Katie Taranto | ARLnow

South Arlington featured in upcoming season finale of WETA’s ‘If You Lived Here’

Published March 20, 2025 at 3:45PM

"If You Lived Here" hosts Jen Osborn and Ricardo Frederick Evans with realtor Kay Houghton in South Arlington (photo by Lizzie Albers for WETA)

The spotlight is on South Arlington in an upcoming episode of WETA’s local real estate television series, “If You Lived Here,” which airs next week.

The episode and season finale showcases three homes in the Four Mile Run area and in the Fairlington and Claremont neighborhoods. Part of the series’ fourth season exploring D.C.-area homes, the episode premieres this Monday, March 24.

Around Town

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is now open in Falls Church

By Katie Taranto

Published March 20, 2025 at 9:45AM

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls in Falls Church (courtesy of Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls)

A new fast-casual seafood restaurant opened yesterday in Falls Church, serving New England-style lobster rolls and seafood.

Annapolis, Md.-based Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is soft opening now on the ground floor of The Oak condominiums on 243 West Falls Station Blvd. It’s the first restaurant to open at the West Falls development, with more eateries expected later this year.

Events

March Madness in Arlington and Falls Church: Happy hours and where to watch

By Katie Taranto

Published March 19, 2025 at 1:15PM | Updated March 19, 2025 at 2:00PM

Quincy Hall (Staff photo by Savannah Taffe)

The First Four games of March Madness continue tonight (Wednesday), with American University facing Mount St. Mary’s at 6:40 p.m.

Arlington and Falls Church are home to no shortage of venues to watch the game while enjoying a happy hour. Here are a couple places to find food and drink deals, watch parties and some friendly bracket competitions.

Around Town

Lantern Restaurant & Bar opens in Crystal City with karaoke and Chinese cuisine

By Katie Taranto

Published March 19, 2025 at 11:15AM

The entrance at Lantern Restaurant & Bar in Crystal City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new nightlife attraction with karaoke and Chinese cuisine is open in Crystal City.

Lantern Restaurant & Bar opened at 320 23rd Street S. late last month, debuting a nearly 5,500-square-foot space decked out with high quality sound systems and LED lights. The venue is currently taking reservations, owner Shen Zhao told ARLnow.

Around Town

Coffee Republic opens first Virginia location in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto

Published March 19, 2025 at 9:45AM

Coffee Republic at 3130 Potomac Avenue (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new cafe with cozy seats, neon signs and a playful disco theme is now open in Crystal City.

Coffee Republic opened last week at 3130 Potomac Avenue, on the ground floor of Azure National Landing apartments. The shop sells espresso drinks and food in addition to organic coffee beans and grounds.

Around Town

Cherry blossoms are back: Events, sightseeing and more in Arlington

By Katie Taranto

Published March 18, 2025 at 1:15PM

Cherry trees in bloom at Long Bridge Park in March 2025 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

As cherry blossoms begin to bloom, seasonal events and dining specials are blossoming around Arlington.

From live music and art markets to themed coffees and donuts, here’s a look at where to get festive and where to spot the famous flowers.

Around Town

Good Company Doughnuts plans to roll out new food truck in Rosslyn

By Katie Taranto

Published March 17, 2025 at 1:15PM

The new Sprinkles food truck (courtesy of Good Company Doughnuts)

Arlington’s Good Company Doughnuts is debuting a new food truck to share its sweet treats, coffee and breakfast across the region.

The local shop — which has locations in Ballston, Crystal City and D.C. — is hoping to park regularly in Rosslyn in addition to catering at events throughout the region.

Around Town

Flight Wine Shop opens Crystal City store after D.C. departure

By Katie Taranto

Published March 17, 2025 at 11:15AM

Flight Wine Shop's new storefront in Crystal City (courtesy of Albert Ting)

Flight Wine Shop has landed in Crystal City.

The local wine retailer celebrated a grand opening over the weekend at 269 19th Court S., on the ground floor of The Grace apartments. The new shop is a spinoff of D.C.’s former Flight Wine Bar, which spent a decade in Chinatown before closing in late 2023.

Around Town

Tierra Encantada bilingual daycare aims for May opening in Va. Square

By Katie Taranto

Published March 14, 2025 at 1:15PM

Tierra Encantada's new spot at 3804 Wilson Blvd (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A Spanish immersion daycare center hopes to open this May in Virginia Square.

Tierra Encantada is preparing to open at 3804 Wilson Blvd, where Staples closed last February. It has a tentative opening date of May 19, Alexandria program director Angel Ricardez told ARLnow.

Around Town

It’s March 14: Where to find Pi Day deals in Arlington and Falls Church

By Katie Taranto

Published March 14, 2025 at 8:15AM

Livin' The Pie Life's apple pie (via Livin' The Pie Life/Facebook)

It’s Pi Day, and local bakeries and pizzerias alike are celebrating with sweet and savory deals in honor of that important figure, 3.14.

From $3.14-per-slice discounts to treat boxes and taste tests, here’s a look at some of the Pi Day specials happening in Arlington and Falls Church today.

News

Amid federal layoffs, Arlington sees surge in people looking for jobs

By Dan Egitto and Katie Taranto

Published March 13, 2025 at 3:45PM

A town hall for federal workers and contractors at Central Library in February (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

Amid mass federal layoffs, local businesses and resource centers are responding to a surge in Arlington residents seeking jobs.

While business owners say they’ve received a flood of inquiries from people now out of work, the Arlington Employment Center has seen a 45% year-over-year increase in people accessing services.

Around Town

Local nonprofit seeks to expand music lessons for low-income students

By Katie Taranto

Published March 13, 2025 at 2:30PM

Piano & More teachers pose with students (courtesy of Piano & More)

An Arlington-based nonprofit offering music lessons to low-income students is aiming to double its program size through new community engagement efforts.

Play it Forward, a nonprofit by local music organization Piano & More, provides free piano lessons, resources and mentorship to students at Title I schools. With an eye on expanding, Piano & More launched new sponsorships this month and intends to apply for more grants later in the year.