Opinion

Poll: Best burger spot in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington’s burger scene offers something for every palate, from classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations with unique toppings.

We’ve gathered the top picks for “Best Burger Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, based on a mix of ARLnow article views and online reviews. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Feel free to write it in.

In two weeks voting will close, so don’t wait to cast your vote for the best mouthwatering burgers in town.

Don’t forget voting for Best Brewery Near Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best place to hike. The results are now official:

  1. Theodore Roosevelt Island
  2. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
  3. Potomac Heritage Trail

Cartoon: “…the judge didn’t like our Missing Middle plan”

By ARLnow.com
“Put it all back, Larry, the judge didn’t like our Missing Middle plan.” (cartoon by Mike Mount)

Late last month a judge overturned Arlington’s “Missing Middle” zoning changes, also known as the Expanded Housing Option.

This month, a new Mike Mount cartoon takes a look at how the fallout from such a decision might affect another unique locale.

Go to Cartoon: “…the judge didn’t like our Missing Middle plan” Read more

Poll: Best brewery near Arlington

By ARLnow.com

It’s October and that means that Oktoberfest beers are on tap!

It also means there’s plenty of time to grab a cold one at your local brewery to celebrate the season. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just enjoy some suds from time to time, the breweries in and around Arlington are not to be missed.

Here are the top places for “Best Brewery Near Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Voting will close two weeks from publication time, so make sure to cast your vote to highlight your favorite brewery soon.

Don’t forget voting for Best Place to Hike Near Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best ramen spot. The results are now official:

  1. Jinya Ramen Bar
  2. Hanabi Ramen
  3. Boru Ramen

Poll: Best place to hike near Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington and its surrounding areas offer a surprising variety of scenic hiking trails, from urban paths to lush wooded areas.

No matter if you’re looking for a challenging workout, beautiful views of the Potomac or just a peaceful nature walk, the trails in and around Arlington have something for every preference.

We’ve rounded up the top places for “Best Place to Hike Near Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

In two weeks voting will close, so don’t wait and help showcase your favorite hiking path!

Don’t forget voting for Best Ramen Spot in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best park. The results are now official:

  1. Bluemont Park
  2. Lubber Run Park
  3. Bon Air Park

Morning Poll: Do you agree with the Missing Middle ruling?

By ARLnow.com
People gathered outside the Arlington County courthouse after a Missing Middle ruling in September 2024 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

On a rainy Friday morning, an Arlington Circuit Court judge overturned a sweeping zoning change years in the making.

The ruling late last week sent a shockwave through the county, disrupting numerous planned developments and calling into question how the county government sets policies. “Missing Middle” opponents celebrated while supporters and at least one County Board member called for an appeal.

More from our reporting:

Judge David Schell ruled against the county on four counts this morning (Friday), finding that the county failed to adequately consider localized impacts, failed to follow proper procedure and violated state tree canopy requirements when adopting the amendments.

As of today, the county cannot lawfully issue any more permits under the Expanded Housing Option, which allowed for the construction of up to six-unit buildings on properties that were previously zoned for only single-family homes. […]

In a ruling read aloud from the bench, Schell referenced testimony from witnesses about possible wastewater backups and overflows that might result from the strain additional housing could place on stormwater and sewage infrastructure.

Although a county expert testified that Arlington does, in fact, have sufficient infrastructure to support anticipated growth, the judge found “no evidence presented that the county considered likely overflows” and other localized impacts.

All things considered, and putting aside your personal feelings about the zoning changes, do you agree with the ruling?

Poll: Best ramen spot in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Love ramen? Arlington has some great spots to enjoy it.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or graduating from making packets of noodles in your dorm room for the first time, these places offer some of the best ramen in town.

Check out the top picks for “Best Ramen Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, based on a mix of online reviews and ARLnow article views. Don’t see your favorite on the list? Feel free to write it in.

Voting closes in two weeks, so cast your vote and help highlight the best ramen spot in Arlington.

Don’t forget voting for Best Park in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on Arlington’s best new restaurant. The results are now official:

  1. Carbonara
  2. Colada Shop
  3. Zazzy

Cartoon: “How am I going to talk to my friends…”

By ARLnow.com
"Wait, how am I going to talk to my friends during school without my phone?" (Cartoon by Mike Mount)

New, temporary cellphone restrictions are in place at Arlington Public Schools, ahead of a potential permanent policy by year’s end.

