Neighborhood Spotlight

Neighborhood Spotlight: Cherrydale Combines Charm and Convenience

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


This neighborhood in Arlington County doesn’t just have a great name — it also stands out as one of the best places to live in Virginia.

Like all of Arlington, the real estate market in Cherrydale is thriving right now. We are seeing a ton of traffic as people are moving up from Arlington condos to the single-family homes in this bucolic locale. So join the Keri Shull Team today as we share everything you need to know about the in-demand Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

Location is Everything

Cherrydale is a lovely suburban neighborhood in northern Arlington, sitting just to the north of the Orange Line Corridor. The area is bordered on the south by I-66 and stretches across US-29, which contributes to the convenient commutes that help keep Cherrydale popular.

Although you might not expect it from Cherrydale’s relaxed, suburban atmosphere, the neighborhood directly abuts some of Arlington’s busiest areas. In particular, Cherrydale sits right to the north of Clarendon and Virginia Square. This means that the area is perfect for people who work in Arlington or attend school at one of the prestigious institutions along the Orange Line.

A Life in the Cherry Orchard

Cherrydale’s history traces back to the late 1800s when a post office opened in the area and took its name from a nearby cherry orchard. Today, that long history is still apparent in Cherrydale, thanks to a plethora of well-maintained homes that were built in the early 1900s.

Speaking of homes, most of the houses for sale in Cherrydale are single-family homes. When paired with the quiet streets and lush greenery, this helps give Cherrydale a classic, suburban feel.

Cherrydale is well known for its exceptional public schools, job opportunities, outdoor activities, and easy commuting. This family-friendly neighborhood is one at the top of our list. The local community organization hosts numerous events to bring residents together, including their Annual Neighborhood Yard Sale and Fourth of July Block Party.

Owning a Home in Cherrydale

In general, houses in Cherrydale hold their property value and appreciate well, meaning that buying a home in the neighborhood can be a smart investment for many people.

So why are homes in such high demand in Cherrydale? Cherrydale’s market remains hot because it’s the neighborhood that has it all. With both a family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to all of the nightlife and entertainment in Arlington, this community is thriving right now.

Getting Around ARL

We rate Cherrydale 10/10 when it comes to commuting. The neighborhood is within walking or biking distance of the Virginia Square and Ballston Metro stops. This means that residents can easily access the conveniences of D.C. and NoVA via the Orange Line.

Plus, with a respectable Walkscore of 74, it is very possible to take care of daily errands via foot, all without sacrificing the quiet of suburbia.

The real estate market is thriving in Cherrydale right now because it is a popular and desirable neighborhood. Thanks to the quiet, regal beauty of the area — as well as the amazing transit options and walkability — Cherrydale continues to be a hotspot in Arlington real estate.

On top of this, we are seeing an increasing interest in single-family homes in 2021, with more and more condominiums going on the market as families outgrow their homes. This means people are moving away from high-rise neighborhoods like Rosslyn or Ballston and into more suburban locals — such as Cherrydale.

This means if you want to find a home in Cherrydale, you need to have every advantage that you can get!

How to Find a Home in Cherrydale

At the Keri Shull Team, we have hundreds of off-market properties that you cannot find online or anywhere else, and we want to give you priority access to these homes before they even go on the market!

And if you are selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule a time for a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Fall in Love With Arlington’s Lyon Park

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

If you love everything the city has to offer but find yourself wishing for quiet small-town living, we’ve got great news: Arlington’s Lyon Park neighborhood offers both!

Like all of Arlington, the real estate market in Lyon Park is thriving right now. Join us as we share everything that you need to know about the in-demand neighborhood of Lyon Park!

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

Where is Lyon Park?

Lyon Park is a suburban neighborhood in Arlington, resting just south of the Orange Line corridor and directly adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery.

Lyon Park is beloved by many for its amazing mix of urban conveniences and suburban privacy, as well as its abundance of parks and green spaces. Coming home to Lyon Park from elsewhere in Arlington or D.C. really feels like you’re living far from the bustle of the city.

