Ice Cream Jubilee will dole out discounted scoops and free hats this Friday (Aug. 23) to celebrate its grand opening in Reston.
After an extended delay related to permitting challenges, the ice cream chain opened its first Fairfax County location at 11990 Market Street, Suite D, in Reston Town Center on Aug. 2.
Fairfax County Students Start New School Year — “Samia was among the nearly 200,000 students who headed back to school Monday as Alexandria City and Fairfax County Public Schools opened for the new year.” Changes in FCPS include additional early-release Mondays and a cell phone storage pilot set to launch after Labor Day. [Washington Post]
Man Arrested for Church Burglaries — “A 56-year-old Sterling man was arrested and charged in connection with burglaries at seven Fairfax County churches since April, according to police.” The man was identified as a suspect following an overnight break-in at an Annandale church on Aug. 5, and police later connected him to incidents in Burke, Fairfax Station, Chantilly and Oakton. [Patch]
Korean Bar Now Open in Annandale — “Annandale has a relatively new late-night gathering place — an izakaya — with craft cocktails and a small-plate menu featuring traditional and fusion Korean food. JMT Kitchen & Bar is located at 4316 Markham Street in the building that also houses A&J Restaurant.” [Annandale Today]
Area Families Grapple with Costs of Youth Sports — “As the price to participate in high-level youth competitions continues to skyrocket, public school athletics are considered an affordable alternative. However, there are some hidden costs families should be prepared for as their child tries out for the school team.” [WTOP]
Shwarma Truck Relocates to Oakton Restaurant — “Fans of Yalla Pita, the popular food truck that used to operate out of a Shell gas station in Vienna, will soon get the chance to dig into the eatery’s shawarma and falafel again. After closing in May, Yalla Pita is set to reopen this Saturday, August 17, in a permanent new space in Oakton.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Reston School Celebrates New Mural — “It was a joy to celebrate Lake Anne Elementary School’s new mural with students, parents and teachers. It’s a statement of Reston’s shared values and diversity. Thanks to Public Art Reston, Lake Anne Elementary and mural artist Shawn James of Mural Masters Inc. for making it possible!” [Supervisor Walter Alcorn/Facebook]
Herndon to Host First Pickleball Tournament — “Our first-ever pickleball tournament is happening on Sept. 21 at Bready Park! Beginner & intermediate divisions. Register your team now and enjoy a day of friendly competition! Spots are limited — don’t miss out!” [Town of Herndon/Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunshine and a high of approximately 77°F, accompanied by a northwest wind at 10 mph and gusts reaching up to 18 mph. Tuesday night will bring mostly clear skies and a low of about 56°F, with north winds at 7 mph. [NWS]
Virginia State Police are investigating the recent death of a Reston man that has been deemed “suspicious” following an autopsy.
According to police, the man was found in a silver 2005 BMW sedan that had stopped on the northbound shoulder of I-395 near Seminary Road in Alexandria around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. VSP troopers responded to the vehicle after getting a call for a medical emergency.
A Reston man was arrested late last week for allegedly breaking into and stealing from several businesses around Fairfax City.
According to the City of Fairfax Police Department, officers were first called to Halalway International Supermarket at 4072 Jermantown Road around 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 8. Overnight, an “unknown” man had forced his way into the business and stolen money, investigators found.
With students officially back in class, Fairfax County is expanding its use of speed cameras to enforce the 25-mph limit in school zones.
Over the next few months, the county will roll out cameras to 10 additional locations near public schools for the first phase of its speed camera program, building on a pilot program that launched in February 2023 with eight sites.
Capital Beltway Passes 60th Anniversary — This Saturday (Aug. 17) marked 60 years since the final stretch of the Capital Beltway opened to traffic on Aug. 17, 1964. “The Beltway has been widened several times, become a well-known political reference, been supplemented with high occupancy toll lanes and become synonymous with congested commutes in and around the nation’s capital.” [WTOP]
Kingstowne Fire Response Disrupted — “Firefighters who put out a two-alarm fire inside a Fairfax County residence were evacuated around noon on Friday after officials said they lost access to water at one point.” Smoke was seen issuing from the front of the townhome when firefighters responded to the Kingstowne area that morning. [WJLA]
Virginia Delayed Corporate Tax Refunds — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration failed to provide timely tax refunds worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Virginia corporations two years in a row, an error made public…after Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears inquired about an odd footnote in a financial presentation to the House and Senate money committees.” [Washington Post]
Police Cite Thousands During Traffic Safety Campaign — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has successfully wrapped up the fourth wave of our ‘Road Shark’ traffic safety campaign. Working with the Virginia State Police, our officers issued over 7,000 citations and warnings between August 5 and August 11, targeting reckless driving and other dangerous behaviors in traffic-heavy areas.” [FCPD]
Research Nonprofit Plans Fair Lakes Office — “Riverside Research will relocate its regionally-based business operations to Fairfax County in September 2024, as part of its strategy to centralize Northern Virginia operations and accommodate growth. This move will merge its current facility in Arlington with its Centreville office.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
GMU Students Move in This Week — “Parking and traffic closures will occur on the Fairfax Campus from Wednesday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 25, to facilitate the move-in of nearly 6,000 residential students…Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck.” [GMU]
Korean Community’s History in Annandale — “How did Annandale come to be known as ‘Koreatown’? Community activist, business owner, and longtime Annandale resident Steve Lee offered an explanation at a recent discussion session at George Mason Regional Library.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high near 83 until after 2 pm, when there’s a 70% chance of precipitation until 8pm. Night will bring mostly cloudy skies and a low around 63 with a 60% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Heman Bekele has another title to go along with his status as America’s reigning Top Young Scientist.
