It’s now three days into 2020 — a.k.a. the new “Roaring 20s.”
Did you create new year’s resolutions earlier this week? If so, how are you doing?
Tysons Reporter has a few changes ready to roll out next week, including revamped Morning Notes that will now get posted on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Expect more newsroom pop-ups at local coffee shops in the spring and more opportunities for reader engagement.
Editor Catherine Douglas Moran’s resolution is to exercise three times a week. So far, she’s on track — and walking as much as possible for reporting in Tysons.
Reporter Ashley Hopko plans to read at least one new book each month “on a topic that I’m completely unfamiliar with.” Yesterday, she kicked off her resolution by picking up a copy of “A Short History of Nearly Everything” by Bill Bryson.
It’s New Year’s Eve and we’re ready to bring you more news about Tysons, Merrifield, Falls Church, Vienna and McLean — say that list fast five times — in 2020!
But first, our mighty team of three — Editor Catherine Douglas Moran, Reporter Ashley Hopko and Photographer Jay Westcott — will be taking a break on New Year’s Day.
Next week, Morning Notes will be a little different. Readers can expect it twice a week, and we’ll be giving previews of upcoming coverage, along with more opportunities for reader engagement.
Later in January, a new byline will be joining our site from our incoming intern Shreeya Aranake.
We wish you and yours a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. Feel free to tell us in the comments section what you’re excited about in the new year.
See you in 2020!
2020 is almost here. If you’re planning on going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of parties and events around the Tysons area.
Let Tysons Reporter know where you plan to be when the clock strike midnight on Dec. 31.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM/Unsplash
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
Two days left in this decade!
I usually let my kids watch a YouTube video of fireworks while drinking sparkling apple cider, then put them to bed at their normal time, but if you’re a parent who is more fun than I am, here are some suggestions on how to ring in the new year with your family. Some local places around town have various versions of celebrations:
Jammin Java: 13th Annual Rocknoceros New Years Eve Party at 2 p.m. on December 31 (the 11 a.m. show is already sold out). The band will do a countdown and an apple juice toast.
Caboose Tavern: Family Friendly Celebration with a ball drop at 9 p.m. and live music. Event starts at 7 p.m. Kids 2-12 drink free all night. They’ll also have crafts for the kids.
McLean Bible Church, The Rock NYE 2020: Event is for 6-12th graders from 9 p.m. on. Liability forms and information can be found online.
Watch Night, Falls Church City: Huge party along West Broad Street starting at 7 p.m., which includes live music, karaoke, popcorn, hot chocolate, coup, bungee jump, Velcro wall, log jam, bounce house for kids and a slide, and so much more.
Busy Bees New Year’s Party (Falls Church Location): Live band, Chick-fil-A food and an apple cider toast! From 3-5 p.m. for $30/child.
Dave & Busters (Fairfax) New Years Eve Party: Starts at 5 p.m. with 2 packages available to help with the video ball drop!
Children’s Science Center Lab (Fairfax): New Year’s Eve around the world, ring in 2020 with STEM style noisemakers and confetti throwers. Choose a 2-hour window (10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3 p.m., 3:30-5:30 p.m.).
Once Upon A Dream (Vienna): Decorate a 2020 party hat at 11 a.m. on December 31 or join the New Year Party at 11 a.m. on the January 1, with a countdown at noon with an apple cider toast, Princess visit and costume party.
No matter how you choose to celebrate — wishing you a very happy New Year!
As 2020 nears, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around Tysons catering to people trying to spend their final hours of the year in style.
Here are some of the events Tysons Reporter spotted on New Year’s Eve.
Jammin Java will host an 80s’ themed dance party begging at 6:30 p.m. that will feature prizes for the best outfits, trivia and a champagne toast at midnight. There is a $35 cover for tickets but all ages are welcome to attend.
Greenhouse Bistro will host a Toast to the Decade event feating a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. People are invited to swing by Greenhouse Bistro (2070 Chain Bridge Road) around 9 p.m. and stay until 2 a.m. There is a $50 cover per person and there is a strict dress code for men, according to the event page.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Rumba at Inca Social (2670 Avenir Place) will offer guests a chance to celebrate with dinner, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast to celebrate 2020. Guests will receive a masquerade mask and other goodies. Tickets start around $20.
Maggiano’s Little Italy (2001 International Drive) is hosting a murder mystery-themed dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests will have the chance to investigate clues in order to solve a crime. Tickets are $100 and include a multi-course meal.
Sapphire Tysons (8201 Greensboro Drive) is hosting an event from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. with unlimited food and an open bar. The cost is $85 or $150 for a couple. People are encouraged to dress up to hit the dance floor and enjoy a DJ playing a variety of music genres.
Anyone excited about the return of the roaring 20s’ can gather at Blackfinn Ameripub (2750 Gallows Road) from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and enjoy 1920s-inspired cocktails, a champagne toast at midnight, a live DJ and a photo station. Tickets start at $15 online and include appetizers and the toast.
Photo by Yasemin K. on Unsplash
Fairfax County’s Big Job Adds — “Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority worked with 164 companies in calendar year 2017 to add, eventually, nearly 8,200 jobs. Three announcements, including a doozy from Amazon Web Services, accounted for 70 percent of that total… The Transportation Security Administration’s 2020 relocation from Pentagon City to Springfield: 3,000 jobs. AWS’ East Coast hub in Herndon: 1,500 jobs. And Favor TechConsulting, a Tysons-based minority-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned government contractor: 1,200 jobs.” [Washington Business Journal]
What’s Closed for New Year — “Fairfax County offices will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, while schools, parks and other services will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Some services like transit will be during New Year’s Eve events. Services will resume Tuesday, Jan. 2 unless noted.” [Patch]
Flood Watch in Effect — Expect periods of rain today. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of the region through late tonight. “Excessive runoff from already saturated soils will cause the potential for streams and creeks to rise out of their banks as well as flooding in low lying urban areas,” forecasters say. [Weather.gov, Twitter]
Rainy Weather Driving Tips — “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has some good guidance for safe driving in the rain, like keeping extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Also, turn on your lights anytime it’s raining.” [Fairfax County Fire, YouTube]
