Local nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) and ridesharing app Lyft are again partnering to offer free rides during the holiday season.
As part of an effort to combat drunk driving, WRAP will be sponsoring free Lyft rides starting this Friday (Dec. 14) .
From 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., rides up to $15 are free with the use of a promo code. The user is responsible for any costs over $15. The offer will continue until Jan. 1.
Weekly codes will be posted at the Sober Rides website at noon on Dec. 14, 22, and 31. The weekly code is only valid for one ride.
According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, there were 621 alcohol-related crashes in Fairfax in 2017, resulting in 331 injuries and 12 fatalities.
As the program is aimed at preventing alcohol related crashes, Lyft riders must be at least 21 years old to claim the offer. The code is valid for any rides inside the D.C. coverage area, which includes all of Fairfax County.
The SoberRide program operates during the December/January holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day and Halloween.
Image via Washington Regional Alcohol Program
Tysons Corner Center estimates 3.65 million shoppers are likely to visit the mall during this year’s holiday season.
With the crush of shoppers filling parking lots and local roads, the mall and I-495 Express Lanes operator Transurban put together some suggestions for spending more time shopping and less time parking.
The best time to shop, we’re told, is before noon from Monday through Thursday, between Dec. 10-20. On Dec. 21, winter break for many local schools starts and lasts until Jan. 4, meaning even the mornings at the mall are more likely to be crowded.
The fastest suggested route into the mall is to access to eastern garage near Barnes and Noble using Westpark Drive. Shoppers are also encouraged to use the Jones Branch Connector, which partially opens this weekend.
Transurban, naturally, recommends the Express Lanes as a time-saving option.
“Shoppers driving to the mall can save time by taking the 495 Express Lanes and using Westpark Drive for direct access to Tysons Corner Center,” said Elisa Bell, a marketing director for the company.
Metro is also an option. The Tysons Corner Metro station connects to The Plaza, which is connected to Tysons Corner Center.
If you want a take a car but don’t want to park, services like Uber and Lyft can get you there — just “ask your driver to enter the Center near the entrances to Rt. 7 or International Drive off Fletcher Street to avoid time in traffic around the Center,” according to the mall.
Valet parking is available for $12 near Coastal Flats outside the Bloomingdale’s. A portion of valet proceeds are also donated to the Northern Virginia Family Services. The “Front and Center” parking in Garage C, meanwhile, is closest to the mall and costs $7. Both of these parking options earn shoppers discounts at mall stores and restaurants.
For those who don’t mind a longer walk, Garage B and C are both still free.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Winter break for Fairfax County starts after school on Friday, December 21 and students don’t go back until January 7!
That’s a long time with nothing to do, except a holiday if you celebrate. If you’re looking for camps for your kids over winter break, please read this list of suggestions. If you have an option I might have missed, please comment below and let our readers know.
Day Camps
Adrenaline Dance Studio — 6 Options for full day or half day camp, ages 3-14.
Stemtree — Grades K-6 is one group, and then Grade 7 and up is another. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MyGym of McLean — Camp is for 3-9 year olds, hours are 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Enshin Karate — Day camp from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Once Upon A Dream — Ages 3-10, Each day has a theme, offering all day option (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) or half day (9 a.m. to Noon, or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
The Old Firehouse Center in McLean — Offers daily trips for 5th through 9th graders. Examples include Dave & Busters, Zava Zone, Indoor Go Karting and more.
The TEA Center — Preschool through 8th grade, 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
I’m also going to share my sanity saving local tip:
Sign up for Our-Kids.com. They send a weekly email with all of the activities for the upcoming week so you don’t have to scour the internet for something to do. It’s neatly packaged by location (DC, VA, or MD), by day, and time. Red Tricycle does something similar.
If you need to get some Christmas shopping done, the Holiday Market will be open today and Saturday at the Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike).
Hot mulled wine and seasonal cocktails will also be served. Heaters will be located around the outdoor patio. The market will feature items from vendors like
- Tocara Jewelry
- Rachel’s Handmade Accessories
- Terra Essential Oil
- Rodan + Fields
But if you’re set on gifts, there’s still plenty to do around the Tysons area this weekend.
Today (Dec. 7)
Champagne Extravaganza (5-8 p.m.) — The Vienna Wine Outlet (114 Church St) is hosting a champagne extravaganza, offering a variety of wines and a sampling of cheeses to accompany them. The event is $30 per person and guests are asked to RSVP by phone at 703-639-0155.
Tomorrow (Dec. 8)
Pajama Party – The Polar Express (10-11:45 a.m.) — The Angelika Film Center (2911 District Ave) in the Mosaic District will host a hyper-casual screening of the Robert Zemeckis animated film The Polar Express. Tickets are $12.50. Hot chocolate and warm cookies will be available at the cafe for purchase.
