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We cover all the cool things happening in Reston, Herndon, and across Northern Virginia
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Herndon’s newest brewery is officially open 🍺 We came back to Hawkley Brewing for the grand opening, and the turnout said everything. The taproom was packed, with people flowing through the indoor space and out onto the patio, and the whole place felt like a neighborhood celebration.
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What it is: a new local brewery w…
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Did you know you can skip the Washington D.C. crowds and see cherry blossoms right here in Reston?
We jaunted around the area last year to show you the best places around Reston to get your cherry blossom fix. Keep in mind the cherry blossoms are expected to peak between March 29 and April 1 this year in 2026, but I t…
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Reston and Herndon are officially book towns. 📚 For World Storytelling Day, we’re spotlighting 8 published authors who call Reston and Herndon home, with reads that range from cozy mystery and memoir to romance and sci-fi. Add one (or five) to your TBR: All the Things That Come Between Us (Sarah Ruth Hickner), Memoirs …
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Ok, so we couldn’t pass up on this 90s trend before it gets too stale…haha!
Graham and I met in college in 1990 at Monmouth University in New Jersey, where we both grew up. We got our careers going soon after. I went into social work and Graham started in higher education admissions. We got married in 1995 and soon af…
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A big new housing redevelopment is planned at the corner of Elden Street and Worldgate Drive, across from the Worldgate Shopping Center and the Lidl shopping center. 🏗️
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What it is: a mix of new homes replacing two former office buildings that were vacant for years and have already been torn down. The plan includes a …
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Green beer isn’t the only way to do St. Patrick’s Day around Reston + Herndon. 🍀 Try a matcha latte at DeClieu Coffee, hunt for “lucky” finds with green-themed nature activities at Walker Nature Center (10:00-11:00am), or go full nostalgic with a Shamrock Shake at Big Buns (Reston Station or Franklin Farm). For extra l…
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Two new pizza spots are headed our way 🍕 Mountain Mike’s is planning to open in the South Lakes Village shopping center in Reston, and Donatos Pizza is officially set to open at Woodland Park Crossing in Herndon. No opening dates set for either yet, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few months for any updates. Whi…
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Reston book lovers: here’s your sign. 📚 Hunters Woods Elementary is hosting a Used Book Sale on March 14, 10 AM–4 PM with most books just $1–$2. Stock up on mysteries, kids’ books, cookbooks, sci-fi, and more! Plus, feel extra good knowing the proceeds support the Hunters Woods PTA.
Want weekly Reston news + events? C…
greaterrestonliving
Herndon’s newest brewery is officially open 🍺 We came back to Hawkley Brewing for the grand opening, and the turnout said everything. The taproom was packed, with people flowing through the indoor space and out onto the patio, and the whole place felt like a neighborhood celebration.
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What it is: a new local brewery with a solid tap list and a welcoming hangout vibe.�Where it is: Hawkley Brewing in Herndon (check their page for the easiest directions).�Why it matters locally: it adds another true community spot to the Herndon and Reston area, and it’s the kind of place that turns a random weeknight into a plan.�Who it’s for: craft beer fans, casual “just one drink” people, and anyone who likes meeting friends somewhere easy and upbeat.
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What to expect: 10 beers on tap right now, and we kept hearing the same comment from everyone around us, they’re really tasty. 🍻 They’ll also be rotating food trucks regularly, plus they’re stocking Reston’s own Nordic Knots for snacking. 🥨
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A couple practical tips:�− If you want a little more breathing room, try earlier in the day or a weeknight, grand opening crowds were shoulder to shoulder. ⏰�− Consider carpooling with friends if you can, it’s a popular spot and arrivals stack up quickly. 🚗
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Best part of the night: meeting a bunch of you who follow along here and swapping local recommendations. Thanks for saying hi 🙂✨
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#HerndonVA #RestonVA #FairfaxCountyVA #NovaEats
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)� #greaterrestonliving
Was there for the opening and you sure got it all right! Gonna be the spot
@s.paroli were you there on Friday? It was packed!!🍺🥨🥰
@greaterrestonliving yes, I was there Friday. Stopped by Saturday late afternoon and it had a great crowd.
@s.paroli I'm excited to have a new brewery! They have some great tasting brews. What was your fav?
@greaterrestonliving I really like their beers. The black lager is my fave, and it’s not usually my go-to!
greaterrestonliving
Did you know you can skip the Washington D.C. crowds and see cherry blossoms right here in Reston?
We jaunted around the area last year to show you the best places around Reston to get your cherry blossom fix. Keep in mind the cherry blossoms are expected to peak between March 29 and April 1 this year in 2026, but I think they may pop a little sooner based on what I’m seeing already. Who am I, I guess?
Let me know if I missed anywhere, and tag me if you take a great cherry blossom photo, I’d love to see!
#cherryblossoms #dccherryblossoms #2026cherryblossoms #restoncherryblossoms
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)
#greaterrestonliving
@aredeejay_rdj I don't think anyone would hassle you for a permit, just so long as you aren't disrupting anyone from taking their own photos. You should be fine (though this is not legal advice...lol) 😍
@drrosemaryahanor You need to go see them...."Because It's Tuesday!" We need to get coffee on the calendar.
@nakicarey YES! And you will need to wear pink!

