The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual holiday event “Light Up the Village” (Photo courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)
The Village at Shirlington is hosting its annual holiday event “Light Up the Village” (courtesy of Federal Realty Investment Trust)
The lights are coming on at Shirlington next week.
On Thursday (Dec. 2), the Village at Shirlington is hosting the holiday event “Light Up the Village” from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
The event will feature a Christmas tree lighting, caroling from Bishop O’Connell students, strolling entertainment, performances from Signature Theatre, horse and carriage rides, and selfies with Santa. The evening is being emceed by NBC Channel 4’s Jummy Olabanji and will benefit event partner non-profit Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).
While horse and carriage rides are free and there’s no need to sign up in advance, donations to AFAC are welcomed.
“Donations of non-perishables and cash to benefit AFAC will be accepted from those taking a horse and carriage ride,” writes a spokesperson for Federal Realty Investment Trust, which owns the retail and restaurant center, which is set for eventual redevelopment. “AFAC volunteers will be onsite at the horse and carriage rides to collect these donations.”
Attendees will be able to “sip and stroll” with an an alcoholic drink from a local, participating restaurant.
Performers and musicians from Signature Theatre’s current production of Rent will be performing about a half dozen holiday and winter songs during the event as well.
Shirlington has seen a number of new businesses put down roots recently. In the last two months, Bearded Goat Barbershop, CHIKO, and F45 gym all have opened.
Volunteers distributing food at AFAC (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
‘Tis the season for charity, as year-end giving campaigns and holiday donation drives ramp up.
This year, with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, two dozen local nonprofits have listed what they need to serve their clients this holiday season.
Contribution opportunities include providing essentials to people in affordable housing, transitional housing and recovery programs, supporting the arts, feeding people and animals and helping nonprofits provide STEM programming and assist job-seeking clients.
Assemble holiday gift bags filled with fun items such as fuzzy socks, craft supplies and a gift card for teens and senior citizens in AHC’s programs.
Donate education tools for AHC’s youth. Purchase gifts from AmazonSmile through AHC Inc.’s Wish List.
Animal Welfare League of Arlington
Donate food and supplies from our Chewy Wish list so pets and their families get the resources they deserve to stay together.
Donate items from our Amazon Wish list to give shelter animals the care they need or even a special surprise this holiday season.
Arlington Arts Center
Donate two foldable wheelchairs for visitors who may need assistance during their visit.
Donate painting supplies for gallery walls (roller covers, painters tape and drop cloths).
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Register online to organize a food drive to help AFAC collect food for Arlington families struggling against hunger. AFAC will provide boxes and will pick up the donated food.
Arlington Free Clinic
Donate a $25 Target gift card so that patients who are parents can buy holiday presents.
Donate lotion and hand cream for patients who visit during the cold, dry months.
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing
Donate household supplies, such as toiletries, for our Household Essential Pantry.
Donate winter clothing accessories for Holiday Seasonal Drive, such as children’s face masks, gloves, scarves and hats.
Arlington Thrive
Empower and celebrate an Arlington case manager or social worker by donating a gift — such as a gift card, office supplies, an experience or an accessory — for their holiday surprise care package.
Aspire! Afterschool Learning
Donate an Amazon gift card in any amount for student program needs and family support.
Donate gift cards from Giant, Safeway, Walmart or Target in $25 increments. These make great welcome home gifts for our guests who move out of RPC and into their own place.
Operation Renewed Hope Foundation
Donate new bath towel sets: one large towel, one hand towel and one or two washcloths.
Donate a bagless vacuum cleaner.
PathForward
Donate a new twin-size bed bundle, such as sheets and a blanket, to an adult seeking warmth this winter at our Homeless Services Center.
Donate Glucerna Protein Shakes to an adult managing their health and wellness in our Medical Program.
Restoration Immigration Legal Aid
Donate Walmart gift cards for asylum seekers and vulnerable immigrant children to buy food and holiday gifts for their families.
Donate essential hygiene items for the most vulnerable immigrants in our area.
Rosie Riveters
Donate a space where Rosie Riveters can hold paid and free after-school and weekend STEM programs.
RPSVA’s Arlington Peers Helping Peers in Recovery
Donate winter gear (such as hats, heavy socks, gloves, blankets and sleeping bags) for homeless adults.
Donate snacks and bottled water for homeless adults.
The Clothesline for Arlington Kids
Prepare a student for winter weather. Donate new winter coats or lightly used coats in excellent condition. Particular need for adult sizes for teens.
