents and road closures. But the 1,350-foot-long expanse that connects Arlington to D.C.’s Palisades neighborhood—crossing both the Potomac River and the C&O Canal—is also, literally and figuratively, a link to our nation’s past.

Over 223 years, no fewer than eight bridges have been built across this narrow section of the Potomac, alternately serving as a trade passage, an escape route, a Civil War battle line and a beloved local fishing spot.

“Like all kids, we used to explore. My stomping ground...was Chain Bridge,” says Jim Fearson, 84, who worked at a gas station near the bridge as a teen-

ager. That familiarity led him to write a 1991 article about the history of the structure for the Arlington Historical Society’s eponymous magazine. “It was always a waypoint for locals.”

In 1797, three years before Washington, D.C., became the seat of government, a covered wood bridge, constructed with iron pins and lead, was built as an alternative to ferry service connect-

A Civil War-era photo of Chain Bridge

ing Virginia’s farms to the burgeoning port of Georgetown. It was called “Falls Bridge,” according to Arlington Public Library records, and operated as a toll bridge, costing pedestrians 3 cents to cross and an additional 5 cents for those traveling on horseback (more for covered wagons and livestock).

The bridge’s location had been chosen not only for its proximity to the Georgetown markets, but also for its low-lying terrain. “If you look at the topography, that’s the only break in the Palisades,” with its steep line of cliffs, Fearson says.

After the original Falls Bridge collapsed in 1804 under the weight of some hefty cattle, a second wood bridge was built and subsequently destroyed by high water and ice within six months of completion. That’s when engineers decided to try a new design whereby the load-bearing part of the bridge would be held up by wrought-iron chains. Inventor James Finley had built and patented the first suspension bridge in Pennsylvania’s Westmoreland County a few years earlier.

The replacement bridge became the first of many so-called “chain bridges” completed after 1804 at this site. The floor of the structure was suspended from two massive wrought-iron chains attached to stone towers on either shoreline. Each link in the chain measured four feet and was 1¼-inches thick.

“It swayed when you went across it,” says Carole Herrick, president of the McLean Historical Society and author of the book, Ambitious Failure: Chain Bridge, the First Bridge Across the Potomac River Though the suspension model proved superior at handling weightbearing loads, the first chain bridge was

Union soldiers on the bridge during the Civil War

irreparably damaged by high waters in 1812. “[In the early years], that bridge was continually being washed away by floods because it was built much lower,” Fearson says. “Somebody finally got smart and raised those piers up.”

Later iterations of the structure kept the suspension design as well as the name—prompting it to be forever called “Chain Bridge.”

DURING THE WAR OF 1812, the bridge provided safe passage for national treasures—including First Lady Dolley Madison, who on August 24, 1814, fled across it to Virginia. As the British laid siege to the capital and burned many of its buildings, Secre -

Fishing along the C&O Canal in the early 1900s

The Amoco station at the foot of the bridge in the mid-1930s

tary of State James Monroe ordered the evacuation of the Declaration of Independence, which was also smuggled over the river to safety, possibly along with other archival documents.

There are competing narratives as to where the artifacts were hidden once they landed on the Virginia side. Some historians believe they were stashed overnight in linen bags inside the grist mill at Pimmit Run (located at what is now the intersection of North Glebe Road and Chain Bridge Road) before being transported farther west to Leesburg.

Chain Bridge would have other brushes with history in the years that followed. In 1826, Secretary of State Henry Clay and Virginia Senator John Randolph engaged in an infamous (not to mention, illegal) duel near the Arlington base of the bridge after Randolph insultingly referred to Clay as a “blackleg” (a slang term for someone who cheats at cards). The altercation resulted in little more than a bullet-grazed overcoat and an eventual truce by handshake.

With the onset of the Civil War, the bridge became a literal battle line, with Union soldiers guarding the D.C. side and Confederates the Virginia side. (Historical accounts suggest the troops were close enough to be with -

in shouting distance of each other.) On one particular night in 1861, Union Private William Scott—henceforth known as the “sleeping sentinel”—fell asleep while manning his post and was courtmartialed and sentenced to be “shot until dead.” He was spared when President Lincoln, moments before the firing squad took aim, intervened and pardoned the exhausted soldier.

FAST-FORWARD TO Prohibition and the bridge had become a popular trade route for bootleggers. Mackey’s Tavern, a drop-off spot for illegal hooch near the foot of the bridge, was reportedly owned by Darlington Mackey, brother of former Commonwealth’s Attorney and temperance crusader Crandal Mackey, who was, at the time, running for Congress. One must assume his brother’s vocation was an unwelcome factor in the politician’s defeat.

Then came cars. In the 1930s, vehicular traffic began taking its toll on a structure originally designed only for humans, wagons and horses. Following another flood, the bridge deck was reconstructed in 1939, though it continued to use the original stone piers of its mid-19th-century predecessors.

Fearson, now retired from the tele-

phone repair business and living in Fairfax County (Oak Hill) remembers the Amoco station on the Virginia side as being a hub of activity in the 1950s. “We constantly had people in and out,” he says. “The Metropolitan Police would come across the bridge and... stop in on hot days to have a Coke.” It was especially busy in spring when the herring and the shad were running up the river. “We would be just overrun for about two or three weeks with all the fishermen,” he adds. “Any wide spot in the road, people would park their cars and clamber down the rocks to go fishing.”

Chain Bridge had a major overhaul in 1982, when construction crews widened its lanes and replaced its heavy concrete deck with modern materials designed to hold more weight.

Today, the structure is busier than ever, traversed by more than 22,000 cars per day, according to estimates from the District’s Department of Transportation. The tavern on the shoreline is gone, but fish still swim the river, and stories live on in the chains that hold this totem of history together. n

Matt Blitz writes about local history, people and culture for Arlington Magazine.

An artist’s rendering of the bridge, as seen from the Maryland side of the Potomac River in 1839

PROFILES

The Jefferson

JULI SWANSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ROXANNE SOUTHERN, DIRECTOR OF SALES/ REAL ESTATE BROKER

The cocktail hour for this group of Jeffersonians was hosted in a private 1646 square foot unit featuring coffered ceilings, stone wall, and a barn door to the bike storage room. The open kitchen has generous quartz countertops, a wine fridge and top-ofthe-line appliances.

The Jefferson

900 N. Taylor St. Arlington, VA 22203

703-348-1215 www.sunriseseniorliving.com

Bob

Beverly

Don Rea

Terri Rea

Q: Why choose The Jefferson?

A: With our location right in the heart of Arlington’s bustling Ballston neighborhood, life at The Jefferson perfectly combines ease-of-mind community living with easy access to urban adventure. Not only are we within walking distance to a wide selection of eateries, shops, Regal Ballston Quarter movie theatre, the UPS Store and more, but we’re just one block from the Ballston Metro and bus depot, providing quick and easy access to Washington, D.C. Our residents routinely venture downtown to explore the city’s worldclass museums, theaters, restaurants and shopping venues.

Q: What is one thing prospective residents should know about The Jefferson?

A: The Jefferson is one of the best kept secrets in Ballston! The units here are individually owned and offered for sale or rent by the owner.

Residents own the property and then, as homeowners, pay an additional fee to bene t from all the services offered by The Jefferson.

Q: How do you create a sense of community among residents?

A: We are very active and have great participation in activities. More than half of the 325 residents participate in “google group,” a great way of communicating discount tickets to the Kennedy Center for a matinee dress rehearsal or announcing a happy hour group heading out to the hotel next door. Over the last four years our politics discussion group has grown from 8-10 residents discussing current events and issues to about 45-50 residents. They take turns as moderator and assign “homework.” Team Trivia on Saturdays is a favorite. We have great fun!

From Left:

Darrah Mannix

Chuck Mannix

Johnson

Johnson

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

6251 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA 22101

800-451-5121 www.vinsonhall.org

From Left:

Ivanka Guillen

Rachelle Robinson

Stephanie Lawrence

Taylor Altomare

Kayla Bennett

Q: When should I start looking for senior housing options?

A: It’s never too early—we have people join Vinson Hall Retirement Community’s waitlist up to five or 10 years before they intend on moving. Informed decisions tend to be our best decisions, so we encourage people to plan ahead rather than wait and react, if or when a crisis arises. Most people make financial plans for what they want their lives to look like when they retire, but few prepare for future healthcare needs. There are so many people who are going to be reaching retirement age and housing options are not going to be able to meet those demands. Here at VHRC we recommend that, at least a year or two out, you start researching different communities. You deserve to be able to choose where you want to live and not have to settle on wherever space is available.

Q: What tips do you have for finding the right community for me?

A: Tour communities and engage in activ-

ities to see where you feel most comfortable. We invite everyone on our waitlist to participate in our dining programs, special events, lectures, group trips, concerts, movies and more. Waitlist members can also join our fitness center and work with our personal trainers for a small fee.

Q: Why choose Vinson Hall?

A: People think moving to a retirement community means their life has to slow down, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Our array of activities, which includes everything from photography, dance and art classes, to organized trips to wineries, restaurants, theaters and museums, is resident-driven and helps our residents embrace living their lives to the fullest. VHRC is surrounded by a wide variety of shopping and dining destinations here in McLean, but we’re also just a short trip from all of the Washington, D.C. attractions.

Capital Caring

Dr. Eric De Jonge brings more than 20 years of experience as a geriatrician and house call physician to his role as chief of geriatrics. He attended Yale School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship at Johns Hopkins.

Eric De Jonge, MD, Chief of Geriatrics

Capital Caring

3180 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 500 Falls Church, VA 22042

800-869-2136 www.capitalcaring.org/pch

From Left:

Deanna Cho, LCSW

Linda Biedrzycki, Vice President of Practice Management

Sayaka Hanada, MSN, FNP-C

Carol Joy Limoso-Cabahug, RN

Heidi Young, MD

Eric De Jonge, MD, Chief of Geriatrics

Caitlin Geary, MS, FNP-C

Sherri Parker, LCSW

Mandy Brouillard, Office Manager

Denis Villanueva, Office Manager

Q: Where do I find help for my aging parents who no longer drive and need regular medical care and support in order to remain in their home?

A: Capital Caring Health, the premiere provider of advanced illness, home and hospice care for all ages, now offers a special service designed for adults 65 years and older, who are home limited due to illness or disability. Primary Care at Home is home-based medical and social support for the long term that is provided in a private home, assisted living or retirement community.

Q: What is the cost?

A: Primary Care at Home is a unique service that is offered to residents of the Greater Washington area at no additional cost. Our expert medical and social team led by Dr. Eric De Jonge coordinates all the services needed to age safely at home, providing comfort

and peace of mind to both the patient and their spouse and/or caregivers. Our services include: Primary care house calls by doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers who specialize in the care of elders with advanced illness; round-the-clock coordination of care—we arrange primary and urgent care specialists, hospital care and the daily support services needed to age in place in the home; mobile technology that enables us to provide in-home diagnostic tests (bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound); and a computer portal for streamlined communication with our team. We’re also committed to working with entire families, so all key people understand the care plan. Primary Care at Home is elder care that delivers peace of mind.

TONY J. LEWIS

Goodwin House, Inc.

4800 Fillmore Ave. Alexandria, VA 22311

703-578-7201

info@goodwinhouse.org www.goodwinhouse.org

From Left:

Josh Bagley

Taneisha Hampton

Mary Lee Payton

Andy Siegel

Catie Ramos

Remi (dog, center)

Q: I want to plan for the care I’ll need as I age, but I’d like to stay in my home. What are my options?

A: Excellent question! Many people know about our Goodwin House Life Plan Communities in Alexandria and Falls Church (Bailey’s Crossroads). Fewer people know about Goodwin House at Home (GHAH), our innovative program for active, healthy, older adults who want to stay home as they age. Modeled after the care and services we’ve provided since 1967, GHAH brings the benefits of a continuing care community right to your doorstep—it is the only program of its kind in Northern Virginia.

Mary Lee Payton became a member of GHAH before becoming a resident of one of our communities. She says she enjoyed the peace of mind knowing that if she needed care, GHAH would be there to coordinate and offset the costs. “GHI staff like Josh, Taneisha, Andy and Catie are true partners,

working with me to make a long-term plan,” says Payton. “They make me feel like family.”

Q: What makes Goodwin House special?

A: We offer the full range of care and services, whether you stay in your home or move to one of our communities. We seek to be your partner. Every team member at Goodwin House takes the time to listen carefully to what you want and explore ways to make that happen for you. Also, we’re firm believers in the idea that age is just a number. We’re all engaged in the process of aging, and that process is one we embrace and welcome. Whether we’re in our 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s … or even our 90s, we are in this together and enjoy every moment of it. We actively pursue ways to apply our career passions to our organizational vision of expanding the places and ways we serve older adults.

Debbie Miller

ASSOCIATE BROKER

McEnearney Associates 4720 Lee Hwy. Arlington, VA 22207

703-328-0143

MoveOrImproveWithDebbie@gmail.com www.BoomerHousingOptions.com

When people hire me, they’re essentially “renting a daughter” who has extensive knowledge of real estate and the Northern Virginia area. I’m a thirdgeneration Arlingtonian who helps aging clients seamlessly navigate the entire home transition process, whether it be moving or staying. My top priority is easing my client’s stress: hand me the keys and I’ll take care of everything. My clients benefit from my lasting relationships with trusted contractors, as well as my management skills to oversee all the tasks involved.

Since 1995, I’ve specialized in guiding seniors and their adult children in making the right housing choices. As a Realtor®, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, I help clients evaluate whether they should age in place or move to a home that better meets their needs. My individuallytailored Lifestyle Home Solutions Plan® lays out my strategy for clients to achieve their housing goals. For more tips, listen to MoveOrImproveWithDebbie wherever you get your podcasts.

TONY J. LEWIS

great spaces n

by Jennifer Sergent

|

photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Vino Veritas

AS SHEILA AND Brian Boyle were looking to downsize from their Potomac, Maryland, home in 2016, they spotted a townhouse in central McLean that appealed to them, in part, because it had an expansive lower level that could accommodate their Steinway grand piano, and where Brian, a concert-level amateur pianist, could host recitals. But the clunky, ’80s-era bar that ate up the center of the lower level had to go. They asked designers Samantha Klickna and Elena Eskandari of Case Design/ Remodeling to craft a more functional wet bar along a rear wall, and to find space for their 300-bottle wine collection. “My husband’s quite an oenophile,” Sheila says.

They pictured a storage solution that was a step up from the wine cellar they had built themselves in the other house: “We wanted something a little more sophisticated, and very cool looking.”

An unused closet under the stairs became the obvious spot to tuck away all that wine, but it required a retrofit. While Eskandari designed a new bar area, Klickna transformed the closet cavity into a temperature-controlled wine cellar lined in walnut, with brushed-gold pulls and hinges on the two sets of glass doors—echoing the same materials in the bar. To make the most of the shallow space, she found a peg storage system that could display the wine in rows three bottles deep. She

lined the back wall with LED lights and textured tile from Porcelanosa.

“We wanted the light to capture some of the dimension [of the tile], so you can really see the depth of it,” Klickna says, noting that the tile also covers some unsightly structural elements along the bottom of the storage niche that couldn’t be removed. “We tiled everything to make it look like it wasn’t there.”

The Boyles now enjoy a comfy bar and a wine display that’s adjacent to a TV area where they watch movies together; just two steps down is a larger space where they host piano recitals that can spill out into a back garden. “It’s a very entertaining space,” Sheila says. No doubt. n

Groove Getting Her Back

After her husband’s death, Penny Rutledge channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn to remake their Arlington townhouse.

by Jennifer Sergent | photos by William Waldron

“My husband and I went on a walk and came home with a home—it was meant to be,” Penny Rutledge says of her townhouse just north of Rosslyn that overlooks park trails and the Potomac River.