Things to Do in Lyon Park

Most of Lyon Park is dedicated to residential spaces, but there are still great options for dining and recreation in the area.

We have two favorite restaurants in particular.

Texas Jack’s Barbecue is a popular — and highly-lauded — smokehouse that is sure to satisfy your cravings for ribs, brisket and more.

Also be sure to check out Mocha Cafe and Pastry, a lovely delicatessen offering unique Persian flavors in addition to classic European fare.

Living in Lyon Park

Most homes on the market in Lyon Park are detached, single-family homes. Although the neighborhood is quite close to Clarendon — an area with an abundance of high-rise condominiums — Lyon Park retains a tranquil, suburban feel.

In general, houses in Lyon Park hold their value and appreciate well, meaning that buying a home in the neighborhood can be a smart investment for many people.

Getting Around in Arlington

Lyon Park is within easy reach of all the shopping, dining and entertainment of nearby Clarendon, while also having plenty of conveniences within the neighborhood itself.

Although there is no dedicated D.C. Metro stop for Lyon Park, residents still have easy access to public transit options. The D.C. Metro Clarendon station is within walking distance, and to make getting around even easier, Metrobus stops dot the neighborhood.

If you want to find a nice, quiet home in Lyon Park with access to cosmopolitan amenities, you’ll need every advantage you can get!

At the Keri Shull Team, we have hundreds of off-market properties you cannot find online or anywhere else… and we want to give you priority access to these homes before they even go on the market!

And if you are selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Just schedule a time for a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Rosslyn — Past and Present Meet By the Potomac

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

These streets are home to Nestle chocolate — but that’s not the sweetest part of this neighborhood! Join us today as we give you a full breakdown of Rosslyn, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Arlington.

No matter where you live in Arlington, there’s something unique to fall in love with! What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future Neighborhood Spotlight.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

What Makes People Want to Live in Rosslyn?

Rosslyn is ideal for people who want the true urban village experience that is so unique to Arlington. In addition to having tons of entertainment and employment opportunities within Rosslyn itself, residents can also access the rest of the DMV with ease.

So, if you feel like popping over to historic Georgetown for a bit of shopping or a quick bite, living in Rosslyn makes that easy! With a great location on the Potomac River, world-class public transit options and high walkability, residents never have to worry about missing out on what this amazing city has to offer.

The View From the Top

If you’re looking for things to do in Arlington, Rosslyn not only offers you all of D.C. — it also has a lot to offer right in your neighborhood.

Some of our favorite destinations in Rosslyn include the memorials and public art — spots like Dark Star Park, Gateway Park and Roosevelt Island are great places to get some air.

There are also a ton of great places to eat in Rosslyn. Check out our Definitive Guide to Rosslyn, Virginia | Local Streets and Eats video to see some of the best dishes in the neighborhood.

One of the coolest spots in Rosslyn is The View of DC, a 31st-floor observation deck with 360-degree views of D.C. and all of Arlington. The View of DC is open to all Arlington residents free of charge.

A Great Place to Live — and Work!

Living in Rosslyn means living in the gateway connecting D.C. and Virginia, giving you the best of both!

High-rises dot the skyline, many of which are filled with urban, apartment-style condominiums. These homes offer super high walkability, and many of them are perfect for luxury living in Arlington.

Rosslyn also features a thriving job market. Nestle has its American headquarters in Rosslyn, and tech giant Microsoft just signed a lease for a new sales center in the neighborhood.

So, why are homes in such demand in Rosslyn? Here’s just a couple of reasons why:

  • Great public transportation via the Rosslyn Metro Stop
  • Close proximity to DC over the Key Bridge, especially to neighborhoods like Georgetown and Foggy Bottom
  • Stunning views of the District and North Arlington

Given how fast the housing market moves in Arlington, it can be difficult to find and win your dream home in Rosslyn. That’s why it’s so important to work with a real estate team that can streamline your search and help negotiate for you. In fact, the best thing to do is work with a team that can help you find “hidden gem” off-market homes in Rosslyn!