Holiday Market Pop Up (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) — The jewelry and accessories store at 2905 District Ave is hosting a pop-up market with a hot chocolate bar, giveaways, and more. The first 25 people in line will receive a free gift.
Brunch with Santa (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) — An extensive brunch with a chance to take photos with Santa will be hosted at Tysons’ Ritz-Carlton hotel. Tickets are $64 for adults and $32 for children ages 2-10. There is no charge for children under 2 years old.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa (1-3 p.m.) — Vienna Pediatric Dentistry (301 Maple Ave W) will host a cookies and cocoa event tomorrow. Santa is also scheduled to make an appearance. The event is free and open to the public, though small, unwrapped gifts to donate to Toys for Tots are encouraged.
Sunday (Dec. 9)
Ice Cream Jubilee Tysons Grand Opening (12-4 p.m.) — The ice cream store that recently opened as part of the Taste of UrbanSpace in Tysons Galleria is hosting a grand opening celebration and giveaway. Tickets for a free scoop of ice cream are already sold out, but RSVP to get on the waitlist.
Doe Paoro: Soft Power Tour (8 p.m.) — The singer-songwriter will be performing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna (227 Maple Ave E) on Sunday. The musical style is mostly pop, but includes influences of everything from soul to ancient Tibetan folk opera.
More on Bulova Retirement — “Sharon Bulova, the genial and pragmatic chairman of Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors, won’t seek reelection next fall, ending a 30-year career in which she helped lead Virginia’s largest jurisdiction through dramatic growth, a financial crisis and sweeping demographic change.” [Washington Post, FairfaxNews]
Vinson Hall Birthday Milestones — “4,588 years. 1,674,620 days. 40,190,880 hours… That’s the combined years, days, or hours of life – depending on how you calculate it – that forty-seven residents of the Vinson Hall Retirement Community have achieved, and what staff, family and friends had gathered to celebrate on Monday, Nov. 26, at the complex of living facilities in McLean. [McLean Connection]
Remembering the 1973 Oil Embargo — “It was 45 years ago this holiday season that Vienna went holiday-light-free to conserve energy. According to town officials, in December 1973 the town government opted to install, but then not light, Christmas street decorations, while Town Council members asked residents and businesses to keep Christmas lighting to a minimum and decorate with non-lighted outdoor displays.” [InsideNova]
New Lights for FCPD Cars — The Fairfax County Police Department is testing out new red and blue lights for its cruisers. Traditionally, the department’s lights have been all blue. [Twitter]
Christmas is just a couple weeks away, so it’s time to stop procrastinating and go out and grab a tree.
In Vienna, the Lions Club is selling a variety of trees outside the Walgreens (225 Maple Ave W) in Vienna.
Prices range from $55 for Fraser firs under 9 feet tall or “giant” firs for $100. Other Christmas accessories like wreaths, pine roping, coloring books and cans of Virginia peanuts are also on sale.
Trees can be purchased between 2-8 p.m. during week days, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays, or 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays.
Those in Vienna could also shop at the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna’s Christmas Tree Sale at 359 Maple Ave E, outside of the Giant grocery store. All profits go towards supporting students in local schools.
Sale hours for the Optimist Club’s sale are 2-8 p.m. during weekdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays, or 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays.
Two churches in McLean are also hosting Christmas tree sales.
The Saint John Academy’s Christmas Tree Sale is located in the parking lot in front of the St. John the Beloved Catholic Church at 6422 Linway Terrace. In addition to trees, the sale will include wreaths and garlands.
The Trinity United Methodist Church at 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd is also selling Christmas trees in the church lot.
We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield and McLean. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Monday, Dec. 3
Greenhouse Bistro: Redskins vs Eagles Viewing Party
Greenhouse Bistro (2070 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna)
Time: 8 – 11 p.m.
The festivities start at the Greenhouse Bistro around 4:25 p.m. with food and drink specials, but the game doesn’t start until 8:15 p.m. There will be 20 beers on tap and the game is scheduled to be played with sound on.
Tysons Biergarten: Redskins vs Eagles
Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons)
Time: 8:15 p.m.
During the game, the Biergarten will offer 18 wings for $8 as well as the Biergarten’s usual selection of German themed beers and food.
Tuesday, Dec. 4
Holiday Open House & Wine Tasting
Bards Alley (110 Church Street NW, Vienna)
Time: 5-7 p.m.
The Bards Alley book store will be hosting a holiday party featuring a selection of wines and traditional glögg (spiced wine). Light fare will be provided. The event is open to the public with no RSVP required.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Venue Tour – Filene Center at Wolf Trap
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Most events at Wolf Trap feature a band or orchestra, but the star of this event is the venue itself. The Emerging Arts Leaders DC will be hosting a backstage look at the 7,000 seat venue.