Put a smile on a kid’s face. Donate new sneakers.
Wreaths Across America
Sponsor a veteran’s wreath to be placed on the headstone of an American hero laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery this National Wreaths Across America Day (Saturday, Dec. 18). Each $15 handmade, live balsam wreath is placed by a volunteer and sponsored by an individual.
Encore Stage’s Enchanted Bookshop Christmas (Photo courtesy of Encore Stage/ Cindy Kane Photography)
As the region creeps back closer to normal, and with the holiday season now upon us, in-person performing arts are making a comeback.
Local theaters are once again welcoming back audiences for an assortment of concerts and productions.
If you’re interested in seeing a show and gaining some cultural enrichment while sitting among fellow humans, below are a few Arlington options to consider over the next few months.
The cast of Signature Theater’s Rent (Photo courtesy of Signature Theater/Christopher Mueller)
Safety Precautions: Proof of vaccinations or a negative test are required to attend a live, indoor performance at Signature Theater. Masks are also required at all times.
Details: In-person theater is back at Signature Theater with an all-new production of the iconic musical Rent.
“RENT is a musical about love, loss and community,” wrote director Matthew Gardiner in the press release. “After this past year where we’ve all felt isolated and disconnected, reopening Signature’s doors with this story about beautiful warriors and agents for change who found each other amidst unimaginable loss feels incredibly resonant.”
Where: Gunston Arts Center, Theater 1 at 2700 S. Lang Street
Safety Precautions: Masks are required for everyone in the audience, including staff and students, except for children under the age of two. Concessions will only be available by pre-order and patrons must eat and drink outdoors.
Details: A sequel (with a holiday spin) to “Enchanted Bookshop,” which was performed at Encore Stage in 2019. Encore did two drive-by productions prior to moving back inside earlier this fall.
It’s four days before Christmas and a very special present has gone missing. Help come-to-life book characters solve the mystery and save the day. Enchanted Bookshop Christmas for all ages that’s 90 minutes including intermission.
Synetic Theater’s Cinderella (Photo courtesy of Synetic Theater/Johnny Shryock Photography)
Safety Precautions: All audience members over the age of 12 are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test along with an ID. Children under 12 are not required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative. Masks are required at all times and concessions will not be sold during the performance.
Details: This is a modern re-telling of the classic magical tale of “a striking clock, a glass slipper, and a brave young woman who dares to pursue her wildest dreams.”
Synetic Theater kept active throughout the pandemic by streaming performances and doing outdoor theater earlier this fall.
Known for wordless physical theater, this performance is family-friendly as well as appealing to non-English speakers due to the fact that there’s little dialogue.
Where: Gunston Arts Center, Theater 2 at 2700 S. Lang Street
Safety Precautions: Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are mandatory for entry. Face coverings must be worn at all times while in the building.
Details: This autobiographical one-man show from one of America’s most acclaimed playwrights, August Wilson, stars William Newman, who some might know as the Chief Judge of Arlington’s Circuit Court. This isn’t Newman’s first starring role on the stage, either.
The performance deals with mature themes and is not suitable for all ages.
BallotNova’s The Nutcracker (Photo courtesy of BalletNova)
Where: Kenmore Middle School at 200 S. Carlin Springs Road
Safety Precautions: Attendees 12 years old and over are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the past three days. All attendees are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated dancers over the age of 12 will not be wearing masks while performing.
Details: This BalletNova’s first live, in-person performance in nearly two years. This rendition has all-new choreography, sets, and costumes “that are sure to make this year’s production our most magical yet,” artistic director Matthew Powell writes ARLnow.
“There are also a few fun surprises in store, but we can’t give away all of our secrets,” he notes.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or on the website. The production is suitable for all ages.
National Chamber Ensemble’s Holiday Cheer (Photo via National Chamber Ensemble)
Safety Precautions: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours. Audience members must wear masks at all times as required by Arlington County.
Details: For the long-running community theater company, this William Shakespeare comedy is its first show back at Thomas Jefferson Community Theater. This past fall, the Arlington Players had an in-person, outdoor performance at Lubber Run Amphitheater.
A Midnight Summer’s Dream is family-friendly and open to all ages.
Know of any other upcoming performing arts shows in the area worth considering? Let us know in the comments.
A local Christmas tree lot (courtesy of Peter Golkin)
(Updated at 6:30 p.m.) With cold weather here, holiday music returning, and Thanksgiving a week away, it’s time for many to pick out that perfect Christmas tree.
