365 Things to Do in Arlington Archives - Page 2 of 87

Take a Cooking Class

January 9, 2025 by Elizabeth

Are you hoping to develop some new skills? Cooking perhaps? Here are some Arlington locations where you can sharpen your culinary skills.

Cooko logy 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.

L ebanese 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.

S ur 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.

Go Ice Skating at Westpost at National Landing

January 7, 2025 by Elizabeth

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.

Let’s Go Sledding

January 6, 2025 by Elizabeth

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

Best Sledding Spots in Northern Virginia From Inside Nova

Sledding Spots in Arlington From MacaroniKid

Visit the Charlie Clark Center for Local History Open House

January 4, 2025 by Elizabeth

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.

Enjoy Old School Italian Food at Carbonara

January 2, 2025 by Elizabeth

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.

Join a Gym

January 1, 2025 by Elizabeth

‎Do your New Year’s Resolutions include improving your exercise regimen? Arlington has been voted “America’s Fittest City” and has many options for getting a good workout. Here are some favorites:

Lifetime Fitness Considered an athletic country club, Lifetime’s new facility in Clarendon includes a kids club, yoga and pilates studios, a cycle studio, cardio and weight training areas, a cafe, spa and women’s and men’s steam room, sauna, whilrpool and cold plunge bath

One Life Fitness in Ballston Quarter offers group fitness classes, cardio and strength equipment, a mind/body studio, a cycle studio, a steamroom and sauna.

Gold’s Gym has four Arlington locations – Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston and Bailey’s Crossroads.

Orange Theory also has several locations in Arlington – Ballston, Clarendon and Rosslyn and offers a one-hour total body workout incorporating rowing, treadmills and weights.

Anytime Fitness in Rosslyn offers 24-hour access with cardio, strength and functional equipment.

Barry’s in Clarendon offers 50-minute classes in “The Red Room” that mix cardio and strength training.

Arlington County has fitness facilities at several community centers with 12-month adult memberships for $205*. Reduced fees are available for seniors, college students and teens.

There are also many specialty fitness locations like Solid Core, with three Arlington Locations, Soul Cycle in Clarendon, Pilates Loft in Virginia Square and on Columbia Pike, Pure Barre in Clarendon and Pentagon City Club PilatesPilates in Pentagon City, Hustle in National Landing, and more.

For a comprehensive list, visit StayArlington’s site to decide on the right choice for you.