News

(Updated at 4:30 p.m.) Post-pandemic, the Arlington County Fair has seen a strong uptick in attendance and with it, new challenges to tackle.

Before 2020, attendance averaged at 65,000 people, according to fair board chair Matt Richard. Between the fair’s reopening in 2021 and the 2023 fair, attendance grew from 85,000 to 150,000.


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This regularly scheduled column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

This year’s July 4th fireworks show on the National Mall will set the world record for the largest fireworks display ever, with 860,000 fireworks planned (we normally see 17,000-20,000) over a 40-minute display of explosions and light.

If you can’t bear the thought of dealing with traffic, crowds, and tourists to watch the fireworks, you can buy a private or semi-private view from about a dozen different condo buildings in Arlington.

This week, I’m highlighting Arlington condo buildings that offer the best views of DC fireworks, either from the privacy of your own unit/balcony or a shared rooftop.

Buildings With Exceptional Views from a Shared Rooftop

Pierce (link to inventory since 2025)

Built in 2021, Pierce boasts the highest price per square foot of any building in Arlington, earning its premium with a spectacular rooftop terrace and pool, a penthouse-level owner’s club, two-story gym, and private elevator access to select residences. The units are some of the largest available condos in Northern VA, spanning 1,300-2,400 square feet, ranging in price from about $1M-$4M.

Pierce rooftop includes DC views, pool, grills, and fireplace
Pierce rooftop includes DC views, pool, grills, and fireplace

2000 Clarendon (link to inventory since 2025)

Built in 2021, 2000 Clarendon is one of Arlington’s newest condo buildings and offers residents a large rooftop terrace, a rooftop social room, and gym. Most of the units here are one or two bedrooms, with some offering an additional den, and range in price from about $550,000 to $2M. (more…)


Weather

If Tuesday’s soaker of a storm left you wanting, an encore is on the way.

The National Weather Service has just issued a Flood Watch for Friday night, warning of heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding in the D.C. area.


Around Town

A new delicatessen is slated to take over the space formerly occupied by Rappahannock Coffee on Columbia Pike.

Gi Lee, the longstanding owner of the coffee shop, announced his retirement last month, marking the end of a two-decade run.


Event

Tree Steward Fall Training Applications Open

Residents worried about our urban forest, their neighbor’s tree, or the declining oak in their own yard can apply now for a seven-week course to learn about trees and become a volunteer Tree Steward with Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria.


News

The Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations will close starting tomorrow (Friday) for a weekend of track and other infrastructure work.

The closures will run through Monday and prompt buses to replace trains between D.C. and Arlington stations — Foggy Bottom on the D.C. side, Clarendon and Arlington Cemetery on the Arlington side.


Around Town

Nearly 50 youth hockey players with disabilities took to the ice in Ballston this week to sharpen their skills with Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.

On Wednesday, members of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) convened at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex to spend several hours learning various skating techniques and skills from Ovechkin and other Capitals players, including Aliaksei Protas, Matthew Phillips and Alexander Alexeyev.


Around Town

A Korea-based coffee chain quietly opened its first permanent U.S. outpost in the Ballston neighborhood last month, drawing long lines and rave reviews.

Gute Leute Coffee Bar, located at 800 N. Glebe Road next to Mussel Bar & Grille, held its soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 23.


News

Axios Near Top of Glassdoor List — “Fourteen Greater Washington companies and organizations landed a coveted spot on Glassdoor’s lists of best place to work this week, with Arlington-based Axios HQ leading the way. Axios, an offshoot of the news startup founded by Jim VandeHei that focuses on brevity in communication, ranked No. 3 on the national list of 50 small- and medium-sized companies with less than 1,000 employees.” [Washington Business Journal]

MLK Day Event This Weekend — “Arlington will commemorate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special tribute event on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Wakefield High School. The celebration will include a vibrant mix of music, dance, and spoken word performances.” [Arlington County]