Arlington has several Christmas tree sales, though that number seems to have diminished in 2021 compared to recent years. Unsurprisingly the pandemic is playing a role, but another cause is a reported tree shortage.
Supply chain issues, wildfires and heat waves in the Pacific Northwest, shipping delays, and a pine tree pest infestation in Kentucky are all contributing factors to the nationwide shortage.
The Knights of Columbus Christmas tree lot at Our Lady of Lourdes, on 23rd Street S. near Crystal City, won’t be having a sale this year, after cancelling in 2020 due to Covid-related concerns. This time around, the shortage is the primary reason.
“Our supplier for the last 15 years recently informed us that he had supply chain issues and would not be able to provide us with trees this year,” a spokesperson told ARLnow. “We contacted various other farms in North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia but none were able to provide trees either.”
They plan on coming back next year, however.
“We will work during the offseason to establish a relationship with a new supplier and plan on opening next year,” the group said.
The Arlington South Lions Club also won’t be having its sale near the intersection of Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run Drive in 2021, a club member said. It would have been the sale’s 59th year. The cancellation is not Covid- or shortage-related, we’re told.
Below is a list of sales that ARLnow has confirmed are happening.
The Optimist Club of Arlington is holding its 75th annual sale at the corner of N. Glebe Road and Lee Highway, directly behind the Wells Fargo Bank and next to Metro 29 diner. It starts at noon on Friday, Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. The sale will be daily until the trees are sold out. Organizers claim it to be “the LARGEST tree lot in all of Northern Virginia by volume” and sell about 2,500 trees a year. All trees are grown on the Virginia and North Carolina border and cut on Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. They recommend buying early since it’s anticipated they’ll sell out by Dec. 12. Proceeds go to youth sports programs and scholarships.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church at 4000 Lorcom Lane in Cherrydale also kicks off its sale on Friday, Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. Two-hundred trees will from Vermont will be offered. The hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers are recommending buying early since 85% of the trees were sold during the first weekend. Volunteers are needed.
The Clarendon United Methodist Church at 606 N. Irving Street is holding its pre-sale now with tree pick-up starting on Saturday, Nov. 27. There will also be a lot set up for those who wish to come in person. However, only 200 trees are available (plus a number of wreaths) and the church expects to sell out quickly. All the trees come from Canada, cost $75, and proceeds will go to the non-profit Arlington Thrive.
The boys and girls of Scout Troop 167 are partnering with Mount Olivet United Methodist Church at 1500 N. Glebe Road in the Ballston area this year for a Christmas tree sale. The sale will only be for three days, the weekend after Thanksgiving. It starts Friday evening and runs through Sunday afternoon. A rain date will be the following weekend. Wreaths, medium, and large trees will be available. There’ll be no small trees this year due to drought but bigger trees can be trimmed. Pre-ordering and, even, home delivery are available this year.
Boy Scout Troop 162 is again hosting its Christmas tree sale at the Dominion Hills pool parking lot at 5960 Wilson Blvd. The sale kicks off on Friday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Regular hours are Monday-Friday from 4-8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wreaths and garlands will also be sold. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted. “Boy Scout Troop 162 has been selling Christmas trees to their Arlington neighbors since the early 1970’s,” says the troop’s Facebook page. “We are proud to say that we have sold trees to generations of families and look forward to many more years!”
Aware of any other local Christmas tree sales? Let us know in the comments.
Tomorrow (Thursday) is Veterans Day, and today Arlington County is holding a commemoration event and concert to honor all who served.
The Wednesday event will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Bozman Government Center Plaza.
For the federal holiday tomorrow, Arlington County’s government offices will be closed, as will courts, schools and libraries. Arlington Public Schools will also observe the day off.
Metered parking will not be enforced, but trash pickup will proceed as normal.
The ART bus will operate on a holiday bus service. ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55 and 87 will operate on Sunday schedules. All other ART routes will not operate.
Metro service adjustments will also be in effect.
“On Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight with trains operating at reduced frequencies due to the removal of the 7000-series railcars from service,” WMATA said. “Metrobus will operate on a Saturday schedule and MetroAccess customers may make a reservation to travel on the holiday; however, subscription trips will be canceled.”
Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink at Westpost (staff photo by Matt Blitz)
(Updated, 11:40 a.m.) Pentagon Row Ice Skating Rink opened for the season this past weekend, despite not-quite-winter temperatures.
