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We cover all the cool things happening in Reston, Herndon, and across Northern Virginia
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🌸🏗️ Outdated offices on Alexander Bell Drive could soon bloom into 144 new townhomes! This under-used slice of South Reston—between Wiehle Ave & Hunter Mill Rd, steps from the W&OD Trail and Sunrise Valley Elementary—may trade 1980s concrete for walkable paths, a roomy central green, and stacked + classic townhouses … …
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🌱 Dreaming of trading those patio pots for proper garden rows? Reston Association quietly maintains 270+ community garden plots across five scenic sites—Golf Course Island, Lake Anne, Cedar Ridge, and two in Hunter Woods. Each one is strictly organic—so you can plant tomatoes, dahlias, or daylilies with nothing but com…
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🎶 Summer evenings = LIVE playlists! This week we hit four local legends—Jazz Happy Hour in Reston Town Square Park, Reston Station’s Summerbration, Herndon’s Friday Night Live, and the Saturday Pavilion show at Reston Town Center—and the vibes were 🔥.
Did you know Reston + Herndon serve up seven free concert series ac…
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🎉 JUST SOLD in Reston! Secured the 2nd-highest price in the neighborhood—and here’s the three-phase game-plan that made it happen:
🏗 Phase 1 – Private Exclusive
• Light touch-ups turned “good” into great ✨
• Full staging for that model-home vibe 🛋
• Tested an aspirational price off-market—no “days-on-market” stigma 📊
…
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🍻 Craft beer lovers, get ready—Herndon, VA is tapping three brand-new breweries in 2025!
• Ornery Beer Company pours into Woodland Park Crossing with Kölschs and Detroit-style pies.
• Voodoo Brewing Co. lands under Makers Rise at Dulles Station—think hazy IPAs, pierogi tots, and neon vibes.
• NH 44 Brewing plants it…
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🎨✨ Reston + Herndon are hiding pint-sized creative treasure chests known as Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs) — miniature boxes bursting with doodles, painted rocks, and pocket-sized masterpieces! 🔍 Whether you’re strolling past the LOVE sign in Downtown Herndon, hiking South Reston’s Turquoise Trail, crossing “Van Gog…
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🍔 Craving the best burgers in Reston and Herndon? From the wagyu-blend at Capital Burger to the hickory-grilled patties at Charred, our local lineup is pure burger bliss. Whether you’re chasing truffle fries, cereal-milk shakes, or Jimmy’s half-pound legend, these Herndon & Reston burger spots keep the 20190–20171 zip …
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🍳 Reston’s newest brunch destination has officially arrived! First Watch Reston—now in the former Carrabba’s next to the YMCA (right across from Target)—is already drawing sunrise lines. Doors swing open at 7 AM, and the kitchen calls it a day at 2:30 PM, so plan that brunch date early. I dove into their legendary 🥓 Mi…
greaterrestonliving
🌸🏗️ Outdated offices on Alexander Bell Drive could soon bloom into 144 new townhomes! This under-used slice of South Reston—between Wiehle Ave & Hunter Mill Rd, steps from the W&OD Trail and Sunrise Valley Elementary—may trade 1980s concrete for walkable paths, a roomy central green, and stacked + classic townhouses … provided our beloved cherry blossoms stay untouched.
Fairfax Now says the rezoning request is in county review, part of a bigger push to rethink the Toll Road corridor. Imagine hopping on the trail, strolling to school, and still being minutes from Metro. Empty parking lots ➜ vibrant community?
Drop your take below and share with a friend who needs to know everything happening in Reston! 🏡🚴♀️🤔
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
Stop building houses. Traffic is already bad as is in the area
@greaterrestonliving will if we stop building and moving people in then there will be less traffic in this area
@allways_the_one well, if traffic is the only problem, but I’m suggesting there are multiple problems to solve and remain optimistic that they can be balanced.
@greaterrestonliving stop building and the problem solved
@allways_the_one I get the sentiment...traffic has increasingly gotten worse over the years. In the medium term, there are a couple of projects that should make things a bit better. 1) the planned Soapstone Connector will extend Soapstone Road over the Toll Road to connect with Sunset Hills. This should relieve some North/South traffic on Reston Parkway. 2) Wiehle Ave is set to be improved in the next several years, which will hopefully reduce the stress over that road. Having said that, I'd like to see more aggressive infrastructure demands of developers when these projects are planned. At the same time, without more housing here, supply will stay low and drive up housing prices in the area to unsustainable levels. All this to say, I hear your pain about traffic and hope we can find a good balance as we go on. Thanks for weighing in! 😍
@greaterrestonliving thank you for your reply :)! I’ll stay tuned.