Popular Rosslyn Communities

The Pierce

The Pierce is the newest addition to the Rosslyn skyline — and what an addition it is! This hyper-modern, hyper-luxurious condo community stands at a towering 27 stories. It is still undergoing final construction at the time of recording, but the units are currently for sale.

Floor plans include 1-bedroom with den, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom with den.

Gaslight Square

The condos at Gaslight Square are some of the most unique in Rosslyn. With soaring ceilings and an old-world aesthetic, these homes offer a distinctly loft-like atmosphere. Each condominium unit features its own private outdoor space, so you can enjoy a slice of privacy in the heart of Rosslyn.

To see the rest of our favorite Rosslyn condo buildings, make sure to check out the expanded Spotlight on our blog.

Bridging the Gap in the Market

The Arlington housing market is already moving fast in 2021. When Rosslyn homes do come onto the market, they tend to sell very quickly and with a lot of competition.

If you aren’t taking the proper precautions, you might have serious trouble finding the right home now — but there is help out there. At the Keri Shull Team, we have access to hundreds of off-market properties that you cannot find online or anywhere else… and we want to give you priority access!

When selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule a time for a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Crystal City — Seeing the Future of Arlington Living?

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

There’s far more to this neighborhood than meets the eye… both literally and figuratively. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about Amazon’s new home in Northern Virginia.

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, please join us as we give you a full breakdown of Crystal City!

No matter where you live in Arlington, there’s something unique to fall in love with. What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future Neighborhood Spotlight.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

Crystal City is an urban village on the eastern edge of Arlington, adjacent to the nearby city of Alexandria. Like all of Arlington’s urban neighborhoods, Crystal City is a popular and thriving area, with a large base of employers and tons to do for leisure.

The Best Crystals Form Underground

There are a ton of things to do in Arlington, and this city is no exception! Crystal City is packed with great places to eat and drink, as well as plenty of great ways to get some fresh air.

The most unique thing on offer in Crystal City is Crystal City Shops, a large mall located in an underground city. The underground tunnels at Crystal City feature nearly 200 shops, restaurants and entertainment spots. They also connect directly to many hotels, offices and even condominiums in the neighborhood.

This means that you can enjoy a bite to eat, plenty of shopping or even some avant garde theatre — all without having to ever step above ground!

Getting Above It All

In some of Arlington’s Urban Villages, there are a diverse selection of houses for sale, including both detached homes and apartment-style condominiums.

In Crystal City, however, the high-rise remains king.

Crystal City is home to some of the most popular Arlington condo communities, as well as a vast collection of apartments for rent in other high-rise buildings.

In general, owning a home in Crystal City is a good investment, as home values have been steadily going up all around Arlington for a while now.

When combined with the impending arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 project to National Landing, this means there has never been a better time to invest in Crystal City real estate.

Popular Condos in the Area

There are a lot of excellent condominium communities in Crystal City — here are just a few of our favorites:

  • Eclipse: Consisting of 476 units spread between two buildings, the Eclipse offers amazing convenience to residents. Not only can owners easily access the D.C. Metro system via the complimentary shuttle, but the complex also features an on-site supermarket and cafe.
  • Crystal Gateway: Along with Waterford House, Crystal City offers a boutique layout to their condominiums. Residents get access to luxurious features such as a heated pool and 24/7 concierge, while also enjoying one of the best views in Crystal City. Finally, convenient access to the underground tunnels of Crystal City means that owners at Crystal Gateway don’t even have to worry about the weather when making their commute or running errands.

To see the full list of our favorite condos, make sure to check out the full Neighborhood Spotlight on our website!

Make HQ2 Work For You

Crystal City has seen a massive surge in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! The neighborhood features:

  • Great walkability and transit convenience
  • High-value employers like the DoD and Amazon’s HQ2 project
  • A unique underground city with plenty of dining and retail opportunities
  • Simple commutes to D.C., Alexandria and other parts of Arlington

Because of this, homes are moving very fast in Crystal City right now. If you don’t approach your home search the right way, the chances of finding — and winning — the right home are microscopic.

If you look for a home alone, you might have serious trouble finding the right home now — but there is help out there! At the Keri Shull Team, we have hundreds of off-market properties that you cannot find online or anywhere else… and we want to give you priority access to these homes before they even go on the market!

When selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule a time for a free, no-pressure Consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ballston

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

Forty years ago, this neighborhood was planned to be a “new downtown” of Arlington — but was this endeavor successful?

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, please join the Keri Shull Team as we give you a full breakdown of Ballston, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Arlington, Virginia.

No matter where you live in Arlington, there’s something unique to fall in love with. What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future Neighborhood Spotlight.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please contact the Keri Shull Team, the No. 1 top-selling real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area.

Where is Ballston?

Ballston is one of the main urban villages of Arlington, marking the endpoint of the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

Ballston is close to other popular Arlington neighborhoods, such as Clarendon, making it a great place to live if you work in Arlington. Easy access to public transit and major roadways mean that Ballston also offers convenient access to Alexandria, Washington D.C. and southern Arlington neighborhoods like Shirlington and Fairlington.

Home Styles in Ballston

Ballston tends to be quite varied in the types of homes on the market. High-rise buildings — filled with the apartment-style units found in other Arlington condo communities — dot the Ballston skyline. But just a few blocks away, the neighborhood is filled with detached homes and townhouses.

In general, owning a home in Ballston is a good investment, as Arlington home values have been steadily rising for a while now.

Because of the size of the community and how fast the market moves in Arlington, it’s important to work with a real estate team that can streamline your search and help negotiate for you. In fact, the best thing to do is work with a team that can help find you off-market homes in Ballston.

Popular Ballston Housing Communities

Although Ballston is best known for its condominium communities, there are also plenty of rowhomes, townhomes and freestanding houses available for purchase. Here are two of our favorite housing communities in the Ballston area — for a more complete list, make sure to check out the full guide to living in Ballston:

  • Ballston 880 offers 123 pockets of luxury living across 10 floors, right in the heart of Ballston. The community features one- and two-bedroom units, both with open floor plans and luxury fittings like granite countertops and hardwood floors.
  • One of the most exciting new developments in Ballston real estate is Abingdon Estates, a collection of unique, detached homes built by Classic Cottages. This subdivision, located along a secluded cul-de-sac just a few blocks away the Ballston Quarter mall, is a perfect blend of urban convenience with suburban privacy.

What To Do in Ballston

Ballston is one of the “busiest” neighborhoods in the D.C. metro area — there are a ton of things to do in the neighborhood. In fact, there are far too many suggestions to list in this guide!

However, there is one feature of the Ballston skyline that houses a bit of everything — Ballston Quarter. Ballston Quarter is a newly renovated center for shopping, dining and entertainment in Arlington.

Ballston Quarter represents a new wave in urban convenience. The redesigned mall features retail, a hip food hall in Arlington VA, and even an ice rink on top of the mall. The Quarter is home to some of our favorite eateries in Arlington, such as The Local Oyster and Punch Bowl Social.

How To Find a Home in Ballston

Let’s be frank — living in Ballston is pretty great for a lot of people. Residents get to enjoy perks such as:

  • Incredibly high walkability and transit convenience
  • Access to top-of-the-line dining and retail at Ballston Quarter
  • Easy transit due to high employment opportunities
  • Vibrant local culture
  • Simple commutes to D.C., Alexandria and other parts of Arlington

Because of this, homes tend to move fast in Ballston. If you don’t approach your home search the right way, the chances of finding — and winning — the right home are very slim.

If you aren’t working with the right team might have serious trouble finding the right home now — but there is help out there! At the Keri Shull Team, we have hundreds of off-market properties that you cannot find online or anywhere else… and we want to give you priority access to these homes before they even go on the market.

And if you are selling a house in Arlington, it’s more important than ever to make sure you are taking the proper precautions to protect your investment. The best way to do that is to speak with a top-tier real estate agent and create a completely customized home selling strategy.

So what are you waiting for? Just click here to schedule a time for a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our Real Estate Needs Analysts!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Fairlington — 7 Villages, 1 Unified Community

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, please join us as we give you a full breakdown of Arlington’s Fairlington neighborhood!