Starting the season a week earlier than last year, the nearly-7,000 square foot rink located in the plaza at 1201 S. Joyce Street in Pentagon City is said to be the “largest outdoor ice skating rink in Northern Virginia” and the second-largest in the state.
The rink will be open until mid-March, providing about four and a half months of skating time. There are a few changes at the rink from last year, when capacity and mask restrictions were quite a bit tighter.
Masks are now optional while skating, an employee tells ARLnow, as opposed to required last year, though will still be sanitizing high-touch areas including skates and rails around the rink.
Capacity is increasing from the 50% mark in 2020 to full capacity. That means the number of skaters allowed on the ice at any given time is being doubled, from 75 last year to 150. Social distancing is still being requested while on the ice, waiting to get on the ice, and at the rental facility, though.
There’s also a pricing change, with admission rates increasing by a dollar from last season. It now costs $11 for those 13 years and older. For those younger than 13 and senior citizens, admission is $10. Skate rentals are $5.
Group and party rates are being offered once again as well as private skating lessons. Reservations for skating can still be made online.
Despite the shopping center on S. Joyce Street rebranding late last year to “Westpost,” the ice skating rink remains called “Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Rink.” However, that could change in the coming months, writes a rink manager in an email to ARLnow.
In 2013, the ice skating rink underwent a renovation that increased the size by 50% and added an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace on the side of the rink for those off the ice.
The rink is open every day of the week, including holidays:
Columbus Day Closures — “Most Arlington Transit routes are closed, with the exception of routes 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87, which will run on Saturday schedules. Parking meters won’t be enforced, but all other parking violations will be. The public schools will not hold classes; it’s a professional learning day for staff. Government offices and the public library are open.” [WTOP]
Local Yard Sale Funds Acts of Kindness — “Susan Thompson-Gaines is like a fairy godmother who magically appeared in Marjorie Gonzales’ life to help her conjure up a dress for the ball. ‘Just came out of nowhere,’ said Gonzales, who was in need of a homecoming dress… Thompson-Gaines uses every penny of her profits — more than $12,000 this year — to fund random acts of kindness throughout her community.” [CBS News, InspireMore]
Proposal for Better W-L Baseball Field — “This fall, Healy is working with director of student activities Carol Callaway on a project proposal that they hope to present to county officials in the coming weeks. His vision is of something similar to Waters Field, a multi-purpose artificial turf field that can host games for baseball and rectangular field sports and serves as a central hub in the Vienna community… ‘You could call it a total facelift,’ Healy said. ‘You name it, we need it. You can’t even stand up in the visitor dugout, and the press box is almost a safety hazard.'” [Nova Baseball Magazine]
GMU Groundbreaking Planned — “GMU plans to break ground on the nearly $250 million expansion of its Arlington campus in January. The primary addition to the Virginia Square campus will be the 360,500-square-foot home for the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA), its tech research hub, and the coming School of Computing… Bethesda-based Clark Construction will serve as general contractor on the project, which is scheduled to be complete by April 2025, with students moving in by July of that year.” [Washington Business Journal]
Changes Planned for GMU Plaza –“The ‘stay-the-course’ proposal will aim to make the large plaza fronting Fairfax Drive a more useful gathering space, perhaps with a café attached, while potentially adding a mid-level connection between Smith and Van Metre Halls to effectively combine them as one. That was the vision outlined by Gregory Janks, who has led the 18-month planning process for the three main Mason campuses.” [Sun Gazette]
New Art at Central Library — “Arlington residents and Library patrons are in for a visual treat when entering the second floor at Central Library. The newly installed artwork titled ‘North Lincoln Street, Arlington, Virginia’ by Arlington artist Jason Horowitz, features a playful, 360-degree view of a re-imagined Ballston neighborhood landscape.” [Arlington Public Library]
Marymount 5K Race on Wednesday — “Marymount University Doctor of Physical Therapy program hosted the first Marymount 5K in the spring of 2015… Join us in 2021 for the sixth annual Marymount 5K supporting the DPT Program’s foundational pillars of Global Perspective, Service to Others, and Intellectual Curiosity.” [Marymount University]
Nearby: Shooting in Arlandria — From Alan Henney: “500 blk of Four Mile Rd off Mt. Vernon Ave in the City of Alexandria. 15 yr-old boy shot in stomach taken to a trauma center in serious condition. Several suspects fled the scene on foot.” [Twitter, Twitter]
Fourth of July fireworks, as seen from Long Bridge Park (photo via Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation)
Arlington County is closing some roads and services in observance of Independence Day.
