Neighborhood Spotlight

Neighborhood Spotlight: Savor Locally-Roasted Espresso and Eclectic Food at Detour Coffee

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


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

Stepping inside the industrial-style space, you see a swarm of white coffee cups artfully suspended from the ceiling above a community table. The smell of fresh coffee and the sound of frothing milk washes over you.

This is Detour Coffee, a hidden gem coffee shop and bistro in Clarendon.

Follow John Ma of The Keri Shull Team and Manager Manuel Olivera inside for a look at Detour’s locally-roasted coffee, handmade pastries, delicious food and more. Detour is a great spot to drink, eat, socialize and work.

All the coffee at Detour is locally sourced from Vigilante Coffee of Hyattsville, Maryland.

Standard drip coffee or pour-overs are available. And of course Detour’s skilled baristas are standing by to create traditional espresso drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, cortados and Americanos.

On Detour’s food menu you’ll find an eclectic mix of Mediterranean and South American influences. At the counter you can find beef empanadas, baba ghanoush, labneh, churros and more. In-house bakers make pastries from scratch.

For a detour before work, try a classic breakfast sandwich like The Norwegian, a lox-and-croissant situation, or get adventurous and try the Elvis: Peanut butter and jelly on banana bread with bacon.

When the day’s work is done, you can shut your laptop lid and enjoy Happy Hour specials from 4-7 p.m. every weekday.

Detour also offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., complete with breakfast cocktails — so bring friends!

Want to live in Clarendon, surrounded by amazing places like Detour Coffee? Check out our Clarendon Neighborhood Guide. Contact The Keri Shull Team at (703) 952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Neighborhood Spotlight: The Local Oyster

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


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

In the latest Neighborhood Spotlight, Jamie FitzGerald of The Keri Shull Team gives us the details on The Local Oyster in Ballston.

Whether you are a hardcore oyster fan or completely new to the shucked shellfish, there’s something for you at The Local Oyster.

The roots of The Local Oyster are clear from the name, according to manager Will Brewster, who says that they “started about four years ago […] shucking oysters on the side of the road.” In the time since, the Local Oyster opened its first permanent location in Baltimore, before bringing their delicious fare to join the other great spots in Ballston Quarter several months ago.

The oyster experts have made sure that their featured critters are indeed local, including their house oyster, the Skinny Dipper. This Maryland catch, which Brewster describes as an “intersection of briny and sweet,” joins a wide selection of oysters from the DMV area and beyond.

For those of you who are not fans of raw oysters, don’t worry! The Local Oyster’s robust menu boasts a full complement of mouth-watering seafood, including steamed jumbo gulf shrimp, whole lobsters and a crab cake that was touted as one of the twenty best in Baltimore — high praise indeed!

The local focus extends beyond the seafood, too! The Local Oyster is quickly gaining a name as a spot for craft beer lovers, with a rotating tap of local craft brews. The hip joint also offers a robust list of spirits, making it one of the only places in the Ballston Quarter to boast a full bar.

In particular, Brewster recommends the Crush, a drink that The Local Oyster brought with them from Baltimore. This drink, which features freshly hand-squeezed juices, is a perfect refreshment as we reach the end of the hot summer.

The Local Oyster has plenty of specials to enjoy throughout the week, including Happy Hour and Dollar Oyster Days — and Brewster is hoping to add to that list in the near future.

No matter if you’re looking to shoot back some local oysters and high quality spirits, or just shoot the breeze with your pals over a craft beer, make sure to check out The Local Oyster in Ballston Quarter.

Are you interested in living in Ballston, or any of the wonderful surrounding neighborhoods? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected], and we’ll help put you in a home to meet all of your needs!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Delicious Cocktails and Authentic Mexican Meals at Buena Vida Social Club in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, Drew Carpenter of The Keri Shull Team takes us inside the new Buena Vida Social Club with General Manager Marijana Skerlić.

Buena Vida Social Club is the rooftop lounge of a three-level Mexican food and drink destination in Clarendon. The menus for all three levels were created by celebrity chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo of Mexico City.

Let’s tour the building one floor at a time, starting on the first floor.

First Floor: Tacos, Tortas and Tequila

On the street level you’ll find TTT, short for Tacos, Tortas and Tequila. TTT is a Mexican street-style diner serving brunch, lunch and dinner every day from a street-side bar and patio. Marijana likes the mojitos.

