Around Town | ARLnow.com

Indie Rocker Bar Galaxy Hut in Clarendon Cooks Up New Vegan Options

Published August 29, 2019 at 11:00AM | Updated August 29, 2019 at 11:21AM

The "Big Mock" at Galaxy Hut

(Updated at 11:20 a.m.) Vegan Americana has been making waves, from the new Impossible Whoppers at Burger King to Kentucky Fried Chicken’s vegan chicken buckets. But at one popular Clarendon bar, vegan options are a longtime specialty receiving a new focus.

Galaxy Hut is a small, dimly lit bar at 2711 Wilson Blvd with regulars huddled around tables with built-in arcade games or in the outdoor brick alleyway. The bar has a long history in the local punk rock scene, opening in 1990 in the nascent era of the Clarendon bar scene. It’s strictly for the over-21 crowd, opening at 5 p.m. every day and closing at 2 a.m.

Widened Section of the Custis Trail Now Open in Rosslyn

By Vernon Miles

Published August 29, 2019 at 10:00AM

Cyclist on the Custis Trail in Rosslyn before widening

The widened stretch of the Custis Trail through Rosslyn finally opened to pedestrian and cyclist traffic late yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

The new improvements widen the Custis Trail along westbound Lee Highway from N. Lynn and N. Oak streets, a popular stretch of the trail that connects the Metro corridor to the Key Bridge and the Mount Vernon Trail.

Arlington Residents Asked to Go Outside, Listen to Bugs for Science

By Airey

Published August 29, 2019 at 9:00AM

Common True Katydid (Photo via James St. John/Flickr)

Scientists are asking Arlingtonians to brave the great outdoors Friday night and listen to bugs.

The effort of part of the 7th annual “Cricket Crawl” to “crowdsource” data on the crickets and katydids that residents can hear on their streets and in their backyards.

Bronson Bier Hall Slated for Friday Afternoon Opening

By ARLnow.com

Published August 28, 2019 at 5:15PM | Updated August 29, 2019 at 3:57PM

Bronson Bier Hall in Ballston (courtesy photo)

Update at 3:55 p.m. on 8/29/19 — Bronson appears to be currently open as part of an unannounced “soft opening.”

Earlier: Ballston’s new beer hall is set to open its doors and its bench seating Friday afternoon.

Clarendon Ballroom Chef to Replace Mister Days with New Coffee Shop/Nightclub

By Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2019 at 3:55PM

Renegade Coffee in the works at former Mister Days

Renegade Coffee and Kitchen is coming to the former Mister Days space at 3100 Clarendon Blvd.

“What we’ve got is full-service espresso with Stumptown Coffee,” said Patrick Crump, executive chef and owner of Renegade Coffee and Kitchen.

‘Barry’s Bootcamp’ Coming to Clarendon by Year’s End

By Vernon Miles

Published August 27, 2019 at 11:00AM

Exterior of planned Barry's Bootcamp location in Clarendon

L.A.-based gym Barry’s Bootcamp — famed for its difficulty — is coming to Clarendon.

Construction permits were filed earlier this year for a 5,695 square foot space at 2825 Wilson Blvd in Clarendon, next to the Chase Bank.

TSA Celebrates National Dog Day at DCA With Spotlight on a ‘Very Good Boy’

By Vernon Miles

Published August 26, 2019 at 3:30PM

Spike, a TSA explosives detection canine at Reagan National Airport

Spike likes playing frisbee, playing with a chew toy, and sniffing out explosive chemicals in Reagan National Airport.

The black labrador retriever is one of four — soon to be five — explosives detection canines patrolling the airport. This morning (Monday), Spike led a public demonstration at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint to show off his nose and teach the public about airport bomb dogs for National Dog Day.

Zoup! Eatery Tentatively Eyes End of October for Ballston Opening

By Vernon Miles

Published August 26, 2019 at 11:00AM

Zoup! under construction in Ballston

Zoup! Eatery could be opening in Ballston — the chain’s first Arlington location — by the end of October.

The soup joint is opening in 4401 Fairfax Drive, occupying the ground floor of an office building undergoing a revitalization effort. A contractor working at the site said much of the work should be done within the next few weeks.

Renovated Wendy’s Opens on Lee Highway With Free Food Giveaway Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published August 23, 2019 at 11:00AM

Wendy's recently reopened on Lee Highway

After weeks of remodeling, the Wendy’s at 5066 Lee Highway is back open for business, with a “free food for a year” giveaway this weekend.

The fast food restaurant quietly opened earlier this week, but the grand opening celebration is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) from 9-11 a.m. The first 100 customers in line by 10 a.m. will have a chance to win free food for a year, according to a press release.

County Inviting Residents to Share Ideas with Artist for Park Renovation Near Shirlington

By Airey

Published August 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Rendering of the renovations to Jennie Dean Park, with field alignments previously approved by the County Board (Image via Arlington County)

Arlington County is hoping residents can help inspire the artist designing the public art component of renovations to Jennie Dean Park near Shirlington.

Residents will be able to meet the Brooklyn-based artist Mark Reigelman on two days in early September during his first visit to Arlington to share their stories and memories of the 12-acre park.

South Block Planning to Open New Rosslyn Location Next Week

By ARLnow.com

Published August 22, 2019 at 1:30PM

South Block's location in Rosslyn in the former Cafe Asia space, as of October 2018

The new Rosslyn location of juice, smoothie and acai bowl emporium South Block is expected to open its doors on Monday.

Located at 1550 Wilson Blvd, the new South Block — the “Arlington born and bred” company’s 10th location — is next to BASH Boxing in the former Cafe Asia space. The 1,300 square foot space includes a mural created by local artists MasPaz and CheLove.

Quick, There’s One Popeyes in Arlington Still Serving the Sandwich

By ARLnow.com

Published August 21, 2019 at 3:45PM | Updated August 21, 2019 at 4:15PM

The Popeyes on Columbia Pike was sold of out chicken sandwiches Wednesday afternoon

(Updated at 4:15 p.m.) It was poultry pandemonium at Popeyes on Pershing, the Pike and in Pentagon City today.

The fried chicken chain has been selling out of its wildly popular, critically acclaimed new chicken sandwiches nationwide, and Arlington is no exception — but one shining beacon of salty and fatty goodness in the county was still serving as of mid-afternoon today.