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By Alice Levitt, James Finley, Kelly Kendall, and Michele Kettner
Liquid Courage
It’s cold, even to this former Vermonter! The natural next step after protecting myself from the elements in a heavy coat is staying warm from the inside. That means pho. My favorite in the region is at Pho Saigon Oi in Springfield. The sweetly intense broth reminds me of the ‘soupe Tonkinoise’ I first had in Montreal as a kid, still my ideal. –Alice Levitt, food editor/critic
Opt Outside
It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed NoVA’s beautiful parks. Even though I should try to escape the winter cold, I’m going to take advantage of the three-day weekend and take a hike at Great Falls Park. Monday marks the national park’s first Free Entrance Day of 2022. Fingers crossed I’ll catch a glimpse of some snowy views. –Michele Kettner, associate digital & research editor
Pacific Island Dreamin’
The Barns at Wolf Trap are hosting a Masters of Hawaiian Music concert this week, and after January’s weather so far, it sounds like the kind of transportive entertainment any Virginian could warm up to.—James Finley, senior editor
Wild Kingdom
I’m going to add some greenery to my apartment at Rewild. Both the DC and the newer Ballston location seem to have really cute planters (I have my eye on a dotted one lined in pink) and I could definitely use some expert advice during the whole transaction. –Kelly Kendall, editor