In This Issue: July 2026
Cover Story
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by Visiting Northern Virginia’s Historic Landmarks
Join in the nation’s milestone birthday celebration with a visit to these local spots.
Features
So 'Bam' Hot! Mahjong Fever Spreads Across Northern Virginia
What's behind this tile game's soaring popularity?
The Unretirement Trend
A growing number of seniors are choosing to return to work instead of fully committing to retirement.
Rest & Reset
Take time to breathe at these wellness getaways within driving distance of NoVA.
2026 Top Vets
NoVA Now
These New Virginia Laws Go Into Effect July 1, 2026
From employment laws to assault weapon-related bans, here’s what’s changing in Virginia.
Where to Pick Your Own Lavender Around the DMV this Summer
Say so long to the spring florals and hello to these colorful and fragrant lavender stems.
On Our Radar
Baby Born at 23 Weeks Spent 172 Days in Reston Hospital NICU
A mom visiting the U.S. from Ghana shares how grateful she is to the Children’s National team who saved her baby.
A Privately Owned Virginia Lighthouse Is Now for Sale
The owners renovated this historic structure into a fully furnished home only accessible by boat.
Northern Virginia Town Wins ‘Best Main Street in the South’ Competition
The town won the 15th annual ‘Garden & Gun’ competition, which included 16 competitors.
We've Got Spirit
The Washington Spirit welcomed the first co-ed National Women's Soccer League dance team this season.
Stay Cool
Beat the heat this summer with the help of these products.
Datebook
Home & Design
Alfresco Living
Elevate your outdoor space.
Pieces of History
Check out five 18th- and 19th-century houses for sale in NoVA.
Room to Grow
These kids' spaces in NoVA homes balance personality with practicality.
Curb Appeal
Experts share ideas on how to keep your home in top exterior condition.
Taste
Brotherly Love
Tio Pelé in Arlington combines its owners' Brazilian and Lebanese heritage to delicious effect.
Arlington’s Westover Taco Is Now Northern Virginia’s First Women’s Sports Bar
Longtime restaurateur Sarah White has rebranded Westover Taco into a space dedicated to women’s sports.
Warm-Weather Brews
Try these refreshing beers to cool off from the summer sun.
Summer Pours
These wines' bright, acidic flavors pair well with sunshine.
Smoke of San Juan
Make time for affordable, delightful Puerto Rican eats at cozy Pikoteo.
Last Look
Bat Girl
FredNats fans have something new to cheer about. One-year-old Diamond has joined the minor league baseball team as a bat dog. The adorable Labrador retriever --- whose name was chosen by fan vote --- can be seen hustling her heart out on the home field for about two or three innings per game.
