My first impression of Dana Yasek was that she was a beautifully graceful yogi on a paddleboard. After watching her balance so effortlessly across Lake Anne last summer, I was not surprised to discover that she is a dancer. Dana is a Reston resident with a formal background in dance and experience with several dance companies. She now…

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to relax under a cozy blanket with a book. Unless you’re a kid, that is. For kids, it’s the perfect time to bounce off the walls. If you’re looking for ideas for indoor activities for your kids, we have lots of suggestions for you. Here is a…

I’ve been a fan of Kathleen Klik’s jewelry since I first saw her booth at the Reston Market a few years ago. Her products stood out to me as modern, chic, and beautifully displayed. The name of her jewelry company is Modern Nature Studio, which concisely describes the style of her work. It is clean, fresh, and…

I’ve long admired jewelry artists who can create beautiful items with beads, but I’ve never known much about the use of beads in other forms of art. I’m not even sure I’d given it any thought before I heard about this exhibit. So I didn’t know what to expect when I headed to GRACE to see…

Lake Anne really shines in the warm months. Boat rentals, concerts, farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor dining make it a summertime delight. But so much is going on at Lake Anne Plaza all year round, and you really should come in the winter, too. Here are some reasons why: 1. There’s wild nightlife. Anyone who shrugs off Lake…

UPDATE 6/20/17: Prelly Cookies is no longer located in Northern Virginia. One of Modern Reston’s main goals is to discover local people doing extraordinary things. It turns out that the more we explore Northern VA, the more talented people we unearth. Luckily for us, this area is a treasure trove of entrepreneurs and creatives. One such…

When people think of shopping for holiday decorations in Reston, they probably think of Target and Home Depot, and perhaps other chain stores like Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma. But if you would rather have decorations that don’t look just like your friends’, or you’d like to support local businesses and independent artists, look beyond the chains. There are lots…

While lazily exploring Instagram via the hashtag #RestonVA one day, I stumbled upon the most breathtaking floral arrangements I had ever seen. Literally, these pics were showstoppers. I had to find out more. Who was behind these stunning works of art? Are they local? Could I arrange to renew my vows in the next week so I…

Holiday shopping time has arrived, and we are here to help! If you know someone who would appreciate a gift that celebrates Reston, especially during this 50th anniversary year, we have lots of ideas for you. Here is our Reston gift guide, with suggestions for toys, art, books, coffee, and tons more. The purchase of most of these items…