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Pentagon Row Now Offering Free Hour of Garage Parking

Published January 9, 2018 at 5:45PM

Those heading to shop or dine (or ice skate) at Pentagon Row will now get a free hour of garage parking.

Parking for even a short period of time at the Pentagon Row garage has previously required payment, except for those getting parking validation at the Harris Teeter. Starting today (Tuesday), all visitors will be able to park for free for the first hour, according to an email from the shopping center.

As of 5:30 p.m., there were more than 600 open parking spaces at the shopping center, according to its website.

The surface parking lots at Pentagon Row, near Harris Teeter and World Market, remain free for the first hour, though spaces are often hard to come by during peak periods.

Free Christmas Trees at Lions Club Lot

By ARLnow.com

Published December 22, 2017 at 10:30AM

If you’ve procrastinated on picking up a Christmas tree for your home, you’re in luck: at least one lot in Arlington is now giving trees away for free.

The Arlington South Lions Club, which this year moved its lot from the under-construction Food Lion site along Columbia Pike to American Legion Post 139 in Virginia Square, is trying to make sure its trees don’t go to waste.

“Since there are still many trees and only three days until Christmas, the Arlington South Lions Club will give a tree for FREE to anyone who wants one and stops by at 3445 Washington Blvd today, 4-7 p.m. and tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” Peter Golkin, who has been helping with the sale, tells ARLnow. “Financial donations to the Lions Club will gladly be accepted but are not necessary.”

As of Dec. 18, the Lions Club said it still had over 500 Fraser Fir trees still waiting for a home.

Photo courtesy Peter Golkin

Get Your Free ARL Stickers

By ARLnow.com

Published October 10, 2017 at 11:30AM

As a proud Arlingtonian and a fan of this website, you’ve only had a couple of chances to get your hands on some ARL schwag over the year.

If you missed out, today you have another opportunity.

We’ve bought some stickers — the kind you put on a laptop or a folder or wherever it is you put small logo stickers — and dropped them off at a couple local places. Feel free to pick some up, no purchase necessary.

Here’s where to get them, while supplies last:

Northside Social (3211 Wilson Blvd)
Artisan Confections (1025 N. Fillmore Street)
Central Coffee Bar (1901 N. Moore Street)
Arlington Economic Development (1100 N. Glebe Road #1500)

#free stuff

Registration Open for Arlington Free Tree Giveaway

By Chris Teale

Published September 26, 2017 at 3:45PM

Arlington County residents can register now to receive a free tree for their homes.

One tree is available per home in the county’s annual free tree distribution. Anyone who lives in a multi-family property like an apartment building, however, must contact TreeStewards.org for assistance in getting more trees.

“The trees being distributed are generally termed ‘whips’ in the nursery trade and are in two-gallon containers and ranging 2-4 feet in size,” organizers wrote. “You should carefully consider the spot you intend to plant your tree.”

The distribution will take place next month in two places:

Saturday, October 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arlington County nursery (4240 S. Four Mile Run Drive)
Wednesday, October 18, 5-8 p.m. at the Quincy Park parking lot (1021 N. Quincy Street)

Photo via Arlington County

League of Women Voters to Screen Zach Galifianakis Film

By ARLnow.com

Published August 28, 2017 at 11:00AM

The Arlington League of Women Voters is hosting a free screening of a new Zach Galifianakis film.

Better known for comedies like The Hangover and The Campaign, Galifianakis tackled the serious topic of gerrymandering and money in politics in his new film, “Democracy for Sale.”

The League is sponsoring the film’s screening at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 14, 2017 at 9:00AM

Charlottesville Solidarity Rally Held — Arlington County Board vice chair Katie Cristol was among those who spoke at a “Rally of Solidarity for Charlottesville” in Courthouse yesterday. The rally was intended to “actively condemn bigotry and racial hatred through a series of speeches, songs, actions, and a moment of silence.” [Facebook, WJLA]

Alexandria Considering New Names for Route 1 — An Alexandria group charged with considering new names for Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) is soliciting suggestions through an online form and two public hearings. [City of Alexandria]

Flashing Lights on I-66 — If you drove on I-66 this weekend and noticed flashing lights from equipment overhead, don’t worry: you’re not getting a ticket. Instead, VDOT is testing new toll equipment. Non-HOV drivers are expected to begin paying a toll to use I-66 inside the Beltway in December. [VDOT, NBC Washington]