She and Bill Fashouer had stumbled upon the property online and decided to stop by the open house during one of their regular Sunday strolls around Theodore Roosevelt Island. Seeing the place in person sealed the deal for the empty nesters. They lived in Rock Spring but wanted to be closer to the shops, restaurants and culture of Rosslyn and Georgetown, though they still desired a natural setting.

That fortuitous outing was 10 years ago, before Bill got sick with leukemia and died in 2017.

Some widowed spouses might be inclined to move elsewhere to escape the sad memories, but Rutledge had no intention of doing so. “I loved my house,” she says. “I didn’t want to leave it, but I wanted it to be different—to be mine.”

Bethesda designer Lorna Gross-Bryant would play a pivotal role in

Penny Rutledge’s living room features a Henredon chaise, a Platt Collection Deco sideboard and an acrylic table from Highland House.

n getting her groove back

helping Rutledge make that transformation. Years earlier, the couple had hired Gross-Bryant to outfit a chic club room in their Rock Spring home. She then helped them with furniture placement when they moved into the townhouse.

A few months after Bill’s passing, Rutledge visited the fall 2017 DC Design House, a showcase home featuring high-style rooms by various interior designers. She was instantly captivated by Gross-Bryant’s “Study Royale,” which featured two sumptuous armchairs dressed in electric royal-blue velvet.

“It just seemed so rich and elegant, but still so inviting,” Rutledge remembers. “I said [to Gross-Bryant], ‘You’re redoing my house. I need this fabric. That’s what we need to design around.’ ”

Diving into a home makeover, with its myriad decisions around fixtures, furnishings and décor, proved therapeutic. It helped the suddenly single homeowner move through the grief of losing both her husband and her father, who had died soon after Bill.

There was a certain freedom, GrossBryant says, in indulging Rutledge’s

personal tastes now that no one else had any say: “I had a Diana Ross song in my head—‘I’m Coming Out.’ She’s vivacious, she’s witty and she’s also elegant, so we decided to make her house a fresh take on Hollywood glam.”

Using the same fabric that had caught her client’s eye in the design house, Gross-Bryant placed a set of custom blue-velvet chairs in the morning room, setting a decisively bright tone for the entire project and its contiguous spaces.

Capturing Rutledge’s “boldly feminine but not too girly” sense of style, the new design goes full-on luxe with gold accents, saturated colors, attentiongrabbing pop art and dashes of animal prints thrown in for good measure.

In the kitchen, a BlueStar range dazzles with brass cabinet hardware and a beveled mirror-tile backsplash. Other reflective and translucent elements, such as acrylic barstools and coffee tables, and antique-style mirrored

Opposite page: The kitchen features Exotic Gabana quartzite countertops and a Kraus Oletto gooseneck faucet. This page: The morning room finds electric blue velvet chairs (fabric by S. Harris) with metallic Romo wallcoverings, a Mastour area rug and a gilt cocktail table from Global Views. Gilded chandelier from Circa Lighting.

n getting her groove back

screens, have the added effect of making small spaces look bigger.

The same is true of sight lines to the outdoors. One of the most high-impact design modifications was opening one kitchen wall to the dining room and living room beyond it, where tall windows look out on parkland in the summertime, and river views in the winter when the leaves are gone. “Why save that view for someone else,” Gross-Bryant says, “when you should be enjoying it every day?”

Next to those arched windows, a cheeky painting of Audrey Hepburn— its background awash in bright hues— overlooks a tufted chaise longue and other Deco-inspired furnishings.

The dining room walls are painted in the same deep blue as the velvet inspiration chairs, but the home’s color palette evolved after Rutledge found an irreverent painting of gold soda cans on a fuchsia background by French artist Agnès Lefèvre.

Left: In the master bedroom, a Universal canopy bed is flanked by Bungalow 5 grasscloth nightstands and Uttermost mirrored screens. The chandelier is from Currey & Co. Below: A popart painting in the dining room brings pink to the mix.

“We started with the blue theme, and then another color started coming in, and it was inspired by this art piece,” Gross-Bryant says, alluding to the home’s now generous sprinkling of pink.

In the master bedroom, soft blush walls surround a brass four-poster bed with hot-pink bed pillows, all under an enormous gilded chandelier.

In a word, it’s fabulous.

When asked what her husband might think of the new design, Rutledge laughs. “He’d be having a heart attack!” she says.

But for her, it feels like a home of her own. “I walk in here, and it just makes me happy.” n

Jennifer Sergent is a design writer based in Arlington. Her blog, DC by Design, appears online at jennifersergent.com.

Classic Cottages

PROFILES

Classic Cottages is a local Arlington home builder that has redefined the term “modern living” with its latest portfolio of contemporary home designs. Classic Cottages consistently blends classic community culture with innovative architecture and design through its skilled in-house team of acquisitions, marketing and sales, architecture, design, and construction departments.

Classic Cottages

433 E. Monroe Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301 703-844-9936 sales@ccottages.com ccottages.com

From Left:

Kim Musser, VP of Design

Pierce Tracy, VP of Sales and Business Development

Evan

Muelenaer, VP of Operations

Ryan Buell,

VP of Architecture

Classic Cottages is an experienced real estate, design and construction rm specializing in residential new construction in Arlington, Alexandria, McLean and the City of Falls Church.

One bene t of working with Classic Cottages is that the construction, design, architecture, and sales and marketing departments are housed internally, whereas other builders typically need to outsource one or more aspects of the home-building process. “We believe our value to Arlington residents lies in having the team all in-house,” says Evan Muelenaer, Classic Cottages VP of Construction. “That allows us to deliver a cohesive and seamless building experience for the families we work with.”

Classic Cottages recently launched Backyard Cottages, a company focusing on detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs create a unique opportunity for Arlington County singlefamily home residents to add a exible, separate living area, with bene ts

including long-term rental income or housing parents and visiting family and friends.

“The lifestyle exibility and economics of these units are very compelling to homeowners or prospective purchasers,” says Pierce Tracy, Classic Cottages VP, Sales & Business Development.

”We expect interest to continue to rise through this year and coming years.”

Clients would say that Classic Cottages is a local builder that feels more like a family. ”We truly understand who our clients are and how our designs can most effectively meet their lifestyle needs,” adds Kim Musser, Classic Cottages VP of Design. ”The relationships that we form continue well beyond the completion of a home.”

“Seeing a client’s reaction to their new home is priceless,” she continues. “Building a home for someone is personal because it’s just that: it’s their home. It’s the vessel in which they literally do life.”

Herb Aman

“I am particularly proud to be trusted by my friends and acquaintances with the important task of building their custom home. Working with someone that I have known since childhood inspires me to make sure everything is perfect—and that resonates in the homes that we build for speculative purposes, as well.”

Whitestone Custom Homes

Herb Aman P.O. Box 7638 Arlington, VA 22207 703-244-2802

info@whitestonecustomhomes.com www.whitestonecustomhomes.com

For Whitestone Custom Homes’ owner

Herb Aman, building homes in Arlington is a family tradition. “My grandfather founded Broyhill Homes and built many homes here in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s,” he says. “I take great pride in carrying on the family tradition and continuing to make this community a beautiful place to live.”

By working with clients to learn about their personalities and lifestyle, Whitestone Custom Homes is able to include in their projects the individualized features that make a house a home. “As a true custom builder, we offer the details, such as entertaining-friendly great rooms, outdoor living spaces and a wide range of architectural styles, that make a home your own,” Aman says. “We understand everyone has a personal vision and our job is to turn that image into a reality.”

Whitestone seamlessly incorporates the design and construction phases

of their projects by utilizing their team of architects, designers, project managers, suppliers and selections coordinators, smoothly guiding their clients through the process of designing and building the home of their dreams.

“We use very user-friendly software that gives our clients a real-time look into their construction schedule and when critical decisions need to be made,” Aman says. “We can upload daily jobsite photos for our clients if they are on vacation, allowing them to still see daily progress when they are away.”

A vital part of what sets Whitestone apart from the competition is Aman’s hands-on approach to each and every project. “I believe meticulous supervision is the only way to build a true custom home,” he says. “My clients know that I will have a constant presence on all of my active job sites.”

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Arlington Magazine Winner, Best Remodeler; NARI Contractor of the Year (COTY); Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Remodeling Magazine Big 50 Award; Best of Houzz in Service

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Michael and Deborah Sauri

925 N. Garfield St., Suite 106 Arlington, VA 22210

703-243-3171 info@trivistausa.com www.trivistausa.com

While merely surviving fifteen years in the competitive local design/ build market is an impressive accomplishment, award-winning boutique design/build firm TriVistaUSA has gone well beyond, thriving in that space since 2005.

Founded by husband and wife team Michael and Deborah Sauri, TriVistaUSA is dedicated to providing creative designs with high-quality builds. TriVistaUSA can help design a brandnew home, but more frequently they are remodeling clients’ existing houses to become dream homes.

How do they do it? A large part of their success is due to a process called design charrette. In mid-1800’s Paris, French architectural students would frantically gather around the cart submitting their work, finishing their projects as they were being rolled away-“en charrette,” or literally “in the cart.” TriVistaUSA’s charrette process is less frantic, and more collaborative, calling on

the expertise of every team member to bring different perspectives to the design solutions they provide their clients. Clients are presented with an exciting variety of options, all of which solve their home challenges, all within budget. “Our process contributes to the trust our clients put in us,” Michael says.

Both Sauris are artists—Michael a musician, Deborah a graphic designer. This provides them with a distinct advantage in their competitive industry, Michael believes. “We are a design/ build firm with an emphasis on the design,” he says. “Our background in the fine arts has trained us to think things through carefully in advance. This benefits our clients, since when we get to the build phase there is little chance of last-minute surprises ramping up project costs.”

What is TriVistaUSA’s overarching business philosophy? “It’s pretty simple,” Deborah says. “We do cool projects for cool people.”

Seth M. Ballard, AIA

Arlington Magazine “Best Architect”

Winner 2016, 2020; Arlington Magazine “Best Architect” Top Vote Getter 2018; Northern Virginia Magazine “Best of Northern Virginia” 2018, 2019, 2020; "Best of Houzz" 2014, 2016, 2020 (www.houzz.com);

Build Magazine “Best Residential Architect” 2019

Ballard + Mensua Architecture

Seth M. Ballard

5185 MacArthur Blvd. NW, Suite 370 Washington, D.C. 20016 202-810-6555 seth@ballardmensua.com www.ballardmensua.com

As a full-service architecture firm specializing in unique, custom homes and renovations, Ballard + Mensua Architecture offers clients far more than the standard architecture firm.

“Our talents go far beyond design,” says Ballard + Mensua architect and Principal Seth Ballard. “For example, our architects all grew up around construction and understand the nuts and bolts of putting a project together.”

In addition, Ballard + Mensua has established long-term relationships with numerous contractors and vendors, to the benefit of their clients. This allows them to offer not only architectural services, but all aspects of design in a single firm, from interior design and decorating to landscape design, and more.

“With a broad network of the top builders and vendors that work under our guidance, we offer full-service project management from concept to completion,” Ballard says. “As a

result, we can provide all the positives of design/build, while maintaining the competitive bidding and checks and balances of a traditional client/ architect/builder relationship.”

Access to a wide array of solar energy consultants, mechanical engineers and contractors familiar with geothermal heat and other green technologies allows clients to utilize creative means to minimize their energy use and material waste. These green projects slow the consumption of finite natural resources and minimize our carbon footprint while reducing energy costs over time. In many ways, it’s the ultimate win/win.

“The bottom line is that our projects come in on time, under budget and to our client’s precise specifications,” Ballard says. “I love attending the open houses when one of our projects is complete--especially watching our clients’ pride in showing off all of our combined hard work.”

Bowers Design Build

“We hired Bowers Design Build with high expectations, and we were not disappointed. We did a large renovation that included both levels of our home. We loved the Bowers team! In addition to the overall great experience, most important to me was the exceptional communication and project management process.”

—Arlington Client

Bowers Design Build

6715 Whittier Ave., Suite 200

McLean, VA 22101

703-506-0845

info@bowersdesignbuild.com www.bowersdesignbuild.com

From Left:

John Coburn, President

Wilma Bowers, VP and Co-Owner

Bruce Bowers, CEO and Co-Owner

Bowers Design Build’s award-winning excellence in design and construction is well established. For 30 years, Bowers’ expert team has worked closely with their clients through every aspect of their project from creative, problem-solving designs that enhance the livability of the home to quality construction that lasts.

Bowers’ on-staff architects and interior designers guide clients through the design options and associated costs so that homeowners can make intelligent decisions to maximize their investment. Once the project goes to construction, their dedicated site managers work one-on-one with each customer to ensure a high-quality project that runs smoothly, increasing overall customer satisfaction.

This consistent performance explains why 30 percent of Bowers Design Build’s current client roster are repeat customers. Their team’s pride of workmanship and respect for their

homeowner clients has created a legion of satisfied customers that has placed them firmly atop the local market.

“In a recent survey by GuildQuality, 100 percent of our customers surveyed said they would recommend us to a friend,” says co-owner Wilma Bowers.

“In addition, every one of our clients said that that the price they paid was a good value for the overall experience received. Every expert on our team will tell you that our number one objective is 100 percent client satisfaction.”

Bowers Design Build believes in doing the right thing, whether on the job for their clients or helping the communities in which they work.

Bowers’ donates both time and money annually to causes that are important to their clients. Bowers says, “We want to be a positive force in everything we do.”

Robert Braddock

Arlington Magazine Best Architect Top Vote-Getter 2013, 2016, 2018, 2020; Sun Gazette Best of Arlington 2018, InsideNOVA.com; Best of Houzz (Service) 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; (Design) 2017

Red House Architects

Robert Braddock 1612 N. Fillmore St. Arlington, VA 22201 703-346-9818

rbraddock@redhousearch.com www.redhousearch.com

A large part of the existing housing stock in Arlington was built in the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. These homes served their purpose with dignity, and vast numbers of people raised families in them. But, as products of their time, they were usually modest, with small, separated rooms and economical amounts of glazing. They were uninsulated or only nominally insulated. They were heated with a furnace and did not have air-conditioning. Storage was at a minimum. Basements were not considered habitable – most were not dry. Great numbers of Arlington homes were built on small lots, for workingclass families. Expansion normally meant enclosing an existing porch.

On the plus side, they were often built with 8- or 12-inch thick solid masonry walls. And the wood framing that was used came from old-growth forests and was much stronger than the same size lumber used today. Small

and sturdy – that’s the starting point.

Red House Architects’ Bob Braddock is intimately familiar with Arlington houses. “As a residential architect, I am most often called upon to expand and remodel homes for growing families and in doing so, also address the existing shortcomings,” he says. “Today, we can open up large spaces with engineered lumber spans. We can bring in light with insulating windows and doors. We can combine robust insulation, draftstoppage and new HVAC technology to heat, cool and maintain comfort while keeping energy expenditure at a minimum. And we can build with materials that have been reclaimed, recycled or diverted from the waste stream. These are all in addition to making beautiful and comfortable spaces that respond to the owner’s lifestyle and needs.”

“This is what I bring to the design,” Braddock says. “As well as care, creativity and especially order.”

WISA Solutions

“Give

your home its best look

yet.”

WISA Solutions

Waris Mojaddidi

Andrew Stewart 7000 Newington Road, Suite J Lorton, VA 22079

703-337-4344 www.wisadc.com

From Left:

Waris Mojaddidi, waris@wisadc.com

Andrew Stewart, andrew@wisadc.com

WISA Solutions is a full-service design/ build firm and remodeling contractor that specializes in helping Northern Virginia homeowners turn their houses into their dream homes. A licensed, fully insured remodeler with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, WISA provides superior home renovation services at competitive prices. Experts in interior and exterior remodeling and renovating services, they take care to involve their clients every step of the way to ensure that the final product is a home they will love for years to come.

