Tysons | FFXnow - Part 317

Published December 29, 2023 at 12:00PM

The landscaping outside 2491 Restaurant at Fairview Park in West Falls Church (file photo)

The final weekend of 2023 is near, which means it’s time for FFXnow to wrap up our first full year of operations since launching in February 2022.

The past 12 months brought plenty of change to Fairfax County, from a pivotal election cycle that reshaped the local school board and General Assembly delegation to Lego Discovery Center’s anticipated arrival at Springfield Town Center. The future became a little clearer for areas like Reston, Annandale and the West Falls Church Transit Station Area, as plans for development solidified.

Around Town

Dutch pancake shop Poffy has closed after two years in Merrifield

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 29, 2023 at 11:15AM

Poffy opened in the Mosaic District in 2021 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A Merrifield bakery that specializes in poffertjes — a traditional Dutch snack that resembles puffed-up pancakes — has closed up shop.

Poffy ceased operations during the weekend after Thanksgiving, opening its doors in the Mosaic District (2985 District Avenue, Suite 170) for the last time on Nov. 25, the business announced on Instagram.

Countywide

First Hike Fairfax contest offers $100 gift cards for top photos of county trails

By James Jarvis

Published December 29, 2023 at 10:15AM

Walkers turn corner of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park trail (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

To kick off the new year, the Fairfax County Park Foundation is offering hikers gift cards ranging from $75 to $100 for their best photos of local trails.

This upcoming Monday, Jan. 1, hikers are invited to snap pictures while exploring any of the county’s 334 miles of trails.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published December 29, 2023 at 8:15AM

A sign posted to a utility pole along Route 29 in West Falls Church encourages "Empathy" (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Metro Offers Late Night Service for New Year’s Eve — “Good news for those celebrating New Year’s Eve in the D.C. region: Metro trains will be running till around 2 a.m., two hours later than usual for Sundays. The exact last train times will vary depending on the station and line…Trains will start running at around 7 a.m. as usual.” [DCist]

Fairfax County Casino Bill Expected — “State Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax, is planning to re-introduce legislation that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino. He introduced similar legislation last year that went nowhere. This year, though, his proposal envisions far more than a casino and includes a convention center, concert hall, hotel, and other amenities.” [Associated Press]

Countywide

FCPD arrests 10 men in crackdown on online sexual solicitations of minors

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 28, 2023 at 1:15PM

Fairfax County police arrested 10 men in a sting operation focused on online solicitations of sex from children (courtesy FCPD)

Almost a dozen men, whose jobs reportedly range from technology worker to yoga instructor, have been charged with attempting to solicit sex from children after a three-day sting operation by the Fairfax County Police Department.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis announced this morning that 10 men were arrested as a result of “Operation ADC Express 2,” which began on Dec. 18 and involved undercover detectives with the department’s Child Exploitation Unit posing online as 13 or 14-year-old teens.

Around Town

Mimi’s Handmade ice cream shop arrives at the Mosaic District

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 28, 2023 at 11:00AM

Mimi's Handmade is now open at the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Mimi’s Handmade is now chilling at the Mosaic District in Merrifield.

The ice cream maker quietly opened its newest shop at 2985 District Avenue, Suite 160, about a month ago, owner Rollin Amore told FFXnow yesterday (Wednesday).

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published December 28, 2023 at 8:15AM

Fog clouds buildings behind the Reston Town Center Metro station entrance (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Pedestrian Hospitalized in Springfield Hit-and-Run — “Officers are on scene of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian at Huntsman Blvd/Bridle Wood Dr in Springfield. The pedestrian, an adult woman, was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Striking vehicle fled the scene.” [FCPD/Twitter]

County Housing Authority’s HQ Gets Solar Panels — “A new rooftop solar array and other energy improvements at the Pender Office Building will save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions…Overall, the project is expected to reduce annual electricity consumption by 23%, producing up to $35,500 in savings in the first year.” [Fairfax County Government]

A workplace that really stands out from the crowd

By Sponsor

Published December 27, 2023 at 12:30PM

The Mather is hiring now for an array of positions to provide hospitality and exceptional service in multiple restaurants, a fitness center and spa, and much more — all in a luxury setting and supportive atmosphere.

When you start your workday, do you want to walk through the doors and enter an environment where talents are nurtured, passions are pursued, and possibilities abound? In Mather’s newest venture in Tysons, Virginia, all of this is a part of an award-winning culture within their luxury community called The Mather.

The highest level of hospitality imbues The Mather’s elegant amenity spaces, thoughtfully curated food and beverage offerings, and innovative model of next-level service.

News

Improved accessibility, amenities coming to Wolf Trap National Park in new year

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 27, 2023 at 11:00AM

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is getting a new Meadow Commons concessions building (courtesy of Wolf Trap)

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts won’t unveil the artists booked for its upcoming summer season for a few more weeks, likely in late January or early February. But regardless of who’s on stage, Filene Center visitors can expect at least one improvement in 2024: an updated concessions area.

Construction on the new Meadow Commons building began in September after the demolition of the existing concessions stand, which had served patrons since the Filene Center opened in 1971.

Countywide

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published December 27, 2023 at 8:15AM

The Fair City Mall parking lot on a rainy day in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

New Sushi Restaurant Opens in Lorton — “An all-you-can-eat hibachi and sushi restaurant is slated to open Dec. 26 at Gunston Plaza in Lorton. Sushi Ohayo — pronounced ‘Ohio’ — is a full-service Japanese restaurant with an extensive menu of appetizers, entrees, bento boxes, sushi and sashimi…This is the second location for Sushi Ohayo, which opened its first restaurant in Chantilly a few months ago.” [On the MoVe]

Stabbing Under Investigation in Fairfax — “City of Fairfax Police detectives are investigating a stabbing that occurred Christmas Eve in the 9800 block of Fairfax Boulevard, according to a 5:50 p.m. post on the department’s X/Twitter account. As of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, the victim was in stable condition at a nearby hospital, according to a police spokesman.” [Patch]