Whether you live in Arlington, Virginia or are thinking of moving here this site is for you. Presented by Elizabeth Bouchard, Arlington native and longtime real estate professional.
If you have visited Arlington National Cemetery between mid-December and mid-January you have probably seen more than 250,000 wreaths that were placed on each individual tombstone during Wreaths Across America. And in mid-January, the public is invited to help remove these wreaths during “Wreaths Out.” For 2025, this will be held on January 11th beginning at 8 AM. Click the website link for helpful tips if you want to volunteer.
Are you hoping to develop some new skills? Cooking perhaps? Here are some Arlington locations where you can sharpen your culinary skills.
Cookology at Ballston Quarter offers an assortment of themed classes like Destinations: Greek Islands, Saturday Night Social: Spanish Tapas, Wine Down Wednesday: Salmon en Papillote and a Culinary Boot Camp Series. They also offer team building classes and a Spring Break Cooking Camp for kids.
Lebanese Taverna Market’s Cooking Classes include 4-5 recipe demonstrations and Middle Eastern Wines. A recent class featured instruction in making hommus, chicken shawarma, Lebanese rice, garlic sauce and baklava. Private classes for 12 or more people are also available.
Sur La Table at Pentagon Row offers a variety of cooking classes including an Introduction to Making Sushi, Cozy Winter Bakes and Date Night: Luxe French Dinner.
The 7,200 square foot outdoor ice skating rink at Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) is the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia and the second largest in the state. The Plaza has an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace and many shops, restaurants and a coffee shop. Reservations are open two weeks in advance and are discounted over walk-up prices. Lessons are available and you can book a birthday party which includes a twenty-minute lesson.
Too cold to skate outdoors? Try the MedStar Capitals Iceplex at Ballston for indoor skating instead. Sign up for public skate sessions or take lessons to learn to skate, figure skate or play hockey.
Ready to get out in the snow and go sledding? Here are some suggestions of favorite sledding hills in Arlington. Some of these are from old comments that may no longer be relevant so please help me update this list with current info and add any new suggestions.
The slopes at the Cardinal Elementary field (see video above) – 1644 McKinley Road
Ashlawn Elementary and Reevesland property in Bluemont – 400 N Manchester Street
Columbia Commons: in the back of building 5100 South 8th Rd.
The long hill behind Jamestown School that goes down to N. Dickerson Street.
The field next to Tuckahoe Park and the school. Place your sled at the top of the hill , next to Sycamore street and sled down onto the field.
Lubber Run Park: the paved trail that leads from the top of the amphitheatre down to the stream bank. “Moderately steep, fairly long run and the stream at the bottom of the run make for excitement.”
Nottingham Elementary: “wicked fast and fun.” – 5900 Little Falls Road
Hayes Street Hill from Fort Scott Drive to 26th Street
Glencarlyn Park – 301 S. Harrison St.
Dorothy Hamm Middle School – 4100 Vacation Lane
River House Apartments – Corner of Army Navy Drive and S. Lynn Street, the hill leading down to the pool
Need more ideas for sledding spots in Arlington? See the links below.
Sledding Spots in Arlington From ArlNow
Central Library is welcoming visitors the first Saturday of every month at the Charlie Clark Center for Local History (CCCLH) which collects, preserves, and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County’s history, diversity and communities. The Center is named for local historian, Charlie Clark, who passed away in 2023. Stop by and chat with staff and learn more about the many resources available. 10am – 12 pm. For more information, contact 703-228-5965.
Carbonara is an Old School Italian & Wine Bar, located at 3865 Wilson Blvd in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood. It is a 4,000-square-foot restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating, including a 1,500-square-foot patio with two al fresco bars.
The menu showcases classic Italian dishes, with a focus on southern Italy, all made in-house with fresh, homemade pasta prepared daily
Signature dishes include tableside-prepared bucatini carbonara, chicken Parmigiana alla vodka, and a 12-layer lasagna alla Bolognese.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring selections from various Italian regions.
Since its opening, Carbonara has received positive reviews for its authentic cuisine and ambiance, with Northern Virginia Magazine naming it among the area’s top Italian restaurants.
In December 2024, it was featured in Yelp’s national ‘Best New Restaurants’ list, highlighting its growing popularity.
For reservations and more information, visit their website.
.
