Try a New Restaurant…
This farm-to-table restaurant in Shirlington gets rave reviews. The brunch menu is extensive and looks *fantastic*… plus it’s served both Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 4. Grab a reservation on Open Table.
People are loving the southern staples and soul food at this place down in Springfield. Biscuits, mac and cheese, collard greens, fried chicken wings… full bar… I think I’ve talked myself into going here for lunch on Saturday! 6558 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150
Go to a Totally Different Museum Exhibit…
Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death at the Renwick Gallery
OK this is weird even to describe… but picture little dioramas that show horrific crime scenes. Your job is to figure out who did it. Our friend Joe did this last weekend and said it was extremely cool. Also there is usually street parking on that side of town on weekend days. Free.
Enjoy Live Music with Dinner on Saturday Night…
Paschal Jam plays at the Epicure Cafe in Arlington
This folk rock band is family friendly they say to “bring your sweetheart or your sweet friends”. How cute is that? It’s a full service restaurant so you can eat while you listen to the band. They seem like a fun time and they start at 8:00. Free.
OR
https://www.jamminjava.com/event/1535115-face-fish-one-enchanted-vienna/
These guys describe themselves as, “well, a 7-piece rock ‘n rhythm ignition (drum, drum, bass, guitar, guitar, killer keyboardist, front man)… perhaps a cosmic cousin of the likes of Little Feat and the Neville Brothers? A sizzling, glistening, uneasy listening band sporting a powerful mix of original songs and back-catalog B-side covers” Full dinner and drink menu, family friendly, and they go on at 8:00. Tickets are $20
Treat yourself to top-notch coffee and baked goods…
I did some due diligence for you guys earlier this week and the scones are truly phenomenal, rivaling even my beloved Foster’s Market in Durham. I hear the cinnamon rolls are delicious too.
Get a jump on your holiday shopping…
Crafty Bastards DC, 10-5 both days at Nationals Park
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the “Crafty Bastards D.C.” festival. They say it’s like a real-life Etsy: “There’ll be surprises at every booth including unique homegoods, clothing, punk-rock baby clothes, handcrafted jewelry, plush toys, DIY kits, screen-printing, original art, locally produced food, and much more.” Yes, someone on your list needs some punk-rock baby clothes. Actually check out the vendors online; they look really good! Tickets are $8 at the door.
Take a field trip to Del Ray…
Cheesetique Cheese & Wine Bar
Head down to Cheestique in Del Ray for a tasting event featuring Hard Cider from Virginia Makers. While you are there, browse a selection of 250-plus different cheeses, including around two dozen “really weird ones” (according to cheesemonger Jill Erber). I hear the grilled cheese is to DIE for, and they also offer brunch from 10-3 on Saturday and Sunday.
Do Cafe Kindred After Dark…
You’ve heard Cafe Kindred is awesome (and it is!) but you’re not sure when to go. Lots of strollers on Saturday mornings but they also stay open late on the weekends and have dinner/bar menu too, along with craft cocktails. Definitely worth a visit! This Saturday, you may decide to stick around for live music: Fox Vernon playing with Jean’s TV… You can listen to some samples here: https://soundcloud.com/foxvernon
Belt out your best Stevie Nicks in public this time…
Tusk – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Cover Band
http://www.thestatetheatre.com
Feeling Nostalgic for the simpler times of the 70’s? Head over to the State Theater and sing along with a Fleetwood Mac cover band. Tickets are $20
How about a nice, calm and wholesome(ish!) weekend? Consider…
Authentic Crepes in Clarendon
Oby Lee
Breakfast served all day with european style crepes and “giant” menu. They are also taking orders for Thanksgiving pies. One yelper wants to give it “A MILLION STARS!!!”. I guess we have to try it! Stop here for a meal before you head into town to check out…
Outstanding Nature Photography
Museum of Natural History
http://www.fotodc.org/events?category=Exhibitions
This one-week only FotoDC exhibit ends on Sunday and features “60 images that showcase the extraordinary work of outdoor photographers in 59 countries.” Seek out the 2017 Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice Awards inside the Natural History Museum on Saturday and Sunday, 10: 00 to 5:30. Free.
Teenagers Doing Comedy
Stuart HS Drama presents “The Government Inspector”, which is a comedy about “corruption, politics, and mistaken Identities”. These kids have great heart and always do a standout job. It’s a fun way to pass the afternoon or earn your evening cocktail. Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2pm and 7pm. General Admission at the door: $10 Students / Seniors $8
Adults Acting Like Teenagers
Have a little late-night fun with Turtle Recall at the Clarendon Grill. This is a pop/folk/rock band with a bouncy sound. They say they are super fun and I believe them! Saturday November 18; the show starts at 9:30. Get a sneak listen here:
https://soundcloud.com/turtlerecall
Thanksgiving Weekend
Yay! It’s time to start the holiday weekend! Lots going on around here; how about:
Do a Turkey Trot
https://www.runpacers.com/race/fairfax-turkey-trot/
Wouldn’t it feel good to bang out a 5K on Thanksgiving morning? The Arlington race is full, but this one in Fairfax is still taking registrations as of today. The forecast is brisk and sunny; it could be a great start to the weekend!
Impress Your Brother-in-Law with Local Craft Brews
This home brew supply shop near Seven Corners also sells a very selective collection of craft beers, the majority of which are brewed in Virginia. They also offer a few “esoteric and fun” imports. I bought my son a brew-your-own Kombucha kit while I was there. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Take your Guests to an “Naturally” Awesome Holiday Exhibit
I just love the holiday exhibits at the Botanic Garden. The model trains appeal to all ages, as do the incredible replicas of Washington DC’s most famous buildings and monuments, all made out of plant materials. The creativity and attention to detail really is inspiring. It gets crowded, but all of the Smithsonian museums are open on Thanksgiving day also! Daily 10-5, Free
Indulge in a Taste of Europe
https://www.ambarrestaurant.com/home-page-clarendon/
Try some Balkan Food at Ambar in Clarendon. People love the Treasure Chest Cocktail served in a pineapple, and the menu includes options like “lamb pate, suckling pig, lamb skewers, and a wild boar burger.” The food gets (very!) rave reviews, but it may be loud at peak times. Reservations are available for this weekend on Open Table.
Take a Break!
How about letting someone else do the cooking, bartending and entertaining? The Days are playing at the Dogwood Tavern on Friday November 24. They describe their sound as rock/reggae/soul, with some 80’s covers thrown in. They go on at 10pm, and you can listen to them here: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedaysofficial
Plan Ahead for a Fun December…
Will you have guests around this time next month? Wouldn’t it be nice to have reservations squared away? If a family outing to Old Town sounds fun, you may want wrap it up at Virtue Feed and Grain. It looks fantastic but you’ll need advance reservations for a group during the holidays.