Old Oak Tree Saved — A “mighty” oak tree that pre-dates the Civil War was saved from being removed during the construction of a new home thanks to a petition by neighbors and a developer willing to consider their concerns. The tree, at the corner of N. Nottingham and 27th streets, is 18 feet in circumference and one of Arlington’s 100 designated “champion” trees. [Washington Post]

WeWork Offering Free Space on Mondays — Coworking provider WeWork is offering free workspace at its D.C. and Northern Virginia locations — including its Arlington location in Crystal City — on Mondays as part of a new promotion dubbed “#SummerMondays.” The promotion runs through the end of September. An RSVP is required. [WeWork]

Photo courtesy Peter Golkin

‘Feel the Heritage Festival’ Bringing Music, Dancing and Food to Nauck Next Week

By Tim Regan

Published February 17, 2017 at 3:45PM

An annual festival based around Arlington’s rich African-American history and culture is scheduled to bring live music, dancing and food to Nauck next week.

The “Feel the Heritage Festival” is scheduled to take place at the Drew Community Center (3500 23rd Street South) next Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1-6 p.m. This is the event’s 25th year running.

As in previous years, attendees will be able to experience Arlington’s African-American roots through food, art, and entertainment. The event will also have free activities for kids and a “Hall of History” with photos and artifacts from Arlington churches and organizations.

Food vendors slated to sling food during the festival include the A.R. Seafood and Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company. Additionally, the festival will have more than 20 artisans selling handmade and local goods and booths from community exhibitors such as BikeArlington and the Nauck Civic Association.

The festival is free to attend and parking will be “ample,” according to Arlington County.

Pentagon Row Nando’s to Sling Free Chicken Next Tuesday

By Tim Regan

Published February 17, 2017 at 10:00AM

The Nando’s Peri-Peri in Pentagon City is set to hand out free chicken as part of a promotional event planned for next week.

The South African-Portuguese chain’s eatery at 1301 S. Joyce Street is scheduled to serve free quarter-chickens, sandwiches, wraps and pitas on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 6-8 p.m. Sides and drinks still will cost money, however

The deal, dubbed the “Nando’s Dash,” only is available to customers who don’t take their food to go.

“Because we get a kick out of being generous, next Tuesday, February 21, we’re putting on a #NandosDash for you at our Pentagon Row restaurant in Arlington,” the chain said in a promotional email.

Photo via Facebook/Nando’s Peri Peri

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 28, 2016 at 9:25AM | Updated October 28, 2016 at 9:54AM

County Manager on Buck Property — County staff have “made no recommendations for any specific function” at the to-be-acquired Buck property near Washington-Lee High School, the county said in a press release this morning. Nearby residents have launched a petition against a proposal to use the property for school bus operations. Said Arlington County Manager Mark Schwarz: “Our ability to provide essential services is only as good as the facilities we have to support them. As our population continues to grow, our services will either deteriorate or cost the taxpayer more without adequate support facilities.” [Arlington County]

Fundraiser for Employee Struck By SUV — A fundraiser for a Mad Rose Tavern employee run over by an SUV raised more than $5,000 last night, the restaurant’s manager said on Facebook. Victoria Gonzalez, 34, is still in the hospital, preparing to begin rehabilitation. The next court appearance for the DUI suspect in the case is scheduled for Nov. 17. [WJLA]

Bowl’d to Introduce Breakfast — Healthy fast casual eatery Bowl’d (1028 N. Garfield Street) in Clarendon is introducing weekend breakfast service from 9 a.m. to noon, starting this Saturday. Bowl’d founder Allen Reed says the restaurant will be “giving away breakfast tacos, greek yogurt bowls and hot breakfast bowls to the first 150 people who come through our doors this weekend.”

Talento to Bring New Perspective to School Board — Democrat Tannia Talento, who’s running unopposed for Arlington School Board, says she wants to bring “the perspective of the working parent” to the Board. Another unique perspective: Talento said economic and family issues prevented her from getting a college degree. Talento says her priorities on the Board will be dealing with the growing student population, improving access to mental health services and narrowing the achievement gap. [InsideNova]

Arlington Lauded for LGBTQ Protections — “Arlington has been named one of 37 American ‘All-Star Cities‘ acclaimed for their high standard of inclusiveness toward their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer communities.” [Arlington County]

Innovative Companies in Crystal City — Business publication Bisnow says the following are “five disruptive companies establishing Crystal City as [a] nexus of innovation:” Lyft, TMSOFT, OrcaVue, Polynox Solutions and FourStay. [Bisnow]

New Columbia Pike Pizzeria 1000 Degrees Opening, Offering Free Pizza Tomorrow

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2016 at 11:15AM | Updated October 4, 2016 at 12:07PM

A new quick-service pizza restaurant on Columbia Pike is offering free pizza tomorrow as the eatery holds its grand opening.