No matter where you live in Arlington, there’s something unique to fall in love with. What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below, so we can highlight them in a future Neighborhood Spotlight.

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please click here to contact the Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s No. 1 top-selling real estate team.

An Overview of Fairlington

Fairlington is an unincorporated neighborhood in the southern part of Arlington, Virginia. It borders the similarly named Shirlington neighborhood and is quite close to Alexandria, Washington D.C. and the business districts of Arlington. This location makes it a great place to live if you work in Arlington — in addition to being a wonderful neighborhood in its own right.

At the time of its initial construction — during the 1940s — Fairlington was a rental community. It was founded by the Defense Homes Corporation as temporary housing for those working at the newly built Pentagon.

Following the conclusion of the Second World War, a private real estate group began renting Fairlington properties out as apartments. In 1972, the owners decided to convert Fairlington into a condominium development. At that time, Fairlington became the largest condominium community in all of Virginia.

What Types of Homes Are in Fairlington?

Fairlington is uniform, consisting almost entirely of townhome-style condominiums. This means that detached, single family homes are exceedingly rare in the Fairlington community, as are the apartment-style units found in other Arlington condo communities.

In general, owning a home in Fairlington is a good investment, as home values have been steadily going up all around Arlington for a while now. This means that people who buy a home in Fairlington now will likely have their home be worth more later — especially once Amazon’s HQ2 opens up in National Landing.

Because of the size of the community and how fast the market moves in Arlington, it can be difficult to find and win your dream home in Fairlington. The best thing to do is work with a team that can help find you off-market homes in Fairlington.

Communities Within Fairlington

Fairlington is divided into seven smaller communities that all feature similar home styles. Because of this, the area tends to feel more like a neighborhood defined by its community, rather than by certain streets and landmarks.

All of the homes in Fairlington have access to lovely community amenities. These include community pools, clubhouses for the villages, exercise facilities, courts to play tennis and basketball, and plenty of walking trails that are perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Fairlington and Shirlington.

What Makes People Want To Live in Fairlington?

Fairlington is family friendly, convenient for commuters and has a relatively low cost for how much home you are getting.

In general, the same buying power that would get you a two-bedroom condo in North Arlington will cover a three-story townhouse in Fairlington. Plus, homes in Fairlington tend to have generous outdoor spaces — which is more important than ever for some people who are outgrowing their homes after 2020.

Fairlington residents can easily get to North Arlington and Alexandria painlessly thanks to King Street and I-395, both of which run through Fairlington.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Clarendon, Much More Than Just a Metro

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This week, in our Neighborhood Spotlight, we are taking a look at the Clarendon area of Arlington. This is one of Arlington’s most popular neighborhoods, with outstanding options for housing, employment and recreation — but does it live up to its reputation? Let’s find out!

What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below — we’d love to highlight them in future Neighborhood Spotlights!

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please click here to contact the Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top-selling real estate team.

An Overview of Clarendon

Thanks to its prime location on the Orange Line, Clarendon sees lots of traffic from local and national businesses. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving center for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Clarendon is a highly desirable neighborhood for many people. Not only does this area offer urban conveniences and top-notch dining, but also high walkability and great transit options make it a dream for those living in Arlington. Even better, Clarendon is a bustling business district in its own right, making it a great place to live if you work in Arlington.

Clarendon Real Estate Market

Clarendon has a famously hot real estate market. Homes move quickly, and it’s not uncommon for bidding wars to break out on houses. This is great news for people looking to sell their house now in Clarendon — with the right agent on their side, homeowners can sell their home fast and get a great price due to competing offers.

For people who want to buy a home in Clarendon, the hot market can be somewhat daunting. That’s why, if you are considering moving to Clarendon, it’s a good idea to work with a real estate team who can help you find off market homes and walk you through negotiating the best deal for your new home.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Shirlington, Arlington’s Humble Heart of Culture

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, join the Keri Shull Team as we take a look at one of our favorite Arlington neighborhoods, Shirlington!

Every neighborhood of Arlington (and the other cities of the DMV) has unique features that make it easy to love. What do you love about your community? Let us know down in the comments below — we’d love to highlight them in future Neighborhood Spotlights!

