Whether you’re craving an egg sandwich or a bagel piled high with your favorite toppings, there are quite a few spots around Arlington to get your fix.

Here are the nominees for “Best Bagel Shop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite bagel spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Longtime Arlington Institution is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Food Truck in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. A Toda Madre
  2. Rossana
  3. Portal Maya

If ARLnow was human, it would be registering for its first driving lessons next month.

We’ve been around for awhile, but it seems that quite a few folks aren’t sure how you’re supposed to pronounce our name. Some pronounce it kind of like a pirate — Arrrrrl Now — while others go for the full “Arlington Now” or the sound-out-every-letter method of “A-R-L Now.”

So let’s find out — how do you personally pronounce ARLnow, either aloud or in your head? We’ll drop the “official” pronunciation into the comments, just so everyone knows.


Arlington is home to some establishments marked by decades of relationship building and serving the community. From bars to bakeries, these mainstays are local favorites.

Here are the nominees for “Best Longtime Arlington Institution” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite place? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Food Truck in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Pool in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center
  2. Overlee Community Association
  3. Dominion Hills Pool 

Food trucks in Arlington serve up a variety of offerings on wheels, from Guatemalan cuisine to coffee and pastries.

Here are the nominees for “Best Food Truck in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite truck? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Pool in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Westover Market Beer Garden
  2. Ruthie’s All-Day
  3. Lyon Hall and Courthaus Social (tie)

Community pools and aquatic centers across Arlington are a great spot to cool off, relax or get some laps in as the weather heats up.

Here are the nominees for “Best Pool in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite pool? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Ice Cream Shop in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
  2. Nicecream
  3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Spacious outdoor seating, patios and decks can be found at restaurants across Arlington. Whether you’re grabbing small bites, dinner or drinks, these outdoor spots are great to share with company.

Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Lawn Care Services in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Andy’s Lawn and Landscape
  2. Ian’s Lawn Service
  3. Better Lawn Service Inc

Warmer weather outside calls for a refreshing sweet treat. Whether you prefer it in a cone or a cup, ice cream shops across Arlington offer a variety of handmade, sugary confections.

Here are the nominees for “Best Ice Cream Shop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite shop? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Lawn Care Services in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Roofing Company in Arlington. The results are now official:

1. Nest Exteriors

2. Augustine Roofing

3. Pond Roofing


Several companies offer lawn care services in Arlington, helping neighbors keep their yards in tip-top shape with mowing, weeding and more.

Here are the nominees for “Best Lawn Care Services in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss a favorite provider of yours? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Roofing Company in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Bike Shop in Arlington. The results are now official:

1. Conte’s Bike Shop

2. Bikenetic

3. Phoenix Bikes


There is increasing evidence to support worries about the local and national economy.

The 7.9% drop in the S&P 500 from Jan. 20-April 25 was the worst stock market performance to start the first 100 days of a presidential term since Richard Nixon, per reports earlier this week. Yesterday brought two additional data points: an estimated 0.3% drop in U.S. GDP during the first three months of the year, and a 60% year-over-year jump in Arlington’s unemployment rate.

Meanwhile, tariffs are causing a drop in shipping and port activity that some believe may lead to product shortages.

Arlington’s congressman says that all adds up to an “increasingly grim picture.”

“The economic warning lights are all flashing red,” Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said in a press release sharply critical of the Trump administration.

Northern Virginia business leaders are also worried about the local economic outlook, despite optimism earlier this year, the Washington Business Journal reported Wednesday.

Even Remy Munasifi, of Arlington Rap fame, is getting in on the action, with a new music video satirizing President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs.

Given everything going on with the economy, we’re wondering how that’s affecting local residents and — specifically — their spending decisions.

In March, 65% of poll respondents said they were “very worried” about the local economy given the impact of DOGE cuts to the federal government. Two months later, are those worries — and new tariff and economic concerns — translating to a tighter grip on one’s pursestrings? Let’s find out.

Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash


Spring storm season is around the corner, bringing windy, rainy nights and potentially, roof damage. Fortunately, there’s several highly rated roofing companies in and around Arlington, providing top-notch repair services, cleaning and more.

Here are the nominees for “Top Roofing Company in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to service provider? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Bike Shop in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the “Top Gutter Cleaning or Installation in Arlington.” The results are now official:

1. The Brothers That Just Do Gutters

2. German Fuentes Gutter Cleaning

3. Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning


Spring has sprung, providing both fair weather and ideal biking conditions. Arlington has plenty of spots to find the perfect bike, buy gear or see a trusted mechanic for repairs.

Here are the nominees for “Best Bike Shop in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite business? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Top Gutter Cleaning or Installation in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 9 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Playground in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Chestnut Hills Park
  2. Fairlington Park
  3. Rocky Run Park 

Arlington Public Schools and other local school systems are on spring break this week. Have you noticed?

Between schools being off and holidays like Easter and Passover, it’s a popular time for travel. Does it seem like there are fewer people on the roads, at local restaurants and stores, and elsewhere, as a result?

During spring break last year 70% of poll respondents said they were aware Arlington students were on break. This year, meanwhile, the parking lot at National Airport is currently near capacity. And things are slower digitally — ARLnow’s readership is about 60-65% of normal to start the week.

Does all that translate to real world observations around Arlington? Let’s find out.


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