Follow Us On Instagram
We cover all the cool things happening in Reston, Herndon, and across Northern Virginia
26
1
Heads up, Reston: the Polar Dip at Lake Anne has been canceled 🐻❄️❄️ The annual Kiwanis Polar Dip that brings the community to Lake Anne for a cold water plunge has officially been cancelled because the ice on the lake is too thick to safely cut. Donations and participation on your own are still encouraged, “whether …
54
5
Reston is one of those places where you can get a little “city” energy and still disappear into the trees ten minutes later 🌿🏙️ This Reel is a quick snapshot of that balance: walkable pockets, lakes, and miles of trails all in one community.
⠀
Where it is: Reston is in Fairfax County, about 20 miles west of DC, with Si…
26
2
After this weekend’s snow, quick local PSA for Reston, Herndon, and the rest of Fairfax County: please clear snow and ice off your vehicle’s roof before you hit the road ❄️🧊 Roof snow and ice that can break loose and fly backward at speed, especially as temperatures bounce between freezing and thawing.�
Give yourself a…
276
29
That “French countryside café” feeling is real at Le Vingt Trois Cafe & Bakery in Herndon. It’s tucked into an unassuming plaza at 311 Sunset Park Drive, but inside it’s warm, inviting, and genuinely cozy.
A little backstory: Mary opened Le Vingt Trois in 2021, at a time when there were only a handful of independent c…
125
40
Comment LAKEFRONT and I’ll send you the full listing details, price, photos, and a link to everything.
Lakefront living in Reston is rare, and Lake Thoreau is one of the best places to find it. This South Reston townhome sits right on the water, and the layout is set up for real life, not just “pretty photos.” 🌊
On t…
40
4
FFXnow reported Fairfax County’s job market is still feeling the pressure: new state data shows 43% more residents unemployed than this time last year. In November, 24,051 county residents were counted as seeking work, and the unemployment rate rose to 3.8% (up from 2.6% in Nov. 2024): the 9th straight month above 3%. …
77
4
Herndon is about to get a whole lot tastier 👀✨ New spots are rolling in, and we’re already planning our first orders. Here are the openings we’re excited about:
🍔 Burger Bhai- handcrafted burgers that are about to become your new go-to (bring on the fries + shakes
🥗 Chicken Salad Chick- chicken salad in all the flavo…
201
6
Fairfax County’s first full boundary overhaul in 40 years is officially moving forward. 📚🗺️ If you have kids in FCPS, this is one to check, especially if your feeder pattern could shift this fall. 👀 The School Board voted 8–3 to approve Superintendent Michelle Reid’s revised plan after an 18-month review, and the lates…

greaterrestonliving
Heads up, Reston: the Polar Dip at Lake Anne has been canceled 🐻❄️❄️ The annual Kiwanis Polar Dip that brings the community to Lake Anne for a cold water plunge has officially been cancelled because the ice on the lake is too thick to safely cut. Donations and participation on your own are still encouraged, “whether that’s a kiddie pool, a cold bucket of water dumped on your head, or even an ice-cold (clothed!) shower — and sharing it on social media so we can cheer you on from afar.”
If you already registered or donated, check your email and the official event page for updates and any alternate plans.
#LakeAnne #RestonVA #FairfaxCounty #NorthernVirginia
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
Yes, that is me (the crazy one on the right) plunging a few years ago at Lake Anne. I guess we’ll have to wait until next year. Who’s with me next time?!🙌😍🥶
greaterrestonliving
Reston is one of those places where you can get a little “city” energy and still disappear into the trees ten minutes later 🌿🏙️ This Reel is a quick snapshot of that balance: walkable pockets, lakes, and miles of trails all in one community.
⠀
Where it is: Reston is in Fairfax County, about 20 miles west of DC, with Silver Line Metro access at Wiehle–Reston East and Reston Town Center. That matters locally because it makes commuting and meeting up in DC or Tysons doable, while everyday life still feels connected to nature.
⠀
Who it’s for: people who want restaurants, coffee shops, and errands nearby, but also want weekend walks, water views, and green space to be part of normal life.
⠀
What to expect when you visit:
− Reston Town Center for patios, shopping, and an easy place to park once and walk around 🍽️
− Lake Anne for waterfront paths and a more neighborhood, community feel 🌊
− Trails that link parks, lakes, and neighborhoods, so you can stroll or do a real loop without planning much 🚶♀️
⠀
Two practical tips: go earlier on weekend mornings for quieter trails and easier parking, and if you’re starting at Reston Town Center, use a garage and then explore on foot for the best “walkable” impression. If you’re timing your visit around an event or market, check before you go since schedules can change.
⠀
#RestonVA #LakeAnne #RestonTownCenter #WODTrail
⠀
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
@dark_star_ceramics You just can't beat it! It has sooooo much to offer!