Second Floor: Delicious, Slow-Cooked Mexican Meals

On the second level, Buena Vida serves authentic Mexican dinners paired with a list of Mexican wines. 

Buena Vida’s slow-cooked main courses are delicious — try the Birria Tatemada, spit-roasted lamb with dry chiles and spices; or the Duck in Red Pumpkin Seed Sauce, rolled in shaved zucchini. 

The food here is true traditional Mexican, handed down through generations. The restaurants even grind their own heirloom corn for house-made tortillas.

Rooftop: Cocktails and More!

Go up one more level, and you’ll step out onto the rooftop. Welcome to Buena Vida Social Club. This rooftop bar is Acapulco-inspired, with a 60’s and 70’s party vibe. Finger foods and shared plates are emphasized here, and a dry misting system brings relief to Arlington’s hot summer evenings.

TTT, Buena Vida and Buena Vida Social Club are all owned by Ivan Iricanin, the founder of Street Guys Hospitality. Street Guys Hospitality also owns Balkan restaurants Ambar in D.C. and Baba in Clarendon.

Which is your favorite: TTT, Buena Vida or Buena Vida Social Club? Let us know in the comments.

Want to live in Clarendon, surrounded by amazing places like Buena Vida Social Club? Check out our Clarendon Neighborhood Guide. Contact The Keri Shull Team at (703) 952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Neighborhood Spotlight: True Food Kitchen — Clean, Healthy Eating in Ballston Quarter

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In this Neighborhood Spotlight, Libby Bish of The Keri Shull Team takes us to True Food in Ballston Quarter.

True Food Kitchen combines conscious nutrition with delicious dining.

As General Manager Quinn Edgar says, “Eat better, feel better and celebrate a passion for better living.”

All kinds of diets are accommodated here: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free — even keto and paleo. At other restaurants, conversations about your dietary restrictions with servers can be a prolonged hassle, but True Food Kitchen makes it easy.

True Food takes care to get sustainably farmed ingredients from reputable sources. Naturally, the menu rotates with the seasons to serve whatever is abundant and fresh at that time of year. True Food’s summer menu is currently in effect, including delicious craft cocktails full of fruit flavors and organic wines and spirits.

Some of Quinn’s favorite dishes include:

  • Charred Cauliflower with harissa tahini sauce. Served with dill, pistachio and mint.
  • The Poke bowl with wild-caught albacore tuna, avocado and cucumber. The poke bowl’s ponzu sauce has quinoa rice, cucumbers, pickled ginger, a lot of great summer flavors
  • Tomato and watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes with DNA from before 1950. This one’s also got the same delicious ponzu sauce as the poke bowl above.
  • Ancient grains bowl: Quinoa, sweet potatoes, onions, avocado. This one’s perfect if you’re dairy free.

True Food Kitchen also has a bar and house cocktails. 

Quinn recommends some of True Food Kitchen’s refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, which receive all the care and thought that mixologists usually devote to inventing cocktails:

  • Medicine Man with green tea, pomegranate, black cherry and honey.
  • Pomegranate Chia Limeade, a healthy twist on a summer classic. 
  • Lavender iced tea, with pea flower and lemon. 
  • Hangover Prescription, with pineapple, orange, honey and coconut water. 

If you want a meal that makes you feel better- not worse — stop by True Food Kitchen in Ballston Quarter.

Want to live in Ballston or other incredible Arlington neighborhoods, surrounded by great spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Take Taco Tuesday to New Heights at Don Tito — A Classic Cantina With a Killer View

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

If you’re a Taco Tuesday fan, then you need to check out Don Tito’s.

This three-story Clarendon gem specializes in tacos, tequila and having a good time. The Keri Shull Team’s Chris Clark recently sat down with Don Tito’s owner Scott Parker to talk tacos, tequila and what it’s like to party with the Stanley Cup!

Elevating Taco Tuesday… Literally

Don Tito is serious about tacos. From classics like pollo asado to their own unique creations like the fried chicken BLT or surf and turf, there’s a taco for every taste! And since their menu is particularly taco-centric, it’s no wonder that Taco Tuesday is a big deal!

The third floor rooftop bar at Don Tito is the perfect Taco Tuesday environment, and they take the day to new heights with a DJ, free cotton candy and popcorn, deals on tacos and tequila, and even hookah! Of course, it doesn’t have to be Tuesday for you to get the most out of your Don Tito’s experience. 

