Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

Events

Marine Corps Marathon to bring runners and road closures to Arlington this weekend

By James Jarvis
2018 Marine Corps Marathon (Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf)

This weekend Arlington will host one of the world’s largest marathons, drawing around 30,000 runners.

But the influx of athletes also means residents should prepare for road closures, whether they are driving, biking or scooting.

Go to Marine Corps Marathon to bring runners and road closures to Arlington this weekend Read more
Events

Arlington to host family-friendly Halloween-themed activities next week

By James Jarvis
Campfire and marshmallow roasting at Long Branch Nature Center (via Arlington County/Facebook)

Spooky season is upon Arlington and the county parks department has a few family-friendly activities in store.

Next week, families can gather around the campfire for ghost stories and s’mores or take slightly spooky evening nature walks.

Go to Arlington to host family-friendly Halloween-themed activities next week Read more
News

Lyft offering free rides to curb alcohol-related crashes on Halloween weekend

By James Jarvis
2023 Halloween SoberRide flier (via Washington Regional Alcohol Program)

Lyft will offer free rides up to $15 next weekend to curb drunk driving as Arlington sees an uptick in alcohol-related crashes.

Organized by the Tysons-based nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the initiative, known as SoberRide, aims to prevent drunk driving during holidays, such as Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve when such behavior is more common.

Go to Lyft offering free rides to curb alcohol-related crashes on Halloween weekend Read more
News

Virginia shoppers get a tax break on certain items this weekend

By James Jarvis
Point of sale payment at a store (Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash)

Don’t be surprised if your receipt lacks a sales tax charge this weekend.

Starting Friday at 12:01 a.m. and running until midnight on Sunday, a variety of products, from school supplies to refrigerators, will be exempt from taxation during a three-day tax holiday.

Go to Virginia shoppers get a tax break on certain items this weekend Read more
News

Penrose Square bikeshare station relocation causes stir

By James Jarvis
Capital Bikeshare station along S. Barton Street in Penrose is being relocated to S. Wayne Street two blocks away (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated 9:55 a.m.) A Capital Bikeshare station in Penrose was relocated Wednesday to free up more street parking in response to concerns about safety and illegal parking.

But some residents are unhappy about it.

Go to Penrose Square bikeshare station relocation causes stir Read more
Around Town

Japanese restaurant Ryu Izakaya opens on Columbia Pike

By James Jarvis
Ryu Izakaya on Columbia Pike (staff photo by James Jarvis)

A new restaurant specializing in Japanese street food opened last week on Columbia Pike.

Ryu Izakaya, located at 3030 Columbia Pike, on the ground floor of the Days Inn hotel, celebrated its soft opening last Thursday after almost a year of renovations. It moved into the former home of Rincome Thai, a Pike mainstay.

Go to Japanese restaurant Ryu Izakaya opens on Columbia Pike Read more
Around Town

Peruvian Brothers opens new restaurant at Amazon HQ2 in Pentagon City

By James Jarvis
Peruvian Brothers Co-founder and Executive Chef Mario Lanzone makes lomo saltado, or beef stir-fry (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Peruvian Brothers is officially open on the ground floor of Amazon’s second headquarters in Pentagon City.

The D.C.-based Peruvian food truck and fast-casual eatery officially opened its second brick-and-mortar restaurant this past Friday. The location at 1450 S. Eads Street is only open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. but “dinner and brunch services will launch in a few weeks,” according to a press release.

Go to Peruvian Brothers opens new restaurant at Amazon HQ2 in Pentagon City Read more
Feature

How two startup founders overcame setbacks with help from Arlington’s business network

By James Jarvis
Founders Natalia Micheletti and Scott Love speak Unstuck Labs CEO Wa'il Ashowaff during a panel discussion in Rosslyn (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups, founders, and other local technology news. Monday Properties is proudly featuring Three Ballston Plaza. 

Fear nearly prevented Scott Love from starting his data analytics firm, Arlington-based Lovelytics.

Go to How two startup founders overcame setbacks with help from Arlington’s business network Read more
News

Arlington seeks input on Wilson Blvd intersection changes

By James Jarvis
Intersection of N. Rhodes Street and Wilson Blvd facing east (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Arlington County is looking to make safety upgrades to an intersection between Rosslyn and Courthouse that has seen four pedestrian-involved crashes in four years.

The intersection of Wilson Blvd and N. Rhodes Street has long been seen as dicey, according to complaints from cyclists and commuters and previous ARLnow coverage. Resident complaints, plus a review of crash data, have prompted the county to make changes now.

Go to Arlington seeks input on Wilson Blvd intersection changes Read more
News

Long Bridge Aquatic Center pool hours limited due to lifeguard shortage

By James Jarvis
Pool at the Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center (staff photo)

Starting tomorrow, Long Bridge Aquatic Center will limit its pool hours due to a lifeguard shortage.

On Monday, Arlington County announced that, beginning Thursday, the 50-meter competition pool would operate on a “revised schedule” on Thursdays and Fridays due to a “national lifeguard shortage.”

Go to Long Bridge Aquatic Center pool hours limited due to lifeguard shortage Read more
Around Town

Padaek now open at Arlington Ridge Shopping Center

By James Jarvis
Padaek, in the Arlington Ridge Shopping Center, in October 2023 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Lao and Thai restaurant Padaek is finally open for business in the Arlington Ridge Shopping Center.

The day after we last reported on the restaurant’s progress in late August, Padaek started fulfilling to-go orders, according to a restaurant spokeswoman. The restaurant added its dine-in service on Sept. 12, she told ARLnow today.

Go to Padaek now open at Arlington Ridge Shopping Center Read more
Around Town

Arlington National Cemetery to host free fall foliage tour this Friday

By James Jarvis
Fall colors at the Arlington National Cemetery (via Arlington National Cemetery/Facebook)

Arlington National Cemetery is offering a free guided walking tour this Friday to highlight its autumn foliage.

Beyond serving as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military service members, the cemetery is also an accredited arboretum, home to over 500 species of trees, including maple, oak and sweetgum.

Go to Arlington National Cemetery to host free fall foliage tour this Friday Read more
View More Stories