Ha…no, these are south of the toll road and the Ebola Monkey house was in Issac Newton Square across from the McDonalds. Stay tuned we have a video about that coming soon. 😎 Thanks for watching and for your question!
Put people and houses.....not townhouses there.....land ownership is needed by all Americans....renting plays into our adversaries plans.....smh .. developers are greedy and deserve the current CEO treatment in many cases....
@coltrane333 I agree with you on home ownership and empowering people. These townhouses would all be owned by people. They are not proposing apartments in this location. 😊
@good2better9_9 yikes…I’m sorry your allergies are so bad, though I’m not sure cutting down all the beautiful trees is the answer.
This ‘affordable housing’ is such an overused, abused term that has no clear definition. It’s clearly used just for the purpose of getting plans passed at the county and state level. Nothing more.
@abepumpernickel agreed. Affordability is a complex idea that should factor in things like inflation, interest rates, median income levels, etc. But the term does seem like it means different things to different people these days. 😊
greaterrestonliving
🌱 Dreaming of trading those patio pots for proper garden rows? Reston Association quietly maintains 270+ community garden plots across five scenic sites—Golf Course Island, Lake Anne, Cedar Ridge, and two in Hunter Woods. Each one is strictly organic—so you can plant tomatoes, dahlias, or daylilies with nothing but compost and sunshine.
💧 Annual fees run $45–$275 (size-dependent) and include on-site water, mulch, and compost piles. You do need to be an RA member—and yes, most locations have a wait-list—so hop over to reston.org → Garden Plots if you’re ready to dig in.
📏 Plot sizes range from cozy 120 sq ft beds to spacious 600 sq ft mini-farms, some dating back to the 1960s with generations of local green thumbs tending them.
👉 Would you sign up if a plot opened tomorrow? Tag a friend who’s always saying they wish they had space to grow their own veggies! 🚜🥕
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
@landonkjohnson do u hv a plot?🥕🫑🍆🌸🌺
greaterrestonliving
🎶 Summer evenings = LIVE playlists! This week we hit four local legends—Jazz Happy Hour in Reston Town Square Park, Reston Station’s Summerbration, Herndon’s Friday Night Live, and the Saturday Pavilion show at Reston Town Center—and the vibes were 🔥.
Did you know Reston + Herndon serve up seven free concert series across five nights every week? ☀️ From Motown on Lake Anne to yacht-rock under the Pavilion glass, there’s a spot for every ear. Grab your lawn chair, tag your concert buddy, and let’s keep the music local. 🪩
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
@mortgagewithmary It was fun! Bummer we didn't see you! 🙂
greaterrestonliving
🎉 JUST SOLD in Reston! Secured the 2nd-highest price in the neighborhood—and here’s the three-phase game-plan that made it happen:
🏗 Phase 1 – Private Exclusive
• Light touch-ups turned “good” into great ✨
• Full staging for that model-home vibe 🛋
• Tested an aspirational price off-market—no “days-on-market” stigma 📊
• Leveraged the Compass network for 4 preview showings 🤝
🚀 Phase 2 – Coming Soon
• Reverse-prospected agents already working with likely buyers 🔍
• HDR photos, drone shots & floor plans showcased every angle 📸
• Lifestyle reels + targeted ads built excitement and inbox buzz 📲
🏡 Phase 3 – Active on MLS
• 3 open houses opening weekend brought 30 + showings 🏠
• Organic & paid exposure kept eyes (and offers) rolling in 📈
• Negotiated a full-price contract with a rent-back for our sellers even as the market was shifting. ⏱
Big congrats to our wonderful sellers 🎊 and a massive shout-out to Luz Blakney ( @luzblakney_realtor )for the flawless execution—couldn’t have done it without your dedication and hustle! 💪
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
They were really meticulous in the way they kept their house for showings... gotta love it when your clients do a great job of shining the best light on their home!❤️🙌
@greaterrestonliving yes, they really did a great job. They were on it!
greaterrestonliving
🍻 Craft beer lovers, get ready—Herndon, VA is tapping three brand-new breweries in 2025!
• Ornery Beer Company pours into Woodland Park Crossing with Kölschs and Detroit-style pies.
• Voodoo Brewing Co. lands under Makers Rise at Dulles Station—think hazy IPAs, pierogi tots, and neon vibes.
• NH 44 Brewing plants its nano-tanks at Arrowbrook Centre for small-batch collabs and vinyl-spun release nights.
These newcomers join Aslin and Juicy to make five breweries right here in Herndon, plus Lake Anne Brew House and Bike Lane Brewing next door in Reston—turning our corner of Northern Virginia into the ultimate beer belt. 🍺🚲
Which taproom are you hitting first? Drop your pick below and share this with a friend who’s always chasing the next fresh pour! 📍🤔
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
Still only drinking at @jimmysoldtowntavern
@susanbanville you’re welcome. So much good stuff to share!😎
@happyinvirginia I did a poll asking people what they were most excited about and voodoo was the winner in the poll. I’m excited for voodoo as well.
