At the Reston Market: The Luxurious Garments of the Alpaca Girl

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The Alpaca Girl at the Reston Market

Now that the days are getting chillier, it’s the perfect time to discuss some of the softest and coziest winter accessories I’ve encountered. Meet Jerilyn Paladino, a regular vendor at the Reston Market on Saturdays at Lake Anne Plaza. She operates a company called The Alpaca Girl, which specializes in stylish, handmade garments made of alpaca wool…

Halloween Cocktails: Psychotic Spirits & Bewitching Brews

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Whether you are hosting a Halloween party or just prefer to drink alone — in the dark, in a haunted mansion — these ghostly (ghastly!) concoctions will definitely send a chill down your spine. We dusted off the grand tome of classic cocktails and picked three that will impress your friends… or send them into a spiral of madness.

Trail Tour: Lake Audubon’s Breathtaking Fall Scenery

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Lake Audubon paddle boarding in Reston, Virginia

It’s time for another trail tour! Last month we featured a trail that was ideal in the late summer heat. This month, we will give tours of two Reston trails that you absolutely can’t miss during the fall. Reston is known for its magnificent trees, and the next few weeks are their crowning glory. There’s no better time…

At the Reston Market: Painter Mina Karimi

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Modern Reston has been featuring some of the talented artists at the Reston Market. Next in our series is painter Mina Karimi. Mina is a DC-based painter with a bold, colorful style of painting mixed with silkscreened photographs. She creates artwork that highlights several local landmarks, such as DC  street scenes, logos, and maps. Her style is…

Some Horrifying Guys Chased Me Through Markoff’s Haunted Forest

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Someone like me isn’t supposed to be excited about Markoff’s Haunted Forest. I’m one of those people who cowers behind pillows during scary movies, and would be more likely to watch the Sound of Music in the first place. Yet I was the one urging my husband and friends to go. My husband eagerly agreed. My friends were too scared….

Oktoberfest Reston 2014: Photo Gallery

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Music, bratwurst, and beer lured revelers to Reston Town Center all weekend. Oktoberfest Reston transformed the Pavilion into a beer garden and had people dancing in the streets. Traditional German musicians and dancers performed during the afternoons, and live bands and DJs played contemporary dance music until late in the evenings. Throughout the weekend, a carnival offered…

Reston Farm Market: Fall Family Fun Right Here in Town

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With all the fall festivals happening in Northern Virginia this month, families are making the trek into the countryside to be surrounded by pumpkins, fall colors, and children’s entertainment. What you might not know is that there is a great spot for fall excitement right here in Reston. The Reston Farm Market is a colorful autumn…

Butterscotch Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

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Butterscotch frosted pumpkin cookies

These cookies are an October tradition for my family, and I look forward to them at least as much as Christmas cookies. The world needs more fall cookies! These pumpkin treats are absolutely delicious, with a soft, fluffy texture and decadent butterscotch frosting. I got this recipe years ago from my sister-in-law, who got it from her mother,…

Halloween 2014 Events in the Reston Area

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Halloween events in the Reston area

This month is full of exciting Halloween events in Reston and the DC area. Here is our huge list of activities for kids, teens, adults, and even dogs! RESTON HALLOWEEN EVENTS Stay close to home for these family-friendly Halloween celebrations. Reston Community Center’s Halloween Family Fun Day Oct 18, RCC Hunters Woods, Reston Children age 8…

The ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Enjoying Outdoor Soccer

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I knew I’d like these guys as soon as I heard that they call themselves the ROMEOS: “Retired Old Men Enjoying Outdoor Soccer – Women Welcome.” They are a group of Reston-area soccer lovers who get together once a week for an informal pickup game. People of any age or gender are invited to participate each week, but their most…

A Reston Aerial Photographer Whose Technology is Half of His Art

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Aerial view of Lake Anne in Reston, Virginia in the fall

Ever since I first saw this photograph, I’ve wanted to know the story behind it. What a spectacular view of Lake Anne in the fall! I stumbled upon this picture online last year, and it has stayed with me all this time. When I finally learned more about the photographer, I was excited to discover that his aerial…