With three stories to explore, Don Tito has something for everyone. Their first floor has open access to the bustling street via large open windows and doors. The second floor has an electrifying dance party scene. And the rooftop bar is the perfect open-air space to hang out and get a great view of Clarendon.

Let’s Taco ’bout the Stanley Cup

Fun fact: the first place that the Washington Capitals went after winning the Stanley cup wasn’t in D.C., it was Don Tito! The team has long picked Don Tito’s for events like their preseason dinners, but it was a shock to Scott Parker when he got a call that the first spot on the Stanley Cup’s tour was his bar!

If you’re looking for a great place with amazing tacos that’s Cap’s approved, there’s no place better than Don Tito.

Want to live in a Clarendon or other incredible Arlington neighborhoods, surrounded by amazing spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Waterfalls, Dancing and Feeling at Home at Darna in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

When you first walk up the steps and enter Darna, you should feel at home.

Located in Clarendon, Darna is part lounge, part nightclub, part restaurant and completely unlike anywhere else. The Keri Shull Team’s own Tyler Marrin recently took a trip to Darna to learn more about their unique, experience-centered restaurant and lounge.

Your Home Away from Home

“Darna translates to ‘Our Home,” Darna’s staff explained. Which is why Darna prides itself on being your home away from home. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, enjoy the summer weather, or dance the night away, Darna has something for everyone. 

Darna also aims to be more of a restaurant and lounge than a nightclub, allowing them to cater to a much wider audience. The hope is that everyone should feel welcome at Darna.

An Unforgettable Experience

Darna doesn’t just offer a welcoming atmosphere. The lounge’s decor and location ensures you’ll have an amazing experience. Just outside of D.C. and only a few blocks from the Clarendon Metro Station, Darna is extremely easy to get to. And once you arrive, the lounge’s decor is sure to impress.

The interior includes incredible features like a waterfall, beautiful lighting, ample seating and dance space, and an Instagram-worthy custom neon sign. Darna also has a large outdoor patio space that’s perfect for enjoying food, drinks, or hookah in warm weather.

Darna’s full bar means you’ll never be thirsty, and their unique hookah offerings are a crowd favorite. You can even have the ultimate high-end experience with their bottle service and private table alcoves. Darna also offers private event packages that can be tailored to fit your needs, making it a great location for your next event.

Open daily from 5 p.m.-2 a. m., Darna is a can’t miss next time you’re in the Clarendon area. So be sure to go and check out your new home-away from home!

Want to live in a Clarendon or other incredible Arlington neighborhoods, surrounded by amazing spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected] and we’ll help you find your next new home!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Swim, Play Mini Golf and Go to Bat at Upton Hill Regional Park

By ARLnow.com Sponsor


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

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, Drew Carpenter of The Keri Shull Team takes us inside Upton Hill Regional Park in Seven Corners, Arlington.

Upton Hill is an incredible seven-acre park with a lot of fun things to do: it contains the Ocean Dunes waterpark, an 18-hole mini golf course, nearly two miles of walking trails and nine batting cages.

This place is an oasis where Arlington families unwind and cool off on summer weeknights and weekends.

Things to Do at Upton Hill Regional Park

The beach-themed Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Regional Park is designed to feel like the beach, complete with dune grasses. The waterpark offers a kiddie pool, a lap pool and two huge waterslides: one 230-foot open slide and one 170-foot covered slide. The centerpiece pool at Ocean Dunes features slides, fountains, platforms and a giant 500-gallon dumping bucket.

Upton Hill Park also has one of the best mini golf courses in the area, with a cleverly designed gauntlet of 18 holes that wind alongside water channels. It’s a good mix of short hole-in-one courses with longer, more challenging hazard courses.

The wooded areas surrounding the park offer almost two miles of walking trails to explore. These paths climb to hilltop views of the area surrounding the park.

Also popular at Upton Hill Park are the nine batting cages, which can throw everything from slow pitch softballs to 55 MPH fastballs. Bats and helmets are provided, but note that you’ll need to wear closed-toe shoes if you want to use the batting cages.

Events & Rentals at Upton Hill Park

Upton Hill Park is a great place to host birthday parties — it offers access to an exclusive birthday area, unlimited mini-golf (clubs and balls included) and unlimited batting cage use (bats and helmets included). Pack a cooler with food and beverages, bring your own decorations and have a blast!

Weekly events include Military Mondays and Throwback Thursdays. Special discounts and themes are available all week.

