In This Issue: May 2021
Cover Story
2021 Beach Guide
We spread out towels up and down the Eastern shores, wiggling our toes in the sand, and taking in sunsets. We strolled the boardwalks, rode the waves, and bunked down for the night in historic inns and cool Airbnbs. We tasted the catches of the day, licked the local ice cream cones, and bit into fresh saltwater taffy. All to bring you the very best of nearby beaches--the latest and greatest attractions, the classic nostalgia draws, and the stuff you just need to konw about. Dive in.
Features
Stamps of Approval
Antonia Alcalá, an Alexandria art director, designs tiny masterpieces for the U.S. Postal Service.
Back To School
With schools on track to reopen this fall, students face emotional challenges unlike those of any other new academic year. Her's how you can help children prepare.
2021 Top Real Estate Agents
Notes
A Fresh Look
New NIPOC group Design Collective DC is setting out to change the industry.
Faces: Charles Robb
This month, the longtime McLean resident adds “author” to that list of titles, as his long-awaited autobiography, In the Arena: A Memoir of Love, War, and Politics, gets published by UVA Press, with a foreword by Bill Clinton.
Patch Work
Strawberries picked by hand somehow just taste better than those picked up at the grocery store. If you’re dreaming of flaky shortcakes topped with billowing whipped cream or just-from-the-oven crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or you’re planning to fill your pantry with jams, jellies, and relishes—here are five farms that invite you grab a basket and pluck your own produce. Check ahead for hours and availability, but you’ll usually find more berries if you arrive earlier in the day.
Datebook
NoVA in 19
Whether virtual or in-person, these are the events and activities you should make time for this month.
Life & Style
Abby Jiu
Here, Jiu steps out from behind the camera and into the spotlight to share a few of the things that make her click.
Shore Things
Before you hit the sand and surf, pick up these beach essentials sure to make waves.
A La Moda
With its new fashion subscription box, Middleburg boutique Moda Lookbook is curating head-to-toe styles suited to your sensibilities.
Crafted in the Commonwealth
Stacey Price's Shop Made in DC is expanding to the Virginia community.
Best Spas
You've endured more than a year of social distancing, masking up, and foregoing hugs. We think you deserve some blissing-out time, maybe at one of these 37 spas that are the best in town. Says who? Readers like you.
Home
Just Add Flowers
Or don't--these vases are special enough to stand on their own as sweet Mother's Day gifts.
Out of Africa
Springfield-based industrial designer Jomo Tariku puts his spin on traditional chairs and stools.
5 Fab Mudrooms
Rid you home of clutter and chaos with a thoughtfully designed space where everything has its price.
Listings of the Month
Food & Drink
Get Cracking
For National Egg Month, go beyond your usual scrambles.
Old World, New Style
Stellina Pizzeria in Shirlington brings classic, Italian fare into the 21st century.
A Feast for the Senses
Sixteen courses on imperial Chinese cuisine make a banquet at Chef Guo in Alexandria the meal of a lifetime.
SuperNoVA
SuperNova
A look at the people and places that make Northern Virginia shine.