Around Town

A new mural will be installed in Crystal City this month.

The entrance to the Mount Vernon Trail at the (recently revamped) Water Park will be the site of the 245-foot mural, which will highlight the area’s connectivity, according to artist J.D. Deardourff.


Events

Top cycling teams from around the country and abroad are coming to Arlington next week for the 26th Armed Forces Cycling Classic.

The races begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 with the non-competitive Challenge Ride in Crystal City, open to hobbyists, serious competitors and Corporate Challenge teams alike. Following that is the women’s pro/amateur Crystal Cup race at 10:25 a.m. and the men’s Crystal Cup at noon.


Around Town

Alban Odoulamy has been selling puppets out of his shop in the Crystal City Underground for 28 years.

Opening as “La Marionette” in April 1996, that shop — now Puppet Heaven at 1750 Crystal Drive — has shifted locations over decades, but it’s always stayed in the subterranean mall. However, following last month’s announcement that all shops must vacate the shopping area, what Odoulamy says is the D.C. area’s only dedicated puppet store is one of many businesses in need of a new home.


Around Town

(Updated at 3:30 p.m.) New York-based ice cream chain Van Leeuwen expects to open its Crystal City location next month.

The shop will occupy retail space underneath The Grace, the new apartment tower at 269 19th Court S. The shop is planning on an early June opening.


Around Town

An Arlington eatery is on the Mexican ambassador’s list of go-to spots for a taste of home in the D.C. area.

In addition to restaurants in Columbia Heights and on 14th Street in D.C., Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán named Tacombi in Crystal City as a favorite taco destination in an interview with Axios.


News

Temporary pickleball and beach volleyball courts could be coming to Crystal City as plans to build two apartment towers face significant delays.

A pair of 30-story apartment buildings are ultimately expected to bring 1,439 residential units and over 22,000 square feet of retail to 223 23rd Street S. and 2250 Crystal Drive. But the project approved in early 2023 won’t be getting off the ground until “construction costs and interest rates normalize” — likely next year at the earliest, developer JBG Smith told ARLnow.


News

Acclaimed chef Peter Chang’s second Arlington restaurant is now open.

Chang and daughter Lydia today opened NiHao, at 1550 Crystal Drive, an “all-day modern Chinese concept will highlight Sichuan cuisine with small, shareable plates that lean into the famed chef’s signature use of peppers and spice.”


Events

A cycling competition set to take place in a Crystal City parking garage next weekend has been postponed, likely until 2025.

“Unfortunately, the 2024 Garage Racing National Championships has been postponed for this year,” participants were told today, after ARLnow’s article about the races published. “Please stay connected with CXHAIRS for future bike events in the DMV, and follow National Landing for more events throughout the year.”


News

It’s the end of an era in Crystal City.

The neighborhood, which has seen significant new development since Amazon’s HQ2 decision, is losing one of the most memorable vestiges of its time as a drab hub of military and government offices.


News

Firefighters from Arlington County and surrounding communities are on scene of a fire in a Crystal City apartment building.

The fire broke out shortly before 1 p.m. on the 6th floor of the Crystal Flats building at 505 18th Street S. Initial reports suggest that a kitchen appliance somehow caught on fire inside one of the units.


Events

If you are a parent of young kids, you obviously know CoComelon. And now the YouTube hit is coming to life in Arlington.

The DoubleTree Crystal City Hotel (300 Army Navy Drive) is set to host “CoComelon Party Time” this weekend. The event from May 3-5 will feature various experiences for children, including their favorite characters — JJ, Cody, Nina and more — dancing and engaging in themed activities.


View More Stories