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

Warby Parker expected to open at The Crossing Clarendon this fall

By Katie Taranto
A Warby Parker is expected to open in Suite 600 at 2800 Clarendon Blvd. (staff photo)

Eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker is slated to fill a vacancy at The Crossing Clarendon that was once an Ann Taylor.

The shop is likely to open in November, a Warby Parker representative tells ARLnow. The storefront at 2800 Clarendon Blvd, located near Barnes & Noble and Sephora, is currently undergoing construction.

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Around Town

Ten interesting iced coffees to try in Arlington this summer

By Katie Taranto
Detour Coffee Co.'s Habibi Latte is seasoned with cardamom and cinnamon (staff photo)

Another hot day is on tap, with outdoor Arlington parks and rec activities from noon until 8 p.m. cancelled again amid yet another Heat Advisory (another advisory has already been issued for Wednesday).

As long as the area is scorching, the National Weather Service recommends staying in air-conditioned spaces and drinking plenty of fluids. An iced coffee run meets these conditions, but with it being so hot for so long, maybe you’re looking for something more unique than your average cold coffee.

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Around Town

Temporary beach volleyball courts now open in Crystal City, pickleball courts to follow

By Katie Taranto
Club Volo National Landing has four volleyball courts (courtesy of Volo Sports)

Four beach volleyball courts are now open in Crystal City as part of Club Volo National Landing, a new temporary recreational site at 223 23rd Street S.

The site is the result of an partnership between developer JBG Smith and Baltimore-based social sports company Volo Sports. The developer is set to construct high rise apartment buildings at the address, but has delayed construction until costs and interest rates settle.

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Around Town

Karaoke and pup cups are coming to Shirlington’s Astro Beer Hall

By Katie Taranto
The exterior of Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Thursdays and Saturdays at the Astro Beer Hall in Shirlington are about to get more interesting, and in some cases, furry.

The restaurant, bar and arcade at 4001 Campbell Avenue will host weekly karaoke nights and a dog-friendly Paws on the Patio series this summer.

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Around Town

Most county facilities closing for July 4, transit on modified schedules

By Katie Taranto
Fireworks over the National Mall, viewed near the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

County offices, courts, community centers and all public library locations will all close Thursday for Independence Day.

Curbside collection of recycling, trash and organics will continue on regular hours, as will the special collection of brush, metal and e-waste. However, the Earth Products Yard and Household Hazardous Materials facility in Shirlington will close.

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Around Town

$3.9 million Donaldson Run home featured by ‘Zillow Gone Wild’

By Katie Taranto
Photos of house in Donaldson Run featured by popular social media account (via @zillowgonewild/Twitter)

A Donaldson Run house steps from Marymount University has captured the attention of a popular, real estate-focused social media account.

Zillow Gone Wild — which has 4.3 million followers across multiple social platforms — posted about the four-story home at 4605 26th Street N., showcasing its personal movie theater, extensive bar area and more.

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News

Tourism in Arlington broke a spending record last year

By Katie Taranto
Tourists and visitors at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Rosslyn in March 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington’s visitors spent $4.5 billion in the county last year according to a new study, eclipsing a pre-pandemic record by nearly $100 million.

The county’s 7.1 million visitors in 2023 spent record-breaking sums on transportation, food and drink, hospitality, recreation and retail, according to a study conducted by economic forecaster Tourism Economics.

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Around Town

‘Chopped’ champion to judge national kids’ cooking competition in Arlington

By Katie Taranto
Person preparing vegetables (via Maarten van den Heuvel/Unsplash)

Recent “Chopped” winner David Ho is coming to Arlington next week to take part in a kids cooking competition.

Ho will judge the K12 National Cook-Off, which is being held at Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington on Saturday, July 13. Celebrity chef Isabel Coss and Daniela Hurtado, Kitchen of Purpose’s director of programs, will also serve as judges.

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Events

Here’s where in Arlington you can watch the fireworks on July 4

By Katie Taranto
Fourth of July fireworks, as seen from Long Bridge Park (photo via Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation)

Thursday is the Fourth of July, and Arlingtonians have a front-row seat to the annual fireworks show over the nation’s capital.

The National Park Service is expected to start its fireworks show over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at 9:09 p.m. For those hoping to stay west of the Potomac River, there are plenty of spots in and around Arlington to see the show.

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Around Town

Uniqlo, two others coming to Pentagon City mall

By Katie Taranto
The future location of Uniqlo in the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (staff photo by Jared Serre)

Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo is one of three new businesses coming to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City later this summer.

The fast fashion brand known for its minimalist style and simplistic wardrobe pieces will be next to Macy’s on the mall’s first level, according to a press release.

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Around Town

Cold Stone Creamery slated to open next month at Lyon Village Shopping Center

By Katie Taranto
The upcoming Cold Stone Creamery in Lyon Village (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The upcoming Cold Stone Creamery at the Lyon Village Shopping Center is planning on opening its doors next month, its owner tells ARLnow.

The ice cream shop will occupy the space at 3141 Langston Blvd, formerly home to a Capital One Bank. The new store was originally expected to open in May, owner Mohammed Haque said in January as the space was undergoing interior demolition.

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