Over the last few years, more than half of my extended family has had to give up gluten for medical reasons. They are dropping like flies around here. Chances are, you know someone who has had to give up gluten, too. At first, that transition was hard for me, a devoted cookie/cake/brownie lover. But gluten-free baked goods…

As summer approaches, many of this area’s most fun events are returning. Highlights this month include the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, the reopening of local pools and water parks, and Memorial Day celebrations. Here’s what’s happening this month in Reston, Herndon, and surrounding areas of Northern Virginia. SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016 March for Babies…

You’ve probably heard that berries are high in antioxidants, but did you know that research has shown that they can help to fight or prevent several illnesses? One vendor at the Reston Farmers Market is so impressed with the health benefits of berries that he has built a career around them. Jerry’s Gourmet Berries is a family-owned farm located…

Now that summer is here, let’s make it a memorable one. Don’t let it slip by this year! Here’s a list of some of the most fun things to do during summertime in Reston and nearby parts of Northern Virginia. You’ll want to bookmark this page and refer to it all summer long. FESTIVALS ☐ May…

It’s science and ice cream combined! A vendor at the Reston Farmers Market has turned this summer treat into an entertaining display of chemistry in action. With fresh ingredients, your choice of flavors, and a dose of liquid nitrogen, you can have custom ice cream made right in front of you, even on the hottest days. Nitro’s Creamery…

May is here, and that means festival season is beginning. This month Reston welcomes back thousands of annual visitors to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. The farmers markets are opening, boat rentals are returning, and summer is just around the corner.

You may be familiar with 100 Bowls of Soup from the Reston Farmers Market, or perhaps you have sampled their seasonal offerings from the selection at Mom’s Organic. This month, founder Katharine Mardirosian made the leap from a market booth to a bright and airy retail and kitchen space in Herndon’s Sunset Business Park. The new shop is…

The bounty of summer is long gone but fall brings its own special harvest to the table. Squash is in full-force right now at grocery stores and farmers markets. These nutritional power-houses are packed with vitamins and fiber. They can be used to lighten-up recipes by replacing starches such as pasta and potatoes. They can also be the…

It’s bivalve season! Huh? you ask. Months that end in an ‘r’ are commonly believed to be the best months for oysters, mussels and clams. Cooler waters have less of an occurrence of algae blooms which can lead to high levels of toxicity in bivalves. These shellfish also spawn during warmers months and don’t taste as…