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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Bring on the frozen custard
What does a 4th birthday signify? Well, I hope less drama at bedtime. Other than that, I can’t wait to find out. We’ll be celebrating my delightful daughter‘s birthday (Aug. 27) at her two favorite places in our neighborhood: Los Tios (which she aptly calls “rice and beans” for her favorite order) and The Dairy Godmother for frozen custard, obviously. -Stefanie Gans, Dining Editor // Los Tios: 615 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; The Dairy Godmother: 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Should’ve been a doctor
This is not a secret to any of my friends, family or anyone who ever sat next to me in school, but I have awful handwriting. Comments like, “How can you even read that?” and, “You should be a doctor with that handwriting,” are never few and far between. While I usually reply with some annoyance in my voice like, “Good thing you’re not the one who has to read it!”—because, really, why do you care if my handwriting is bad? I can read it just fine.—I’ll admit, it could use some work. On Wednesday night, I’m headed to a hand lettering workshop being held by Distill Creative at Kalypso’s Sports Tavern. Participants get to walk away with materials to take home to continue practicing, so maybe (and this is a huge maybe) in a few months people will actually be able to read my chicken scratch. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // Kalypso’s Sports Tavern: 1617 Washington Plaza N., Reston; Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m.; $20
Wiggle with Me
As a Northern Virginia native, I thought I knew this town inside and out when I took over as editor of the magazine. But I’m continually amazed that I’m finding new things to do in the region. And, as a mother of two, I’m constantly seeing where I grew up through a new lens. Putting together our Kids Issue was particularly fun because I got to rediscover places I remember fondly from my own childhood, and discover new things to do (Mosaic District, and all of its family-friendly activities, wasn’t even built when I was a kid!). Another thing that wasn’t around when I was a kid? The Wiggles. But this kids super group is now a global sensation, and I got to chat with Emma Watkins (aka the yellow Wiggle), the group’s first-ever female Wiggle for the Kids Issue. They’re finally in town this weekend—and I’ll be introducing my little ones to these kiddie rock stars. -Katie Bianco, Editor // The Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC; Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.; $40, children under 12 months free
Another year older (hold the applause, please)
What does your 23rd birthday signify? That question has been coming to mind as my own (on Aug. 29) ticks closer this year. Somehow, I feel distant enough from my teenage years to no longer be angsty, but still too young to dine at a Michelin-star restaurant without panicking about whether to use the first or second fork depending on the served dish. So, the answer I’ve settled on is that 23 is whatever I want it to be. And this year, that means embracing a bit more of adulthood, but also a bit more of what makes me … well, me. I’m a big fan of NPR (because I’m a journalist, but also because it’s a great news source during the rush-hour commute) so I’ll be spending my birthday at Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me‘s live show at Wolf Trap. The show’s ability to be news-focused yet humorous makes it one of the best ways to stay up to date and not sucked into the 24/7 news cycle with utter dismay. My colleague spoke with the two hosts, Bill Kurtis and Peter Sagal, and now I can’t wait to see them take the stage here in Northern Virginia. Happy birthday to me! -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Filene Center: 1551 Trap Road, Vienna; Aug. 29-30, 8 p.m.; $45-$80
Desperate for colder weather
It’s official: my favorite time of the year is approaching. And while I am incredibly eager to break out my sweater collection and go for early morning runs, it seems as though the Virginia climate isn’t as ready as I am. Adjusting to the wet days here has been tough as a New England native, but I am not yet discouraged. In fact, this Saturday, I will be participating in some of my favorite seasonal activities—apple picking for honey crisps, sipping on apple cider, traveling through a corn maze and embracing live folk music—at the opening day of the Apple Gala & Fresh Cider Fest at Great Country Farms. Let’s just hope the weather catches up with me soon. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant // Great County Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont; Aug. 31-Sept. 29, 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m.; $8-$12