Since the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, county facilities and services will close or operate on holiday schedules on Monday. Libraries and indoor parks and recreation centers will be closed Sunday and Monday, and the county will not enforce parking meter limits either day.
Courts and state DMV offices will also be closed on Monday.
Arlington Transit will run buses along a few of its routes on Sunday schedules on both Sunday and Monday, but otherwise, bus service will not be available. Trash, recycling and yard waste collection, by contrast, will operate as usual on Monday.
The road closures, meanwhile, “are designed to facilitate the safe passage of large crowds for the Independence Day events and fireworks,” according to a county press release.
There will be a display at the National Mall this year, but, like last year Arlington will have no formal viewing events. Crowds will likely gather at the usual spots: the Iwo Jima memorial, the Air Force Memorial, Long Bridge Park, Rosslyn Gateway Park and Key Bridge, for example.
“Motorists should expect significant delays, particularly leading up to and after the fireworks display,” said the press release. “The Arlington County Police Department is reminding drivers that stopping or standing in a lane of traffic to observe the fireworks is illegal and violators may be issued a citation.”
Street parking near the Iwo Jima memorial, Long Bridge Park and the Air Force Memorial will be restricted, according to the release, which advises attendees to use Metro.
The following roadways will be closed to accommodate the festivities, per ACPD:
Route 50 – Near Rosslyn – 3:30 to 11:00 PM Closure
Exit Ramp from Westbound Route 50 to N. Lynn Street (Rosslyn exit)
Exit Ramp from Eastbound Route 50 to N. Meade Street (Rosslyn exit)
US Marine Corps War Memorial – 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM Closure
N. Meade Street at Marshall Drive
Exit Ramp from N. Meade Street to Route 50 Eastbound
Route 110 South onto Marshall Drive
N. Meade Street near the Route 50 Ramps
Radnor/Fort Myer Heights – Near the US Marine Corps War Memorial – 3:30 PM to 11:00 PM Closure
Ramp from Arlington Boulevard East to N. Rhodes/Rolfe/Queen Street (Emergency Vehicles Only)
N. Rhodes Street and Arlington Boulevard Access Road (Emergency Vehicles Only)
N. Rhodes Street and N. 14th Street (Local Traffic Only)
N. Nash Street and Arlington Boulevard Access Road
Arlington Boulevard Access and N. Meade Street
N. Nash Street and N. 14th Street
N. Meade Street and N. 14th Street
Foxcroft Heights – Near the Air Force Memorial – 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM Closure
Columbia Pike in both directions at S. Oak Street
The exit from Westbound Washington Boulevard to Eastbound Columbia Pike/S. Orme Street
Columbia Pike and S. Joyce Street
Southgate Road and S. Oak Street
Columbia Pike and Southgate Road
Columbia Pike and S. Ode Street
From 6 a.m. to midnight, Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle to and including Lincoln Memorial Circle will be closed, according to the National Park Service.
The following roadways may be subject to closures, according to ACPD’s release:
Route 50 East – Near Courthouse
Route 50 East exit for 10th Street (All Eastbound traffic)
(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) Arlington County will observe Juneteenth — which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. — for the first time as an official county holiday this Friday and Saturday.
The holiday celebrates the day when the nation’s last enslaved people learned of their freedom following the Emancipation Proclamation. The Arlington County Board voted to make Juneteenth a county holiday in late April of this year.
Since the June 19 holiday falls on a Saturday this year, certain offices and services will be closed Friday as well. All Department of Motor Vehicles offices and the county courthouse will be closed Friday, while libraries and community centers will be closed both Friday and Saturday.
Parking meters will not be enforced on either Friday or Saturday.
Chief Race and Equity Officer for Arlington County Samia Byrd said she hopes residents take the time off to educate themselves about the day.
“I encourage people to take the time to participate in an event, activity or celebration that allows for reflection and learning more about Juneteenth and the history and events surrounding it,” she said.
In celebration, the Arlington Black Employees Council is hosting a Juneteenth Peace Rally today (Thursday) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bozman Government Center stairs with speakers and performers. The event, following up on a similar event last year, will be live-streamed on the county’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Byrd also suggests taking the day to bolster organizations working toward racial equity and supporting Black-owned businesses.
“Support organizations that continue to advocate for justice and liberation or volunteer for an organization,” said Byrd. “Patronize Black businesses. Enjoy fellowship and celebrate freedoms we have while considering what more can be done.”
