With sunny days ahead, there’s plenty of playgrounds in Arlington to enjoy with family — complete with swing sets, rock climbing, slides and more.

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

Did we miss a favorite playground of yours? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Landscaper 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 Best primary care doctor in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Dr. Ken Zweig (NVFP)
  2. Dr. Cecily Havert (NVFP)
  3. Dr. Arun Bansal (Trust MD)

As the ground thaws and trees begin to bloom, it’s a good time to check off lawn maintenance and Arlington is full of expert lawn care professionals.

Here are the nominees for “Best Landscaper in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Arlington homeowners can be sure to take pride in theses landscaping experts.

Did we miss a landscaping professional or company? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Primary Care Doctor 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 Best Mexican restaurant in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Taco Bamba
  2. Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
  3. El Paso Cafe

With warmer weather comes higher pollen content and an influx of runny noses, but Arlington is filled with some of the best doctors to have you feeling better.

Here are the top picks for “Best Primary Care Doctor in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Is your go-to doctor not listed? Be sure to write them in!

Don’t wait to vote as polls will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Mexican Restaurant 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 Best sports bar in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Ireland’s Four Courts
  2. Crystal City Sports Pub
  3. First Down Sports Bar & Grill

Cinco de Mayo may be a few months away, but there’s always time to enjoy a margarita and the sizable Mexican food scene in Arlington.

Here are the top spots for Best Mexican Restaurant in Arlington as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Your favorite taco spot not listed? Feel free to write it in.

Don’t wait to vote as polls will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Sports Bar 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 Best Breakfast Spot in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Ruthie’s All-Day
  2. Bob & Edith’s Diner
  3. Metro 29 Diner

March Madness is around the corner and Arlington is filled with local game-day destinations to cheer on your favorite team.

Here are the top picks for “Best Sports Bar in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Your favorite spot not listed? Feel free to write it in.

Voting will close in two weeks so don’t wait!

Voting for Best Breakfast 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 Best Italian restaurant in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. The Italian Store
  2. Carbonara
  3. Sfoglina

As the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency continues to make cuts, we’re wondering how Arlingtonians are feeling about the implications for our area.

Despite lower approval ratings for President Donald Trump, a somewhat chaotic rollout that has complicated budget talks, and a number of backtracks on cuts, DOGE is continuing unabated. There are some early signs across the river that the cuts could inflict real economic pain locally — from rising unemployment in D.C. to grim warnings of budget shortfalls for the city.

On the other side of the Potomac, Virginia as a whole gets 3.4% of its employment from the federal government. More than 10% of Arlington’s workers, meanwhile, are employed as civilians in the federal government.

Given some of the early warning signs in D.C., and our reliance on the federal government for the local economy here in Arlington, how are you currently feeling about the implications of DOGE cuts?


As the most important meal of the day, breakfast should not be missed and Arlington is filled with morning hotspots to help start your day. These destinations are serving everything from classic eggs and pancakes to breakfast burritos and chewy bagels.

Here are the top picks for “Best Breakfast Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Is your favorite bagel place not listed? Feel free to write it in.

Voting will close in two weeks so don’t wait!

Voting for Best Italian Restaurant 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 Best place to get a facial in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Eyes On Skin Spa
  2. Azure Dream Day Spa
  3. Honey Skincare Studio

Craving hand-crafted pasta, risotto or wood-fired pizzas? Arlington’s vibrant dining scene is flourishing with ristorantes serving up mouth watering Italian cuisine.

We’ve complied the top picks for “Best Italian Restaurant in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. Your favorite restaurant not listed? Write it in!

Don’t delay — voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Place to Get a Facial 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 Best Happy Hour Spot in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Buena Vida Gastrolounge
  2. Peruvian Brothers
  3. Ballston Local

Winter isn’t over yet and the cold weather can dry out your skin, but Arlington is filled with plenty of options to get your face glowing.

Here are the top spots for “Best Place to Get a Facial in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. These spots are sure to have you looking fresh faced and rejuvenated. Your favorite place not listed? Write it in!

Don’t wait to vote as polls will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Happy Hour 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 Best Arlington date idea. The results are now official:

  1. Romantic Dinner (La Côte d’Or Cafe)
  2. Comedy Show (Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse)
  3. Cooking Class (Cookology)

Looking for a great happy hour deal? Arlington is filled with local venues to help you unwind after work.

We’ve complied the top picks for “Best Happy Hour Spot in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards. These spots offer enticing drink and appetizer options. Have we missed a happy hour spot? Write it in!

Don’t wait to vote as polls will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Arlington Date Idea 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 Best florist in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Company Flowers and Gifts Too!
  2. CYMNOW Flowers
  3. Poppyseed Rye

Big news: the Shamrock Shake is back.

McDonald’s may try to tell you it’s returning on Monday, Feb. 10, but ARLnow obtained an early edition of the minty green milkshake from the set-for-replacement McD’s on Langston Blvd around lunchtime yesterday.

Apparently Uncle O’Grimacey is making up for lost time.

The Shamrock Shake’s triumphant return, and the imminent return of Girl Scout cookie booths in Arlington, got us thinking about other sugary, seasonal treats that seem to herald the coming of spring.

Which is your favorite of the following four?


Valentine’s Day is nine days away. Have you made all of your plans for the big day yet?

Some people are V-Day go-getters who made restaurant reservations months ago. Others are Valentine’s Day procrastinators who will figure it out when they get a chance — maybe later this week?

Today we’re asking readers: which one are you?

Oh and in case you were wondering, previous Valentine’s Day-related ARLnow polls have determined that Arlingtonians prefer food to flowers as a present (70-30) and would much rather stay in than go out on Feb. 14 (85-15).


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