Wolf Trap Animal Rescue is hosting its last adoption event of October tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 11 a.m.

The event will be held in the Tysons Petsmart (8204 Leesburg Pike) with 16 puppies, 15 kittens and two adult dogs.

The team will start collecting names at 7:30 a.m. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-serve basis in order of check-in, so those hoping to bring a furry friend home are encouraged to come early. Adopters must file an application online.

According to the event page, all of the pets are spayed/neutered, have their age appropriate vaccines, dewormed, and available to be taken home that day.

The next adoption event will be on Nov. 3, with a special National Adoption Weekend event planned for Nov. 10 — both also at the Petsmart.

Volunteers are also needed to help set up and manage adoption events on Saturdays between 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers must have an application on file with the organization.

https://www.facebook.com/wolftrapanimalrescue/posts/2191280291195370

Photo via Facebook

While the Silver Line may be bringing new market tenants to Reston and Tysons, so far it’s had little impact on changing commutes.

According to a new study by JLL, an investment management company, 1.1 million square feet of new office space has emerged in Tysons within a half-mile of a Metrorail station. Rents for higher-end office space on-Metro in Tysons also comes at a 16% premium compared to off-Metro locations.

But while Metro ridership has continued to increase in Tysons, the study notes that nearby residents using the Metro to commute has increased less than 10 percent since the Metro opened. Some of this can likely be attributed to a lack of parking at the stations, which Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust, who represents McLean, said keeps many residents in his districts from using the Metro to commute.

Further west, Reston has seen a similar impact on office markets. According to the study:

“In the Wiehle micromarket, average Class A rents have increased 30% since 2012, and Reston also saw the delivery of its first Trophy building on-Metro — 1900 Reston Metro Plaza — with asking rents in the $50 p.s.f. range, a rate not seen before in the Toll Road market outside Reston Town Center.”

Like their neighbors in Tysons, Reston residents have been slow to give up their cars. Of commuters, less than 10 percent coming from Reston use the Metro.

More residential developments planned over the next few years near the Metro in both Reston and Tysons which will likely result in a gradually increasing amount of Metro ridership in both locations.

The study also notes that companies moving to and growing in the area, particularly in the tech sector, could also bring more Metro ridership to the area by reverse commuters: people living in Washington, D.C. or Arlington and traveling out to Tysons.

Image via JLL

Early voting, which started on Oct. 13, has increased this year across Virginia and particularly in one Fairfax County race.

In every one of the Tysons area congressional districts, the Virginia Public Access Project reports that absentee ballots cast have increased significantly compared to ballots cast in 2017. Most of that increase is marginal in the 8th and 11th Districts, but in the 10th District absentee ballots from Fairfax County have increased 125 percent.

In just under two weeks, on Election Day, all voters locally and across the state will have a say in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race between incumbent Tim Kaine (D), Corey Stewart (R) and Matt Waters (L).

In Tysons Reporter’s coverage area, northern parts of McLean will get to participate in the hotly contested 10th Congressional District race between incumbent Barbara Comstock (R) and Jennifer Wexton (D).

In Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of McLean and Falls Church, incumbent Don Beyer (D) is running against Thomas Oh (R).

For voters in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which covers Vienna and Tysons, incumbent Gerald Connolly (D) is running against Jeff Dove Jr. (R) and Stevan Porter (L).

Also on the ballot are two proposed constitutional amendments regarding tax exemptions. The first asks whether a county, city or town should be allowed to offer partial tax exemption or properties that are subject to recurring flooding, provided resiliency improvements have been made on the property.

The second asks whether the spouses of a veteran with a complete disability should be eligible to maintain their property tax exemption if they move to another state.

Finally, a bond referendum asks if Fairfax County should be authorized to raise $182,000,000 to renovate or build new public safety buildings.

The polling locations in Fairfax are grouped by their Supervisor District, as outlined below.