This time last year, the county made headlines for sending Black employees to powerwash Black Lives Matter chalk art in a local neighborhood on Juneteenth, something for which the county soon apologized.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced last year that he would make June 19 a state holiday, giving all state employees a paid day off. Meanwhile, Congress voted yesterday (Wednesday) to make June 19 a federal holiday, and President Joe Biden’s signature today will make Friday a day off for many federal workers.
Ballston Quarter’s Zofia’s Kitchen (4238 Wilson Blvd) is cooking up a limited edition batch of Star Wars-themed snacks, and missing out would be a Wookie mistake.
The restaurant is operating with limited staff but said in a press release that they decided to go all in on “May the Fourth” — a sort of quasi-holiday for Star Wars fans on May 4 rooted in a “May the Force be with you” pun.
“Zofia’s has decided to embrace its inner culinary nerd by going all-out for the International Geek Holiday that is May the Fourth by offering limited edition pierogi made a long time ago in a galaxy far far away,” the restaurant said. “Available 8 to an order, Steamed, sauteed, fried or frozen in carbonite by request.”
A half dozen special menu items are listed for the week.
The Obi-Won Pierogi: Tatooine Tagine. Braised Chicken, Raisin, Almond, Tunisian Harissa and Couscous — $11.99
The Baby Yoda Pierogi: Peas, Mint, Midichlorians, Lemon and Ricotta — $11.99
The Vader Pierogi: Chorizo and Provolone. Note that the white cheese inside represents the good that must be in him still! The Vader pierogi comes with a mandatory force choking hazard warning of course.(please take your time groaning at this joke) — $12.99
The C-Threepierogi: Blanched multicolor vegetable pasta / standard Android wiring — $11.99
The Tauntaun Wonton: And you thought they smelled bad on the outside! Red-wine pear and stinky Gorgonzola — $12.99
Blue Milk Cocktail: In a pouch for Jedi on-the-go! — Price TBD
“This deal is available for a limited time,” the restaurant said. “We’ve altered the deal by offering it May 3-7. Pray that we don’t alter it further.”
The restaurant is open for dine-in, pick-up or delivery from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. If you’re trying to find it in Ballston Quarter: this is the way.
Pi Day was a very busy day for Acme Pie on Columbia Pike.
“At the moment, we are trying to restock,” Sol Schott, owner of the seven-year-old pie company, said over the phone Monday morning. “I was expecting it to be somewhat busy, but not expecting it to be almost-Thanksgiving busy.”
Pi Day is an annual celebration on March 14 of the mathematical mystery that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The day also, of course, presents a great excuse to eat pie.
Schott said he made 98 large pies, 70 small pies, and had a “whole heck of alot of slices” and nearly sold out of all of it.
Sales, he says, “were in the same ballpark” as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — aka the Super Bowl of pie sales — and definitely better than Pi Day last year.
“I think everybody was so sick and tired of being cooped up,” Schott says.
The most popular pie was a special one he made for the weekend, an English Banoffee pie.
“We use a graham cracker crumb crust with like a… chewy soft caramel toffee on the bottom,” says Schott. “Then, slices of banana, fresh whipped cream with a little bit of espresso, and then chocolate shavings on top.”
All 76 Banoffee pies sold out. He plans on making more for St. Patrick’s Day.
While Acme Pie started as a wholesaler baking pies in a basement, he opened his retail store at 2803 Columbia Pike two years ago in the spring of 2019. The shop took over the space from Twisted Vines Bar and Bottleshop.
Even before that Acme had presence in the community, selling pies at farmers markets, hailed for making popular vegan versions and helping other struggling local businesses.
This past July, Schott baked pies and hosted a fundraiser for his next-door neighbor Papillon Cycles, Arlington’s oldest bike shop.
He says the past year has also been “tricky” and “rough” for Acme Pie due to losing a large slice of his wholesale business.
“Wholesale is off huge. That’s pretty much the issue,” says Schott. “I went from selling [pies] to 70 restaurants to 10 during the pandemic,” due to many local restaurants cutting back or outright closing.
Nonetheless, Schott says Acme Pie is not going anywhere.
“I’m a baker,” he says. “That’s what I do… I don’t have any choice.”
He’s optimistic sales will rise and normalcy will return in the coming months as the vaccine rollout continues. For the moment, he’s wishing that every weekend could be like the past one.
“It was amazing,” Schott says. “But you can’t have Pi Day everyday.”
