Get to Know Artist Celeste Friesen-Nikkel and Her Unconventional Approach to Painting

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The bright colors and fluid lines of Celeste Friesen-Nikkel’s paintings were the first things that caught my eye. Then when I learned that she uses freely flowing paints without brushes or other painting tools, I was especially intrigued. Her pieces are varied and unexpected — ranging from subtle and delicate to bold and intense — but they are connected by their…

Reston Area Events in April 2016

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Spring is here, the flowers are blooming, and events calendars are filling with fun options. Event highlights this month include a capella festival, a pirate festival, several film screenings, and a week-long celebration of Reston’s founder, Bob Simon, on what would have been his 102nd birthday. Here’s what’s happening in the Reston area of Northern Virginia…

The Cherry Blossoms of Meadowlark Gardens: A Gorgeous and Easy Alternative to the Tidal Basin

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Washington, D.C. is arguably most beautiful in the springtime, and the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin are worth their hype. If you haven’t strolled around the Tidal Basin during peak blossom season yet, you really need to add that treasured local experience to your bucket list. It’s extraordinary. But if you’ve been there and done that… eh, skip it this…

Trail Tour: The Open Green Spaces of Reston National Golf Course

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Now that spring has arrived, treat yourself to a walk through some of Reston’s most beautiful scenery. Here is the next tour in Modern Reston’s series of trail tours: a walk at Reston National Golf Course. This route is great in all seasons, with shade in the summer, vibrant foliage in the fall, and sunny fields in…

10 More Locals You Should Be Following on Instagram

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If you’re not hooked on Instagram yet, you’re missing out! It’s a showcase of talent and inspiration. Whether your interests lie in art, food, music, sports, fashion, nature, or countless other topics, you’ll find something intriguing on Instagram. Here are ten of our favorite local Instagrammers. While you’re browsing, be sure to follow us at @modernreston for…

Easter 2016 Events in the Reston Area of Northern Virginia

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Are you looking for a great Easter brunch or egg hunt? Here are some of the best spring festivals, restaurant specials, and Easter egg hunts in Reston and the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia. Several of these events require advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead. SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016 Tysons Easter Eggstravaganza And Bunny…

St. Patrick’s Day 2016 Events in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC

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Whether you’re Irish, pretend-Irish, or just a fan of beer with every meal, we have ideas for you! Here are some great St. Patrick’s Day events, festivals, concerts, and bar crawls in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC. SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade 12:30pm: King Street, Old Town Alexandria Northern Viriginia’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations…

Reston Area Events in March 2016

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Welcome to March, and the arrival of spring! Here’s what’s happening in Reston, Herndon, and surrounding areas this month. Highlights include the Mini Maker Faire, a sock hop, and Easter egg hunts. THROUGH MARCH 12, 2016 Reston Players Present: Mary Poppins CenterStage, Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, Reston Lovable chimney-sweep, Bert, introduces us to the…

Guest Post: How to Make Homemade Macarons

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I first met Reston resident Valeriya Chunikhin through her gorgeous photography on Instagram. Interspersed among her photos of travel, nature, and fashion are images of the amazing macarons that she makes herself. I had always assumed that macarons are too tricky for me to attempt, but Valeriya creates these beautiful French cookies even though she isn’t a professional baker. I figured…