Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Around Town

Weekend guide: Federal worker deals and things to do Oct. 3-5 in Arlington and Falls Church

By Katie Taranto
Water Park visitors sit outside for an event (courtesy of Water Park)

The first weekend of October will bring seasonal festivals, outdoor activities and celebrations of a new Taylor Swift album in Arlington and Falls Church.

But first, federal workers and contractors affected by the government shutdown can take some solace in discounts and deals at several local businesses.

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Around Town

Lesly’s returns to previous owner and Latin American menu in Falls Church

By Katie Taranto
Inside Lesly's in October 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

After a nine-month stint as a Caribbean restaurant, Lesly’s Restaurant Bar and Grill has returned to its previous owner and nixed its new menu in Falls Church.

The restaurant at 306 Hillwood Avenue has returned to its roots as a Latin American restaurant and nightlife spot following a dispute in management, departing owner Ricky Bartlette told ARLnow. The eatery has reinstated its previous offerings, which include entrees like carne asada and a variety of fajitas and tacos.

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Around Town

‘Maman’ French-inspired cafe plans Courthouse debut later this month

By Katie Taranto
Maman under construction in Courthouse (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The first Arlington location of the French-inspired cafe chain Maman is expected to open in Courthouse within the next few weeks.

The New York City-based franchise is preparing to open on the ground floor of The Commodore apartments at 2055 15th Street N., in the corner retail bay next to YogaSix. It hopes to serve its first customers by the end of the month, co-owner Elisa Marshall told ARLnow.

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Events

Oktoberfest celebrations happening this weekend at restaurant in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
Surreal in Crystal City (staff photo by James Jarvis)

With October finally here, a restaurant in Crystal City is transforming its outdoor patio and park space into an Oktoberfest-themed beer garden this weekend.

Festivities at Surreal will include long, communal picnic tables, refreshment kiosks and a central entertainment stage where DJs and live music will play throughout the day. Doors open at 2 p.m. for the celebration, which promises an “authentic beer selection,” live music, games and festival food.

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News

Man accused of smashing windows at two Clarendon businesses this weekend

By Katie Taranto
Aftermath of Clarendon vandalism at Oasis (courtesy of Tammie Disayawathana)

An Arlington man was arrested early Sunday morning following a vandalism spree in Clarendon.

The 21-year-old suspect, Christian Amaya Ochoa, is accused of damaging flower pots and shattering the windows and glass door of Oasis: The Listening Bar, which opened in July at 2940 Clarendon Blvd. He also reportedly shattered the windows at the skin care studio Glowbar, which had announced plans to open next door this fall.

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Around Town

Restaurant and beer garden plans November opening at renovated Falls Church motel

By Katie Taranto
Stratford Garden under construction at 300 W. Broad Street in Falls Church (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Plans to open a new restaurant and beer garden at the site of a closed Falls Church motel are nearing completion.

After months of demolition and construction, Stratford Garden is beginning to materialize at 300 W. Broad Street, where the Stratford Motor Lounge closed in 2021. Aiming for a November opening, owner Arash Tafakor is wrapping up renovations and developing a menu with new head chef Cameron Cousin.

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Around Town

Two Ballston Starbucks locations are closing this week amid nationwide changes

By Katie Taranto
Starbucks at 4000 Wilson Blvd in September 2025 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Starbucks is closing two cafes in Ballston this week as part of a $1 billion nationwide restructuring plan to address dropping sales.

Coffeehouses at 4000 Wilson Blvd and in the Ballston Metro station at 901 N. Stuart Street are on the chopping block.

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Around Town

After 85 years, Joyce Motors is closing next month for Clarendon redevelopment

By Katie Taranto
The Joyce Motors building in Clarendon (via Arlington County)

A longtime family-owned auto shop in Clarendon will close next month to make way for a redevelopment project.

After 85 years at 3211 10th Street N., Joyce Motors is closing for good on Friday, Oct. 10. The historic auto shop will host a farewell gathering at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, before shutting down to allow for a new mixed-use apartment building.

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Events

Clarendon Day returns this weekend with live music and local vendors

By Katie Taranto
Clarendon Day in 2024 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Clarendon Day is back this Saturday, with over 150 local artisans, businesses, nonprofits and restaurants participating in the annual street festival.

This year’s event kicks off at 11 a.m. in the blocks surrounding the Clarendon Metro station at 3100 Wilson Blvd. The following local bands and musicians are slated to perform live.

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Around Town

JUST IN: Whole Foods is opening in Crystal City next month

By Katie Taranto
New exterior signage for Whole Foods Market at 1550 Crystal Drive (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Whole Foods’ new Daily Market Shop in Crystal City is opening next month.

The grocery store at 1550 Crystal Drive will host a grand opening at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, offering samples and a tote bag giveaway for the first 300 customers, the grocer announced today (Wednesday). Replacing a vacancy left by Amazon Fresh last spring, the location with 10,000 square feet of retail space is the first Daily Market Shop to open outside of New York City.

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Around Town

New Falls Church Thai restaurant plans pop-up this weekend ahead of winter opening

By Katie Taranto
Dok Khao Thai Eatery (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

An upcoming Thai restaurant in Falls Church is offering a sneak peek of its offerings this weekend.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery is currently under construction at 180 W. Falls Station Blvd, but it will make an appearance at the West Falls Grand Opening and Fall Fest this Sunday. Owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar plans to offer free samples before the restaurant’s projected 2026 opening.

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Events

Ballston’s ‘Pumpkin Palooza’ dining promo launches next week

By Katie Taranto
Pumpkin soup and seasonal items from El Rey in Ballston (via El Rey/Facebook)

A new dining promotion is bringing autumnal dishes including pumpkin-flavored pancakes, pasta and cocktails to Ballston starting next week.

At least 13 restaurants are participating in Pumpkin Palooza, a new dining punch card program hosted by the Ballston Business Improvement District. Participants must try six eligible menu items at Ballston restaurants by Nov. 6 to qualify for a fall mug giveaway.

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