“What brings us the most satisfaction is being able to bring someone’s vision into reality,” says co-owner Waris Mojaddidi. “We provide high-quality workmanship to homeowners with transparent and fair pricing to improve their homes and lives, saving them from sketchy contractors and rip-off artists.”

“The biggest challenge in our job is educating homeowners on contracting services and dispelling misconceptions

about the industry,” says co-owner Andrew Stewart. “We are completely transparent and honest, and implement no-pressure sales—something that’s very unique in this industry.”

WISA is on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, and it constantly upgrades their design and project management software to make the construction process more predictable.

WISA utilizes 3D home modeling so homeowners can select different products and color finishes for their homes and view the custom renders of their actual home in real time.

In the end, it all comes down to ensuring customer satisfaction. “Our clients would describe us as honest, trustworthy, fair, caring and reliable,” says Mojaddidi. “We stand behind our work 100 percent. If our clients are not happy with something, we will make sure it is addressed before the job is done.”

Focal Point Homes

Focal Point Homes is a McLean, VAbased home builder that specializes in building custom and semi-custom new homes, both on a speculative and built-to-order basis. They strive to be known for providing customers with a thoroughly enjoyable experience and high-end quality homes without a high-end price.

Focal Point Homes

Scott Murray

6756 Old McLean Village Dr., Suite 100 McLean, VA 22101

703-356-1231

scottm@focalpointhomes.com www.focalpointhomes.com

Prior to founding Focal Point Homes in 2010, Scott Murray earned a degree in construction management from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. In addition, he had spent twelve years working for two national home builders, including four years as a division president overseeing operations in three states. Living in McLean at the time, Scott recognized an opportunity to form a new home building company that could, by focusing more on operational efficiencies, deliver higher quality homes at considerably lower prices than other builders were offering. So, that is exactly what he did. Today, the McLean-based new home builder he founded is approaching its 200th home built.

“In addition to delivering a great value, Focal Point’s goal has always been to provide customers with the very best experience possible,” shares Murray. “To that end, we have very

selectively built a team of individuals whose educational backgrounds, work experience and commitment to doing the right thing are, we believe, unparalleled in the industry.” As evidence of that focus, highlighted among the bios on Focal Point’s website are a college valedictorian, a summa cum laude law school graduate, a student body president, award-winning construction managers and multiple holders of degrees in construction.

Murray says that Focal Point’s customers can feel confident that those planning and building their homes are critical thinkers who strive for excellence, but more importantly “are thoughtful, honest and caring –the type of people you would like to have as friends.”

Zimmermann Homes

“We are a small company and build each house as if it were our own. Our homes are well built, require minimal service and are very energy efficient.”

Zimmermann Homes

Rob Zimmermann Falls Church, VA 22046 203-313-9697

Rob@ZimmermannHomes.com www.ZimmermannHomes.com

From Left:

Grant Johnson

Christina Simon

Rob Zimmermann

Meghan Zimmermann

Jim Jennings

Celebrating thirteen years in the design/build market, Zimmermann Homes has diligently earned a reputation for being a reliable and quality builder. Yet despite their success, the company continues to evolve with the changing demands of a complex marketplace.

Take, for example, their commitment to incorporating green features into their projects, particularly solar. “I am passionate about steering the homes we build toward energy independence,” says Rob Zimmermann. In 2019, Zimmermann added an array of solar panels to their model home, and he had multiple clients include them on their homes as well.

At the same time, Zimmermann Homes has become more vertically integrated. Rob’s wife, Meghan, is a Realtor and she sells the company’s builds. Clients can also leverage her expertise for lot acquisition or to sell their current home before moving into

a new one.

Also, on the team is a stylish interior designer who guides clients through the selection process. Quotes and budgets are regularly updated on a well-managed cloud system allowing Zimmermann Homes’ clients, project managers and other involved parties to seamlessly share information.

The end result is a one-stop-shop company driven by a commitment to building high quality, energy efficient homes that routinely exceeds clients’ expectations. “We are a small company and build each house as if it were our own,” says Zimmermann. “Our homes are well built, require minimal service and are very energy efficient.”

One Zimmermann client summed it up: “We researched several large and small custom home builders and chose Zimmermann Homes for our new build project. Throughout the process, the Zimmermann team proved we made the right decision. We love our new home!”

Alair Homes

National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI); Capital Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner;

NARI Community Service Award; Kitchen $40,000-$60,000 grand prize; Addition $100,000-$250,000 grand prize

Alair Homes Arlington

Chad Hackmann

3100 Clarendon Blvd #200 Arlington, VA. 22201

703-791-1317

chad.hackmann@alairhomes.com www.alairhomes.com/arlington/

From Left:

Jason Chaney, Sr. Project Manager

Audrey Elkins, Sr. Project Manager

Chad Hackmann, Owner

As much as one can be from around here, Alair Homes Arlington’s Chad Hackmann is a native Arlingtonian. He’s lived here since the mid-1990's, been in the same house for 19 years and has four kids going to Arlington schools. “We are members of the local community facing the same challenges as most folks in Arlington, trying to make these old, very utilitarian homes work for modern families,” he says.

“Because I have lived and worked here so long, I know many of the local building officials by name. Alair is perfectly suited to handle the unique challenges of working in Arlington because we are a part of Arlington.”

The Alair system offers a level of transparency not seen with any other builders or remodelers. “Clients see the actual cost we are paying for all materials and labor and how we are paid related to that,” Hackmann says. “They also see the exact number of hours we are putting into the project.

This allows us to have real, detailed conversations with our clients about the best way to structure their project.”

After so many years in the business, what brings Hackmann satisfaction in his work? “I love the collaborative process, finding the right team members for a project,” he says.

“The best design/architect team for your home might be different for your neighbors, just like the HVAC mechanic or electrician that worked well for your neighbor’s project might not be the right fit for yours. We use our years of experience and understanding of our trades to get the right folks in the right positions.”

February’s Most Expensive Home Sales

2408 16th St. N., Arlington

22201 (Arlington)

2408 16th St. N.

List Price: $2.1 million

Sale Price: $1.96 million

Days on Market: 85

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International

Realty

Neighborhood: Lyon Village

Year Built: 2016

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22202 (Arlington)

909 19th St. S.

List Price: $1.45 million

Sale Price: $1.41 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: Compass

Neighborhood: Addison Heights

Year Built: 2005

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22203 (Arlington)

512 N. Greenbrier St.

List Price: $1.3 million

Sale Price: $1.39 million

Days on Market: 129

Listing Office: McMullin Real Estate

Neighborhood: Bluemont

Year Built: 2019

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22204 (Arlington)

121 S. Irving St.

List Price: $999,000

Sale Price: $950,000

Days on Market: 25

Listing Office: Ikon Realty

Neighborhood: Arlington Heights

Year Built: 1950

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 2/2

This information, courtesy of Bright MLS as of March 16, 2020, includes single-family homes as well as row/townhouses sold in February 2020, excluding sales in which sellers have withheld permission to advertise or promote. Information should be independently verified. The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 95,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. For more information, visit brightmls.com.

22205 (Arlington)

5325 16th Road N.

List Price: $1.1 million

Sale Price: $1.14 million

Days on Market: 7

Listing Office: McEnearney Associates

Neighborhood: Tara

Year Built: 1978

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

22206 (Arlington)

2541 S. Kenmore Court

List Price: $829,000

Sale Price: $839,000

Days on Market: 2

Listing Office: Washington Fine Properties

Neighborhood: Shirlington Crest

Year Built: 2010

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/1

n prime numbers

22207 (Arlington)

3812 Military Road

List Price: $2.89 million

Sale Price: $2.68 million

Days on Market: 79

Listing Office: Century 21 New Millennium

Neighborhood: Not specified

Year Built: 1932

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/2

22209 (Arlington)

1733 22nd Court N.

List Price: $1.4 million

Sale Price: $1.32 million

Days on Market: 82

Listing Office: RE/MAX Allegiance

Neighborhood: Palisades Park

Year Built: 1995

Bedrooms: 3

Full/Half Baths: 3/2

22213 (Arlington)

3612 N. Potomac St.

List Price: $1.9 million

Sale Price: $1.9 million

Days on Market: 59

Listing Office: Long & Foster Real Estate

Neighborhood: Stoneleigh

Year Built: 2006

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

22101 (McLean)

6500 Ridge St.

List Price: $8.25 million

Sale Price: $8.25 million

Days on Market: 1

Listing Office: TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Neighborhood: Langley Farms

Year Built: 1937

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 4/2

22102 (McLean)

1303 Scotts Run Road

List Price: $1.78 million

Sale Price: $1.75 million

Days on Market: 36

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: The Preserve at Scott’s Run

Year Built: 2012

Bedrooms: 6

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22041 (Falls Church)

6535 Bay Tree Court

List Price: $765,000

Sale Price: $805,000

Days on Market: 4

Listing Office: RE/MAX West End

Neighborhood: Barcroft Woods

Year Built: 1962

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22042 (Falls Church)

7005 Lee Park Court

List Price: $1.1 million

Sale Price: $1.1 million

Days on Market: 9

Listing Office: KW Metro Center

Neighborhood: Slades Broyhill Park

Year Built: 2019

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/0

22043

(Falls Church)

7316 Reddfield Court

List Price: $1.67 million

Sale Price: $1.64 million

Days on Market: 56

Listing Office: Barnes Real Estate Co.

Neighborhood: Reddfield

Year Built: 2019

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 5/1

22044 (Falls Church)

3051 Hazelton St.

List Price: $675,000

Sale Price: $725,000

Days on Market: 6

Listing Office: Weichert, Realtors

Neighborhood: None specified

Year Built: 1956

Bedrooms: 4

Full/Half Baths: 3/0

22046 (Falls Church)

7221 Arthur Drive

List Price: $1.3 million

Sale Price: $1.25 million

Days on Market: 17

Listing Office: RLAH Real Estate

Neighborhood: Donna Lee Gardens

Year Built: 2015

Bedrooms: 5

Full/Half Baths: 4/1

Real Estate

22205

22204

Let

22209 Number

22213

Number

22102

Number

22043

22041

Number

22101

22044

22042

22046

KARINA BELTRAN SREBROW Associate Broker/Co-Owner

Karina is a North Arlington native and grew up with her mother’s love of real estate. She has been licensed since 2004, and in her first 2 years of selling real estate earned Top Producer status as well as membership in the elite 10+ Million Dollar Sales Club. She is also a member of the NVAR Lifetime Top Producer’s Club. She holds a B.A. degree from Dickinson College and a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University. She, her husband, and their 3 children reside in North Arlington.

Editor’s Note: At press time, many of the restaurants in this guide were serving food for takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery only (see arlingtonmagazine.com/restaurants-and-shops-offering-takeout-and-delivery) while others had closed completely. How long COVID-19 social distancing mandates will remain is unknown, but we do know that these local eateries will need your support more than ever once they fully reopen.

places to EAT

ARLINGTON

Aladdin

5169 Lee Highway, 703-533-0077. Chef Shiuli Rashid and her husband, Harun, prepare family recipes of curries and kabobs from their native Bangladesh. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Ambar Clarendon« 2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-9663, ambarrest aurant.com. Feast on Balkan fare such as stuffed cabbage, mushroom pilav and rotisserie meats in a buzzy setting with ambiance. R L D G V $$

Arlington Kabob

5046 Lee Highway, 703-531-1498, arlington kabobva.com. Authentic Afghan fare includes kabobs, wraps, shawarma and quabli palou (lamb shank with rice). Closed Mondays. L D $$

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill 2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-3030, arlrooftop.com.

There’s plenty of bar food to go with the games, from burgers and wings to oysters and flatbread.

b  R L D A G V $$

Astor Mediterranean

2300 N. Pershing Drive, 703-465-2306, astor foods.com. Grilled kabobs, vegetarian salad platters, pita-wrap sandwiches and fennel-scented crackercrust pizzas. b L D G V $$

Baba«

2901 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-7978, baba.bar. This hip subterranean cafe serves breakfast and coffee in the morning, then transforms into a cocktail lounge with upscale bar snacks and a deejay.

B R L D G V $$

Bakeshop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 571-970-6460, bakeshopva. com. Hit this tiny storefront for coffee, cupcakes, cookies, macarons, icebox pies and other sweet treats. Vegan options available. B V $

Bangkok 54

2919 Columbia Pike, 703-521-4070, bangkok54 restaurant.com. A favorite for Thai curries, grilled meats, stir-fry, noodles and soups. L D V $$

Bar Bao

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-600-0500, barbao.com. This hip watering hole serves dishes reminiscent of Chinese and Taiwanese street food, plus sake, soju and Asian fusion cocktails. L D V $$

Barley Mac«

1600 Wilson Blvd., 703-372-9486, barleymacva.com.

You’ll find upscale tavern fare and more than 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon. R L D A G V $$

Basic Burger 1101 S. Joyce Street, 703-248-9333, basicburger. com. The homegrown eatery (and food truck) cooks with locally sourced, certified Angus beef and cagefree, antibiotic-free chicken. L D $$

Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery 1515 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-2410,

KEY: Price designations are based on the approximate cost per person for a meal with one drink, tax and tip.

$ under $20

$$ $21-$35

$$$ $36-$70

$$$$ $71 or more

b Outdoor Dining

 Children’s Menu

B Breakfast

R Brunch

L Lunch D Dinner

A After Hours/Late Night

G Gluten-Free

V Vegetarian

« Best of Arlington 2019 or 2020 Winner

Open Road Grill

bayoubakeryva.com. Chef David Guas’ New Orleansinspired menu changes daily, but you can always count on beignets and gumbo. Breakfast all day on Sundays. b  B R L D G V $

Ben’s Chili Bowl

1725 Wilson Blvd., 703-649-5255, benschili bowl.com. The Ali family’s pork-and-beef halfsmoke sausages smothered in chili have been a D.C.-area favorite since 1958. b L D A $

Bethesda Bagels

1851 N. Moore St., 703-312-1133, bethesda bagels.com. The popular D.C.-area chain is now in Rosslyn. b L V $

BGR the Burger Joint

3129 Lee Highway, 703-812-4705, bgrtheburger joint.com. Top your dry-aged beef with options like grilled jalapeño, pineapple or fried egg. Veggie and turkey burgers available.  L D V $

Bistro 1521

900 N. Glebe Road, 703-741-0918, bistro1521. com. Filipino mainstays and street foods such as ukoy (deep-fried veggie fritters with shrimp) and sisig (grilled chopped pork ears and pork belly). L D $$$

Bob & Edith’s Diner

2310 Columbia Pike, 703-920-6103; 539 23rd St. S., 703-920-2700; bobandedithsdiner.com. Founded in 1969, the 24-hour eatery whips up pancakes, eggs, grits, meatloaf, shakes and pie à la mode. B L D A V $

Bonchon

2201 N. Pershing Drive, 703-528-1011, bon chon.com. Aficionados flock to this Korean chain for its addictive and fiery fried chicken. L D $$

Bread & Water Company

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-6698, breadandwater company.com. The cafe-bakery serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries. B L V $

Bronson Bierhall

4100 Fairfax Drive, 703-528-1110, bronsonbierhall. com. You’ll find communal tables, 16 German and regional beers on tap, sausages, schnitzel and cornhole in this 6,000-square-foot bar ode to Munich in the former A-Town space. L D A $$

Buena Vida

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidaclarendon.com. Authentic, upscale Mexican cuisine and cocktails with lots of ambience. b B R L D $$$

Buena Vida Social Club« 2900 Wilson Blvd., 571-312-5306, buenavida socialclub.com. This rooftop bar above sister restaurant Buena Vida has a separate menu featuring empanadas, tostadas, sliders, spritzers and seven kinds of margaritas. b D A V $$

Busboys and Poets

4251 S. Campbell Ave., 703-379-9757, busboys andpoets.com. Bohemian types gravitate toward this Shirlington outpost with its poetry readings and an eclectic menu that includes oodles of options for vegetarians. b  B R L D G V $$

