Neighborhoods

Ballston Quarter, Judy Davis Photography

Ballston is a thriving urban neighborhood with innovative research agencies and high-tech companies. Wired for free public WiFi throughout, Ballston is home to the Northern Virginia campuses of The George Washington University, Virginia Tech Research Center and Marymount University, as well as the Arlington campus of George Mason University in Virginia Square. The modern village has the Ballston and Virginia Square Metro stops, an abundance of shops, restaurants and pocket parks like Welburn Square and Quincy Park. For travelers without a car, Ballston has a walkability score of 92! The centerpiece of the neighborhood is Ballston Quarter, a stylish indoor/outdoor retail destination featuring experiential hot spots like the Quarter Market food hall, Cookology, 5 Wits live-action adventures, and Instagram Alley with its funky pop-art backgrounds. Ballston Quarter is connected to the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, where fans gather to watch the Washington Capitals NHL hockey team practice. Located in Virginia Square is Arlington Arts Center, featuring working art studios and rotating exhibits.

Ballston features 70 restaurants in a five-block

DINING radius with everything from global cuisine to classic American favorites. Stop in for the all-day brunch menu at Ted’s Bulletin or Russian/Uzbeki cuisine at Rus Uz, a family-owned café offering cooking classes for kids. SER Restaurant is an elegant place to share Spanish tapas, paella and pitchers of sangria. Celebrity chef Robert Wiedmaier showcases his Belgian heritage at Mussel Bar. For a night out on the town, raise your glass at Bronson Bier Hall, serving more than 250 craft beers, ciders, and spirits, or Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro featuring French American fare paired with fine wines by the glass. Savor the signature punch at Punch Bowl Social, with three-stories of fun including bowling and karaoke. Try Ice Cream Jubilee’s variety of flavors made from all-natural, 18% butterfat grass-fed cream. Mingle with the locals in Virginia Square, where you can savor an adventure of Thai street food at Thai Treasure, or enjoy the granddaddy of Peruvian chicken joints, El Pollo Rico. Spice up your life with a Sichuan hot pot at Mala Tang, then join friends at Darna to share a hookah and listen to Middle Eastern beats. Steak lovers adore the prix fixe menu and unlimited helpings at Medium Rare. End the night with late night eats at Mario’s Pizza House, a HOTELS neighborhood institution.

Comfort Inn Ballston Hilton Arlington Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston Residence Inn Arlington Ballston The Westin Arlington Gateway

Don Tito, Cameron Davidson

CLARENDON

Clarendon is a hub of activity that brims with energy on evenings and weekends. This neighborhood is popular among merrymakers of all ages with open green spaces, lively bars, restaurants and cafes. Clarendon Central Park is a gathering space used for outdoor concerts and a seasonal farmers market. Challenge your friends at Bond’s Escape Room. The neighborhood is also a shopper’s paradise — check out The Crossing Clarendon anchored by Apple and Pottery Barn. Runners and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the personalized service at Pacers Clarendon, Formula Running Center and Orvis.

Clarendon has a host of hot destinations, including Buena Vida, a three-story restaurant and rooftop bar featuring make-your-own tacos and unlimited brunch. Two local favorites are cheery Ambar, known for a prix fixe menu of unlimited Balkan delicacies, and its sister cocktail bar Baba. Green Pig Bistro, showcases sustainable, rustic French cooking. The Liberty Tavern is a welcoming neighborhood haunt with wood-fired Italian pizza. Find flavorful Asian fusion dishes at Bar Bao and the Vietnamese Banh Mi at Four Sisters Grill. For dessert, treat yourself to the prettiest pastries at Bakeshop, gourmet milkshakes at Nicecream, or handmade chocolates at Artisan Confections. If you love the nightlife, Clarendon’s got you covered. For great barbeque, awardwinning Smokecraft’s name says it all. Sample Polish cuisine, crepes and wine at Oby Lee Winery. Everyone loves the patio at Northside Social Coffee & Wine. Head to The Renegade to hear live music. Screwtop Wine Bar offers wine and cheese tasting for the aficionado, while Spider Kelly’s beer garden entertains revelers with skeeball and darts. Relish Tex-Mex fare on Don Tito’s rooftop deck, or if you crave a high energy evening under the stars, check out The Lot.

DINING HOTELS Clarendon is minutes from the Days Inn by Wyndham Arlington/Washington D.C., and a quick car or Metro ride to many hotels in the Courthouse, Ballston and Rosslyn neighborhoods.