Best of all, getting to the park is a much shorter ride than going to the beach. Upton Hill Regional park is a short drive from anywhere in Arlington, and you can also get there by riding the Orange or Silver Line to Ballston-MU Station and then taking the 1A bus to Wilson Blvd & N. Livingston Street. From there it’s just a short walk to the park!

Know a local business or hangout you’d like us to cover next? Let us know in the comments below!

As always, if you know anyone who’s looking to buy or sell a home in the DMV, The Keri Shull Team is here to help. Click here to contact us.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Throw Punches, Torch Calories and Build Strength at BASH Boxing in Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight, Giovanni Gatto of The Keri Shull Team takes us inside Bash Boxing in Rosslyn to meet Co-Founder Alex, Founding Coach Jonathan and Founding Coach Brandi.

Let’s be clear: Bash Boxing offers boxing conditioning workouts. You will NOT be boxing an opponent in a ring or trying to knock anybody out at Bash Boxing. Instead, you’ll be knocking out your own fitness goals. Bash offers cooperative-mode boxing for all fitness levels.

The goals at Bash are to improve overall cardiovascular health, build lean muscle mass, build self-confidence and blow off steam.

What You Need To Bash

Bash is located just minutes from the Rosslyn Metro station by foot.

You will need to buy or rent gloves and wraps — or bring your own. Once your hands are protected, you only need your normal workout attire and athletic shoes.

During a fast-paced, 45-minute class, your instructor will go over the motions of the 6 core punches. They’ll demonstrate every combo. Then the coach will be available throughout the class for one-on-one attention, pumping you up and investing in your workout.

You’ll use free weights, med balls and resistance bands. And because this is boxing conditioning, of course you’ll throw punches at Bash’s joint-safe Aqua Bag.

Bash’s classes are available morning, afternoon and evening, including weekends. All classes have options and modifications that best suit the workout and the challenge levels you need.

Bash also has bulk rates for sessions and accepts private one-on-one or group classes. Street parking is available. Bash provides showers, towel service, soap and hair dryers so you walk out the door feeling fresh and looking sharp. You will NOT need to bring a padlock; Bash has daily use lockers.

Bash Boxing also has a second location opening in Ballston Quarter in 2019!

Have you taken one of Bash’s free trial classes? Who was your coach?

If you know anyone who’s looking to buy or sell a home in the DMV area, we’re always happy to help. Click here to contact the Keri Shull Team.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Powhatan Skate Park — Carve, Grind and Bail at Team Pain’s Latest Creation

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In this Arlington Spotlight video, Tyler Marrin and Drew Carpenter of The Keri Shull Team visit the newly-renovated Powhatan Skate Park at 6020 Wilson Boulevard.

Arlington skaters waited years for a new place to carve, grind and bail. The wait is over.

The county has fully replaced the crumbling, damaged concrete of the old park with Team Pain’s sleek redesign. The refreshed layout will give you nearly any skating experience you want, from the chill snake zone all the way up to a traditional pro bowl and a doorway to carve over.

While there are spots in this park that call for courage, there’s also plenty of beginner-friendly terrain.

Hone your street skating on the park’s new ramps, handrails, boxes and ledges. Here you could learn to front feeble grind a rail like Leticia Bufoni, experiment with no comply variations inspired by Ray Barbee, or just work on your skating fundamentals.

There’s a small egg bowl to carve. When you’re ready, make like Steve Caballero and try dropping into the deep pro bowl.

Powhatan Skate Park officially reopened on May 4 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, but word traveled fast. Days before the ceremony, the park was already crowded with skaters finding their lines through the new extended street section with kickflips and 50-50 grinds.

Team Pain is famous for their innovative specialty structures that push the limits of skating, like loops and 128-foot vert ramps. They’ve built structures for MTV and for ESPN’s X Games. They’re also known for their indoor wood skate facilities and cutting-edge outdoor concrete parks like the one just unveiled here in Arlington.

This is not just a new park with smooth surfaces, but a place for skaters to build community, challenge themselves and build their skills. Who knows? Maybe Rodney Mullen will drop by next time he visits the Smithsonian.

Powhatan Skate Park is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. every day.

We may not be able to help you land a Caballerial kickflip… but if anyone you know needs to buy or sell a home in the DMV, contact The Keri Shull Team.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Long Walks, Fresh Air and Art in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

In this week’s Neighborhood Spotlight Drew Carpenter, Tyler Marrin, and Wilson from The Keri Shull Team explore some of the best artsy and outdoor spaces in Crystal City and National Landing.

