reviews

reviews

We Tried It: Key Learnings From a 10 Class Challenge at Pure Barre Reston

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…

September 28, 2015

Introducing Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery: Award-Winning Dry Whites and Luscious Reds in Delaplane

It’s no secret that we, at Modern Reston, love a beautiful glass of wine. We are always on the hunt for new local wineries. A place to hang out with friends away from the (sub)urban jungle we call home. Sadly, while most local wineries are scenic, we are usually disappointed with the actual wine — whites are sweet and cloying, reds…

September 15, 2015

A Sneak Peek at the Beautiful and Long-Awaited Red’s Table

Almost two years after Reston’s Lakeside Inn closed, a new restaurant is finally ready to open in its location on Lake Thoreau. Red’s Table is a family-owned, local restaurant that is scheduled to open this Monday, September 7, 2015, for Labor Day. It will be open for dinner only over the next few weeks, but expects to…

September 1, 2015

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the High Holiday Menu at DGS Delicatessen

Northern Virginians have suffered long enough without a viable deli option in the area. This void becomes even more apparent in September when the Jewish High Holidays roll around and there is no where to celebrate Rosh Hashanah or break the fast of Yom Kippur. This year, things are different. There’s a new kid on the block!…

August 31, 2015

Start a Waste-Free Lunch Program at Your School and Commit to Packing Eco-Friendly Lunches

The first day of school is right around the corner and we’ve vowed to improve study skills, cut back on screen time and walk instead of drive to school this year. But nothing has more of an immediate impact on the environment than lunch-packing. These days, we put a lot of energy into packing healthy foods that are good for our kids,…

August 21, 2015

Day Tripping: Independent Stores & Restaurants Galore at the Mosaic District

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…

August 11, 2015

Experience Inventive Food and Beer Pairings at Barrel & Bushel in Tyson’s Corner

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…

August 4, 2015

We Tried It: Paddle Polo, Reston’s Newest Sport

There’s a new sport that’s catching on around the country, and it was invented right here in Reston. It’s called Paddle Polo, and it’s a combination of lacrosse and stand-up paddleboarding. This sport originates from a product created by local entrepreneur Steve Gurney, who also runs the paddleboarding company Surf Reston. He created a lacrosse stick attachment for paddles…

July 24, 2015

At the Reston Market: The Intricate and Modern Jewelry of Alessandra Eusebi

Every Saturday morning during farmers market season, an art market takes place on Lake Anne Plaza. If you haven’t taken a close look at the vendors there, I encourage you to do so. There is a lot of talent and quality on display every week. I’ve discovered some beautiful artwork and hand-crafted products at the Reston…

July 24, 2015

A Perfectly Relaxed Summer Night at a Great Falls Concert on the Green

There’s something sublime about a picnic blanket in a grassy field with live music. Reston has some excellent summer concerts at Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Plaza, but those two bustling, paved locations are lacking in a certain coziness. If you want to stretch out in the grass with some wine and music, you don’t have to head all the…

July 15, 2015

Hands-On Educational Play at the New Children’s Science Center Lab

Northern Virginia finally has its own interactive children’s museum, thanks to the new Children’s Science Center Lab in Fairfax. This museum, which opened in June, 2015,  specializes in hands-on demonstrations of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its exhibits are designed for children aged 2-12, but parents and older siblings are likely to enjoy them, too….

July 6, 2015

Chemistry Doesn’t Get More Fun Than This: Nitro’s Creamery at the Reston Farmers Market

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 12, 2015