• Dranesville District: McLean
• Providence District: Tysons, Merrifield, parts of Falls Church
• Hunter Mill District: Vienna, Wolf Trap

(10/26) Absentee Voting Update: This morning we'll surpass 40,000 absentee ballots cast. Still have 20,000+ mail-in ballots that need to be returned (hurry!) Two more Saturdays for in-person voting 10/27 and 11/3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all 10 locations. https://t.co/T95E9h5Bf6 pic.twitter.com/k3KOZiMi6V

— Fairfax County Votes (@fairfaxvotes) October 26, 2018

👉🗳 About 20,000 mail-in absentee ballots haven't been returned yet, so get yours in the mail ASAP – mail delivery can take several days. If ballots arrive AFTER 7 p.m. on Nov. 6 they won't be counted. https://t.co/SRRmMqbZHj

— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) October 26, 2018

File photo

Vienna Halloween Parade Recap — Thousands attended the Vienna Halloween Parade on Wednesday, enjoying cool fall weather and a wide variety of marchers and floats heading down Maple Ave. One particular source of interest was a Vienna garbage truck decorated with artwork from local elementary school students. [InsideNova, Patch, Fairfax News]

Reminder: SoberRide This Weekend — Those heading to bars and parties this weekend can get a free, safe ride home thanks to the SoberRide program. The program, which is active for certain festive holidays — like Halloween — offers a free Lyft ride home up to $15 with a limited-time code. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]

Hocus Pocus Playing in Tysons — Starting Saturday and running through Halloween, the classic 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus will be playing at the AMC Tysons Corner 16. [Patch]

Pair of Weekend Events at Biergarten — The Tysons Biergarten will be hosting “APBA Pit Bull Appreciation Day 2018” on Saturday afternoon and “Feargarten,” a costume party, on Sunday night. [Facebook, Twitter]

Town of Vienna Replacing Furniture — “The Vienna town government soon will replace Town Hall’s reception desk, kiosk and conference-room furniture under a $23,788 contract approved Oct. 15 by the Vienna Town Council. The main reception desk at Vienna Town Hall is more than two decades old, lacks adequate work space and has non-working drawers.” [InsideNova]

Cubicles are out. Coworking is in.

Coworking is a well-established trend in office spaces, packing a number of different companies into a single office space. It’s popular with both tiny startups — which no longer have to occupy garages and dining room tables — and large firms seeking a local presence. The advantages include flexible terms, the ability to upgrade to larger spaces as your company grows, and common area amenities.

The king of coworking, WeWork, has a location in Tysons, as does traditional real estate players Regus and Carr. But some smaller, specialized coworking spaces are scattered through the area as well.

Like we did for apartments in Tysons, we’ve put together a list of coworking spaces available in the area.

• WeWork (1775 Tysons Blvd) — prices range from $350 per month for a desk to 21-50 seat offices at $12,100 per month.
• MakeOffices (1751 Pinnacle Dr, 6th floor) — prices start at $300 per month for shared spaces to $600 or more for private offices.
• Chisel (1751 Pinnacle Dr, 10th floor) — A coworking space specifically for lawyers, prices range from $300 for a desk to $1,400 for a furnished office.
• Play, Work or Dash (8214 Old Courthouse Rd) — A coworking space that also offers childcare; prices and access to childcare facilities vary with membership levels.
• Metro Offices (1765 Greensboro Station) — A regional coworking space, prices range from $300 for a dedicated desk to $800 or more for private offices.
• Regus (2010 Corporate Ridge) — prices range from day-to-day options to longer-term plans.
• Carr Workplaces (1750 Tysons Blvd) — prices range from $35 per month for an unreserved seat in a common area to several hundred dollars or more for a reserved office.
• Office Evolution (8609 Westwood Center Dr) — prices range from $349 per month for a dedicated desk to $860 for a private office.
• Source Office Suites (1420 Spring Hill Rd) — prices are unavailable online, but information on available suites can be requested online.
• Intelligent Office (1934 Old Gallows Rd) — price quotes are available online.

Sameride, a rideshare app that connects commuters on the same route, has opened up new lines running through Tysons.

With Sameride, app users can either drive or sign up as passengers along a commuter route. Multiple passengers means free access to HOV / HOT express lanes that would otherwise be tolled. App users input their home or office zip codes and can browse commuting route options.

One line runs from Stafford and Fredericksburg to Tysons. There are commuter lot locations throughout Stafford and Fredericksburg for pickup, while any destination inside Tysons can be selected. According to Samride, riders save an estimated $230 each month on the trip compared to train or bus fares and $1,450 per month in potential tolls compared to driving solo.