And, as always, if you have any questions about Arlington real estate, please click here to contact the Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s No. 1 top-selling real estate team.

Where is Shirlington?

Shirlington is a compact neighborhood in the southern part of Arlington, close to the county border with the city of Alexandria.

It is considered one of Arlington’s “urban villages,” a moniker that suits both the atmosphere and conveniences of Shirlington. The area is bordered by several accessible roadways — most notably the Shirley Highway from which Shirlington gets its name — that make navigating the DMV a relatively painless task.

King Street defines the southwestern edge of the region, giving Shirlingtonians a short pathway to historic Old Town and all the conveniences you would get from living in Alexandria proper.

Shirlington Real Estate Market

Like the rest of Arlington, the market is blazing hot in Shirlington right now. Homes are selling quickly, and they are selling for a high price. So if you are thinking about making a move to Shirlington, you’d be wise to work with an agent who can help you find off-market homes and negotiate for you.

Shirlington is known primarily for townhouses and standalones when it comes to home types. There are condominiums for sale, but many of them are in “village-style” communities, as opposed to the Arlington condo buildings that characterize the Orange Line Corridor neighborhoods.

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Neighborhood Spotlight: Best Picnic Spots in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s not surprising that people want to savor the remaining good weather as much as possible. And one of the best ways to easily have some outdoor fun in Arlington is to have a picnic in one of Arlington’s many parks!

For today’s Neighborhood Spotlight, we want to specifically highlight 3 of our favorite places for picnicking. All of these spots are great options for soaking up the final vestiges of the summer sun — and even once winter is fully here, these Arlington picnic spaces are great ways to enjoy Northern Virginia (while remaining socially distant, to boot)!

Do you have a hidden (or not-so-hidden) gem of a park, restaurant or entertainment spot that you want us to highlight? Just let us know down in the comments!

Let’s get started!

Gravelly Point Park

If you are looking for a truly unique picnic setting, look no further than Gravelly Point Park. Located just north of Reagan Airport along the George Washington Parkway, this bankside green space is perfect for picnickers.

The main runway at Reagan (known as Runway 1/19, in case you’re interested) points directly towards the park. This means that planes using these runways soar directly over the heads of onlookers, often as low as just a couple hundred feet in the air. Because Gravelly Point is less than 1,000 feet from the end of the runway, it is one of the most stunning spots for airplane spotters in the entire country.

Getting to Gravelly Point

Unlike many other green spaces in Northern Virginia, it can be a bit tricky to take your car to Gravelly Point Park. Although the picnic space is located along the George Washington Parkway, parking is somewhat limited.

One alternative to parking and walking is to bike to Gravelly Point using the Mount Vernon Trail!

Gateway Park

With its views of Washington, D.C. and gorgeous, cultivated green areas, Gateway Park is another of our favorite places for a picnic in Arlington. This park is located in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington and features 3 acres of beauty, both natural and manmade.

Gateway might not sit directly on the Potomac, but visitors can still enjoy a breathtaking vantage of the river and Georgetown, the popular D.C. neighborhood, from Gateway Park’s Skywalk.

In addition to being a great place to lay out a prepared meal, Gateway Park hosts a lot of events to enjoy. The amphitheater at Gateway Park is home to the Rosslyn Jazz Fest. Currently, the park is hosting its O2 (Office Outside) program. This allows locals to get a taste of the outdoors while still taking care of business with open-air desks and complimentary WiFi!

Getting to Gateway Park

The Arlington picnic space is located at 1300 Lee Highway, right at the base of Key Bridge. Please note that parking in the area can be somewhat limited, so you might have to park farther away and walk.

As an alternative, you can easily access Gateway via the Rosslyn Metro Station. The park is just a short walk from the Metro stop.

Dark Star Park 

In terms of basking in planned, artistic beauty, there aren’t many things to do in Arlington that rival Dark Star Park. This green space/art installation was originally built in 1984, designed and overseen by the famous sculptor Nancy Holt.

