In This Issue: June 2021

Best of NoVA

You could say we like the finer things in life, from finger-lickin’ barbecue to the performing arts to a perfectly shaken martini to beauty pros who know exactly where to place a highlight or arch a brow. Whatever it is, why shouldn’t it be tops? Check out the results of our annual reader poll to see which people, places, and things were voted the very best of NoVA.

Food Fight

Darron Breeden, an Orange native, is gunning for gold at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island this month. And he’s good. As in, “No. 3 Competitive Eater in the World” good. Will this be the year that Virginia finally brings home the coveted Golden Mustard Belt?

Peering into the Past

One local man is solving the mysteries of history.

Best Beach Reads

Experts at local bookshops and libraries share their picks for 15 books to tuck into your tote bag (or curl up on your couch with) this summer.

Fight Songs

This month's Cancer Can Rock festival raises money so patients can jam out in their own music videos.

Get Your Om On

Here are five ways to unwind your mind, other than mantras and conscious breathing.

Faces: Alana Andrews

This young entrepreneur has done more in the first 17 years of her life than many of us will do in a lifetime.

Local Author Love: Katherine E. Young

Read up on Young's latest book, "Woman Drinking Absinthe."

NoVA in 19

Whether virtual on in person, these are the events and activities worth making time for this month.

Insider's Guide: Destiny Sweeney Durant

"It's important for [women of color] to see themselves represented on products in all mediums," says Durant. Here, her personal favorites.

Tickled Pink

Summer's hottest hue is deliciously shocking.

Coming Up Roses

Leesburg boutique Muz & Rose celebrates slow fashion and all things sustainable.

Bar Stars

Live the lush life with these fun cocktail accessories.

How to Style a Bookshelf

There's more to it than organizing your tomes library-style.

On the Waterfront

An Alexandria designer successfully blends nautical and coastal design in this summerhouse.

Listings of the Month

The Sweet Elite

It's National Candy Month! Here's where to indulge.

Miyazaki Mania

Gyu Shige in Fairfax's Mosaic District is drawing crowds with luxe Japanese barbecue.

New Flame

Ada's on the River bestows fire-kissed fare on Alexandria.

SuperNoVA

A look at the people and places that make Northern Virginia shine.