@greaterrestonliving probably voodoo
@happyinvirginia 😊 Happy to share and now you know! LOL Which one are you most excited about?
@jasonfholder yes!!! So many new things to look forward to!😊
@greaterrestonliving can’t wait!
@karenmlig It will be fun to have some new breweries to try, I'll have to get my bike ready too and head over. 🚲
greaterrestonliving
🎨✨ Reston + Herndon are hiding pint-sized creative treasure chests known as Free Little Art Galleries (FLAGs) — miniature boxes bursting with doodles, painted rocks, and pocket-sized masterpieces! 🔍 Whether you’re strolling past the LOVE sign in Downtown Herndon, hiking South Reston’s Turquoise Trail, crossing “Van Gogh’s” wooden bridge in the neighborhood cluster, or sipping coffee at Lake Anne Plaza, keep your eyes open. Each FLAG works like a share-worthy art swap: take a piece that speaks to you, leave something that sparks joy for the next explorer, and help keep our local art loop alive.
Spot one? Snap a selfie, tag me, and let’s map every hidden gallery across Northern VA. Know a creative friend who’d love a real-world scavenger hunt? Share this post and launch their next burst of inspiration! ✂️🖌️
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
@karenbatemanart Let's paint rocks sometime! I can't wait to see all the art masterpieces that you share! I'll be on the lookout!
@seaneid28 I love sharing all the good stuff in our area! Have you visited any of the FLAG's?
One little piece of art from Reston went to Mexico !! My sister took one little painting from the FLAG in Reston and she is bringing back her art when she visits me again !
@luzblakney_realtor love this! So fun!🎨🖌️🖼️
@alliahsalist thank you! I’m sharing all the good stuff! Hey, when are we doing coffee?☕️
@hotworxherndonwoodlandcrossing yes! Very much like Geocaching! A treasure hunt!🥰
greaterrestonliving
🍔 Craving the best burgers in Reston and Herndon? From the wagyu-blend at Capital Burger to the hickory-grilled patties at Charred, our local lineup is pure burger bliss. Whether you’re chasing truffle fries, cereal-milk shakes, or Jimmy’s half-pound legend, these Herndon & Reston burger spots keep the 20190–20171 zip codes sizzling. Swipe for a mouth-watering tour and plan your next neighborhood burger crawl—extra napkins encouraged!
📍 Nothing here is a chain drive-by; every bite supports the chefs and owners who make our community taste like home.
👇 Did we miss your favorite joint? Tell us below and drop “Insider” to get the Reston Insider newsletter packed with more hyper-local food finds and weekend happenings.
#greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
@anna.nguyen1224 true! We were trying to stay away from the fast food style but, you’re right. It’s worthy! 🍔
@greaterrestonliving I’m still a big 5 Guys fan but it looks like you’re staying away from the fast food chains.🤪
greaterrestonliving
🍳 Reston’s newest brunch destination has officially arrived! First Watch Reston—now in the former Carrabba’s next to the YMCA (right across from Target)—is already drawing sunrise lines. Doors swing open at 7 AM, and the kitchen calls it a day at 2:30 PM, so plan that brunch date early. I dove into their legendary 🥓 Million Dollar Bacon (maple-brown-sugar glaze with a sneaky cayenne kick 🔥), fluffy lemon-ricotta pancakes 🥞 loaded with berry drizzle, Parmesan-creamed Million Dollar Potatoes, and a vibrant Morning Meditation juice of orange, turmeric, ginger, and beet. Light-wood tables, hanging greenery, and clinking mugs create a laid-back farmhouse vibe—perfect fuel before a W&OD ride or a Lake Anne stroll. Been yet? Drop your must-order below and tag the brunch buddy who needs this intel! #greaterrestonliving
Looking to make a move in Northern Virginia? Text or DM me:
Kathy Tracey, Realtor
Greater Reston Living at Compass
kathy @greaterrestonliving.com
703.231.7049 (call or text)
@nokneesyoga it was good. I really like what they did with the place. Very open and airy. 😊
@lizsunley13 we need to meet soon!
@greaterrestonliving to the left of the front door at one of the first tables… just me & my hubby
@lizsunley13 😂yes! Where were you?
@plantbasedsingh just say when.
@just_singhing_along let’s go together!
@plantbasedsingh their food is pretty good. Tried it first time last weekend
@plantbasedsingh loved the vibes and the food!🔥
@luzblakney_realtor it’s a great place for you to catch up with your running friends for coffee and breakfast!😊🏃🏽♀️