The 15-year-old Fairfax resident has been chosen as the 2024 Kid of the Year by Time for his efforts to create a soap that could help treat skin cancers. The magazine’s issue recognizing Heman and five other “Kid of the Year” honorees hit newsstands today (Friday).
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Are you considering making a move to or within Fairfax?
Today, I’m excited to share five of the most underrated communities in Fairfax County that deserve your attention. These hidden gems offer unique advantages, whether you’re looking for a strong sense of community, prime location, or simply a place to call home.
1. Cobbdale — A Hidden Gem in the City of Fairfax
Cobbdale is truly a treasure tucked away in the heart of the City of Fairfax. One of its standout features is its non-HOA regulated environment, yet it still has a vibrant civic association that fosters a close-knit community. From Easter egg hunts to Halloween parades and park cleanups, Cobbdale is where neighbors come together. The variety of single-family homes — from colonials to split-levels — means there’s something here for everyone. Plus, with its unbeatable access to major interstates like 66, 50, and 495, getting around is a breeze.
2. University Square — The Best of Both Worlds
Imagine your new home coming with a membership to a community pool — that’s exactly what you get in University Square. Located just outside the City of Fairfax in Fairfax County, this neighborhood combines the best of both worlds. With George Mason University nearby and easy access to major roads like 66 and Chain Bridge Road, it’s a prime location for those who value convenience. I’ve sold several homes in this area, and let me tell you, people don’t leave! They build lifelong connections, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
3. Farrcroft — Luxury Living in Downtown Fairfax
Farrcroft is one of my personal favorites, especially if you’re looking for luxury living. These stunning colonial homes are just a short walk from the quaint downtown Fairfax area, offering you the charm of a small-town living with all the conveniences of the city. Surrounded by parks managed by the City of Fairfax, Farrcroft provides a serene, park-like environment while still being close to major highways like 66 and Chain Bridge Road. The sense of community here is palpable, with long-time residents taking pride in maintaining their beautiful properties.
4. Lakewood Estates — A Water Lover’s Dream in Springfield
If you’re anything like me and love being near water, Lakewood Estates in Springfield should be at the top of your list. Nestled among three lakes — Tite, Burke Lake, and Huntsman Lake — this community offers a tranquil retreat with easy access to outdoor activities. The school pyramid here is highly sought after, making it a great choice for families. When I sold a home here, the military family who had to move was heartbroken to leave, which speaks volumes about the tight-knit community they found. And with easy access to 395, 495, and 95, you’re just a stone’s throw from the city, Alexandria, and beyond.
5. Crosspointe — The Community Lover’s Haven in Fairfax Station
While Crosspointe might not be the best-kept secret, it’s still an underrated gem that deserves a mention. With over 1,400 homes, you’re sure to find your people in this vibrant community. Crosspointe offers an array of amenities, including six playgrounds, two pools, a community center, and tennis courts that even cater to pickleball enthusiasts. The proximity to Fountainhead Regional Park is a huge plus for biking and trail running fans, and the community’s own trails offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The homes here are spacious and architecturally distinct, making them perfect for growing families.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through five of Fairfax County’s most underrated communities. There’s so much more to explore in Fairfax, and I can’t wait to dig deeper with you in our next Live Fairfax adventure!
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
Fairfax County is no longer at high risk of experiencing a drought, thanks to the rain brought last week by Tropical Storm Debby.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today (Friday) that it has lifted its drought advisories for almost all of the state, including Northern Virginia, which has been under a drought warning since late June.
The Fairfax County Police Department is continuing to crack down on retail store thefts with the assistance of local businesses, Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control and other law enforcement agencies.
Recent investigations have yielded arrests in several cases that targeted “high-end” retailers, particularly in Tysons, and Virginia ABC stores around the region, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced at a press conference yesterday.
