recommended

recommended

Fairfax Pets on Wheels Bring Canine Cheer to Local Seniors

While preparing a story about Surf Reston earlier this year, I met a paddleboarding dog named AnnieBelle. I was intrigued to learn that she is part of Fairfax Pets on Wheels, a volunteer program that brings dogs to visit local assisted living facilities. The relaxed disposition that keeps AnnieBelle steady on the paddleboard also makes her a calming and friendly…

November 10, 2014

A Restonian’s Take on The Smithsonian’s ‘Beyond Bollywood’ Exhibit

Modern Reston is excited to present our next guest post! From time to time, we’ll hand the mic to others in our community who have something interesting to say. Please feel free to submit your ideas here. Please give your undivided attention to Reston Resident Shefali Chandan as she explores the current Smithsonian exhibit Beyond Bollywood: Indian…

November 5, 2014

Ten Fun Facts About Ice Skating at Reston Town Center

Ice skating is back at Reston Town Center! The ice rink opens each year on November 1st and operates until March. It’s the centerpiece of the winter season at Reston Town Center. But how much do you really know about the ice rink? A reader suggested that we explain how the rink can operate when the temperatures…

November 4, 2014

Holiday Home Tour: The Wests’ Incredible Halloween Decorations

A few weeks ago, Dorothy and Duke West invited me into their home to see their lovely and skillful fall decorations. While I was there, they told me that their decorating specialty would actually come a few weeks later, when they would put together an outrageous party display for Halloween. I was excited when they invited me to…

October 31, 2014

Trail Tour: The Splendor of Lake Newport in the Fall

We promised tours of two gorgeous trails that you cannot miss during the peak of Reston’s fall foliage. Last week we featured a path along the water at Lake Audubon. It has been so fun to hear from some of you who’ve explored that trail since then! I’m really glad that many of you enjoyed it….

October 30, 2014

Photography Tips: 5 Ways to Improve Your Fall Foliage Pictures

Right now is one of the most beautiful times of year to take photographs! Northern Virginia’s fall foliage typically peaks in the last week of October and the first week of November, so get your camera ready and head outside. I know many of you share my love of photography and the spectacular trees in the DC area. I’m a photographer…

October 27, 2014

Some Horrifying Guys Chased Me Through Markoff’s Haunted Forest

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….

October 16, 2014

Reston Farm Market: Fall Family Fun Right Here in Town

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…

October 10, 2014

Vecinos Unidos: A Non-Profit Homework Program in Fairfax County

School is in full-swing again and the nightly homework battles have begun in my house. My husband and I dream up all sorts of ways to challenge our daughter to think critically about the assignments and are at-the-ready to explain difficult concepts. But what about those parents who don’t speak English? The parents who know…

October 8, 2014

The ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Enjoying Outdoor Soccer

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…

October 7, 2014

A Reston Aerial Photographer Whose Technology is Half of His Art

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…

October 6, 2014

Three Fox Vineyards: Outdoor Fun for Wine Lovers, Kids, and Dogs

Hang in there – it’s almost the weekend. It will soon be time to relax in Virginia’s countryside while sipping something tasty. But if your weekends are more about childcare than wine tasting, there’s still hope! Several of Northern Virginia’s wineries welcome children and even dogs. Let your little ones run around while you take a much deserved break…

October 2, 2014