Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. The ARLnow staff byline is used for the Morning Notes and reporting done by an editor or other member of our full-time staff.
The holiday season is here and that means sharing freshly baked treats with family and friends!
It also means finding the bakery that delivers the best festive cookies, mouthwatering cakes and flaky breads in Arlington.
We’ve collected the top choices for “Best Bakery in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Don’t see your favorite bakery listed? Write it in!
In two weeks voting will close, so don’t forget to choose the bakery with the sweetest treats!
Voting for Best Local Shop in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best restaurant for takeout/delivery. The results are now official:
Arlington’s real estate market reflects the broader community — it’s diverse, dynamic, and never boring.
This weekend’s local open houses offer a snapshot of Arlington’s wide variety real estate offerings, from affordable condos to multi-million dollar homes. One highlight: a new construction home with an open floorplan with over 6,000 sq. ft. living space on a 10,000 sq. ft. fenced lot.
Washington-Liberty quarterback Matthew Abramson (photo by Deb Kolt)
Arlington high schools have a much more busy week ahead in sports action, with the winter schedule getting started.
There also is one big postseason region-tournament football game on tap for the Washington-Liberty Generals when they play in the championship game on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Fall colors along the W&OD trail and I-66 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Record Food Assistance Need — “The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) served supplemental groceries to 4,533 families – over 11,000 individuals – during their annual ‘Turkey Week’ distributions from November 18-23. While these statistics are record-breaking for the non-profit organization, AFAC was prepared.” [Press Release]
Wild Thanksgiving Eve in Clarendon — From Dave Statter: “To cap a Thanksgiving Eve and early morning of Clarendon mayhem, there was this . Someone crossing the middle of Washington Blvd. at Wilson Blvd. and getting hit by a car. The early report is injuries were not considered serious.” [Twitter]
Feds Going Back to Office? — “After the pandemic, the top localities for remote work in Virginia were almost all in Northern Virginia. Falls Church saw its remote workforce surge from 6.81% to 28.67%, one of the highest rates in the country. Arlington County went from 6.71% to 26.99%. Loudoun County went from 7.88% to 23.51%. Fairfax County went from 6.65% to 21.69%.” [Cardinal News]
New Funding for STEM Startup — “Lingo, an Arlington startup founded in 2020 … has sold over 10,000 do-it-yourself coding kits to schools and nonprofits in nearly every state and D.C. to introduce teenagers to the possibilities of careers in STEM … [Aisha] Bowe, who serves as CEO, wants to expand the number of schools and nonprofits the company can reach. She hopes to grow her six-person team to help achieve this effort, which will be aided by the $2.3 million funding deal she raised from outside investors in late October.” [WBJ]
Robbery on Columbia Pike — “At approximately 9:17 p.m. on November 26, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery by force. Upon arrival, it was determined the three male suspects entered the business, collected merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment during which the two male victims, who were patrons of the store, confronted them. The suspects subsequently assaulted the victims before fleeing the scene on foot.” [ACPD]
Local GOP on Threats Against Appointees — From the Arlington County Republican Committee: “This is what we’re up against — violent, radical leftists who will stop at nothing to hold onto power and threaten and intimidate Republicans. Get bent.” [Twitter]
Second Vacuum Leaf Pass Starting — Arlington kicks off the latter half of its annual vacuum leaf collection service this Saturday. The second leaf collection pass is scheduled to wrap up Dec. 18. [Arlington County]
ART Union Ratifies Contract — “Arlington Transit workers overwhelmingly ratified their first contract with Transdev as members of ATU Local 689 this week. After months of negotiations, the ratified contract marks another major step forward for ART workers who will now be working under a strong union contract which guarantees competitive pay and improved working conditions.” [Press Release]
Nearby: Whole Foods Moving — “The clock is ticking on Whole Foods Market’s time in Idylwood. The grocery store has rolled out signs at its Idylwood Plaza location (7511 Leesburg Pike) announcing that it will relocate “soon” to Falls Church City, where it will anchor the new Broad and Washington development at 103 E. Broad Street.” [FFXnow]
It’s Friday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching around 47 degrees, accompanied by a west wind blowing at 5 to 11 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. The night will be mostly clear, with the temperature dropping to around 28 degrees, and a west wind persisting at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]
Partly cloudy skies are expected with a high of around 75°F, accompanied by occasional light showers likely in the afternoon. A light breeze will flow throughout the day, giving way to a calmer, cooler evening as temperatures drop to a low of about 55°F. Predictions for the upcoming week suggest a mix of sunshine and clouds with a chance for scattered showers and moderate temperatures. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude to the local businesses and organizations that have supported ARLnow’s mission of delivering essential community news throughout 2024.