Once per year, on August 1, the natural shadows cast by the Dark Stars line up with these pre-set markings at exactly 9:32 a.m. Holt chose August 1 to commemorate the anniversary of William Ross’s 1860 purchase of the land that became Rosslyn.

But the question remains — how is Dark Star Park as a picnic spot?

In a word: lovely. Dark Star Park offers a welcome respite from the urban environment of Rosslyn, with shrubbery and grass that are a vibrant contrast to the sea of glass and concrete that marks much of the Arlington neighborhood. Large trees ring the park, providing a pleasant shade to enjoy your spread of food and drink.

Getting to Dark Star Park

Dark Star Park stands at 1655 North Fort Myer Drive in Arlington, sandwiched between Fort Myer Drive and N. Lynn Street. There are 2 separate parking garages immediately adjacent to the park, so getting to Dark Star by car is convenient. Otherwise, the Rosslyn Metro stop is only a few blocks away, for those who prefer taking the train.

There are a ton of great places to enjoy a picnic when living in Arlington — in fact, far too many to cover in a single article. The ones listed above are just a few of our favorites… but we want to get your input, too! What is your favorite spot to have a picnic in Arlington? Let us know down in the comments below!

Do you know anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home now in Arlington or anywhere else in the DMV? Just click here or email [email protected] today for a free real estate consultation!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Top 3 Coffee Shops in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

For many people living in Arlington, coffee is an absolute lifesaver. Java can help perk you up for the traffic-filled commute in or out of Washington D.C., keep you alert through the early morning workflow, or just make your telework video call a bit more lively.

As one might expect for such a versatile bean, there are plenty of spots around Northern Virginia that serve up a fine cup of joe — and on this week’s edition of the Neighborhood Spotlight, we want to share some of the Keri Shull Team’s favorite coffee shops in Arlington! All three of these cafes are open and following appropriate COVID-19 regulations, so you can still enjoy their brews in-house or with takeout options.

Do you know of a cafe, restaurant, or other space for local leisure that you’d like us to highlight next? Make sure to let us know down in the comments — we’d love to check them out!

Compass Coffee

With 12 locations across D.C. and Northern Virginia, Compass Coffee is one of the swiftest-growing coffee companies on the east coast. Compass was originally founded as a single location in the Shaw neighborhood of D.C., but in the 6 years since, it has spread to a dozen cafes in the D.C. area — including a spot right next to the Rosslyn Metro Station!

The Rosslyn cafe, sitting at 1201 Wilson Boulevard, was Compass’s first foray across the Potomac. This warm, cozy coffee shop rests on the ground floor of the CEB tower, the same skyscraper where Arlington residents can enjoy the “View of DC” Observation Deck.

For those that prefer to enjoy a cup at home, Compass also sells their beans in pre-ground, 5 lb bags or as convenient single-serving K-cups for Keurig machines. You can find these for sale in their cafes or on their online store.

Northside Social

Whether you want to get your day started right or want to wind down with a glass of wine at the end of a long day, Northside Social has you covered!

There are two Northside Social locations, both of which are in Northern Virginia. The first is in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington, at 3211 Wilson Boulevard. The second is in Falls Church at 205 Park Avenue.

If you want to read a more in-depth exploration of Northside Social’s offerings and atmosphere, make sure to check out the dedicated Northside Social Neighborhood Spotlight that we published early last year!

During the COVID-19 regulations in Virginia, Northside is offering dine-in and takeout options. By the way, here’s a pro tip for taking home food and drink from this stellar cafe: if you fall in love with one of the wines there, you can take a bottle home with you… and get it for $20 less than the listed bottle price at the same time!

East West Coffee Wine

Also in Rosslyn, just a few blocks away from Compass Coffee, is our last cafe for the day. East West Coffee Wine offers — as the name so subtly suggests — both java and vino, in addition to a full menu of savory and sweet foods.

The fine folks at East West focus on turning high-quality beans into high-quality drinks — so no matter whether you’re a NitroBrew newbie or an espresso expert, you’ll be able to appreciate the care and craft that go into your drink!