Buzz Bakeshop

818 N. Quincy St., 703-650-9676, buzzbakeshop. com. Go sweet with a s’mores cupcake, or savory with a ham-and-cheddar scone. b B L D G $

Café Pizzaiolo

2800 S. Randolph St., 703-894-2250, cafe pizzaiolo.com. New York-style pies plus antipasto, pasta, panini, cannoli and gelato.  L D $$

Café Sazón

4704 Columbia Pike, 703-566-1686, cafesazon.

com. A homey Bolivian café specializing in dishes such as silpancho and empanadas. B L D V $$

Caribbean Grill

5183 Lee Highway, 703-241-8947. Cuban dishes such as jerk-style pork, fried plantains and black bean soup with chorizo are mainstays.  L D G V $

Carlyle

4000 Campbell Ave., 703-931-0777, greatamerican restaurants.com/carlyle. The original anchor of Shirlington Village is a reliable pick for fusion fare, happy hour and Sunday brunch. b  R L D G V $$$

Cava Grill

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-652-7880; 4121 Wilson Blvd., 703-310-6791; cava.com. Build your own salad, wrap or bowl, choosing from an array of Greek dips, spreads, proteins and toppings. L D G V $$

Cava Mezze

2940 Clarendon Blvd., 703-276-9090, cavamezze. com. Greek small plates include octopus, roasted eggplant, zucchini fritters, souvlaki, briny cheeses and succulent lamb. R L D G V $$$

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant 2500 Columbia Pike, 703-746-9644, celtichouse. net. The pub on the Pike serves favorites like corned beef and traditional Irish breakfast.  R L D A $$

Central Coffee

1901 N. Moore St., 571-800-9954, centralcoffee bars.business.site. The Rosslyn cafe serves coffee, crepes, smoothies and Asian buns, plus beer and wine in the evenings. B L D $

Chasin’ Tails

2200 N. Westmoreland St., 703-538-2565, chasin tailscrawfish.com. It’s the place to go for a spicy, messy, finger-lickin’ Cajun crawfish boil. Lunch on weekends only. L D $$

Cheesetique

4024 Campbell Ave., 703-933-8787; cheesetique. com. The cheese shop and wine bar offers small plates, cheese boards and more. b B L D V $$

Circa at Clarendon

3010 Clarendon Blvd., 703-522-3010, circa bistros.com. Bistro fare ranges from salads and small plates to steak frites and wild mushroom pizza. Sit outside if you can. b R L D A G V $$$

Copa Kitchen & Bar

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-4830324, copakitchenbar.com. Watch sports and munch on Spanish comfort foods like chorizo-manchego flatbread. B R L D A $$

Copperwood Tavern

4021 Campbell Ave., 703-522-8010, copper woodtavern.com. The hunting-and-fishing-themed saloon serves up steaks and chops, 24 draft beers and 30 small-batch whiskeys. b R L D $$$

Cowboy Café

4792 Lee Highway, 703-243-8010, thecowboy cafe.com. Cool your heels and fill up on sandwiches, burgers, brisket and chili mac. Live music on weekends.  R L D V $$

Crafthouse

901 N. Glebe Road, 703-962-6982, crafthouseusa. com. Locally sourced pub fare and Virginia beer, wine and spirits. b L D A $$

Crystal Bonsai Sushi

553 23rd St. S., 703-553-7723. It’s where chef Amy Brandwein gets her sushi fix. Closed Mondays. L D $$

Buck & Associates, Inc. Realtors® Since 1976

Crystal City Sports Pub 529 23rd St. S., 703-521-8215, ccsportspub. com. Open 365 days a year, it’s a sure bet for big-screen TVs, pool tables and pub grub.  B R L D A G V $$

Crystal Thai 4819 First St. N., 703-522-1311, crystalthai.com. A neighborhood go-to for traditional Thai curries, grilled meats and house specialties like roast duck. L D V $$

Dama Market and Restaurant

1503 Columbia Pike, 703-920-3559, damacater ing.com. The Ethiopian family-owned business includes a breakfast café, market and dining room. B L D V $$

Damn Good Burger Co.

4251 Campbell Ave., Arlington, 703-933-2867, damngoodburgerco.com. Brought to you by the team behind Big Buns in Ballston, it serves “designer” burgers, shakes, beer and booze. L D $$

Darna

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2373, darnava.com. Grilled kabobs, mezze and traditional Lebanese comfort foods are served in a modern setting. The upstairs is a hookah bar. L D V $$

Delhi Club

1135 N. Highland St., 703-527-5666, delhiclub. com. Curries and tandoori in a stylish setting near the Clarendon Metro. Sample a little of everything at the weekend lunch buffet. b L D $$

Delhi Dhaba Indian Café

2424 Wilson Blvd., 703-524-0008, delhidhaba. com. The best bargain is the “mix and match” platter, which includes tandoori, seafood, a curry dish and a choice of rice or naan. b L D G V $$

Delia’s

2931 S. Glebe Road, 571-483-0159, deliasbrick ovenpizza.com. The family-owned chainlet serves pizzas and Mediterranean fare. b L D V $$

Detour Coffee

946 N. Jackson St., 703-988-2378, detourcoffee co.com. The comfy cafe has a college vibe and serves up locally roasted coffee, light bites and weekend brunch. b R L D V $

District Taco«

5723 Lee Highway, 703-237-1204; 1500 Wilson Blvd., 571-290-6854; districttaco.com. A local favorite for tacos and gargantuan burritos.

 B L D G V $

Don Tito

3165 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-3113, dontitova.com. Located in a historic building, the sports bar specializes in tacos, tequila and beer, with a rooftop bar. b R L D $$

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, 571-312-2304, dud leyssportandale.com. The 13,000-square-foot sports bar has wall-to-wall TVs, a roof deck, a ballpark-inspired beer list and pub food, plus weekend brunch. b  R L D A $$

n places to eat

Earl’s Sandwiches

2605 Wilson Boulevard, 703-647-9191, earlsinarlington.com. Made-to-order sandwiches use prime ingredients, like fresh roasted turkey. b B L D G V $

El Charrito Caminante

2710-A N. Washington Blvd., 703-351-1177. This bare-bones Salvadoran takeout counter hits the spot with tacos, burritos and pupusas. L D V $

El Paso Café

4235 N. Pershing Drive, 703-243-9811, elpaso cafeva.com. Big portions, big margaritas and bighearted service make this spacious Tex-Mex cantina perfect for big groups.  L D G V $$

El Pike (Pike Pizza)

4111 Columbia Pike, 703-521-3010, facebook.com/ PikePizza. Bolivian dishes satisfy at this no-frills eatery. Try the salteñas stuffed with chicken or beef, olives and hard-boiled egg. L D $

El Pollo Rico«

932 N. Kenmore St., 703-522-3220, elpollorico restaurant.com. The rotisserie chicken mecca gained even more street cred after a visit from the late Anthony Bourdain. L D V $

Elevation Burger

2447 N. Harrison St., 703-300-9467, elevation burger.com. Organic, grass-fed beef is ground on the premises, fries are cooked in olive oil and the shakes are made with fresh-scooped ice cream. b L D V $

Endo Sushi

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-243-7799, endo sushi.com. A go-to spot for sashimi, teriyaki, donburi and maki. L D V $$

Epic Smokehouse

1330 S. Fern St., 571-319-4001, epicsmokehouse. com. Wood-smoked meats and seafood served in a modern setting. b L D G $$$

Essy’s Carriage House Restaurant 4030 Lee Highway, 703-525-7899, essyscarriage house.com. Kick it old school with crab imperial, lamb chops and prime rib. B L D G $$$

Federico Ristorante Italiano 519 23rd St., 703-486-0519, federico ristoranteitaliano.com. Occuping the former Cafe Italia space, it’s co-owned by Freddie’s Beach Bar owner Freddie Lutz. L D V $$

Fettoosh

5100 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-7710, fettoosh.com. Overstuffed pita sandwiches and kabobs keep the kitchen fired up at this bargain-priced Lebanese and Moroccan restaurant.  R L D G V $ Fire Works

2350 Clarendon Blvd., 703-527-8700, fireworks pizza.com. Chef Thomas Harvey has expanded the menu but wood-fired pizzas and more than 30 craft beers on tap are mainstays. b  L D A G V $$

First Down Sports Bar & Grill

4213 Fairfax Drive, 703-465-8888, firstdownsports bar.com. Choose among 20 draft beers and snacks ranging from sliders to queso dip. L D A V $$

Four Sisters Grill

3035 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-9020, foursisters grill.com. Here, the family behind Four Sisters in Merrifield serves up banh mi sandwiches, papaya salad, spring rolls and noodle dishes. b L D $$ Fyve

1250 S. Hayes St. (inside (The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City), 703-412-2762, ritzcarlton.com/pentagoncity.

The hotel restaurant serves globally influenced dishes. For a treat, go for Sunday brunch or afternoon tea.  B R L D G V $$$$

Gaijin Ramen Shop

3800 Lee Highway, 703-566-9236, gaijinramen shop.com. Choose your broth and toppings, from pork shoulder to pickled vegetables. Gaijin makes its own noodles in-house daily. D V $$

Galaxy Hut

2711 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-8646, galaxyhut.com. Pop in for live music, craft beers (28 rotating taps), grilled cheese and bar snacks, including vegetarian and vegan munchies. L D A G V $$

Gharer Khabar

5151 Lee Highway, 703-973-2432, gharerkhabar.com. Translated as “home’s food,” this art-filled, 14-seat café serves Bangladeshi fare cooked by native chef Nasima Shreen. Try the goat biryani. L D $$

The G.O.A.T.«

3028 Wilson Boulevard, 703-528-8888, thegoatva. com. The buzzy sports bar has a Champagne room, arcade games and a photo booth. R L D A $$

Good Company Doughnuts & Café

672 N. Glebe Road, 703-243-3000, gocodough. com. The family- and veteran-owned eatery serves house-made doughnuts, Intelligentsia coffee and other breakfast and lunch fare. B L V $$

Good Stuff Eatery

2110 Crystal Drive, 703-415-4663, goodstuff eatery.com. Spike Mendelsohn’s Crystal City outpost offers gourmet burgers (beef, turkey or mushroom), shakes, fries and salads. L D G V $

Goody’s

3125 Wilson Blvd., 703-351-7827. A late-night goto for New York-style pizza, subs, ice cream and breakfast sandwiches.  B L D A V $

Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

4301 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-7900, grandcru-wine. com. This intimate European-style café includes a wine shop next door. b R L D G $$$

Green Pig Bistro

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-1920, greenpig bistro.com. Enjoy creative nose-to-tail cooking with a Southern edge, solid craft cocktails, a daily happy hour and weekend brunch. R L D G V $$$

Guajillo

1727 Wilson Blvd., 703-807-0840, guajillomexican. com. Authentic Mexican dishes such as carne asada, mole poblano and churros are favorites. b  L D G V $$

Guapo’s Restaurant

4028 Campbell Ave., 703-671-1701, guapos restaurant.com. Expect hearty portions of all the Tex-Mex standbys—quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and burritos. b  R L D G V $$

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

1119 N. Hudson St., 571-527-0445, gyu-kaku.com. Marinated meats, veggies and seafood are cooked on tabletop grills. D $$

Hanabi Ramen

3024 Wilson Blvd., 703-867-5516, facebook.com/ HanabiRamenClarendon. It serves multiple variations of the popular noodle dish, plus rice bowls and dumplings. L D $$

Happy Endings Eatery

1800 N. Lynn St., facebook.com/HappyEndings Eatery. Vietnamese comfort foods (think banh mi, noodle soups and rice bowls) are the stock-in-trade at this Rosslyn food hall. L D $$

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

2150 N. Culpeper St., 703-527-8394, heidelberg bakery.com. Fill up on baked goods as well as Old Country specialties such as bratwurst and German potato salad. Closed Mondays. B L $

Heritage Brewing Co. Market Common 2900 Wilson Blvd., 571-319-0024, hbcmarket common.com. The brewpub offers 18 craft beers on tap and menu options like shepherd’s pie, gnocchi with chorizo and oysters. R L D $$

Highline RxR

2010-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-2337, highlinerxr. com. A Crystal City bar offering draft beers, draft wines, a whiskey menu and a retractable wall that opens up in nice weather. b L D A $$

Hot Lola’s«

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), hotlolas chicken.com. It’s all about Kevin Tien’s Nashvillemeets-Sichuan hot chicken sandwiches. L D $

Ireland’s Four Courts

2051 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-3600, irelandsfour courts.com. Irish fare includes cider-braised short ribs, a Guinness-marinated burger and imported cheeses from general manager Dave Cahill’s family farm in County Limerick.  R L D A V $$

Istanbul Grill

4617 Wilson Blvd., 571-970-5828, istanbulgrillkebabshop.business.site. Satisfy your craving for Turkish meze and kabobs at this homey spot in Bluemont. L D V $$

The Italian Store

3123 Lee Highway, 703-528-6266; 5837 Washington Blvd., 571-341-1080; italianstore.com. A cultstatus destination for pizzas, sandwiches, prepared entrées, espresso and gelato. b L D G V $

Jaleo

2250-A Crystal Drive, 703-413-8181, jaleo.com. Spanish croquettes and housemade chorizo carry forth chef José Andrés’ enduring reputation as the maestro of tapas. b L D G V $$$

Kabob Palace

2315 S. Eads St., 703-486-3535, kabobpalaceusa. com. A Crystal City favorite for grilled meats, pillowy naan and savory sides. L D A G V $$

Kanpai Japanese Restaurant

1401 Wilson Blvd., 703-527-8400, kanpai-sushi.com. The STTR (spicy tuna tempura roll) is a must at this popular Rosslyn sushi spot. b L D G V $$

L.A. Bar & Grill

2530 Columbia Pike, 703-685-1560. Regulars flock to this dive bar on the Pike (L.A. stands for Lower Arlington) for cold brews and pub fare. D A $$

La Côte D’Or Café

6876 Lee Highway, 703-538-3033, lacotedorarling ton.com. This little French bistro serves standards like crepes and steak frites. b R L D G V $$$

Layalina

5216 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-1170, layalinares taurant.com. Lebanese and Syrian dishes aim to please at this family-owned restaurant. Lunch sandwiches available Tuesday-Friday. b L D A V $$

Lebanese Taverna

5900 Washington Blvd., 703-241-8681; 1101 S. Joyce St., Pentagon Row, 703-415-8681; leba nesetaverna.com. A local favorite for mezze, kabobs, flatbreads and more. b  L D G V $$

Le Pain Quotidien

2900 Clarendon Blvd., 703-465-0970, lepainquo

tidien.com. The Belgian chain produces Europeanstyle cafe fare. B L D G V $$

The Liberty Tavern«

3195 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-9360, theliberty tavern.com. This Clarendon anchor offers a spirited bar and creative cuisine fueled by two woodburning ovens. b  R L D A G V $$$

The Little Beet

1800 N. Lynn St., 703-310-6711, thelittlebeet. com. Trying to avoid gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sugar or meat? Head here for build-your-own-bowl options for all kinds of diets. B L D G V $$

Livin' the Pie Life

2166 N. Glebe Road, 571-431-7727, livinthepie life.com. The wildly popular pie operation started as an Arlington farmers market stand. B L V $$

The Local Oyster«

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 844-7482537, thelocaloyster.com. Raw bar, steamers, crabcakes, lobster rolls and “sammies.” Cocktails, too, including oyster shooters with PBR. L D G $$

Lost Dog Café

5876 Washington Blvd., 703-237-1552; 2920 Columbia Pike, 703-553-7770; lostdogcafe.com.

Known for its pizzas, subs and craft beer selection, this deli/café and its multiple franchises support pet adoption through the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. L D G V $$