Long Bridge Park

Long Bridge Park offers more than 30 acres of open space and recreation. Public greens and playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12 make the park a great place for family time. Long Bridge Park also offers multipurpose sports fields and a raised walkway with views of the sports fields, capital monuments and Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary.

Don’t miss this great outdoor space in National Landing!

Prism & Radiance Art Wall

The Art Walls program aims to add color and character to public spaces in Crystal City. For this project, artist Anne Marchand worked with 2 muralists and 3 artists to paint “Prism,” a piece about light inspired by quantum physics. 35 colorful rectangular panels, 160 feet long in total, hang along 18th Street in Crystal City. Across the street you’ll also find “Radiance,” a series of mosaic pieces by Valerie Theberge.

FotoWalk Underground

For a break from the heat, head into Crystal City’s famous corridors. FotoWalk Underground brings a rotating gallery of 150 photographs to the bright indoor tunnels that crisscross Crystal City’s offices, residences and retail.

Crystal City Water Park

The name might conjure images of water slides and fountains, but it’s actually a gorgeous sculpture park filled with the sound of rushing water. It’s a great place to eat lunch, take a break or work outdoors. After sunset, romantic lighting makes the sculpture park a perfect date venue.

Around the corner is the Bell Street courtyard which features outdoor chess, ping pong and cornhole.

2121 Courtyard

2121 Courtyard is a plaza surrounded by great restaurants. There are plenty of places here to sit, chat, picnic, mingle… or you can even find a spot to work outside on mild days. The courtyard offers free WiFi, and it hosts live music and other events.

The Landing

The Landing is an indoor plaza with adjacent restaurants and lots of seating. It’s a great spot to eat your lunch, cool off, and rest your feet while you’re walking in Crystal City.

Bell Street Courtyard

This is another great place to take a break, take a picnic or bag lunch, or play games — Bell Street Courtyard offers cornhole and other classics. About 750 multifamily units are expected to begin construction near this site in 2019.

What’s your favorite outdoor hangout in or near Crystal City?

We want to hear about your favorite spots for art, food, and outdoor fun in the Crystal City and National Landing area. Let us know where to visit next in the comments below!

As always, if you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, The Keri Shull Team is here to help.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Work Out While Your Kids Play at Onelife Fitness in Ballston

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

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

Many gyms have moved in the direction of group exercise studios, while other gyms bristle with free weights and machines.

Onelife Fitness in Ballston Quarter brings all these types of training together in one place — from yoga and meditation to the power rack. In this video, Libby Bish from the Keri Shull Team takes us inside the newly-renovated Onelife Fitness.

Onelife for Cardio and Weight Training

Libby toured Onelife’s Ballston location with elite personal trainer William Sorrentino.

Onelife’s cardio space has no sign-up sheets or waiting lists. You’ll find plenty of stationary bikes, ellipticals, freestanding bikes, stretching mats and an area for abdominal and core exercises. The cardio space overlooks Ballston Quarter, so it’s awash in natural light.

The free weight area has 4 Olympic lifting racks (soon to be 5) and a power rack. All are equipped with weight lifting dumbbells. Free weights are also available in this central area of the gym.

Onelife also has nearly 30 yards of indoor turf space for explosive performance training: running, jumping, ballistic training and more.

Onelife’s Training Programs and Events

All trainers at Onelife are equipped to address the average person’s fitness goals. Sorrentino had this to say about his training approach:

“I use a strength and conditioning model to address my clients’ strength needs. Conditioning-wise, I try to bring everyone through some type of athletic platform: Running, twisting, throwing, jumping, doing things that challenge you athletically so you can feel better doing things that you already do every day.”

Onelife’s calendar is packed with daily classes, including:

  • Weights classes to build strength
  • Cycling classes
  • Full-body “Hard Drive” conditioning workout classes
  • Zumba
  • High-Intensity Interval Training
  • Ballet-inspired “Barre One” classes
  • Yoga and Pilates-inspired classes to build flexibility and balance

Onelife’s multiple yoga offerings include Slow Flow, Vinyasa and Hatha yoga. See their current class schedule for availability.

Onelife also offers a Kids’ Club area where kids can get some active play while parents get their workout in. Well, that leaves us with one less excuse not to get more exercise.

Thank you for reading. If you’d like us to spotlight your business, or if you know of a great business you’d like to see featured, let us know in the comments!

As always, if you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the DMV, contact us today!

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