Like Northside, East West also offers a selection of fine wines. When it comes to both the uppers and the downers, East West Coffee Wine is dedicated to educating their customers. So make sure to come by one of their two Arlington locations and have the most delicious educational experience of your life!

If you just have to have your morning joe, Arlington certainly has you covered. These are just 3 of our favorite coffee shops in Arlington, but there are plenty more around that we haven’t even tried. So, what’s your favorite spot for a shot of espresso or pour over? Let us know down below in the comments!

Are you interested in buying or selling a home now in Arlington or anywhere else in the D.C. area? The Keri Shull Team — the top-selling real estate team in the D.C. area — is standing by to help you, so contact us today! All you need to do is click here to schedule a time for a free, no-pressure Real Estate Consultation with one of our local experts.

Neighborhood Spotlight: The Best Tacos in Arlington

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a taco. Classic, convenient, and always delicious, these cantina treats are a favorite for a reason — but who serves up the best tacos in Arlington? In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, join Peter Applegate, Caitlin Kamerman, and Drew Carpenter of the Keri Shull Team as they take you 3 of our favorite taquerias in Arlington!

Do you have a restaurant, bar or entertainment spot that you’d like for us to highlight in a future Neighborhood Spotlight post? Just let us know in the comments — we’d love to check it out!

Now, let’s get right into it and talk about the contestants!

Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita

Located on Columbia Pike — just down the road from Bob & Edith’s Diner and right next door to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse — is a hidden gem for authentic tacos in Arlington. Tortas Y Tacos used to be a food truck in the area, but they opened up a storefront about 3 years ago and have been slinging salsa there ever since.

In addition to their authentic tacos, Tortas Y Tacos also serves — as the name implies — torta sandwiches, as well as quesadillas and other iconic street fare.

If you are looking for the classic Mexican taco, with soft corn tortillas, a variety of tender meats, and a zesty squeeze of lime on top of cilantro and onion, then this might be the spot in Arlington.

Tacos El Chilango

There’s no simpler taco experience than the one you get at Tacos El Chilango. The unassuming food truck is parked in Rosslyn, right by Arlington Boulevard. When you approach (with cash in hand — no plastic at this spot!) the menu might seem surprisingly simple.

Just tacos. Take your pick of beef, pork, chicken, sausage, lengua or a mix. It’s $2.50 per taco, and they come to you on a paper plate to eat there or as you walk.

And they are absolutely incredible.

Just like Tortas Y Tacos, this food truck boasts truly authentic Mexican tacos, with tender meats double wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with onions, cilantro, and your choice of salsas.

Plus, with plenty of room to space out, sanitizer options from the owner, and its prime location near Rosslyn and Court House, Tacos El Chilango is a great option for takeout food in Arlington — especially on a lunch break!

Taco Rock

If you are craving a unique twist on the classic cantina formula, then you should stop by Taco Rock, just a few blocks away from the Keri Shull Team’s office near the Rosslyn Metro stop.

Taco Rock absolutely blows away the competition when it comes to menu size and presentation. The eatery offers 23 varieties of tacos — including speciality items like sushi-inspired tacos and a cubano sandwich inside a tortilla — as well as a wide selection of empanadas, ceviche, burritos and other tex-mex offerings.

If you stop by Taco Rock, either to dine in or take out, make sure to try one of their signature drinks, too! In particular, we loved their speciality margaritas, which pair perfectly with the unique flavors of the tacos.

The Verdict

The truth is, it’s hard to compare these places! Tortas Y Tacos and Tacos El Chilango lean heavily on tradition and authenticity, whereas Taco Rock tries its hand at innovation with unique fillings and attractive presentation.

When it comes down to it, though, our agents selected Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita as the top taco in Arlington. The combination of biting hot sauce, perfectly crafted tortillas, fall-off-the-bone tender meats, and authentic flavor is simply unbeatable in our eyes!

When it comes to tacos, you trust the experts, right? Well, the same is true when getting ready to buy or sell a house now … and no one has more expertise than the Keri Shull Team! So if you are interested in living in Arlington, Washington D.C., or anywhere else in the DMV, just click here and schedule a time for a free Consultation with one of our local experts!

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