Just like that we are about to close out another year, and believe us when we say 2021 was one for the books in Northern Virginia. From the cicada invasion to the crazy summer housing market to endless twinkling light displays, take a look back at the stories that caught your attention this year.
NoVA-Natives SHAED On How It Feels To Become International Rock Stars
Launched skyward by the global hit ‘Trampoline,’ the Northern Virginia alternative-pop trio aims for loftier heights. [READ MORE]
The Cicada Invasion: Everything You Need To Know
What to expect when Brood X (pronounced “ten,” as in the Roman numeral) makes its arrival, from how they can actually help your lawn, to whether they can safely be (gulp) eaten by man or beast. [READ MORE]
Johnny Depp’s Lawsuit Against His Ex-Wife Moves Forward In Fairfax County. Here’s Why VA’s Legislators Haven’t Been Able To Stop Lawsuits Like His.
The actor is suing his ex-wife in Virginia over 773 words she penned for The Washington Post. The trial shines a light on a flaw in our legal system that invites the powerful and wealthy to travel across the country to Virginia to silence their critics and limit the First Amendment. [READ MORE]
Best Of NoVA 2021
Our annual list of the best that NoVA has to offer is a great excuse to find your next local business to support – and remember why you love living here. [READ MORE]
A $500K Ninja Warrior-Style Course, Funded By The DOD, Is Opening To The Public
The Quantico park was primarily built for military families—but you’re welcome to try your hand at the warped wall. [READ MORE]
Totally True Tales From Home Hunters In A Crazy, Mind-Numbing, Out-Of-Control Seller’s Market
Bid way over list price? Ha! That’s just the beginning of the frenzy when you’re trying to buy a house in Northern Virginia right now. [READ MORE]
The World’s Largest Light Maze Has Arrived In DC For The Holidays
Enchant Christmas is back at Nationals Park, ready to make Christmas bigger and brighter. [READ MORE]
Meet McLean Residents Bob Kahn And Vint Cerf. They Invented The Internet.
You could be having dinner at a table next to someone who helped change the world. So who are these two? [READ MORE]
The Fight For Transgender Rights In Loudoun County Schools
The Loudoun County school district has become a flashpoint for the nation’s biggest political debates, including transgender rights. Has it reached its breaking point? [READ MORE]
A Giant New Food Hall Is Opening Soon In NoVA
Epiq Food Hall will start serving food from 14 chef partners on April 1. [READ MORE]
Patton Oswalt On His NoVA Origins, His Marriage, And Anti-Vaxx Hypocrisy
The Sterling native (and College of William & Mary grad), 52, plays two shows at the Kennedy Center this month on his latest comedy tour, Who’s Ready to Laugh? [READ MORE]
An Out-Of-This-World Festival Of “Light Art” Is Opening In Fairfax County
The LuminoCity Festival is destined to take over your Instagram with larger-than-life-size, light-up works. [READ MORE]
The Ultimate Seafood Vacation Is In Kent Island, Maryland
Waiting just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a weekend full of water views, fun in the sun, and fresh, local seafood. [READ MORE]
50 Years Later, The Team And Its Supporters Reveal The Real Story Of “Remember The Titans”
The true story behind the most famous high school football team in history, five decades after it scored championship glory. [READ MORE]
National Landing Will Be The Nation’s First Smart City. We Asked, ‘What The Heck Does That Mean?’
“It’s the Jetsons come to life,” was the answer. [READ MORE]
The 50 Best Restaurants In Northern Virginia Of 2021
What can you expect from the following restaurants? A meal that will make you smile, whether it’s due to the stellar food (this category is most important, after all), a dining room that’s bound to impress, or, yes, that server who makes your evening extra special. [READ MORE]
After 20 Years In The Works, A Huge New Theater Brings Broadway To Tysons
Capital One Hall, the newly opened performance center, will also include a massive sky park, the 300-suite Watermark Hotel, and a Radio City Music Hall-style design. [READ MORE]
This Little West Virginia Town Hosts The Ultimate Traditional German Christmas Celebration
Skip the crazy holiday airport traffic and enjoy a European getaway in neighboring West Virginia. [READ MORE]
The 10 Best Light Displays In Virginia This Holiday Season
From festive garden displays to amusement parks turned winter wonderlands, these illuminations will put you in the holiday spirit. [READ MORE]
The 15 Bars In Northern Virginia That Can Make Any Night A Great One
A buzzy basement speakeasy tucked beneath a popular restaurant. A wine bar that provides you with cats to pet. Seinfeld trivia nights. What are your plans for this evening? [READ MORE]
Feature image courtesy Luminocity