Lyon Hall«

3100 N. Washington Blvd., 703-741-7636, lyon hallarlington.com. The European-style brasserie turns out French, German and Alsatian-inspired plates, from charcuterie and sausages to mussels and pickled vegetables. b  R L D A V $$$

Maizal

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3966500, maizalstreetfood.com. South American street food—arepas, empanadas, yuca fries, Peruvian fried rice, street corn and churros. L D V $

Mala Tang

3434 Washington Blvd., 703-243-2381, mala-tang. com. Chef Liu Chaosheng brings the tastes and traditions of his hometown, Chengdu, to this eatery specializing in Sichuan hot pot. b L D G V $$

Mario’s Pizza House

3322 Wilson Blvd., mariopizzahouse.com. Open into the wee hours, it's been cooking up subs, wings and pizza since 1957. b  B L D A $

Maya Bistro

5649 Lee Highway, 703-533-7800, bistromaya. com. The family-owned restaurant serves Turkish and Mediterranean comfort food. L D V $$

McNamara’s Pub & Restaurant

567 23rd St. S., 703-302-3760, mcnamaraspub. com. Order a Guinness and some corned beef or fish and chips at this watering hole on Crystal City’s restaurant row. R L D A $$

Me Jana

2300 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-4440, mejanarestau rant.com. Named for an old Lebanese folk ballad, this Middle Eastern eatery offers prime peoplewatching in Clarendon. b  L D G V $$

Mele Bistro

1723 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-0284, frenchitalian arlingtonva.com. Like your proteins and veggies smoked over wood chips? Call 24 hours ahead and this French and Italian eatery will do it for you. B L D G V $$

Meridian Pint

6035 Wilson Blvd., 703-300-9655, meridianpint. com. John Andrade’s transplanted brewpub (it moved from D.C. to Dominion Hills) serves craft brews, burgers, salads, crab dip, enchiladas, oysters and more.  R D A G V $$

Metro 29 Diner

4711 Lee Highway, 703-528-2464, metro29. com. Classic diner fare includes triple-decker sandwiches, mile-high desserts, burgers, roasted chicken and breakfast.  B R L D V $

Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-9352, mexicali-blues. com. The colorful landmark dishes out Salvadoran and Mexican chow. b  R L D G V $$

Mi & Yu Noodle Bar

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 571-3571399, miandyunoodlebar.com. Fast-casual noodle bowls and bao. L D G V $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

3000 Washington Blvd., 703-465-1600; 4037 Campbell Ave., 571-257-8214; mobyskabob.com. Satisfy your craving for Persian skewers and flavorful sides. L D $$

Mussel Bar & Grille

800 N. Glebe Road, 703-841-2337, musselbar. com. Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s Ballston eatery is known for mussels, frites, wood-fired pizza and more than 100 Belgian and craft beers. b L D $$

Namaste Everest

1201 S. Joyce St., 703-567-4322, namasteeverest. com. Try modern Indian and Nepalese dishes, from lamb or goat curry to momos (Nepalese dumplings), with a mango, mint or banana lassie. L D G V $$

Nam-Viet

1127 N. Hudson St., 703-522-7110, namviet1. com. The venerable restaurant specializes in flavors of Vietnam’s Can Tho region. b L D V $$

Nando’s Peri Peri

1301 S. Joyce St., 571-858-9953; 4401 Wilson Blvd., 703-888-5459; nandosperiperi.com. Flamegrilled Portuguese chicken. You control the spice level.  L D G V $$

Northside Social Coffee & Wine« 3211 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-0145, northside socialarlington.com. The homey, two-story coffee and wine bar is a haven for teleworking by day and unwinding in the evening. b B L D V $$

Oby Lee

3000 N. Washington Blvd., 571-257-5054, obylee. com. Crepes and quiche are the bill of fare at this European-style café, bakery, wine shop and coffee roastery. b B L D G $$

Old Dominion Pizza

4514 Lee Highway, 703-718-6372, olddominion pizza.com. Order thin crust or “grandma style” pies named after local high school mascots. L D G $

Open Road Grill

1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-248-0760, openroadgrill. com. This second location of the American saloon (the first is in Merrifield) is a solid pick for burgers and beers, or a proper entrée (blackened salmon, grilled half chicken, steak frites) and a craft cocktail. L D $$

Osteria da Nino

2900 S. Quincy St. (Village at Shirlington), 703-8201128, osteriadaninova.com. For those days when you’re craving a hearty portion of spaghetti and clams, or gnocci with pesto. R L D G V $$$

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub

3207 Washington Blvd., 703-812-0939, osullivans irishpub.com. You’ll find owner and County Kerry native Karen O’Sullivan behind the bar, pouring pints and cracking jokes. B L D A $$

Palette 22

4053 Campbell Ave., 703-746-9007, palette22. com. Diners can watch local artists at work in this international gallery-cafe. b L D V $$

Pamplona

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-685-9950, pamplona va.com. Spanish tapas, paella, grilled fish, pintxos, cocktails, snacks and sangria. D A V $$

Peking Pavilion

2912 N. Sycamore St., 703-237-6868. This family-owned restaurant serves standbys such as moo shu pork and beef with broccoli. L D $$

Peter Chang Arlington

2503-E N. Harrison St., 703-538-6688, peterchang arlington.com. The former Chinese Embassy chef brings his fiery and flavorful Sichuan cooking to the Lee Harrison Shopping Center.  L D $$

Pho 75«

1721 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-7355. The piping-hot soup is all about fresh ingredients. b L D V $

Pie-tanza

2503-B N. Harrison St., 703-237-0200, pie-tanza. com. Enjoy pizza (including gluten-free options), calzones, lasagna, subs and salads.  L D G V $$

Punch Bowl Social 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, 571-297-7640, punchbowlsocial.com. This adult playground has games, karaoke, bowling, TVs and hearty fare like fried bologna sandwiches and green chorizo fries.  R L D A V $$

Pupatella«

5104 Wilson Blvd.; 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, 571-312-7230, pupatella.com. Enzo Algarme’s authentic Neapolitan pies are considered among D.C.’s best. b L D V $$

Pupuseria Doña Azucena

71 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-0332. Beans, rice and massive pupusas at dirt-cheap prices.  L D V $

Quarterdeck

1200 Fort Myer Drive, 703-528-2722, quarterdeck arlington.com. This beloved shack has served up steamed crabs for 40 years. b  L D V $$

Queen Amannisa

320 23rd St. S., 703-414-7888, queenamannisa. com. Its distinctive Uyghur cuisine blends Chinese, Turkish, Uzbeki, Russian and Persian flavors. L D $$ Quinn’s on the Corner

1776 Wilson Blvd., 703-640-3566, quinnsonthe corner.com. Irish and Belgian favorites such as mussels, steak frites, and bangers and mash, plus draft beers and a big whiskey selection. B R L D A $$

Ragtime

1345 N. Courthouse Road, 703-243-4003, ragtime restaurant.com. Enjoy live music and a taste of the Big Easy in offerings such as jambalaya, catfish, spiced shrimp and oysters. Or feast on the waffle and omelet bar every Sunday. b R L D A V $$

Ravi Kabob House

350 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-6666; 250 N. Glebe Road, 703-816-0222; ravikabobusa.com. Curries, kabobs and delectably spiced veggies keep this ethnic café crowded.  L D V $$

n places to eat

Rebellion on the Pike

2900 Columbia Pike, 703-888-2044, rebellionon thepike.com. The tavern sports a deep list of craft beers and whiskeys, and serves burgers (including one zinger called the “Ramsay Bolton”), wings and other pub grub. B D A $$

The Renegade

3100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-468-4652, renegadeva. com. Is it a coffee shop, restaurant, bar or live music club? All of the above. B L D A $$

Rhodeside Grill

1836 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-0145, rhodeside grill.com. Feast on chops, meatloaf, burgers and po’boys accompanied by live music and every kind of hot sauce imaginable. b  R L D A V $$

Rice Bar

1235 S. Clark St., 703-501-0130, ricebardc.com. Build your own Korean bibimbap at this fast-casual eatery in Crystal City—one of six in the D.C. area. Closed Saturday and Sunday. B L D $$

Rice Crook

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), ricecrook.com. Korean-inspired rice bowls, salads and wraps made with locally sourced meats and produce. L D $$

Rien Tong Asian Bistro

3131 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-8388, rientong.com. The large menu includes Thai and Chinese standards, plus sushi. L D V $$

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.

3471 Washington Blvd., 703-528-9663, rocklands. com. Owner John Snedden has been slow-cooking barbecue since 1990. b  L D G V $

Roots & Vines

5852 Washington Blvd., 571-335-4274, fairtrade roots.com. The coffee shop inside Westover’s Trade Roots gift store serves fair-trade coffee, tea, pastries, salads, organic wine and more. B L $

Ruffino’s Spaghetti House

4763 Lee Highway, 703-528-2242, ruffinos arlington.com. Go for Italian classics such as veal Parmigiana and chicken piccata.  L D V $$

Rustico

4075 Wilson Blvd., 571-384-1820, rustico restaurant.com. You’ll find more than 400 beers to complement dishes from pizza to grilled trout and pastrami pork ribs. b  R L D G V $$ Rus Uz Restaurant and Market 1000 N. Randolph St., 571-312-4086, rusuz.com. The family-run bistro serves hearty Russian and Uzbek dishes such as borscht, beef stroganoff and plov—a rice pilaf with lamb. L D $$

Saigon Noodles & Grill

1800 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-5940, saigonnoodles grill.com. The Rosslyn eatery owned by Arlington resident Tuan Nguyen serves pho, banh mi and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. L D G V $$ Salt 1201 Wilson Blvd., 703-875-0491, saltrosslyn.com. The speakeasy-style cocktail bar, which shares a kitchen with Open Road Grill, serves tasty nibbles (cheese plates, oysters, carpaccio) with classic Sazeracs and Old Fashioneds, as well as creative craft cocktails. D $$

Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub 2800 S. Randolph St., 703-379-0122, samuel becketts.com. A modern Irish pub serving Emerald Isle recipes. b  R L D A G V $$

Saran Indian Cuisine 5157 Lee Highway, 703-533-3600, sarancuisine.

com. The menu is a feast for vegetarians with dishes such as palak paneer, masala dosai and chickpea curry. L D G V $$

Sawatdee

2250 Clarendon Blvd., 703-243-8181, vyut.com/ sawatdee. The friendly eatery (its name means “hello”) is frequented by those craving pad thai or pad prik king. L D V $$

Screwtop Wine Bar and Cheese Shop

1025 N. Fillmore St., 703-888-0845, screwtopwine bar.com. The congenial wine bar/shop offers tastings, wine classes, and small plates for sharing and pairing. b  R L D G V $$

Sense of Place Café & Roastery

4807 First St. N., 571-319-0414, senseofplace cafe.com. The “laptop free” café serves coffee drinks, matcha tea, sweets and sandwiches. B L $

SER

1110 N. Glebe Road, 703-746-9822, ser-restau rant.com. Traditional Spanish and Basque dishes in a colorful, friendly space with outstanding service. b R L D V $$$

Sfoglina Pasta House

1100 Wilson Blvd., sfoglinadc.com. Fabio Trabocchi’s much-anticipated outpost in Rosslyn is a destination for housemade pasta (you can watch it being made), a “mozzarella bar” and Italian craft cocktails. Closed Sundays. L D V $$$

Silver Diner«

3200 Wilson Blvd., 703-812-8600, silverdiner. com. The kitchen cooks with organic ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. Low-calorie and gluten-free menu choices available.  B R L D A G V $$

Slapfish

671 N. Glebe Road, 571-312-4610, slapfishrestau rant.com. Grab some clam chowder, fish tacos or a lobster roll and pretend you are beachside. L D $$

Sloppy Mama’s

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 5731 Lee Highway, sloppymamas.com. The barbecue joint that started out as a food truck offers oak-smoked meats galore, including brisket, pork, chicken, ribs, turkey and sausage. L D $$

Smoking Kow BBQ

2910 N. Sycamore St., smokingkowbbq.com. At this Kansas City-style ’cue joint, meats seasoned with a rub of 15 spices are smoked over cherry and hickory wood for 18-20 hours. L D $$

South Block«

3011 11th St. N., 703-741-0266; 1550 Wilson Blvd., 703-465-8423; 4150 Wilson Blvd., 703-4658423; 2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-534-1542; southblockjuice.com. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls. B L V $

Spider Kelly’s

3181 Wilson Blvd., 703-312-8888, spiderkellys. com. The “come as you are” bar offers a sizable beer list and creative cocktails, plus salads, burgers and breakfast at all hours.  D A G V $$

Spirits of 76

3211 Washington Blvd., 703-234-7676, spiritsof 76arlington.com. The patriotic bar serves pub standards (burgers, meatloaf, fish tacos), brunch and plenty of whiskey drinks. R L D G $$

The Stand

1601 Crystal Drive, 703-413-8048, thestandva. com. The pop-up kiosk serves a rotating lineup of creative carryout fare from area vendors. B L $

Stray Cat Café

5866 N. Washington Blvd., 703-237-7775, thestraycatcafe.com. Sandwiches and Tex-Mex-inspired platters hit the spot at this feline sister of the Lost Dog Café next door.  L D V $$

Sushi Rock

1900 Clarendon Blvd., 571-312-8027, sushirockva. com. Play a little air guitar while sampling sushi rolls and beverages named after your favorite bands, from Zeppelin to Ozzy to Oasis. D A G V $$

Sushi-Zen Japanese Restaurant

2457 N. Harrison St., 703-534-6000, sushizen. com. An amicable neighborhood stop for sushi, donburi, tempura and udon.  L D V $$

Sweetgreen«

4075 Wilson Blvd., 703-522-2016; 3100 Clarendon Blvd., 571-290-3956; 575 12th Road S., 703-8881025; 2200 Crystal Drive, 703-685-9089; sweet green.com. Locally grown ingredients and compostable cutlery make this salad and yogurt chain a hub for the green-minded. b  L D G V $

Sweet Leaf

2200 Wilson Blvd., 703-525-5100; 800 N. Glebe Road, 703-522-5000; 650 N. Quincy St., 703-5270807; eatsweetleaf.com. Build your own sandwiches and salads with fresh ingredients. b  B L D $$

Taco Rock

1501 Wilson Blvd., 571-775-1800, thetacorock.com. This rock-themed watering hole keeps the margaritas and Micheladas flowing alongside creative tacos on housemade blue-corn tortillas. B L D V $$

Takohachi Japanese Restaurant

3249 Columbia Pike, 571-312-7678. The sushi bar offers $1 nigiri all day, plus favorites like tonkatsu ramen, tempura and saki. L D $$

Taqueria el Poblano

2503-A N. Harrison St., 703-237-8250, taqueria poblano.com. Fresh guacamole, fish tacos, margaritas and mole verde transport patrons to the Yucatan.  L D G V $$

Ted’s Bulletin & Sidekick Bakery

4238 Wilson Blvd. #1130 (Ballston Quarter), 703848-7580, tedsbulletin.com. The retro comfort food and all-day breakfast place has healthier fare, too—which you can undo with a visit to its tantalizing bakery next door.  B R L D G V $$

Texas Jack’s Barbecue

2761 Washington Blvd., 703-875-0477, txjacks.com. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus sides like raw carrot salad and smashed cucumbers. b L D A $$

T.H.A.I.

