Businesses at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston hope to get residents and visitors buzzing again with the return of their new “Second Sunday” event.
Conceived by OmBaked CBD Boutique owner Radhika Murari, the effort to draw foot traffic to the plaza and its many independently owned businesses and nonprofits will expand on Sunday, Sept. 8 with new promotions and additional participants after a successful introduction on the second Sunday of August (Aug. 11).
During the inaugural Second Sunday event, which featured five participants, Murari says her business, which opened at 11414 Washington Plaza West last fall, saw three times as many customers as it does on a typical Sunday. Reston Art Gallery also reported record attendance for its Sunday Chocolate and Wine Reception.
“All the businesses really enjoyed it,” Murari told FFXnow. “The plaza was full of people just strolling around, enjoying the weather, enjoying the lake and popping into our businesses. It was really beautiful. It was just so much fun.”
Murari, who also owns OmMade Peanut Butter, came up with Second Sundays as a low-key way to encourage the community to visit Lake Anne and support its business owners, many of whom live in Reston, on Sunday afternoons — a time when people are often starting to wind down from the weekend and brace for work or school on Monday morning.
The five businesses that got involved with the first Second Sunday will be joined in September by three newcomers: Lake Anne Brewhouse, Reston Museum and Reston’s Used Bookshop. As an incentive, the participants will offer activities, discounts or other promotions.
Reston Art Gallery: Indulge your senses at the Chocolate & Wine Reception. Savor fine wines paired with delectable chocolates while enjoying the inspiring artwork.
OmBaked: Alcohol-free, low-calorie, relaxing CBD seltzers are the perfect companion for a Sunday stroll around Lake Anne! Refresh yourself with our BOGO CBD Seltzer Specials.
Lake Anne Brewhouse: Get 20% off growler fills.
Lake Anne Coffee House: Paella Night and music on the patio! Plus, take advantage of the retail wine specials to find the perfect pairing.
Reston’s Used Book Shop: Young Adult Fantasy Books – BOG1 50% off!
Elden Street Tea Shop: Get BOGO Mocktails & Retail Tea Specials.
Reston Museum: Stop by for specials and an immersive experience in the history of Reston!
New Trail Cycling & Strength: Find your zen with Outdoor Yoga. Use code Sunday for $10 off!
Hoping to turn Second Sundays into a monthly tradition, Murari says the activities will change depending on the season, and at some point, the event could extend its current 3-6 p.m. time frame into the evening.
“Last month was such a success,” she said. “We had it covered in local news, and all over Facebook, people were inviting their friends to come, so I think this coming month will be even more fun. We’re hoping to add maybe some activities on Sunday evenings, but right now, it’s just a beautiful initiative and very well-received.”
