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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Nectarines are better than peaches, and other reasons to get to the farmers market
Because I eat at restaurants so often for my job as the food critic here, I don’t food shop all that much. But I still walk the few blocks to my neighborhood farmers market every weekend. Our haul includes loads of peaches and nectarines, all the ingredients for my favorite gazpacho recipe and, if I can find them, fairy tale eggplant, which might just get any eggplant hater to reconsider this summer joy. One more reason to head out: It’s officially Virginia Farmers Market Week, and with 275 markets in the state, there’s no excuse to not pick up a pint of sun gold tomatoes. -Stefanie Gans, Dining Editor
Bend and hopefully not snap
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a member of the Junior League of Northern Virginia, which is a nonprofit made up of volunteers of women who contribute to the regional community. This week, I’m looking forward to catching up with my friends in the league while doing sun salutations. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, you can catch me at our yoga event at Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park. I’m not the most flexible person, so if you want to spot me in the crowd, I’ll be the one in the back trying not to fall over during tree pose. I’m most looking forward to the beers we’ll be drinking at Caboose Commons afterward. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // 2910 District Ave., Fairfax; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; free
First pitch in Leesburg (and it’s not baseball)
It’s been a summer full of soccer for me. No, I don’t play the sport. The story goes that at age 4 I attempted one practice and decided I didn’t like the shinguard concept, so I threw in the towel. Future Alex Morgan? I think not. But I have spent a majority of my time keeping up with the USWNT World Cup Champions and the NWSL. When I can’t catch Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh at a Washington Spirit game, I keep up with DC United for an additional place to get out my football spirit, and now there’s a place even closer to home that I can get my fix. Loudoun United FC (a DC United affiliate) will have it’s first home game at Segra Field on Aug. 9. You’ll catch me in the general admission section (where tickets are only $15), trying to see around tall people, cheering for another team to round out the summer. Coming, too? Before you head to the game, read our interview with Calle Brown, Leesburg native and Loudoun United’s starting goalkeeper. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Segra Field: 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg; Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.; tickets start at $15, $5 parking
Set sail in Reston
I have been editor at Northern Virginia Magazine for nearly a year now. As a lifelong Northern Virginian, I thought I knew this region like the back of my hand, but, as it turns out, there is so much more I’ve yet to explore. I try to make it a point to visit new-to-me places in NoVA on the weekends, which usually means I’ve got my sweet kids and husband with me. This Saturday, we’re going to head over to the Cardboard Boat Regatta in Reston. Homemade boats on Lake Anne, plus something cryptically called the Human Hamster Wheel Snow Cone? We are looking forward to checking this out. -Katie Bianco, Editor // Lake Anne Plaza: 1639 Washington Plaza, Reston; Aug. 10, first race starts at 1 p.m.; free
Finding my work-life balance
I am exactly two months into my first full-time job here at the magazine. While I love the work I do, transitioning into the reality of adulthood is definitely challenging, especially for someone who once exercised five times a week thanks to a lax college schedule. That said, I have definitely mastered a few things—a homemade salad for lunch, the prepared iced coffee waiting for me when I get out of bed, etc.—but fitting in a workout a few times a week hasn’t been easy. That’s why this weekend, after I finally move into my new home in Arlington, I will be attending the Recover & Revive seminar at the Central Library, which focuses on nutrition, sleep and workout balance. Hopefully the folks at High Key Balance will have me back on track (at least with exercise) in no time. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Central Library: 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington; Aug. 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; free
Want more fun? Check out the August issue’s NoVA in 19 to see what else should be on your radar as we kick off the last month of summer vacation.
