Contributor Kate Schwarz reviews her family’s experience traversing NoVa’s very first Ninja Warrior Course. Let’s just say they had a super-fun time — from the biggest to the smallest among them. Read on to find out more. There is no escaping American Ninja Warrior in our house. Without my knowledge and consent, my husband let…

Virginia is having a major brewery moment, but in the midst of all that something lighter and tarter (and gluten-free) has popped up in Middleburg, VA. Specializing in small-batch, craft hard ciders and spirits, Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery is in full-swing now that it’s apple season. Hard apple ciders can be hit or miss — too…

There has been a lot of buzz lately about barre workouts — ballet/yoga/pilates-inspired classes that focus on isometric strength training with high reps of small movements. These exercises are typically done at a ballet barre or on a mat with props like resistance bands and light weights. Studios have been popping up like mushrooms, touting benefits…

I’ve been reading a lot of articles lately about how the era of the mall is dead. And while my Gen-X Mallrats self mourns a little, I haven’t actually been inside a mall in ages. I do, however, often find myself wandering around Reston Town Center in the sunshine, popping in and out of stores and dining on outdoor…

Virginians seem to have had their fill of fancy, high-priced wine these days. If the newly established Loudon County (LoCo) Ale Trail is any indication, beer is having a major moment. Nowhere is this love of hops more apparent than at the brand new Barrel & Bushel restaurant in the Hyatt Regency in Tysons Corner. Chef Dan Dienemann (Founding Farmers, Tupelo…

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…