In This Issue: May 2026
Cover Story
Adventure Getaways
These weekend escapes offer heart-pumping thrills and jaw-dropping scenery.
Features
15 and Fabulous
Northern Virginia families are reimagining the quinceañera.
Planting a New Life
Five Loudoun friends threw caution to the wind and bought a 100-year-old Purcellville garden center.
Conservation Campus
Scientists at the Smithsonian's Front Royal facility are working to save endangered species and their habitats.
Best Spas 2026
Life can be stressful, especially in our busy region. We asked our readers to let us know where they go for the best day spas and med spas in Northern Virginia. You'll find their recommendations -- vetted by our in-house team -- in the following pages.
Top Real Estate Agents 2026
It doesn't matter if it's a buyer's market or a seller's market --- you always need an experienced professional on your side. We've collected data from the top-producing real estate agents in Northern Virginia to determine the area's most successful individuals and teams for our annual Top Real Estate Agents list.
NoVA Now
Meet 'The Space Gal'
Emily Calandrelli, a popular YouTuber and host of the former Netflix series "Emily's Wonder Lab," is on a mission to make science fun for everyone.
Get Your Goat
These cute animals are landscaping one NoVA university's campus.
Retail Roulette
See which brands are opening new locations in NoVA and which are closing up shop.
Rising Star
DMV third grader Aura V is the youngest Grammy winner in history.
Arlington on the Page
These six books turn the county into a character.
To Mom, With Love
Honor the special mother in your life with thoughtful gifts from NoVA stores.
Datebook
Home & Design
Estate Sale
Ayrshire Farm, a historic countryside estate in Upperville, sold for $19.8 million.
Make a Splash
Get ready for summer with these colorful outdoor essentials.
Something Old, Something New
Area designers share tips for incorporating antique elements into home décor.
Southern Hospitality
A significant addition and thoughtful design make this Alexandria home ideal for entertaining.
Taste
A New Era
Seasonal local ingredients are hallmarks at McLean's revived Café Tatti.
Virginia's Rick Bourbon Roots
The commonwealth has quite the corn whiskey history.
Caffine and Cocktails
Start with coffee and stay for happy hour at these Northern Virginia spots.
Style & Substance
The Tysons steak scene goes international with Churasuko Japanese Fusion Brazilian Steakhouse.
Last Look
The End of a Shopping Era
NoVA is losing one of its longtime shopping destinations. After 53 years, JCPenney in the Springfield Town Center is closing on May 24. The store opened in 1973 when the property operated as Springfield Mall. British royals Prince Charles and Princess Diana famously visited the store during a trip to the U.S. in 1985, and Diana reportedly purchased an $8 scarf.