Music Makes Life Better
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave E, Vienna)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Music Makes Life Better concert raises funds for Covenant House, a youth shelter. The benefit will feature Mama’s Black Sheep, Christine Havrilla, and LEA. Tickets for general admission are $20, $25 for premier tickets, $30 for premier plus tickets.
Friday, Dec. 7
Northern Virginia Leadership Awards
Leadership Fairfax, Inc. (8230 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Northern Virginia Leadership Awards will recognize those who have shown vision, innovation, courage, commitment and inspiration over the last year. Tickets are $75 for members and $90 for non-members and guests.
The massive Boro development in Tysons has a very small problem: its new Elf on the Shelf needs a name.
The development is holding a social media contest to name the elf as part of some planned holiday activities this month. The person who posts the most creative suggested name, as determined by the Boro, will win a Starbucks gift card.
Thus far the suggestions on Facebook include:
- Bobo
- Elfat Burrow
- Boronimo
Photo via Facebook
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
If you’re like me, you love the magic of holiday light displays but don’t have the motivation to do it yourself. We love driving our kids around to look at the amazing light shows people put together. Some even have their own radio station to coordinate lights and music!
It’s still early in the season, so some more houses might make the list later this month. Here are some early favorites:
Vienna
10203 Lawyers Road — Lawyers is a busy road, so you’ll have to drive slowly by because there’s nowhere to pull over, unless you go to the street across from the house (Galloping Way).
117 Hickory Circle SW — This display is set to music (instructions are posted in the front of the house on the cul-de-sac or at the back in the shopping center). Make sure you see both sides of the house. Follow their Facebook Page for details. The show runs 5:30-10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
117 Kingsley Road SE — This location is blow up heaven! They have so many favorites on display including Disney characters, Santa in a sleigh being pulled by his reindeer suspended mid-air above their roof and more. Plenty of street parking so you can easily take a walk by the house.
1801 Beulah Road — This house has an amazing front yard that is completely decked out, including a mailbox for “Letters to Santa!” I’m not sure where those letters go, but this Christmas décor is stunning! There’s a pull off and a street across from it (Chestnut Farm Drive) if you want to pull over to take it all in.
2438 Cedar Lane — Beautiful and abundant light display, including a dancing tree of lights. No music from what I could tell, but beautiful.
2528 Drexel Street — The Ni Family Light show is one of the hits of Vienna. There’s plenty of street parking to pull over and watch. They have a playlist that accompanies the choreographed light show. They’re doing a repeat show of 2017 before they launch the 2018 playlist. The show runs 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
Honorable Mention — The Vine Church (2501 Gallows Road) The Ni Family also helps with this light show, which has over 10,000 pixels (it’s huge!)
McLean
7815 Birnam Wood Drive — The show runs 7-9:30 p.m. on weekdays, 6-11 p.m. on weekends. Completely covered in lights, even the lawn has light displays and blow ups.
6530 Heather Brook Court — Show runs from 5 p.m. to midnight daily. There is a start button and a radio station to listen to music while watching the light show. The display includes lights and tons of blow ups.
Remember, don’t go on the lawns! Stay on the sidewalk or the street and enjoy the display safely.
Are there any homes that were missed? Any other neighborhoods in the area worth a visit? If so, leave a comment with details.
FCPD Reports Increase in Hate Crimes — “County police have documented 77 crimes and incidents motivated by racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and other kinds of bias in 2018 so far. With one month remaining in the year, Fairfax County seems to be on pace to end 2018 roughly in line with 2017, which saw 87 hate crimes and incidents, a two-thirds increase from 2016.” [Fairfax Times]
Fairfax Flags at Half-Mast for Bush — “The U. S., Virginia and Fairfax County flags are lowered in respect and memory of President George H.W. Bush. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset 30 days from the day of his death on Nov. 30.” [Twitter]
Candle Caution Urged for Hanukkah Celebrations — “While the use of open-flame candles can add ambiance to a holiday and provide ‘warmth’ to a home, battery-powered candles are a safer alternative and one our firefighters and paramedics highly recommend you use.” [Fairfax County Fire & Rescue]
Santa Snapper Sells Spiffy Shoes — Andrea Smith’s current job is taking photos of children with Santa Claus at the Tysons Corner Center mall, but her passion is beautifying old and unwanted sneakers and boots. [Washington Post]
High Student Debt Hurts Regional Home Sales — “Prospective buyers in the local region could afford to purchase 71 percent of homes in the market if they do not carry student debt, but only 62 percent if they carry an average level of debt.” [InsideNova]