4209 Campbell Ave., 703-931-3203, thaiinshirling ton.com. Pretty dishes include lemongrass salmon with black sticky rice. b L D G V $$$

Thai Noy«

5880 Washington Blvd., 703-534-7474, thainoy. com. Shimmering tapestries and golden Buddhas are the backdrop in this destination for Thai noodles, curries and rice dishes. L D $$

Thai Square

3217 Columbia Pike, 703-685-7040, thaisquare restaurant.com. The signature dish is No. 61, deepfried, sugar-glazed squid topped with crispy fried basil. b L D G V $$

Thirsty Bernie

2163 N. Glebe Road, 703-248-9300, thirsty bernie.com. Wiener schnitzel, pierogies and bratwurst provide sustenance in this Bavarian sports bar and grill. b  R L D V $$

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream

5849-A Washington Blvd., 703-536-7000, tobys icecream.com. Owner Toby Bantug makes premium ice creams, floats and sundaes. Coffee, pastries and bagels available in the morning. B L D V $

Tom Yum District

1515 Wilson Blvd., 703-528-8424, tomyum district.com. Customize Thai rice and noodle bowls with a choice of proteins and toppings. L D V $

True Food Kitchen

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), 703-5270930, truefoodkitchen.com. Specializing in “anti-inflammatory” fare, the menu will convince you that healthy tastes good. L D G V $$

TTT Mexican Diner

2900 Wilson Blvd., buenavidaclarendon.com. Stop in for Mexican street foods and tequila. Sister restaurant Buena Vida is upstairs. b B R L D $$

Tupelo Honey Café

1616 N. Troy St., 703-253-8140, tupelohoneyca fe.com. The Southern fusion menu includes dishes like roasted snapper with sweet potato and farro.  R L D $$

Turu’s by Timber Pizza

4238 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston Quarter), timber pizza.com. Neapolitan(ish)-style pizzas fresh from a wood-fired oven. L D V $$

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Café

4301 N. Fairfax Drive, 703-528-3131, unclejulios. com. Tex-Mex highlights include mesquite-grilled fajitas, tacos and margaritas. b  R L D $$$

Urban Tandoor

801 N. Quincy St., 703-567-1432, utandoorva.com. Feast on Indian and Nepalese fare, from tandoori lamb to Himalayan momos (dumplings). Lunch buffet daily. L D V $$

Weenie Beenie

2680 Shirlington Road, 703-671-6661, weeniebeenie.net. The hot dog stand founded in 1954 is still serving half smokes, bologna-and-egg sandwiches and pancakes. B L D $ Westover Market & Beer Garden 5863 N. Washington Blvd., 703-536-5040, westovermarketbeergarden.com. A local favorite for burgers, live music and draft microbrews. The adjoining market’s “Great Wall of Beer” stocks more than 1,000 domestic, imported and craft beers in bottles and cans. b  L D A $$

Which Wich

4300 Wilson Blvd., 703-566-0058, whichwich. com. A seemingly endless menu of sandwiches and wraps with more than 60 toppings. b B L D V $$

Whitlow’s on Wilson 2854 Wilson Blvd., 703-276-9693, whitlows.com. Live bands, a rooftop bar, pool tables and reliable American fare keep the energy level on high at this Clarendon institution. b  R L D V $$

William Jeffrey’s Tavern 2301 Columbia Pike, 703-746-6333, william jeffreystavern.com. Brought to you by the owners of Dogwood Tavern, this pub on the Pike presents a rousing bar with Prohibition-era wall murals.  R L D A G V $$

Wilson Hardware Kitchen & Bar 2915 Wilson Boulevard, 703-527-4200, wilson hardwareva.com. Serves creative cocktails, boozy slushies and local craft beers, plus small plates,

burgers and entrées like steak frites and duck confit. b R L D A G V $$$

Yayla Bistro

2201 N. Westmoreland St., 703-533-5600, yayla bistro.com. A cozy little spot for Turkish small plates, flatbreads and seafood. Pita wraps available for lunch only. b  L D $$

Yume Sushi

2121 N. Westmoreland St., 703-269-5064, yume sushiva.com. East Falls Church has a destination for sushi, omakase (chef’s tasting menu) and a sake bar with craft cocktails. L D V G $$$

FALLS CHURCH

2941 Restaurant

2941 Fairview Park Drive, 703-270-1500, 2941.com. French chef Bertrand Chemel’s unlikely sanctuary in a suburban office building offers beautifully composed seasonal dishes and expert wine pairings in an artful setting.  L D V $$$

Abay Market

3811-A S. George Mason Drive, 703-820-7589. The seasoned grass-fed raw beef dish kitfo is the specialty at this friendly, six-table Ethiopian café. L D $$

Al Jazeera

3813-D S. George Mason Drive, 703-379-2733. The top seller at this Yemeni cafe is oven-roasted lamb with yellow rice. L D $$

Alta Strada

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-2800000, altastrada-mosaic.com. Chef Michael Schlow’s menu includes house-made pastas, pizza and other Italian mainstays. R L D $$$

Anthony’s Restaurant

3000 Annandale Road, 703-532-0100, www.anth onysrestaurantva.com. The family-owned diner serves standbys like spaghetti, pizza, gyros and subs, plus breakfast on weekends. R L D V $$

B Side

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, bsidecuts.com. Nathan Anda’s charcuterie steals the show at this cozy bar adjoining Red Apron Butcher. The cocktails rock, too. L D $$

Bakeshop

100 E. Fairfax St., 703-533-0002, bakeshopva. com. See Arlington listing. B V $

Bamian

5634 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-7880, bamian restaurant.com. Try the palau (seasoned lamb with saffron rice) and aushak (scallion dumpling topped with yogurt, meat sauce and mint).  L D V $$

Bartaco

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-549-8226, bartaco.com. A lively spot for tacos (13 kinds) and tequila. Feels like vacation. L D V A $$

Blanca’s Restaurant

418 S. Washington St., 703-538-2466. A familyowned operation serving Salvadoran and Mexican fare in a homey atmosphere. L D V $$

Caboose Commons

2918 Eskridge Road (Mosaic District), 703-6638833, caboosebrewing.com. The microbrewery that started along the W&OD Trail in Vienna has a second location serving house brews and creative eats, including vegan fare. b L D V A $$

Café Kindred

450 N. Washington St., 571-327-2215, cafe

kindred.com. The café features retro beats, light fare and espresso drinks. Laptops are non grata during weekend brunch. B R L V $$

Celebrity Delly

7263-A Arlington Blvd., 703-573-9002, celebrity deliva.com. Matzo-ball soup, Reubens and tuna melts satisfy at this New York-style deli founded in 1975. Brunch served all day Saturday and Sunday.  B L D G V $

Cheesetique

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-1111, cheesetique.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Choolaah Indian BBQ

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 800-4598860, choolaah.com. Indian fast-casual means rice bowls with add-ons such as lamb meatballs, paneer cheese and five kinds of masala. L D V G $$

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack«

130 N. Washington St., 703-532-9283, clareand dons.com. Go coastal with fish tacos, coconut chicken or one of the many meatless options. Live music every weekend. b  L D A G V $$

DC Steakholders

6641 Arlington Blvd., 703-534-4200, dcsteakhold ers.com. The cheesesteak truck has a storefront in the former Frozen Dairy Bar space, where proprietors Usman Bhatti and Lilly Kaur are carrying forth FDB’s nearly 70-year frozen custard recipe. L D $$

District Dumplings

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-8847080, districtdumplingsfairfax.com. Asian-style dumplings, sandwiches and wraps. L D $$

District Taco « 5275-C Leesburg Pike, 571-699-0660, district taco.com. See Arlington listing.  B L D G V $

Dogfish Head Alehouse

Seven Corners Shopping Center, 6220 Leesburg Pike, 703-534-3342, dogfishalehouse.com. Microbrews, burgers, sandwiches, salads and woodgrilled pizzas.  L D G V $$

Dogwood Tavern

132 W. Broad St., 703-237-8333, dogwoodtavern. com. An Old Dominion-themed pub by the creators of Rhodeside Grill and Ragtime. Raw-bar specials on Tuesdays. b  R L D A V $$

Duangrat’s

5878 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5775, duangrats. com. Waitresses in traditional Thai silk dresses glide through the dining room bearing fragrant noodles and grilled meats. b R L D V $$

Edy’s Chicken & Steak

5240 Leesburg Pike, 703-820-5508. Owner Edy Dernovsek’s secret poultry recipe blends flavors from her native Thailand with traditional Peruvian rotisserie spices. L D $

Elephant Jumps Thai Restaurant

8110-A Arlington Blvd., 703-942-6600, elephant jumps.com. Solid Thai food in an intimate storefront. L D G V $$

Elevation Burger

442 S. Washington St., 703-237-4343, elevation burger.com. See Arlington listing. b L D V $

El Patron Bar & Grille

48 S. Washington St., 703-538-2466, elpatronbar grillinc.com. Salvadoran and Tex-Mex picks include tacos, pupusas and churrasco. Open until 2 a.m. L D A $$

n places to eat

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

7630 Lee Highway, 703-204-0233, eltiogrill.com. A family-friendly spot for fajitas, enchiladas, combo plates and margaritas. b L D $$

Famille

700-A W. Broad St. 703-570-8669, famillecafe. com. A casual breakfast and lunch spot serving salads, tartines, breakfast staples and Illy coffee. b B L $

Fava Pot«

7393 Lee Highway, 703-204-0609, favapot.com.

The popular Daniel’s Fava Pot food truck has a brickand-mortar restaurant and catering operation serving Egyptian fare. B L D G V $$

Four Sisters Restaurant

8190 Strawberry Lane, 703-539-8566, foursisters restaurant.com. Mainstays include clay pot fish, grilled meats, lettuce wraps and pho. b L D V $$

Haandi Indian Cuisine«

1222 W. Broad St., 703-533-3501, haandi.com. The perfumed kabobs, curries and biryani incorporate northern and southern Indian flavors. A lunch buffet is offered daily. L D V G $$

Hong Kong Palace

6387 Seven Corners Center, 703-532-0940, hong kongpalacedelivery.com. The kitchen caters to both ex-pat and American tastes.  L D $$

Hong Kong Pearl

6286 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-1388. Two words: dim sum. L D A V $$

Huong Viet

6785 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-7110, huong-viet.com. Spring rolls, roasted quail and shaky beef are faves at this cash-only Eden Center eatery.  L D G V $$

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 W. Broad St., 703-534-8999, 4psva.com. The family-friendly tavern serves pub food and Irish specialties. b  B R L D $$

Jinya Ramen Bar

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9927705, jinya-ramenbar.com. Embellish your broth with more than a dozen toppings. b L D A V $$

JV’s Restaurant

6666 Arlington Blvd., 703-241-9504, jvsrestau rant.com. A local institution known for live music, cold beer and home-cooked meatloaf, lasagna and chili. L D A V $$

Koi Koi Sushi & Roll

450 W. Broad St., 703-237-0101, koikoiva.com. The sushi is fresh and the vibe is fun. b L D $$ Le Pain Quotidien

8296 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-462-9322, lepainquotidien.com. See Arlington listing. B L D V $$

Liberty Barbecue«

370 W. Broad St., 703-237-8227, libertyfalls church.com This tasty venture by The Liberty Tavern Group serves smoked meats, fried chicken and other Southern favorites. R L D $$

Little Saigon Restaurant

6218-B Wilson Blvd., 703-536-2633. Authentic Vietnamese in a no-frills setting. b L D $$

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot 6799 Wilson Blvd., 571-405-6947, littlesheephot pot.com. Cook veggies, proteins and noodles at the table in an aromatic broth dotted with cardamom pods and ginseng. L D $$

Little Viet Garden

6783 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-1069. The beloved eatery that once anchored Clarendon’s Little Saigon has resurfaced in Eden Center. L D $$

Loving Hut

2842 Rogers Drive, 703-942-5622; lovinghut.us. The vegan chain offers options like banh mi with barbecued soy protein. L D G V $$

MacMillan Whisky Room

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 240-9943905, themacmillan.com. More than 200 kinds of spirits are offered in tasting flights and composed cocktails. The food menu includes U.K. and American pub standards. b R L D $$

Mark’s Duck House

6184-A Arlington Blvd., 703-532-2125. Though named for its specialty—Peking duck—it offers plenty of other tantalizing options, such as short ribs, roasted pork and dim sum. R L D A V $$

Meaza Restaurant

5700 Columbia Pike, 703-820-2870, meaza ethiopiancuisine.com. Well-seasoned legumes and marinated beef are signatures in this vivid Ethiopian banquet hall. b  L D G V $$

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae

112 N. West St., 703-532-5299, mikesdeliatlazy sundae.com. Stop in for homemade corned beef, cheesesteaks, burgers, breakfast and scratch-made soups. And save room for ice cream! B L D V $

Miu Kee

6653 Arlington Blvd., 703-237-8884. Open late, this strip-mall emporium offers Cantonese, Sichuan and Hunan dishes. L D A $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

444 W. Broad St., 703-992-7500, mobyskabob. com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mom & Pop

2909 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-9920050, dolcezzagelato.com. The little glass cafe serves light fare, gelato, coffee, beer and wine. b B R L D A $$

Nhu Lan Sandwich

6763 Wilson Blvd., 703-532-9009, nhulansand wich.com. This tiny Vietnamese deli at Eden Center is a favorite for banh mi sandwiches. L D V $

Northside Social Falls Church« 205 Park Ave., 703-992-8650, northsidesocialva. com/falls-church. The team behind Northside Social Clarendon has opened a second coffeehouse and bar—this one with wood-fired pizzas.

B L D V $$

Oath Pizza

2920 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-6886284, oathpizza.com. The dough here is grilled and seared in avocado oil (for a crispy texture) and the toppings are certified humane. L D G V $$

Open Road Grill & Icehouse

8100 Lee Highway, 571-395-4400, openroadmerri field.com. See Arlington listing. b  R L D $$

The Original Pancake House

7395-M Lee Highway, 703-698-6292, ophres taurants.com. Satisfy your breakfast cravings with pancakes, crepes, waffles, French toast and more.  B R G V $

Padaek

6395 Seven Corners Center, 703-533-9480, bang kokgolden7corners.com. Chef Seng Luangrath's menu offers both Thai and Laotian cuisine. L D G V $$

Panjshir Restaurant

114 E. Fairfax St., 703-536-4566, panjshirres taurant.com. Carnivores go for the kabobs, but the vegetarian chalows elevate pumpkin, eggplant and spinach to new levels. L D V $$

Parc de Ville

8926 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-663-8931, parcdeville.com. At this Parisian-style brasserie by restaurateurs Eric and Ian Hilton, find French fare such as omelets, escargots, paté, mussels, duck confit, steak frites and boudin blanc. R D $$$

Peking Gourmet Inn

6029 Leesburg Pike, 703-671-8088, peking gourmet.com. It’s all about the crispy Peking duck.

 L D G V $$

Plaka Grill

1216 W. Broad St., 703-639-0161, plakagrill.com. Super satisfying Greek fare —dolmas, souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita. L D V $$

Pho 88

232 W. Broad St., 703-533-8233, pho88va.com. Vietnamese pho is the main attraction, but the menu also includes noodle and rice dishes. Closed Tuesdays. L D $$

Pizzeria Orso

400 S. Maple Ave., 703-226-3460, pizzeriaorso. com. Neapolitan pies and tantalizing small plates, such as arancini with chorizo and Brussels chips with shaved grana. b  L D G V $$

Raaga Restaurant

5872 Leesburg Pike, 703-998-7000, raagarestau rant.com. Chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh and cardamom-infused desserts. b L D G V $$

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

230 W. Broad St., 571-314-1711, rarebirdcoffee. com. This adorably cozy café serves espresso drinks and local baked goods. b L D $

Red Apron Butcher

8298 Glass Alley (Mosaic District), 703-676-3550, redapronbutchery.com. The premium butcher shop and deli sells hot dogs, burgers, charcuterie, prime steaks and sandwiches. b L D V $$

Rice Paper/Taste of Vietnam

6775 Wilson Blvd., 703-538-3888, ricepapertasteofvietnam.com. Try a combo platter of pork, seafood and ground beef with rice-paper wraps at this Eden Center favorite. L D G V $$

Sea Pearl

8191 Strawberry Lane, 703-372-5161, seapearl restaurant.com. Asian-American fusion dishes and Innovative sushi rolls.  R L D G V $$$

