PRIDELY ~ Northern VA Edition

TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next International Trip

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is over-packing - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best. Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling abroad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - otherwise, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” unfortunately if you don’t do this ahead of time.

Restaurants

Yayla Bistro

Authentic Turkish restaurant serving traditional dishes in a stylish, contemporary setting.

2201 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213

Phone: (703) 533-5600 | Web: yaylabistro.com

Tuscarora Mill Restaurant

High-end New American fare & Virginia wines served in a refined dining room, rustic bar or atrium.

203 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175

Phone: (703) 771-9300 | Web: tuskies.com

Virtue Feed & Grain

In a revamped 18th-century granary, this hip tavern offers elevated pub grub & a lively bar scene.

106 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: (571) 970-3669 | Web: virtuefeedgrain.com

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Artie’s

A menu of American seafood & meat classics, plus a bar & boathouse decor with scale models.

3260 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA

Chadwicks

Neighborhood bar with English pub decor, happy hour, burgers & American fare, plus patio seating.

203 Strand St, Alexandria, VA

The Wine Kitchen

Rustic-chic choice offering a seasonal New American bistro menu with a range of wine pairings.

7 S King St, Leesburg, VA

Green Pig Bistro

Scot Harlan’s nose-to-tail ethos turns out American-French dishes in a modern, kitschy spot.

1025 N Fillmore St Suite D, Arlington, VA

Lightfoot Restaurant

Chandeliers & fireplaces fill this elegant former bank now issuing inventive New American fare. 11 N King St, Leesburg, VA

The Warehouse

Steak, seafood & classic American dishes are served in a casual yet elegant historical space. 214 King St, Alexandria, VA

The Espositos

Down-to-earth dining space offering familiar Italian eats such as pasta, pizza & meat dishes. 9917 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA

Ada’s on the River

Trendy venue serving steak & seafood, plus weekend brunch, cocktails & a robust wine list. 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA

Trungo’s

Brewpub offering craft beers & local wines plus American bar eats in a vintage storefront.

2C Loudoun St SW, Leesburg, VA

Cowboy Cafe

Convivial, Western-inspired joint serving up burgers & other pub grub with a kick plus drinks. 4792 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA

Jan 17

Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

It is an inspiring two-day event that includes author Baratunde Thurston and a Keynote Speech by Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us. Learn more at restoncommunitycenter.com.

Feb 5

Lunar New Year Celebration

Tysons Corner Center will celebrate the Chinese New Year at a free festival. Watch performances including a Lion Dance, Chinese ethnic dances, and more. Free; 1:00 – 3:00. Visit tysonscornercenter.com/Events.

Mar 4-6

Snow Moon Fest

Special events include live music, kid’s activities, a torchlight parade, Polar Plunge, and more. The festival is part of the year-long celebration of Massanutten’s 50th anniversary. Visit massresort.com.

Apr 3-4

Art Blooms at Mosaic

Celebrate spring and the cherry blossoms with a two-day festival at Mosaic District. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, craft and farmer’s markets, beer and wine gardens, games, and more. Visit funinfairfaxva.com.

May 7

Spring Festival

Visit historic Gunston Hall for a Spring Festival and old-time family fun. Fly a kite in the pastures, write with a quill pen, play 18th-century games, climb on a modern fire truck, and purchase colorful kites. $10/8 adults/under 18, 10:00 – 4:00. Details at funinfairfaxva.com.

May 13-15

Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour Get your tickets early for this sell-out event. Celebrate the history of wine in

EVENTS

Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, appearances by “George and Martha Washington”, and live jazz on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac. Complete details at funinfairfaxva.com.

Jul 4

Annual Independence Day Parade and Fireworks

The fun begins with a parade through downtown Fairfax featuring bands, entertainers, and civic groups. Details at funinfairfaxva.com.

Aug 4-7

Fairfax County

4-H Fair and Carnival

Join in old-fashioned country fun with carnival games, rides, 4-H exhibits, animal shows, and entertainment. Visit exhibit booths, try farm chores, enjoy Fair food and live entertainment, dog and horse shows, and more. Free admission; purchase carnival tickets at funinfairfaxva.com.