That’s the basis for this month’s Mike Mount cartoon, which suggests that the ban might be effective during school hours but will otherwise struggle to change young people’s well-ingrained communications habits.

Go to Cartoon: “How am I going to talk to my friends…” Read more

Poll: Best park in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Home to numerous parks, it’s no wonder Arlington was named the fittest place in America.

Whether you’re looking to get active, relax, play or engage in the local community, Arlington’s parks offer something for everyone.

From the picturesque Lubber Run Park to the natural beauty of Bon Air Park, we’ve highlighted the top spots for “Best Park in Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Voting will close in two weeks, so get ready to show love to your favorite green spaces!

Don’t forget voting for Best New Restaurant in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote — or write in your own — before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Poll: Best new restaurant in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

The most important meal of the day is… all of them. Breakfast, lunch and dinner — Arlington’s food scene is bursting with tasty new spots.

From neighborhood burger joints to authentic international dining, these fresh establishments have added vibrant flavors and experiences to our community.

Below are top newcomers for “Best New Restaurant in Arlington” as part of our new ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards, selected from a list of openings over the past year by weighing a combination of article views and online reviews.

Consider taste, variety, service and overall atmosphere when choosing your favorite. Don’t see your favorite spot listed? Write it in.

Voting will close in two weeks and then we’ll officially announce the top three vote-getters. So don’t wait and select the spot you can’t stop thinking about.

Morning Poll: Did you watch last night’s debate?

By ARLnow.com
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at the presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024 (via ABC)

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took the debate stage for the first time together last night in Philadelphia.

The debate quickly turned contentious. As reported by the Associated Press:

Sparring on politics and personality, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy as they met for the first time Tuesday for perhaps their only debate before November’s presidential election.

The Democratic vice president moved repeatedly to get under the skin of the former Republican president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies and derisive asides at his other false claims.

Harris not only tried to make the case that Trump is unfit for office but tried to use her answers in a way that seemed designed to provoke him into launching into one of the personal attacks that his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away from.

Arlington, as a place well within the Beltway, is likely to have a higher than average proportion of viewership for the debate. But just how high was it — and did the debate change any minds here that were not already made up?

That’s what we are asking in this morning’s poll.

Morning Poll: Flu and Covid vaccination plans

By ARLnow.com
Pharmacist prepares a syringe (courtesy CVS)

If the cool mornings are any clue, cold and flu season is upon us — and that means many people are thinking about vaccinations.

Covid and flu vaccinations are currently available at many local pharmacies and medical offices.

“To ensure communities are protected this season, the CDC is recommending that everyone over age six (6) months get an annual flu shot AND an updated COVID-19 vaccine,” pharmacy chain CVS said in a late August press release, announcing the availability of vaccines.

“The ideal time to get vaccinated is in September or October, to restore and enhance protection against the most common viruses currently circulating before peak season starts,” the release continued. “Pharmacies are one of the most common places people choose to get vaccinated.”

According to CVS, 46% of people plan to get a flu shot and 60% of people planning to get the flu vaccine would like to get a Covid vaccine during the same visit.

We were wondering how that compares with vaccine plans in Arlington. Are you planning to (or did you already) get the jab?

Morning Poll: In your opinion, is it fall yet?

By ARLnow.com
Pumpkins for sale at the Whole Foods in Clarendon in September 2022 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Signs of fall abound around Arlington.

Oktoberfest beers and pumpkin spice lattes have been on offer at local stores and cafes for a little while now. Kids are back in school and fall sports are underway. The weather has turned cooler following long stretches of blast furnace heat. We’re now past Labor Day, considered the unofficial end of summer. Most summer vacations have ended and many commutes are getting longer. And, technically, it is now meteorological fall.

On the other hand, there are also signs that summer is hanging on.

The traditional Labor Day closure of many local pools has been pushed back by a week or two. Some folks are still on their Labor Day vacations. The NFL regular season has not started yet. Temperatures in the 80s are expected this week. Astronomical fall doesn’t start until Sept. 22. And, typically, ARLnow’s daily readership does not recover from its summer doldrums until the week after Labor Day (this is also true about rush hour traffic, which will get worse next week.)

Given these contrasting signals, we’re wondering whether our readers consider us now to be in the fall season — or if it comes later.

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