Sfizi Café

800 W. Broad St., 703-533-1191, sfizi.com. A family-owned trattoria, deli and wine shop serving classic Italian fare—pasta, pizza, parm. L D $$

Silk Road

301 S. Washington St., 703-534-3838, silkroad fallschurch.com. In addition to mainstream Chinese fare, Silk Road offers lamb polo and other Uyghur dishes. Closed Mondays. L D V $$

Silver Diner «

8150 Porter Road, 703-204-0812 , silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D A G V $$

Sisters Thai

2985 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-280-0429, sistersthai.com. The trendy Thai restaurant has a vibe that feels like you’re dining in your cool friend’s shabby-chic living room. L D $$

Spacebar

709 W. Broad St., 703-992-0777, spcbr.com. The little bar offers 24 craft beers on tap and 18 variations on the grilled cheese sandwich. D A V $$

Sweetgreen«

2905 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 703-992-7892, sweetgreen.com. See Arlington listing. b  L D G V $

Sweetwater Tavern

3066 Gatehouse Plaza, 703-645-8100, great americanrestaurants.com. A modern saloon serving seafood, chicken, ribs, microbrews and growlers to go.  L D G $$$

Taco Bamba

2190 Pimmit Drive, 703-639-0505, tacobambares taurant.com. Try Victor Albisu’s Mexican street food, from pork confit tacos to tamales. B L D $

Takumi Sushi

310-B S. Washington St., 703-241-1128, takumi va.com. The sushi and sashimi here go beyond basic, like tuna nigiri with Italian black truffle, or salmon with mango purée. L D V $$

Ted’s Bulletin

2911 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-8306680, tedsbulletinmerrifield.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D $$

Thompson Italian 124 N. Washington St., 703-269-0893, thompson italian.com. Crowds line up for housemade pasta, prosecco on tap and exceptional desserts at this neighborhood newcomer by husband-and-wife chefs Gabe and Katherine Thompson. b  D $$$

Trio Grill

8100 Lee Highway, 703-992-9200, triomerrifield. com. Treat yourself to live piano music, steaks, chops, raw bar, craft cocktails and cigars. D $$$

True Food Kitchen

2910 District Ave. (Mosaic District), 571-3261616, truefoodkitchen.com. See Arlington listing.  R L D $$$

Uncle Liu’s Hotpot

2972 Gallows Road, 703-560-6868, uncleliu chinesefood.com. Customers do the cooking in this eatery inspired by the ubiquitous hot pots of China’s Sichuan province. L D V $$

MCLEAN

Agora Tysons

7911 Westpark Drive, 703-663-8737, agoratysons. com. The Dupont Circle mezze restaurant brings its Turkish, Greek and Lebanese small plates to a second outpost in Tysons. R L D G V $$$

Amoo’s Restaurant

6271 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8500, amoos restaurant.com. The flavorful kabobs and stews are crowd pleasers at this hospitable Persian establishment. b  L D G V $$

Asian Origin

1753 S. Pinnacle Drive, 703-448-9988, asianorigin va.com. Liu Chaosheng’s restaurant hits all the standards (kung pao chicken, beef with broccoli) plus twists like pumpkin with steamed pork. L D V $$

Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria

6641 Old Dominion Drive, 703-918-0080, assaggi osteria.com. Enjoy a date night over plates of orecchiette with artichoke and veal paillard. The adjoining pizzeria serves wood-fired pies. b L D G V $$$

Café Oggi

6671 Old Dominion Drive, 703-442-7360, cafe oggi.com. Choose among classic Italian dishes such as mozzarella caprese, beef carpaccio, spaghetti with clams and tiramisu. b L D G V $$$

Café Tatti French Bistro

6627 Old Dominion Drive, 703-790-5164, cafe tatti.com. Open since 1981, the kitchen focuses on classic French and continental fare. Closed Sundays. L D G V $$$

Capri Ristorante Italiano

6825-K Redmond Drive, 703-288-4601, capri mcleanva.com. A chatty, family-friendly spot known for tried-and-true Italian dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and veal Marsala. b  L D G V $$$

City Works

1640 N. Capitol One Drive, 571-765-1790, city worksrestaurant.com/tysons. This pour house offers more than 90 draft beers, burgers, tacos, bar snacks and a rock ‘n’ roll weekend brunch.

R L D G V $$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood 7900 Tysons One Place, 703-442-4523, eddiev. com. Think steakhouse vibe with an emphasis on seafood. L D $$$$

El Tio Tex-Mex Grill

1433 Center St., 703-790-1910, eltiogrill.com. See Falls Church listing. L D $$

Esaan Tumbar«

1307 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-288-3901, esaantumbar.com. This tiny eatery specializes in northern Thai dishes—papaya salad, larb, nam tok. A good bet for those who like heat. L D $$

Fahrenheit Asian 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., 703-646-8968, fahren heitasian.com. A no-frills destination for Sichuan spicy noodles, dumplings, mapo tofu and other Asian comfort foods. L D V $$

Fogo de Chao

1775 Tysons Blvd., 703-556-0200, fogodechao. com. The upscale chain showcases the Brazilian tradition of churrasco—the art of roasting meats over an open fire. R L D $$$

Founding Farmers

1800 Tysons Blvd., wearefoundingfarmers.com. The farm-to-table restaurant features Virginiasourced dishes and drinks. B R L D $$$

Ichiban Sushi

6821-A Old Dominion Drive, 703-48-9117, ichiban sushimclean.com. A neighborhood go-to for sushi, udon, tempura and teriyaki. Closed Sundays. L D $$

J. Gilbert’s« 6930 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-1034, jgilberts.com. Everything you’d expect in a steakhouse and lots of it—prime cuts of beef, lobster, wedge salad, steak-cut fries and cheesecake.

 R L D G V $$$

Kazan Restaurant

6813 Redmond Drive, 703-734-1960, kazan restaurant.com. Zeynel Uzun’s white-tablecloth restaurant, a fixture since 1980, is a nice spot for kebabs, baklava and Turkish coffee. L D V $$

Lebanese Taverna 1840 International Drive, 703-847-5244, leba nesetaverna.com. See Arlington listing. b  L D G V $$

Lost Dog Café

1690-A Anderson Road, 703-356-5678, lostdog cafe.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Masala Indian Cuisine

1394 Chain Bridge Road,703-462-9699, masala va.com. A specialty here are “momos,” Nepalese dumplings with meat or vegetable fillings. The menu also includes tandoori biryani and Indian curries. L D V $$

McLean Family Restaurant 1321 Chain Bridge Road, 703-356-9883, themcleanfamilyrestaurant.com. Pancakes, gyros and big plates of lasagna hit the spot. Breakfast served until 3 p.m. daily.  B L D V $$

Miyagi Restaurant

6719 Curran St., 703-893-0116. The diminutive sushi bar gets high marks for its friendly service and fresh maki and nigiri. L D $$

Moby Dick House of Kabob

6854 Old Dominion Drive, 703-448-8448; 1500 Cornerside Blvd., 703-734-7000; mobyskabob.com. See Arlington listing. L D $$

Mylo’s Grill

6238 Old Dominion Drive, 703-533-5880, mylos grill.com. Enjoy spanakopita, souvlaki and American classics. Friday is prime-rib night. B L D $$

Pasa-Thai Restaurant

1315 Old Chain Bridge Road, 703-442-0090, pasa thairestaurant.com. Go for a classic Bangkok curry, or a chef’s special such as spicy fried rockfish with chili-basil-garlic sauce. b L D $$

Patsy’s American 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5100, patsysamerican.com. Named for Great American Restaurants matriarch Patsy Norton, it serves greatest-hit dishes from other GAR restaurants in a space resembling a vintage railway station.  R L D A G V $$

Pulcinella

6852 Old Dominion Drive, 703-893-7777, pulcinella restaurant.com. A place for classic spaghetti and meatballs, linguine and clams and wood-fired pizza since 1985. R L D $$

Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons), 703-552-5110, randysprime.com. Randy’s (named for Great American Restaurants co-founder Randy Norton) is the place for prime cuts, duck-fat fries, seafood towers and other steakhouse standards. L D G $$$$

Rocco’s Italian 1357 Chain Bridge Road, 703-821-3736, roccos italian.com. The Juliano family makes everything in-house, from family recipes. b  L D G $$

Sen Khao

2001 International Drive (Tysons Galleria), 703775-2377, senkhao.com. Try a crispy rice salad or a fragrant bowl of noodle soup. L D G V $$

Silver Diner« 8101 Fletcher St., 703-821-5666, silverdiner.com. See Arlington listing.  B R L D A G V $$

Simply Fresh 6811 Elm St., 703-821-1869. A local favorite for pulled pork, chicken and brisket. Plus Greek diner fare and breakfast. b  B L D G V $

Tachibana

6715 Lowell Ave., 703-847-1771, tachibana.us. Sushi aside, the chef’s specials here include starters such as clam miso soup, monkfish paté and savory egg custard.  L D $$

stylecounsel

by Adrienne Wichard-Edds

Spring blooms from Botanologica

Native Blooms

You already know and love Botanologica for its lush houseplants, gift-worthy planters, gardening gear and native container gardens. Now Holly Manon and Julie Liu, the women behind the Falls Church garden and home design store (817 W. Broad St.), have added locally grown fresh-cut flowers and bouquets to their green offerings.

“We’re working exclusively with flower growers within 100 miles of the store, primarily independent, womanowned farms in Maryland and Virginia, like Butterbee Farm in Baltimore,” says Liu. “And because our flowers are grown and cut locally—not traveling on half a dozen planes over multiple days to get to us—they’re fresher, they’re more fragrant and they last longer.”

Buying local flowers also supports the pollinator population and reduces the environmental impact of transportation.

In addition to doing individual arrangements and floral design for small-scale events, Botanologica now offers a floral bouquet subscription service starting at $40 per bouquet.

“The flowers we receive and design with speak to the time, place and season,” says Liu. For spring in the mid-Atlantic region, that means cascades of bell-shaped foxgloves, pompom-headed peonies, ruffle-y lisianthus and pops of color from brilliant larkspur. “They don’t last forever, but that’s a joy—it allows us to live in the moment and appreciate what we have.”

Check out their designs and current offerings on Instagram at @botanologica. At press time, the shop was taking orders by phone and offering limited local deliveries. The next seasonal bouquet subscription offering opens May 9 for a six-week season. botanologica.com

Sea Here

Of all the labels that Kathy McIntire has claimed for herself—interior designer, shop owner (you may remember Prezzies, her McLean gift store that closed in 2008)—jewelry-maker is the one that’s endured the longest.

“I’ve been making jewelry my whole life,” says the Arlington resident and the talent behind Luna Mar Creative. “When I was a kid, it was simple beading and wire wrapping. Now I’ve graduated to working with pearls, semiprecious stones and sterling silver.”

In her Westover home studio, McIntire creates one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by a childhood growing up near coastlines and blue water. “I was a Navy brat,” she says. “I’ve lived everywhere, but always near a beach. I was always in the water, which is where my inspiration comes from.”

Among her collections, you’ll find delicate chandelier earrings dotted with aquamarines and amethysts, and strands of rustic Peruvian opals or freshwater pearls to drape around your neck. Incorporating such elements as leather cords, hammered-metal details and pavé diamond accents, McIntire describes her aesthetic as “modern and edgy but still beautiful and feminine.”

Shop her designs at online at lunamarcreative.com

Couture Consignment

Tucked into a petite yellow clapboard house on the edge of Crystal City, where the 23rd Street businesses segue into residential blocks, you’ll find Agents in Style, an upscale women’s consignment boutique run by Rhoda Wheeler.

The former real estate marketing professional opened her shop last fall after noticing that the space was available for rent. “I live in the neighborhood; I saw this small Victorian home and knew what I could do with it,” says the Arlington Ridge resident. “I’ve been an image consultant and stylist for 15 years and I have a side business helping people audit their closets as they enter

different stages of their lives, both personally and professionally.”

Wheeler classifies her boutique as “luxury” consignment, meaning she prioritizes the high-end stuff— timeless handbags from Louis Vuitton and Chanel, office-chic separates from Lafayette 148 and Oscar de la Renta, party dresses from DVF and Ted Baker. A recent visit turned up a strappy sundress from Mara Hoffman and a handful of unworn jeweled ballet flats from Miu Miu.

Shoppers can also find midrange items that appeal to a younger professional crowd from brands such as J.Crew, Banana Republic, Lilly Pulitzer and Theory.

Most consigned pieces are either current (within the past two years) or classic, and Wheeler strives to be size-inclusive. She also stocks her shelves with brand-new items from independent women designers— including jewelry by local makers

Julie Katz, Sharon Baker and Diane Clark—as well as of-the-moment accessories and wardrobe must-haves. Can’t get there in person? Wheeler says the Agents in Style website is fully shoppable and is updated regularly with her newest finds. Follow the store’s social media feeds for the latest merch, online shopping and shipping/delivery options. agentsinstyle.com

Rhoda Wheeler at Agents in Style

THIS YEAR’S CORPORATE CHALLENGE IS SPONSORED BY OUR NEWEST NEIGHBOR

WHERE CHAMPIONS COME TO COMPETE | MAY 30-31

SATURDAY | CRYSTAL CITY

PRO-AMATEUR RACES / CHALLENGE RIDE / KIDS RACES

Starting in 2008, the Challenge Ride has become the area’s largest non-competitive, participatory ride.

SUNDAY | CLARENDON

PRO-AMATEUR RACES / KIDS RACES

A tradition since 1998, boasts the Washington, DC region’s premier Amateur and Professional bike races.

Challenge Ride

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A rail trail through Ohiopyle on the Great Allegheny Passage

Bridging THE GAP

Traveling through small-town America by bike on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail

BY AMY BRECOUNT WHITE

ON A SUNNY SATURDAY in June, Ohiopyle is a happy jumble of hikers, cyclists, rafters and kayakers. Located at Horseshoe Bend on the Youghiogheny River, aka “the Yock,” this western Pennsylvania town of 59 permanent residents thrives as a jumping-off point for outdoor experiences.

My friends Janet and Margit and I arrive midday, ready to start biking the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, a converted rail line that now boasts 150 miles of pathways running from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland (there, it joins the C&O Canal Towpath, which goes all the way to D.C.). Our plan is to ride 65 miles over three days on hybrid bikes, which combine features from road, touring and mountain bikes.

We’ve chosen Ohiopyle as our starting point for a reason. Experienced riders have advised us to avoid the westward stretch of trail between Cumberland and Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, unless you’re a masochist or an ironwoman. A quick glance at an elevation diagram (see p. 139) reveals why. That’s where the trail crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, hitting its highest point, at 2,392 feet, and the incline is brutal. While our trip isn’t meant to be a leisurely girls’ getaway, we don’t want to kill ourselves, either.

We start easy with a low grade, 9-mile ride on a crushed limestone path under a canopy of mature trees that still afford frequent views of the river. Minutes in, Margit rides up beside me.

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Are your tires OK?” she asks. “They look flat.”

“My bike just had a full checkup,” I reply. “They must be fine!” Still, my quads are feeling the burn from the slight uphill climb (although it looks flat), and I worry I haven’t trained enough.

Taking our time, we roll into the “trail town” of Confluence, where three bodies of water merge. At Confluence Cyclery, shop owner Brad Smith squeezes my tires, shakes his head and pumps them up. I instantly feel better about the 30 miles we are planning to cover on Day 2.

THE HAMLETS THAT

dot the GAP trail were originally built on coal, coke (a purified fuel made from coal), steel and logging—industries that prompted the creation of the Western Maryland Railway (WMR) to transport valuable goods eastward. (The whole trail combines several former railway beds, but we rode mostly on the old WMR.)

Mansions once owned by industrial barons now serve as inns or businesses that cater to trail users, providing a new lifeline for otherwise fading small towns. With its charming park and Victorian bandstand, Confluence offers

more than 20 lodging options for bikers, paddlers and cross-country skiers.

