Visit Fairfax screenshots courtesy of Visit Fairfax, www.fxva.com
By Nicole Bayne
According to Baum + Whiteman’s annual trend forecast, something called “restless palate syndrome” is causing consumers to constantly seek out new flavors, and restaurants are turning to technology to keep up. The 2015 report predicts a rise in customer-oriented mobile applications. Apps providing information on restaurants are already popular because the food, wine and beer markets are ever-changing and quick access to information on where to grab your next bite or where to sip the newest craft beer is becoming a necessity. These free Virginia-based apps will help you get food and drink information directly to your phone whether you’re planning a visit or already live here.
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App |
Devices |
Details & Use |
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Arlington |
Android iPhone |
Originally for Dupont Circle in D.C., CLiNK has expanded to include Bethesda, Md., and parts of Arlington. CLiNK knows where you are and displays the closest 15 happy hours in order of distance with the mileage to each restaurant from your location listed in the top right corner. Food and drink specials are displayed under each restaurant along with prices and hours, if available. “I wanted an app that can keep up,” says developer David McWhorter, who plans to finish the Arlington area for CLiNK and will eventually cover Old Town. McWhorter has personally visited every restaurant on CLiNK and manually inserts information from each restaurant into the app. |
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Virginia |
Android iPhone |
Hunt Fish VA, from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is an app for outdoorsy types about hunting and fishing in Virginia. There are hunting and fishing news stories, applicable regulations and information on how to get your Virginia state hunting and fishing licenses. The app also comes with a fish identification tool and a timer for the daily sunrise and sunset so you don’t get caught off guard.
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Northern Virginia |
Android iPhone |
Developed to be the portable version of the Total Wine & More superstore in Chantilly, the app comes with its own inbox where you will be sent rewards emails redeemable for exclusive discounts and limited-edition specials. There is also a store locator to help you take advantage of exclusive offers, and your rewards card is displayed right on your phone for easy scanning. This app and the rewards program are only available to customers of the Chantilly location, but the product offers are redeemable in Northern Virginia and Maryland. |
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Virginia |
Windows |
In partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, this app promotes fresh Virginia agricultural products, producers, farmers markets, farm stands, pick-your-own locations, community supported agriculture producers and agritourism locations. Search for and categorize all Virginia farmers markets and community farm stands. You can search in specific categories for narrowed suggestions and view their locations on a map or get in-depth directions in list view. Farmers markets and local food stands or venues can be difficult to search for, and Virginia Grown provides an organized database for these markets all in one place.
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Fairfax |
Android iPhone |
This app was developed by destinationM as an in-depth travel guide for Fairfax County to help both travelers and locals who are “looking for recommendations in their own neck of the woods,” says Destination Marketing Specialist Ali Morris. Select a search category to find entertainment venues like restaurants, fairs and outdoor activities listed in order of distance from your location with the mileage displayed in the top right corner. Select an option to view prices, hours and contact information. You can also search special offers in food, drink, music, nightlife and other activities, exclusive products, limited-time discounts and special events. Visit Fairfax also allows you to compare venue and product descriptions, Yelp reviews, pictures, videos and ratings. |