greaterrestonliving
After this weekend’s snow, quick local PSA for Reston, Herndon, and the rest of Fairfax County: please clear snow and ice off your vehicle’s roof before you hit the road ❄️🧊 Roof snow and ice that can break loose and fly backward at speed, especially as temperatures bounce between freezing and thawing.�
Give yourself an extra 5 minutes before you leave to clear the roof with a brush or roof rake and if you’re driving behind taller vehicles, leave extra following distance and change lanes early if you see loose snow.
⠀
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 #FairfaxCounty #NovaTraffic
greaterrestonliving
That “French countryside café” feeling is real at Le Vingt Trois Cafe & Bakery in Herndon. It’s tucked into an unassuming plaza at 311 Sunset Park Drive, but inside it’s warm, inviting, and genuinely cozy.
A little backstory: Mary opened Le Vingt Trois in 2021, at a time when there were only a handful of independent coffee spots around here. She wanted a place that reminded her of the cafés in France. The name is personal too: vingt-trois means 23 in French, and 23 is her lucky number.
What to expect when you go:
− Everything is made fresh throughout the day, and they have their own bakers on site.
− Pastries and pies are baked and prepared on the premises, so it’s a great spot to sit for a bit and actually enjoy it while it’s fresh.
− The sandwiches are worth planning around. The Jambon Beurre (prosciutto, brie, herb butter, arugula on a baguette) and the Escalope (chicken schnitzel with cabbage, pickles, mayo, Dijon) are both standouts.
− Coffee and matcha pair perfectly with the pastry selection ☕️
A couple practical tips:
− They can run out of signature items, so go earlier if you want the best pastry selection.
− If you have your heart set on something, you can contact them to reserve baked goods for pick-up.
Hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (hours can vary, so it’s worth checking before you go).
What’s your pick: pain au chocolat or almond croissant? 🥐
#herndonva #restonva #fairfaxcounty #cafe
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
@thetravelingshepherdcoffee We had the best time and enjoyed all the goodies!!!
@greaterrestonliving speaking of sweet treats have you tried the Nothing Bundt Cakes in herndon? Do you think you could do a review?
greaterrestonliving
Comment LAKEFRONT and I’ll send you the full listing details, price, photos, and a link to everything.
Lakefront living in Reston is rare, and Lake Thoreau is one of the best places to find it. This South Reston townhome sits right on the water, and the layout is set up for real life, not just “pretty photos.” 🌊
On the main level, the kitchen is nicely updated with a fun, colorful backsplash, plus a true eat-in area that makes weekday mornings and casual dinners easy. The living room is bright thanks to the double sliding glass doors across the back of the house, and there’s a cozy fireplace tucked off to the side so everyone can spread out and still feel together. 🔥
Upstairs, both bathrooms have been recently updated, and the primary bedroom is large with lake views that immediately change the mood of the whole space. Downstairs, you’ve got an extra bedroom and a rec room that opens to a hardscaped patio right by the water. It’s covered in snow right now, but that just makes it easier to picture how great this will be when the trees fill in and the lake becomes the backdrop for everything. ❄️☀️
And the Lake Thoreau lifestyle is a big part of the story here. Docks for pontoon boats are nearby, plus miles of trails that make it simple to get outside any day of the week.
This listing is courtesy of John Stacey and Kim Stacey at Compass.
Which Reston lake would you want to wake up to: Thoreau, Anne, Newport, or Audubon?
Comment LAKEFRONT and I’ll DM you the price, full photo set, and all the details.
#RestonVA #LakeThoreau #SouthReston #NorthernVirginia
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

greaterrestonliving
FFXnow reported Fairfax County’s job market is still feeling the pressure: new state data shows 43% more residents unemployed than this time last year. In November, 24,051 county residents were counted as seeking work, and the unemployment rate rose to 3.8% (up from 2.6% in Nov. 2024): the 9th straight month above 3%. The report points to wider regional impacts from federal cutbacks, and notes the figures are preliminary and were released late due to last fall’s federal government shutdown.
Want more local openings + events? Comment “Insider” to join our weekly 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
This area also has a significantly higher concentration of federal employees and contractors, many of whom have lost their jobs over the past year.
@reeseoreo very true! 😢

greaterrestonliving
Herndon is about to get a whole lot tastier 👀✨ New spots are rolling in, and we’re already planning our first orders. Here are the openings we’re excited about:
🍔 Burger Bhai- handcrafted burgers that are about to become your new go-to (bring on the fries + shakes
🥗 Chicken Salad Chick- chicken salad in all the flavors, plus sandwiches, sides, and easy lunch wins�
🍛 Eat Street Food Truck- bold Indian street food on the go 🔥 (perfect for a quick, craveable bite)�
🌯 Mexa Burritos & Bowls- fast-casual burritos + bowls you can customize a million ways (hello, weeknight dinner fix)
Which one are you trying first — burgers, bowls, or something spicy? 👇😋
Want more local openings + events? Comment “Insider” to join our weekly 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
@greaterrestonliving all of them please! 😆

greaterrestonliving
Fairfax County’s first full boundary overhaul in 40 years is officially moving forward. 📚🗺️ If you have kids in FCPS, this is one to check, especially if your feeder pattern could shift this fall. 👀 The School Board voted 8–3 to approve Superintendent Michelle Reid’s revised plan after an 18-month review, and the latest update trims the estimated number of impacted students to ~1,697. Changes are set to take effect for the 2026–27 school year, with some neighborhoods/schools flagged for follow-up recommendations by January 2027.
Want more local openings + events? Comment “Insider” to join our weekly 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
Was this supposed to be a carousel? There’s an arrow as if they were supposed to be more pictures. Thx
What about the NEW HS the county just bought? That is not part of the new district lines. 🤦♂️ I see these boundaries changing in a few years after the surge of new residents flock to the area.
@rager_racing that’s a complete waste of money. The new school will be the smaller than the next smallest HS in the county by a third. How will they justify programs and activities there when other schools in the area have needs for those same programs? The next school to the north is Herndon HS which is 80%, utilized and trending downward. It would have easily handled the over flow from Chantilly, Westfield and South Lake. In an environment where FCPS struggles to get raises, bonuses and classroom materials for its teachers, this money was better spent on anything else.
@rager_racing we’re waiting on the final boundary announcement for the western high school along with a final name.