The other route runs from Woodbridge to Tysons. Like the first route, there are lot locations throughout Woodbridge for pickup and any destination in Tysons can be selected. Average cost per month for train or bus fare would be $280 or $1,110 in tolled express lanes.

Get the fresh fruit and veggies while you can, because several local farmers markets will be closing for the season next month.

In and around Tysons, there are at least four weekly farmers markets to choose from:

• Tysons Farmers Market (last day: Sunday, Nov. 18)
• McLean Farmers Market (last day: Friday, Nov. 16)
• Vienna Farmers Market (last day: Saturday, Nov. 3)
• Mosaic Central Farmers Market (year round)

The Tysons Farmers Market is held Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the National Automobile Dealers Association parking lot (8400 Westpark Dr). Organized by Community Foodworks, the market features a variety of vendors offering everything from empanadas to coffee to fresh produce.

Like the Tysons market, the McLean Farmers Market starts up for the season in May and closes in mid-November. There are four market days left for the popular McLean bazaar of locally-produced food, which is held every Friday from 8 a.m.-noon in Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bridge Rd).

In addition to a variety of vendors, the Master Gardener Plant Clinic sets up at the McLean market to help locals learn more about the vegetation of their yards.

The Vienna Farmers Market, meanwhile, will not be open this weekend, according to its website. There’s only one market day remaining before the Vienna market closes for the season: Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m.-noon.

For those in the area who need to get their farmers market fix year round, the Mosaic District hosts a weekly farmers market on Sundays that runs through the winter. Mosaic Central Farmers Market is held at 2910 District Ave from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — that is, until the end of December.

From January to March, the market shifts to a winter market, with modified hours and 40 vendors instead of the usual 55, according to its website.

Photo via Facebook

Vienna Buying New Snow Plow — “Winter is coming, and the Vienna Town Council on Oct. 15 voted 7-0 to ride a buy a 2-ton dump truck and snow plow from Henderson Products Inc. and National Auto Fleet Group, using the town’s vehicle-replacement funds. The vehicle and equipment will cost $144,356, or about $20,000 more than had been estimated in the town’s plan.” [InsideNova]

Tech Company Opening McLean Office — “Medallia, Inc., the global Customer Experience Management leader, has designated its office in McLean, VA as its Public Sector headquarters. The office is located just outside of Washington D.Cand houses 50 Medallia employees and growing.” [PR Newswire]

Drug Conspiracy Included Vienna Meeting — The story of a $1 million drug deal bust includes a meeting between the suspect, an informant and an undercover officer at a Vienna hotel. [Washington Post]

Bioretention Areas Proposed in Vienna — “Seeking to piggyback on the installation of ‘choker’ curb extensions to slow down traffic where Meadow Lane, S.W, intersects with Tapawingo and Kingsley roads, S.W., which they approved April 9, the Vienna Town Council on Oct. 15 agreed to pay Urban Ltd. $56,350 for survey and design work for bio-retention areas at those intersections.” [InsideNova]

There is no shortage of places to eat in Tysons, though sometimes it can be hard to pick a lunch option or figure out a good meeting spot for a sit-down dinner.

We scoured the dozens of restaurants in the immediate Tysons area on Yelp and picked out the highest-rated options.

Included are everything from fast casual eateries to high-end steak and seafood restaurants. Many, as one would imagine given the local landscape, are located in malls, office buildings and single-story shopping plazas.

The top 15 restaurants are below, with the best-reviewed options at the top.

