The team at NBC4 knows a thing or two about Northern Virginia. Here, they share what they love about the region.
Morning Female News Anchor
Winner: Eun Yang, NBC4
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
It’s tough to map out one perfect day. I would like to go hiking in Great Falls, walk through Old Town and check out the great, locally owned shops, eat Korean barbecue in Annandale and then get bingsu at Shilla Bakery.
We’ve all been in quarantine for a while. What’s something new you discovered that you love about NoVA during this time?
I haven’t been able to venture out during quarantine. The Shoe Hive, one of my favorite Northern Virginia businesses, delivered a special birthday gift for a dear friend of mine. That was new for me.
What do you love about Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia is home to so many great neighborhoods to explore—not just for fun, but for a history lesson.
Morning Male News Anchor
Winner: Aaron Gilchrist, NBC4
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
It’s always a good day to start with breakfast at Silver Diner in Clarendon. A visit to the Alexandria waterfront is great for a romantic walk along the water or time alone with the waves and your thoughts. And, under normal circumstances, a show at Signature Theatre in Shirlington has never disappointed.
We’ve all been in quarantine for a while. What’s something new you discovered that you love about NoVA during this time?
For a while, all you could do was take a drive. Virginia never disappoints for scenery. I found vineyards and rolling hills, unsuspecting places that had disinfecting wipes in stock and beautiful neighborhoods to think about dream homes.
What do you love about Northern Virginia?
I grew up in Richmond, so being close to Northern Virginia means a taste of home is right across the river!
Evening Female News Anchor
Winner: Doreen Gentzler, NBC4
What made growing up in Northern Virginia special?
I have warm, wonderful memories of growing up in Arlington and attending McKinley Elementary School. My family moved away when I was 11 years old, but we always felt a connection to that special place. It was always a treat for my brothers and me to go out to dinner at Hot Shoppes or get ice cream sundaes at Gifford’s. And we spent a lot of time at Westover and BonAir Park, both within walking distance of the home where I grew up.
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
I always enjoy the bike trails around the region, so my day would certainly include a nice, long bike ride with my family along the W&OD Trail. I’d also include getting coffee or ice cream in Old Town, visiting one of the cool breweries in the Mosaic District or seeing a show at any of the cool theaters in Northern Virginia.
We’ve all been in quarantine for a while. What’s something new you discovered that you love about NoVA during this time?
I have to go back to biking. It’s easy to be socially distant on a bike, and I’ve found that the stress and isolation we’re all feeling from this pandemic can melt away with a good bike ride. We’re so fortunate to have a strong biking community in this region that has made sure there are plenty of places to ride.
Evening Male News Anchor
Winner: Jim Handly, NBC4
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
A perfect day escape would be driving down to RdV Vineyards near Middleburg for a tour and awesome tasting inside and out. It is open. On the way, I’d fill up on my favorite cake/pie and coffee at Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton. The next day would be for burning it off. l Iove to bike out to Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria. It has great water views and bird-watching, and is a cool place to social distance on sanity hikes.
What do you love about Northern Virginia?
I always enjoy the proximity of NoVA and taking in the panoramic views of DC from the GW Parkway. One of the prettiest drives anywhere. And, I’m into farmers markets. Two of my favorites are in Falls Church and Old Town on weekends. Always nice to buy homegrown, especially in tomato and peach season.
Weathercaster
Winner: Doug Kammerer, NBC4
What do you love about living in Northern Virginia?
I think what makes Northern Virginia great is that there is always so much to do. Whether shopping at Tysons to hiking at Great Falls, there is always something. I also love the history of the region, so many amazing historic places that we can learn from.
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
My perfect day would start with an early lunch in Reston Town Center, then we would head over to Great Falls for a hike and late-afternoon picnic. I love Great Falls!
We’ve all been in quarantine for a while. What’s something new you discovered that you love about NoVA during this time?
As we have all had to social distance, getting outdoors in open spaces has been key. NoVA has so many great parks and tons of bike trails. I’ve been biking a lot lately and I would really like to make it over to the W&OD trail. It goes right through my hometown of Herndon!
Sports Anchor
Winner: Dave Johnson, NBC4
How would you spend a perfect day in Northern Virginia?
I would start real early, maybe 7 a.m., in Arlington at Ireland’s Four Courts, which shows English Premier League soccer matches from NBC and NBC Sports Channel. After the match, pop over to Alexandria and enjoy the waterfront. Later in the day, head in to Old Town Fairfax before catching an event at George Mason University. Love the #MasonNation. Or, before the event at George Mason, go to one of the Bolivian restaurants in Falls Church that D.C. United supporters have taken me to.
We’ve all been in quarantine for a while. what’s something new you discovered that you love about NoVA during this time?
I want to take the Fredericksburg Nationals up on their offer and get a tour of the team’s new ballpark.
What do you love about Northern Virginia?
I appreciate that the Washington, DC region, especially Northern Virginia, is a rich kaleidoscope of cultural and geographical diversity. There are just so many vibrant people in vibrant places. We are close to where you want to get to and close to where you want to get away to.
This post originally appeared in our September 2020 Best of NoVA print issue. For more like this, subscribe to our newsletters.