1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, billed as “a fast-casual American spin on authentic, hand-tossed Neapolitan pizza,” is opening at 3400 Columbia Pike, near the intersection with S. Glebe Road.

The first 10 customers will get free pizza for a year, according to a press release, while anyone else stopping by on opening day will get a free 10-inch personal pizza for following the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

From the press release:

To celebrate the new restaurant, the first 10 guests through the doors on Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. will win free pizza for a year. In addition, all guests who visit the grand opening between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. and like 1000 Degrees on Facebook or follow on Instagram or Twitter will receive a free 10″ pizza of their choice.

1000 Degrees serves personalized, made-to-order authentic Neapolitan pizza. Each pizza starts with fresh, never frozen, hand-tossed dough, created with authentic Neapolitan flour and available in both a personal 10″ and sharable 14″ sizes. Guests then choose to create their own pizza or order one of the 1000 Degrees Favorites.

The Arlington 1000 Degrees is the first location in the D.C. area, and is owned and operated by long-time, local entrepreneur of the area. Prior to 1000 Degrees, the owner had owned several different businesses in the area, and chose to open 1000 Degrees after being drawn to its fresh, quality ingredients and fun atmosphere.

“We’re thrilled to open the doors of our third 1000 Degrees restaurant in Virginia,” said 1000 Degrees CEO and Founder Brian Petruzzi. “I’m confident that we serve the best hand-tossed Neapolitan pizza in the area and provide an unparalleled customer experience that will keep people coming back for more.”

Customizing a 1000 Degrees pizza is truly a unique experience, as guests can choose to top theirs with any of the more than 50 high quality cheeses, sauces, meats, vegetables and other toppings all for one flat price. While choosing their toppings, customers are guided down an assembly line of pizza consultants to create a pizza that is totally unique to them.

Outside of the build your own option, there are more than 12 varieties of specialty pizzas including favorites like The Smokey Pollo, also known as Barbecue Bourbon Chicken, which features sweet and smokey bourbon barbecue sauce, roasted chicken, red onion, pineapple, shredded Grande brand mozzarella and blue cheeses, and The Philly, which is a cheese steak pizza topped with thinly sliced rib-eye, caramelized Spanish onions, balsamic glaze, shredded Grande brand mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Pizzas are then fired to perfection at 1000 degrees in a custom, handmade, revolving Neapolitan brick oven in just two minutes.

Unlike traditional Neapolitan pizza which has a slightly undercooked center and requires a fork and knife to eat, 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza has fused this classic style with American flare. The result is a thin crust pizza that maintains the light and airy appeal of a Neapolitan style pizza.

1000 Degrees pizza captures American appeal and old world Neapolitan flavor. The company currently has more than 18 domestic restaurants open and one international location in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 1000 Degrees is growing at a rapid pace, on target to have more than 25 units open by the end of this year.

1000 Degrees Arlington is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published August 31, 2016 at 8:45AM | Updated June 29, 2018 at 11:11AM

Northern Virginia Transit Ridership Down — Amid Metro’s woes, transit ridership across Northern Virginia has dropped significantly. Metrorail ridership was down 6.7 percent for the one year period ending June 30, while Metrobus ridership is down 4.6 percent. Arlington Transit bus ridership, however, was up 13.8 percent. [InsideNova]

Arlington Family Gets Lost Cat Back — A new Arlington family whose cat jumped out of their moving van and ran away at a Michigan Welcome Center has been reunited with their wayward feline. The welcome center’s employees managed to safely trap the cat five days after it escaped. [NBC Washington]

Free Chips and Queso Today — California Tortilla restaurants are offering free chips and queso today, to commemorate the impending end of summer. Customers must say the password “easy cheesy” and make another purchase to get the free stuff. [Facebook]

CIA’s Local VC Firm Profiled — Courthouse-based In-Q-Tel, which functions as the Central Intelligence Agency’s venture capital arm, “operates in the shadows.” The firm is run as a taxpayer-funded nonprofit, investing in companies whose technology could benefit the CIA or the military. [Wall Street Journal]

Carlee Takes University Job — Former Arlington County Manager Ron Carlee, who most recently served as Charlotte, N.C.’s city manager, has taken an assistant professor position at Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business in Norfolk. [Charlotte Observer]