greaterrestonliving
Reston and Herndon are officially book towns. 📚 For World Storytelling Day, we’re spotlighting 8 published authors who call Reston and Herndon home, with reads that range from cozy mystery and memoir to romance and sci-fi. Add one (or five) to your TBR: All the Things That Come Between Us (Sarah Ruth Hickner), Memoirs of an Ordinary Guy (Daniel Stuart Olmes), Murder with Peacocks (Donna Andrews), In His Own Words (Kristina Alcorn), Awakenings (Chuck Cascio), Spectrum (Samantha Mina), The Royal Vow (Erica Rue), and The Principal’s Office: Things Aren’t Always What They Seem (Joshua DeSmyter).
Want weekly Reston news + events? Comment “Insider” to join our Reston Insider newsletter.
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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)
#greaterrestonliving #RestonVA #HerndonVA #NovaReads #WorldStorytellingDay #LocalAuthors
@alcornk We are here for all the great stuff and people in our community!!! 😁
@chuckwrites You're so welcome! We've got some great authors in our community! 📚
@author_sarah_hickner You are very welcome! Thank you for sharing with me! Let's do coffee soon! ☕
I love supporting local creators! Have you read any of these authors books? Who did we miss? Shout them out!🙌
@greaterrestonliving This is so thoughtful of you. Thank you!!!