After rewarding ourselves with pecan pie and Italian lemon-cream cake at the popular River’s Edge Cafe, we settle into our comfy rental home, Pedalers’ Rest, for the evening.

From 1973 until 2013, when the GAP trail’s full 150 miles opened, various entities—local governments and nonprofit foundations—purchased land or secured easements and converted pieces of the trail through a mix of private funds, foundation awards and competitive state grants. To enhance the visitor experience, several historic tunnels, viaducts, bridges and other railroad artifacts were rehabilitated. Some were even moved, as in the case of the ornate Bollman iron bridge near Meyersdale.

Pedaling the rail trails offers glimpses of Americana that roads cannot. It’s heartening to see this formerly industrial area now celebrating and thriving on its natural attractions.

Day 2 brings us more immersion in nature. According to the GAP trail guide ($10 in most trail towns), George Washington walked these paths as he and others searched for a westward passage through the Allegheny Moun-

tains. We ride past blooming rhododendrons, gushing waterfalls and over sturdy trestle bridges. Along the way we spot a scarlet tanager and then a large turtle as we breathe in the sweet scents of honeysuckle and hawthorn.

In retrospect, I wish I’d ridden the captivating 1,908-foot-long Salisbury Viaduct over and back again, retracing my path. The crossing sits atop a 101-foot-high steel trestle that spans the Casselman River Valley, and you

Salisbury Viaduct

can’t take in the panoramic vista of farmland and a wind farm, along with the river and train tracks below, in just one pass. It’s common to see or hear modern trains on the nearby CSX line, which now runs on the old Baltimore & Ohio line.

By midafternoon, with some 30 miles behind us, we arrive in Meyersdale, where we are welcomed by a bright mural highlighting the town’s history. We take a tour of the elegant

GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE TRAIL

front porch of Yoder’s Guest House, relishing the fact that we beat the rain.

When we tell our host, Denise Gehringer, about our plan for Day 3 (to head east to the Mason-Dixon Line and then double back, logging 24 miles round trip), she suggests riding the full

30 miles to Cumberland instead. “It’s all downhill,” she says. “Really.”

Her husband, Chuck, who is providing our post-ride transport back to our car in Ohiopyle, agrees to pick us up in Cumberland the next day. It proves to be good advice. The route takes us through picturesque tun-

The writer (right) with fellow cyclist Margit Nahra at the Continental Divide

Cyclists on the GAP trail

The Mason-Dixon Line

GAP TRAIL ELEVATION

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nels originally blasted to shorten train routes, including the cool and spooky Big Savage Tunnel. With its intermittent ceiling lights, it feels like a Victorian prison and seems even longer than its 3,294 feet.

Continuing on, we cross the famous Mason-Dixon Line, which is demarcated by a brick path, and stop at the Eastern Continental Divide to cheer ourselves on, knowing that the rest of the day’s journey is downhill. We can see the college town of Frostburg, Maryland, in the distance.

The Borden Tunnel, just north of Frostburg, is so dark I can’t see my bike; I can focus only on the light at the end of...you know. Emerging from the pitch black, we cycle into a deep mist and miss out on what are surely amazing views. Next time.

It’s Monday and Janet, a Peloton devotee who’s left Margit and me in the dust a few times, is skeptical that we can stay on schedule to beat Beltway traffic home. But we likely exceed the trail’s 15 mph rule as we fly down the steepest stretch of the route.

As we roll into Cumberland right on time, Chuck is waiting, and the now steady rain feels like a baptism of accomplishment. n

Arlingtonian Amy Brecount White hears the GAP trail is gorgeous in autumn and can’t wait to ride it again.

EXPLORE

The Ohiopyle trailhead of the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail (gaptrail. org) is about four hours from Arlington. Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park (laurelhighlands.org/outdoors/ohiopyle) offers more than 20,000 acres of rivers, mountains, woods, waterfalls, zip lines and trails to explore. Get permission from the ranger station to leave your car overnight in a remote lot.

All in all, we rode 71 miles over 2½ days. Feeling tentative about your endurance? E-bikes are permitted if they are 750 watts or less and have operating pedals (pedal assist). Note: The Big Savage Tunnel closes every winter from early December until the first week of April, so that part of the ride isn’t doable those months; the rest of the trail is open and also great for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Two Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces near Ohiopyle exemplify the architect’s desire to create harmony with nature. Fallingwater (fallingwater.org), a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, is perhaps his most famous work of organic architecture. We toured nearby Kentuck Knob in Chalk Hill (kentuckknob.com), a one-story home designed on a hexagonal module that appears to be built into the side of a mountain. The onsite wooded sculpture walk includes works by artists Andy Goldsworthy and Claes Oldenburg. Both sites require tickets ($30 and $25, respectively) for house tours.

The recently completed Flight 93 National Memorial (nps.gov/flni/index.htm) in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, is about an hour from Ohiopyle. The site honors the 40 crew and passenger members of Flight 93 who thwarted a terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2001. The visitor complex includes a learning center, bookstore and flight path overlook. The site also includes walking trails, a guided audio tour that you can access via smartphone, and the 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices, which has 40 wind chimes.

The Cumberland Visitor Center (nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/ cumberlandvisitorcenter.htm), located in the 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station, provides interactive exhibits on the history of Cumberland, Maryland, and the C&O Canal.

EAT

Ohiopyle is home to several tempting spots for sandwiches and treats, including burgers at Falls Market Restaurant

Rockwood, Pennsylvania

Flight 93 National Memorial

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob

(fallsmarketrestaurant.com), which also has rooms and a hostel in town (fallsmarketinn.com). On the way to Kentuck Knob, we enjoyed caffeine and sweets at Rustic Joe’s Coffee House (facebook.com/rusticjoe).

In Confluence, the River’s Edge Cafe (riversedgecafebnb.com), located in an 1890s farmhouse that also includes lodging, serves savory pastas, pork chops, steaks and amazing desserts. Reserve a spot on the veranda. Mitch’s Fuel & Food (facebook.com/mitchsfuelandfood) is the nicest gas station you’ll ever see, and a worthy stop for coffee, omelets and sausage gravy with biscuits. Lucky Dog Café (luckydogcafe.net) serves up nachos, burritos and fish tacos in an outdoor setting.

Stop at the Rockwood Mill Shoppes (rockwoodmillshoppes.com) in Rockwood for ice cream, salads and train-themed pizzas, such as the vegetarian “Skinny Train” or the meatier “Whole Caboose,” along with made-in-America goods and an opera house with entertainment options. (Note: The entire complex is closed on Sundays.)

In Meyersdale, at the fun Pit Stop Kremery (the-pit-stop-kremery.business.

site), treat yourself to soft-serve or a vegan, fat-free Dole Whip. The maple-flavored offerings are popular. Check out the spacious and historic Morguen Toole Co. (morguentoole. com), previously the town hardware store and mortuary (yes, really), for ribs and casual food in a pub setting. The White House Restaurant (facebook.com/ thewhitehouserestaurantpa) is a local favorite with a bread and soup bar.

STAY

Bikers like to hit the trail early, so many lodgings offer kitchen access or self-serve breakfast provisions.

In Confluence, The Parker House (theparkerhousecountryinn.com) has seven rooms, many with local antiques and lovely fireplaces. At Pedalers’ Rest (pedalersrestonthegap.com), you’ll have a house to yourself (sleeps eight) with a full kitchen, dining room and sitting area.

In Meyersdale, Yoder’s Guest House (yodersguesthouse.com) has 11 en-suite guest rooms and cold drinks in the fridge to enjoy on the front porch. The turreted Levi Deal Mansion (levidealmansion.com)

offers elegant rooms and a gorgeous wood staircase, along with locally sourced breakfasts. The Morguen Toole Co. (morguentoole.com/hotel--inn.html) has affordable, comfy rooms in its main structure and the nearby Trailside Inn

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (nemacolin.com), which offers a spa, golf courses and zip lines, is about 8 miles from the Ohiopyle trailhead.

TRANSPORT

We wanted to bike unencumbered, so we used transport services to schlep our luggage from lodging to lodging. Chuck Gehringer of Yoder’s Guest House and Angela Bonnell of Sunshine Luggage Shuttle (sunshineluggageshuttle.com) made our rides easier. Maple Leaf Outfitters (mapleleafoutfitters.net) also offers shuttle, camping and hiking services on the trail.

Take the Train: If you’re an early riser, Amtrak will transport you and your bike from D.C. or Rockville, Maryland, to several towns on the trail, including Connellsville (beyond Ohiopyle) and Pittsburgh. gaptrail.org/plan-a-visit/amtrak

The Cowboy Burger at Falls Market Restaurant Levi Deal Mansion

Falls Market Restaurant

get away n by Christine

Koubek

Editor’s Note: Once travel is back on the agenda these destinations will be waiting for you. For now, put them in your idea file.

Spa Time at the Shore

Escape for a gals’ wellness weekend or a romantic retreat at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, voted New Jersey’s Best Hotel in 2019 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The 58-room boutique hotel is located in Stone Harbor, a quaint shore town where Taylor Swift summered as a girl and played acoustic shows at Coffee Talk, a local cafe. The hotel opened in 2013 with 37 rooms. A two-story Salt Spa wellness center and 21 more coastal chic rooms were added last year.

Rejuvenate your skin with a body scrub or mud treatment at the spa, which features a Turkish bath with iridescent tiles, a fitness center, Brine Lounge (light-therapy room with tranquil music and a waterfall) and a living roomlike nail treatment sanctuary.

Options for free outdoor fun include a beach (two blocks from the hotel) with chairs and umbrellas, a roof garden with morning yoga, kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the bay, and a plunge pool.

The hotel’s five eateries include Sax at the Reeds for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina, a taqueria-style restaurant with graffiti wall art and outdoor seating overlooking the bay; and Stone Harbor Pizza Pub for a good slice, craft brews and panoramic views.

The Reeds offers a variety of room types and suites, each with white oak floors, Frette bathrobes and frameless glass showers with rain showerheads. Midweek rates in May begin at $229; weekend rates begin at $369; prices are higher in summer.

The Reeds at Shelter Haven, 9601 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, New Jersey; 609-368-0100; reedsatshelterhaven.com

Mountain High

Your mountain den for overnight stays at Shenandoah National Park just got cozier. The park’s Big Meadows and Skyland lodges were spruced up over the past two years with new mattresses and bedding for all rooms.

Skyland, which can be accessed from mile 41.7 and mile 42.5 at Skyline Drive’s highest elevation, offers small cabins and a wide array of guest rooms and suites in 28 buildings nestled along a ridge. The 94 renovated premium category rooms have new wood plank vinyl flooring and 46-inch flat-screen TVs, plus great views. After hiking, grab a coffee or a bowl of chili at Addie’s Corner, a grab-and-go cafe across from Skyland’s gift shop, and head for the adjacent registration building. Here you can rest in a rocking chair by the stone fireplace

and gaze out at birds, trees, huge rocks and the valley below.

Located near a large meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive, Big Meadows has renovated shower and laundry facilities at its 224-site campground, and restored 1939 oak flooring in 23 of its 29 historic lodge accommodations. Some of the latter include an in-room fireplace.

Park activities include astronomy events, twilight hikes, lessons in basic outdoor survival skills, rock

climbing and rappelling. Rates begin at $112.50 per night for rooms at Big Meadows Lodge; Skyland rooms begin at $135. Pets are welcome ($25 per dog or cat, per night). While you can likely find availability two to three weeks out in early summer months, plan 10 to 12 months in advance for October weekends.

Shenandoah National Park Lodging, along Skyline Drive outside of the town of Luray, Virginia; 888-767-1379; goshenandoah.com/lodging

Cartoon Family Fun

Pack your pajamas for a cartoon-themed sleepover at East Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s new Cartoon Network Hotel. Opened earlier this year, the colorful-as-a-box-of-crayons hotel is next door to Dutch Wonderland, an amusement park geared toward young children.

Each of the hotel’s 159 guest rooms and suites incorporates Cartoon Network characters in the pillows, wallpaper, art and more. Four spacious “dream suites”—themed after cartoons Adventure Time, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls and Steven Universe fit families of six to eight, complete with kitchenettes and colorful living areas (picture pink carpet dotted with yellow stars).

On-site entertainment includes an outdoor Land of P’Oool zero-entry pool (inspired by Adventure Time), a waterslide and a splash play area; an outdoor movie screen shaped like Adventure Time’s Finn; an indoor pool and hot tub; an arcade; and an opportunity to draw your own cartoon and see it come alive on-screen. The Cartoon Kitchen restaurant serves dishes inspired by shows, including Adventure Time bacon pancakes. The Bearista Cafe is the place for coffee, snacks and adult beverages. Rates begin at $189; $289 after Memorial Day. Guests can buy discounted tickets to Dutch Wonderland.

Cartoon Network Hotel, 2285 Lincoln Highway East, East Lancaster, Pennsylvania; 833-866-6485; cartoonnetworkhotel.com

Skyland lodge

Tearing Down Walls

LAST JULY, flash floods destroyed parts of a nearly century-old wall near the intersection of North Culpeper Street and 17th Street North in Arlington.

It wasn’t just any wall. Constructed in the 1930s out of wood, brick and cement, the barrier had been designed as a “segregation wall” separating the white neighborhood of Woodlawn (now Waycroft-Woodlawn) from historically black Halls Hill.

The legacy of Halls Hill dates back to 1881, when local plantation owner Basil Hall, faced with plummeting property values in the aftermath of the Civil War, began selling off portions of his land to African-American neighbors, many of them former enslaved people. Despite having had a violent reputation as a slave owner, Hall sold the parcels for a reasonable $80 to $110 per acre.

One of the first buyers to acquire a piece of the land was Thornton Hyson, the great-great-great-grandfather of Saundra Green. “My family has lived in Halls Hill ever since,” says Green, a resident of North Dinwiddie Street. “We’ve been here for generations.”

As the years passed, Halls Hill and

adjoining High View Park grew into a tight-knit enclave for folks who were not welcome in other parts of the county. By the early 20th century, Jim Crow laws restricted African-Americans from patronizing most local restaurants and businesses—a reality that prompted the neighborhoods to become self-sufficient.

“We had everything we needed right [here],” says Green, who was born in D.C. in 1941 because her mother wasn’t allowed to give birth at Arlington Hospital (now Virginia Hospital Center). “Schools, barbers, seamstresses, dry cleaners, doctors, lawyers and dentists.”

Not to mention emergency services. In 1918, residents of the historically black neighborhoods established an allvolunteer fire department, which later moved into a fire station on Lee Highway before relocating in 1934 to North Culpeper Street (and then back to Lee Highway in the 1960s). “[Fire departments from surrounding areas] wouldn’t come here and put out fires for us, so we…had to create our own,” says Green. “It was a testament to people working together for the good of the whole.”

In 1951, Fire Station 8 received its first county-paid professional firefighter—nearly a decade after the rest of the county’s fire stations.

For Wilma Jones, author of the book, My Halls Hill Family: More Than a Neighborhood, the memories of her Arlington youth are bittersweet.

“The neighborhood is a big part of... how we all came to be,” says Jones, now president of the John M. Langston Citizens Association, which includes Halls Hill and High View Park. It’s more diverse today, she says, but gentrification and a widening socioeconomic gap are ongoing challenges.

In 2016, with support from the community, the county decided to rebuild the historic but outdated Fire Station 8 at its current location on Lee Highway, rather than move it.

But the wall, for obvious reasons, won’t be rebuilt. Instead, in 2016, it was commemorated with a historic marker that acknowledges its troubling past.

“To be able to stand in Halls Hill and look over into Woodlawn [is] just amazing to me,” says Green. “I just never thought I’d see it.” n

Halls Hill Volunteer Fire Department “Smoke Eaters,” likely in the 1930s, on the grounds of John M. Langston Elementary School