Sep 1-30

Corn

Maze & Apple Harvest

Celebrate Virginia’s apple picking season at the Great Country Farms apple harvest. Kids can have a blast in the 12-acre play area and corn maze. On weekends, enjoy live music, marshmallow roasting, cider pressing demonstrations, and fresh cider samples. Learn more at funinfairfaxva.com.

Sep 17

Family Fall Festival

The festival includes activities for kids and families, music, food, plant sale, bake sale, silent auction, and more. Free event. Visit funinfairfaxva.com.

Sep 17-18

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival

All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine. Visit artfestival.com.

Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

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Digital Marketing

Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

Oct 1 - Nov 5

Workhouse Haunt

Northern Virginia’s scariest haunted trail returns to the Workhouse Arts Center in 2022. Zombies, swamp creatures, and more creepy characters terrify those brave enough to walk through the abandoned buildings at the Workhouse campus. See schedule at funinfairfaxva.com.

Nov 5-6

Purcellville Artisan Tour

Spend a day in Purcellville visiting local artists’ studios to learn more about their creative process and inspiration, and to purchase their amazing work. Free; 10:00 – 5:00. Visit funinfairfaxva.com.

Nov 5

Veterans Day Parade

The annual Reston Home Tour offers self-guided tours of four outstanding private homes in Reston neighborhoods plus the new Kensington Reston assisted living facility. Details at funinfairfaxva.com.

Dec 2-4

Christmas in Middleburg

For over 100 years, Christmas in Middleburg festivities have been held during the first weekend in December. The weekend kicks off with a tree lighting on Friday. Saturday’s highlight is the “Hunt and Hounds Review,” with hounds trotting down the main Washington Street beside mounted fox hunt riders. Other activities include a Christmas Parade and progressive food and wine tastings. Visit funinfairfaxva.com.

De 31 - Jan 1

New Year’s Eve at First Night Alexandria

Enjoy special performances and fun throughout Old Town Alexandria then head to the waterfront for the fireworks show. Purchase an all-access or dayonly pass to enjoy the festivities. Ticket prices vary by age and VIP passes are available at firstnightalexandria.org.

LGBTQ+ PROTECTIONS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY

On June 14, 2021, the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity Programs (OHREP) in partnership with Aging Rainbows hosted a virtual event “LGBTQ+ Protections in Fairfax County.” Web: www.fairfaxcounty.gov

AGING RAINBOWS

Our mission is to provide community outreach, education, supportive programs, foster inclusive care communities and care providers, expand socialization opportunities, and intergenerational programs in the Northern, VA area and throughout the country for LGBT older adults. Web: agingrainbows.org

SAGE

The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country’s first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers. Web: lgbtagingcenter.org

EQUALITY VIRGINIA

Founded in 1989 as Virginians for Justice, Equality Virginia is the leading advocacy organization in Virginia seeking equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. equalityvirginia.org

AGLA

AGLA is a vibrant, grassroots membership organization that strives to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community and allies. AGLA respects diversity and builds relationships with civic groups and community leaders. Web: agla.org

NOVA PRIDE

Cultivate and grow a coalition to educate, advocate, and celebrate in service to LGBTQ+ Northern Virginians and its’ straight allies. Web: www.novapride.org

RESTON PRIDE

Reston Pride is made up of LGBTQIA+ persons and their allies. For the past few years, we have had the honor and privilege of providing the Reston area with resources and opportunities to engage, celebrate, empower, and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Web: restonpride.org

Health & Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

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Finance & Investing

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

Food Recipes

People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

Self Care

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

BAKERY

Fresh Baguette 1

BEAUTY

Beauty by Brigid 17

CHIROPRACTOR

Empower Chiropractic 13

CLEANING SERVICES

Bubble Bee Cleaners 11

COUNSELING

Alive Counseling 13

DENTIST

Soft Touch Dentistry 2

DINING Trummer’s 3

EDUCATION

Educate Fairfax 3

FINANCE

Aiken Warner Leonard 17

FITNESS

Onelife Fitness 3

HAIR SALON

Thrive Hair Bar front cover

INTERIOR DESIGN

StudiQ 8-9

LAW Laurel Brigade Law Group 17

NAILS & LASHES

Modern Nails & Lashes 11

PLASTIC SURGERY

Nova Plastic Surgery and Dermatology back outside cover

REAL ESTATE

Precision Properties back inside cover

SENIOR CARE Silverado 2