greaterrestonliving
Ok, so we couldn’t pass up on this 90s trend before it gets too stale…haha!
Graham and I met in college in 1990 at Monmouth University in New Jersey, where we both grew up. We got our careers going soon after. I went into social work and Graham started in higher education admissions. We got married in 1995 and soon after Graham made the leap into higher education technology and landed a job at Datatel based in Fair Lakes at the time. That caused us to make the move to Reston where we rented a condo at Chestnut Grove Square, and we’ve been living in the area ever since (and haven’t looked back). Our son was born in 1998 and our daughter just missed the 90s cut in 2000.
For us, it was a formative decade. Now we inflict 90s nostalgia movies on our kids every time we get together. They secretly love it. 🤪
#90strend, #90sNostalgia, #90sVibes, and #Throwback
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)
greaterrestonliving
@erinjcthompson where from in Jersey? And yes…here to help.🥰
Love it! Your content is great and so informative esp for Fairfax folks who are close to Reston but wouldn’t make the trip otherwise.
@mrs.vsanto thank you so much for the follow, and the kind words. So happy to share all the good stuff. There’s so much going on in our area.🍺🥨🥰
greaterrestonliving
A big new housing redevelopment is planned at the corner of Elden Street and Worldgate Drive, across from the Worldgate Shopping Center and the Lidl shopping center. 🏗️
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What it is: a mix of new homes replacing two former office buildings that were vacant for years and have already been torn down. The plan includes a five-story apartment building with 359 rental units, plus a for-sale section with 47 townhomes and 52 stacked condos.
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Why it matters locally: this is one of those projects that can reshape how that stretch of Elden feels day to day, adding new neighbors, new traffic patterns, and more activity around nearby shops and restaurants. It’s also another example of older office sites getting reworked into housing as the area changes.
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Who it’s for: renters who want to be close to shopping and major routes, and buyers who like the idea of townhomes or condo-style living with a newer build option in this part of Herndon. 🏘️
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What to expect next: even though the broader concept was approved back in March 2024, the design details still have to move through town reviews, including questions about exterior materials and the timing for a small pocket park. And honestly, it’s a little hard to tell why this stage has taken as long as it has. 🌳
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Two practical tips: if you want to get a quick look at the site location, the easiest viewpoint is from the Worldgate or Lidl parking lots, and it’s usually calmer mid-morning on weekdays. Also, if you like following projects like this, keep an eye on the Town of Herndon meeting calendar for public hearings and updates. 👀
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#HerndonVA #Worldgate #EldenStreet #HerndonDevelopment
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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)
#greaterrestonliving
We cannot wait; nothing is around the Herndon Metro. It will be great, plus new trails and sidewalks with fancy eating and drinking venues.
@martin.boyd459 I didn't see anything in detail about that, though I would expect there would be spaces in the garage for the apartment building. It would probably be an optional add-on for the private garage in the townhomes.
I used to live in Worldgate condos right down the street from this spot and would walk my dog through the area lot. I'm glad they tore down the office buildings because they have been empty since before covid and honestly more housing options will be good for all the retail in the area.
@nuushi92 yes...definitely need more housing. Thanks for watching!😍
What’s being done to bolster town infrastructure for more people and cars? More homes equal more traffic, more headache. Could that be addressed? Please
@maplemountie13 yes, this is a big issue, that's for sure. I didn't see anything specific required of the developers on this one, but the Town of Herndon has a master plan for transportation they are working on.

greaterrestonliving
Green beer isn’t the only way to do St. Patrick’s Day around Reston + Herndon. 🍀 Try a matcha latte at DeClieu Coffee, hunt for “lucky” finds with green-themed nature activities at Walker Nature Center (10:00-11:00am), or go full nostalgic with a Shamrock Shake at Big Buns (Reston Station or Franklin Farm). For extra luck, search for a four-leaf clover at Lake Fairfax, then wrap it up with a Guinness at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. Sláinte! 💚
Want weekly Reston news + events? Comment “Insider” to join our Reston Insider newsletter.
⠀
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)
#greaterrestonliving #RestonVA #HerndonVA #StPatricksDay #NorthernVA #SupportLocal
@valleyenergy thanks, we’ll keep thinking of new ways to celebrate around here!😍🙌

greaterrestonliving
Two new pizza spots are headed our way 🍕 Mountain Mike’s is planning to open in the South Lakes Village shopping center in Reston, and Donatos Pizza is officially set to open at Woodland Park Crossing in Herndon. No opening dates set for either yet, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few months for any updates. Which one are you excited to try?
Want weekly Reston news + events? Comment “Insider” to join our Reston Insider newsletter.
⠀
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)
#greaterrestonliving #RestonVA #HerndonVA #NovaEats #SouthLakes #SupportLocalEats
My husband and I grew up going to Mountain Mike’s in the Bay Area CA where it originated. So excited to have one close to our house! I hope they have an arcade like their locations usually would
@rupistep pizza and Shrek! let’s go!
Nice”share this @virginia__family

greaterrestonliving
Reston book lovers: here’s your sign. 📚 Hunters Woods Elementary is hosting a Used Book Sale on March 14, 10 AM–4 PM with most books just $1–$2. Stock up on mysteries, kids’ books, cookbooks, sci-fi, and more! Plus, feel extra good knowing the proceeds support the Hunters Woods PTA.
Want weekly Reston news + events? Comment “Insider” to join our Reston Insider newsletter.
⠀
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)
#greaterrestonliving #RestonVA #BookSale #UsedBookSale #BookLovers