1. Blessing Cafe (8618 Westwood Center Dr) — 5 stars — “While working basically next door this was the close place to grab a quick lunch and it certainly did not disappoint. I had the chicken teriyaki one day and then the beef bulgogi another day. Both were great.”
2. Lei’d Poke (8032 Leesburg Pike) — 4.5 stars — “Lei’d Poke is a solid spot to get your raw fish fix. If you didn’t know, this joint is run by the same owners of Chasin’ Tails, Teas’n You, and Roll Play… Here, I’d recommend getting Matcha Edamame Rice with Sweet Maui Onion Salmon and Class Shoyu Tuna.”
3. Banban Fusion Eatery (8251 Greensboro Dr) — 4.5 stars — “The restaurant… is a small office cafe-optimized for people to grab their lunch and go. They have several menu items such as sandwiches, bibimbap, and hibachi bowls.”
4. Roll Play Grill (8150 Leesburg Pike) — 4.5 stars — “This is the real deal place for pho and Banh Mi sandwiches… go directly to the flat screen and place your order.”
5. American Prime (1420 Spring Hill Road) — 4.5 stars — “Skip over everything else on the menu and order the house-smoked prime rib with sides of bone marrow mashed potatoes and bacon creamed corn.”
6. Charlotte Artisanal (Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Rd)  — 4.5 stars — “This crepe stand is located inside Tysons Corner mall in front of [the] Gap store… I ended up getting banana Nutella crepe and it was TERRIFIC!”
7. Super Chicken (8357 Leesburg Pike) — 4 stars — “You know those rotisserie chickens you get from grocery stores? What if they were really really good? What if they were really cheap and came with sides (two sides per order) like chickpeas, veggies, fried rice, fried plantains, French fries, etc.? Well that just about describes the chicken at this place.”
8. Coastal Flats (7860 Tysons Corner Center) – 4 stars — “Forget your usual mediocre, overpriced mall restaurants, this place is legit worth checking out. The have a pretty extensive menu so there’s something for everyone. Be sure and get the Ozzie rolls.”
9. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (7900 Tysons One Pl) — 4 stars — “Eddie V’s provides a tasteful atmosphere which combined with the live music and nice views, makes for a nice dining establishment. Beyond that, however, my experiences here have had a tendency to be inconsistent.”
10. Crust Pizzeria Napoletana (8415 Old Courthouse Rd) — 4 stars — “Great, authentic Naples pizza – finally! – in Tysons/Vienna… Decent selection of drinks, good side dishes, slightly grumpy guys in charge – so just like Naples!”
11. Nostos (8100 Boone Blvd) — 4 stars — A favorite of Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema, who wrote: “My favorite place to eat in Tysons continues to be Nostos, home to a Greek menu and charming service.”
12. Paddy Barry’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (8150 Leesburg Pike) — 4 stars — “Great spot for a Guinness and if you are looking for a quiet place for a business lunch, this is the place to go… It’s a rather large Irish bar with a good Irish draft beer selection and a good menu. Two in my group left no crumbs in their large Shepard’s pie and the fish and chips was a hit too.”
13. The Capital Grille (1861 International Dr) — 4 stars — “I think this is possibly even better than Morton’s and Ruth’s Chris, certainly less stuffy although around the same price points and comfortable but very upscale ambiance. A great experience all around from excellent service to amazing food.”
14. CAVA (8048 Tysons Corner Ctr) — 4 stars — “Cava bowls have a special place in my heart! They are nutritious and packed with flavor. It’s good to have an option of fast food that you don’t have to feel guilty about.”
15. Thai’s Corner (8607 Westwood Center Dr) — 4 stars — “Probably the best Thai restaurant I have ever been to. Food is definitely good and the service is excellent… My favorite: Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Spring Rolls, Basil Chicken Fried Rice. Basically everything is good.”

Want to go out at night after your meal? Nightlife in Tysons leaves something to be desired, but there are several popular options to choose from.

And in case you’re wondering about the lowest-rated restaurant in Tysons with at least 5 reviews on Yelp — it’s the McDonald’s in Tysons Corner Center mall, at No. 207 on the list.

Photo via Instagram/Lei’d Poke

(Updated 12:20 p.m.) Tysons Corner Center’s ice skating rink will not be making a return to the mall this year.

“We are not having the ice rink this year,” said an employee in the mall’s management office. “I don’t know if there will be one somewhere else, but it will not be on mall property.”

A call to the rink’s phone number reaches a voicemail box thanking guests for a successful 2017-2018 season and saying the rink would return in November, which is no longer the case, we’re told.

The rink has been an annual winter activity at the mall for the fast few years, after its debut in 2015. It was even the site of a marriage proposal in 2016.

Becca Willcox, events and communications manager for Tysons Corner Center, confirmed that the rink would not be returning. Willcox said unpredictable weather and wind made it difficult to keep the rink open for a full season.

If you’re looking for other ice skating rinks in the area though, Tysons Reporter has you covered.

Photo via Facebook