Our advertisers make it possible for us to bring you timely, accurate local journalism while keeping our content free and accessible to all local residents.
Going out and enjoying the nightlife on Columbia Pike (Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman)
Tonight is the night before Thanksgiving, traditionally one of the busiest nights for local bars and restaurants as people return home and reunite with old friends.
Nicknamed “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” by some, the evening has become something of an unofficial holiday, particularly among young professionals.
Local establishments often offer special events and deals to draw in the pre-Thanksgiving crowds, and many Arlington bars and restaurants are expecting large turnouts tonight.
Regardless of whether you’re in town or out — will you be heading out to celebrate with friends tonight, staying in to prep for tomorrow’s feast, or something else entirely?
Restaurant Coming to Food Court — “Pollo Campero is coming to the food court at [the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall]. They have seven other locations in Virginia, eight in Maryland, and one in DC. ” [Twitter]
Business Burglary Near Courthouse — “1900 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 12:31 p.m. on November 25, police were dispatched to the late report of a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 1:19 a.m. the male suspect forced entry into the closed business, stole an undisclosed amount of cash from a cash register and subsequently fled the scene.” [ACPD]
Still Looking for Missing Man — “UPDATE 11/26: ACPD continues to seek information on the whereabouts of Mr. Hendrickson. He was last seen on 10/21 driving a 2010 Blue Land Rover LR2 SUV with VA tags GM3849 and wearing a black/white plaid shirt, gray pants, and a baseball cap. Info? Call Police.” [Twitter]
Gov. to Trump Staff: Live Here — From Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin: “To all the new members of [president-elect Donald Trump’s] administration relocating to the area to make America great again, I am personally inviting you to make Virginia your home.” [Twitter, Axios]
Beyer Blasts Trump Tariffs — From Rep. Don Beyer: “No one wins a trade war. If imposed, these tariffs will lead to retaliation by both Canada and Mexico, two of our biggest trade partners, which would throw our deeply integrated economies into chaos and potentially lead us into a recession.” [Press Release]
Airport Parking Tips — “Early Tuesday morning, about 80% of long-term economy parking spots were already filled at Dulles and Reagan, while the long term lots at BWI Marshall were half-full. Travelers can reserve parking online at Reagan National and Dulles, but it has to be done more than 12 hours before arriving at the airport.” [WTOP]
F.C. Seeks Ability to Ban Smoking in Parks — The Falls Church City Council’s 2025 legislative-priorities package, adopted Monday night, again includes a call allowing localities to ban smoking outdoors on public property, especially in parks. Absent permission from Richmond, all local governments can do is request people not smoke in parks, which Falls Church does. –Scott McCaffrey
Turkey Day Rain — “Although there will be some Thanksgiving rain in the area, it should focus early enough not to mess with the day entirely. The heaviest looks to fall in the predawn into the morning. About half an inch seems like a good target locally. And, of course, we still need it.” [Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Wednesday — Expect increasing clouds and a high of 54 with calm winds shifting south at 6 mph in the afternoon. Rain will begin late Wednesday night, accompanied by patchy fog and a low of 45; precipitation chances are at 90%, with up to a quarter-inch expected. On Thanksgiving Day, rain will continue until early afternoon, followed by dissipating fog by 10am. The high will be around 54, with light winds changing to westerly gusts reaching 21 mph. [NWS]
Expect increasing clouds and a high of 54 with calm winds shifting south at 6 mph in the afternoon. Rain will begin late Wednesday night, accompanied by patchy fog and a low of 45; precipitation chances are at 90%, with up to a quarter-inch expected. On Thanksgiving Day, rain will continue until early afternoon, followed by dissipating fog by 10am. The high will be around 54, with light winds changing to westerly gusts reaching 21 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller