Northern Virginia Housewives

Potomac Paddle Pub launches March 30th

3/27/2019

POTOMAC PADDLE PUB TO LAUNCH SPRING SUMMER SEASON MARCH 30
Nation’s Capital’s only BYOB pedal boat to set sail from Georgetown waterfront

Launching on Saturday March 30 for its Spring-Summer season is the Nation’s Capital’s only passenger pedal boat set to cruise the Potomac from the Georgetown waterfront. The 16-passenger boat with ten cycle stations is propelled by a 6-foot paddle wheel powered by passengers pedaling in tandem. It also has a motor, a captain and two deck hands to help. All cruises are BYOB and “bring your own food”.
Co-founders Jack Maher and Jack Walten, Yorktown High School graduates, were both born and raised in Arlington, VA. “The Jacks”, as they are known, became best friends in pre-school because they shared the same first name.

Potomac Paddle Pub provides coolers and ice, passengers may bring their own beer, wine or soft drinks (no alcohol) and choice of food. The 90-minute cruise departs from the Georgetown Waterfront and travels to Columbia Island Marine for a rest stop before continuing down the Potomac in front of monuments and landmarks.
Passengers sit on comfortable bike seats that encircle a 10-person mahogany bar as they pedal at their own pace while enjoying monumental views of the city on an intimate cruise with food and beverages of their own choosing. For groups with 10 or more passengers, the front of the boat has a furnished lounge area for some group members to hang while their comrades power the journey.

Potomac Paddle Pub
Departs from Georgetown Waterfront
3100 K Street NW

Hours:
Monday-Thursday
3-11 pm
Adult – $45
Children (under 12) – $25 *Note: height restrictions apply
Whole Boat (group rate for up to 15 passengers) – $500
Friday
3-11 pm
Saturday/Sunday
11 am-11 pm
Whole Boat (group rate for up to 15 passengers) – $625

Bunnyville Coming to Fair Oaks Mall March 29th

3/14/2019

Easter Bunny and Family-Friendly Adventures in Annual Bunnyville Experience Return to Fair Oaks Mall March 29th

It's that time of year again! Beginning March 29th, the Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville -- a three-dimensional town for kids to explore. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in Grand Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit including Hoppin’ Fresh Bakery, Hare Salon and 24 Carrot Bank.

This annual event is free for the public to attend. Photo packages may be purchased onsite.

Adventures in Bunnyville + photos with the Easter Bunny at Fair Oaks Mall
March 29th through April 20th 2019
10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks, Fairfax, VA 22033

Bunny Paws: Bring your furry friends to visit the Easter Bunny on April 7th, 2019 from 6:30PM to 7:30PM and on April 13th, 2019 from 8:30AM to 9:30AM.

Bunny Cares (Sensory Bunny): April 6th and April 7th. Individuals within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with the Easter Bunny during dedicated hours. Please reserve your complimentary ticket on EventBrite - ONE TICKET per group/family, please.

Photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event, pricing varies.

For more information visit shopfairoaksmall.com/events

Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes | March 22 - 31

3/13/2019

Marvel fans, assemble for this live, action-packed, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. Spider-Man, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands. This ancient artifact holds immeasurable mystical power and would allow Loki to achieve his eternal quest to crown himself ruler of Asgard and Earth. This all new show unites some of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow against some of the most threatening villains. Their journey sparks new feuds with old foes, pitting student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother. Witness cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection in this incredible adventure. Fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel Universe and experience it all with their family…LIVE!

SHOW TIMES:
EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA
Friday March 22 2@ 7:00PM
Sat. March 23 @ 11:00AM, 3:00PM, & 7:00PM
Sun. March 24@ 1:00PM and 5:00PM
Sat. March 30 @ 11:00AM, 3:00PM, & 7:00PM
Sun. March 31 @ 1:00PM and 5:00PM

TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket Prices: $90 Front Row, $70 VIP, $50, $35, and $20
Additional fees may apply. Ticket prices based on market demand and subject to change.

Tickets go onsale Jan. 15, 2019. To purchase:1. Visit www.ticketmaster.com
2. Call 800-745-3000
3. Visit Arena Box office (and save on service charges)

Did you miss our Giveaway on Facebook?

Head on over to enter to win a Family Four Pack! (click the link below!)

Dave & Buster’s to Open Fairfax Location in Fair Oaks Mall

3/4/2019

Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate entertainment destination, is thrilled to announce the March 25th opening of their location in the Fair Oaks Mall. The opening marks Dave & Buster’s fourth location in the greater capital region and the 125th overall.
The Fairfax Dave & Buster’s will be an impressive 39,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring dozens of massive HDTVs and a 360-degree sports bar, in addition to an expansive gaming area, dining room, and flexible private function space. Dave & Buster’s will be the ideal game day destination for locals to cheer on their home teams with massive TVs and “better than the stadium” seating.

dave and busters fairfax

dave and busters fairfax

The mouth-watering menu will combine fun and flavor in American fare with items including legendary burgers like the Buffalo Wing Burger and Triple Bacon Burger (featuring three types of bacon!) and all-new dishes like The Super Stack Burger, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders & Goldfingers (hand-breaded chicken fingers), Green Chile Chicken Cheese-Crusted Street Tacos, Avocado Toast With Mexican Street Corn and 100% plant-based The Impossible™ Burger.
Dave & Buster’s will also offer one-of-a-kind cocktails like you’ve never seen before! The extensive beverage menu includes favorites like the Adult Snow Cone; Original CoronaRita™; Caribbean Luxe Patron® LIT; Strawberry Watermelon Margarita made with strawberry-flavored ice cubes; Green Ghost Glow Kones®, featuring a blinking, flashing glow cube; and fan-favorite Dangerous Waters Island Punch.
Guests will enjoy more than 140 of the latest and greatest arcade games, a chef-crafted menu and the state-of-the-art D&B Sports Bar filled with dozens of massive HDTV screens. Guests can play games like the brand new multiplayer virtual reality attraction platform featuring Dragonfrost™, where guests will embark on the ultimate winter quest to save the kingdom, and Jurassic World VR Expedition™, an interactive cinematic experience that transports players to the jungles of Isla Nubar on an epic rescue inspired by the Jurassic World film series. With a trip to WIN!, hard-earned tickets can be redeemed for a variety of prizes, including Apple products, Xbox games, sports memorabilia and more.

Dave & Buster’s Fairfax will be located at the Fair Oaks Mall, 11958 U Fair Oaks Shopping Center Fairfax, VA 22033. For more information on Dave & Buster’s, please visit www.daveandbusters.com.

Fair Oaks Mall to Host 16th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on February 2 & 3

2/1/2019

One of the region’s largest events of its kind will celebrate the Year of the PIG

Fair Oaks Mall will host its 16th annual Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3 to usher in the Year of the Pig. Presented by the Washington Hai Hua Community Center, the unique event will feature free, family-friendly performances, ceremonies and exhibitions each day in Grand Court from 1-5 p.m.

The celebration will showcase traditional Chinese dragon dances, music, Chinese knotting, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, arts and crafts for children and a special lantern festival.

More than 200 performers representing numerous countries and regions, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Polynesia, Thailand, and Vietnam will participate

Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3 from 1-5 p.m.
Fair Oaks Mall – Grand Court
11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033
For more details, visit: shopfairoaksmall.com

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment

1/27/2019

This month Disney On Ice returns to Capital One Arena! From February 14th through 18th you can enter a world of Disney magic as they bring four of your favorite stories to life.

See Lightning McQueen, Mater and the Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice! Dive into undersea fun with Ariel in The Little Mermaid’s kingdom. Experience the adventures of Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story gang as they race for home. Join sisters Anna and Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn true love comes from within.

Your child can be a part of this wonderful show! Here's how:

The Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment submarine cruise incorporates a ride in a submarine on the ice with interaction withAriel, Sebastian and other characters from The Little Mermaid during the “Under The Sea” scene within the show. Please note the following:

The submarine ride will take place approximately 47 minutes from the start of Act 1 during the “Under The Sea” number of The LittleMermaid segment.
The ride will be approximately 3 minutes long and will conclude at the end of the Under the Sea number.
Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian as well as the Sea Sirens will interact with the participants within the context of the choreography.
Front of House entry and exit will occur at the downstage left corner of the ice. A staff member will meet you and escort you to the loading area.
Each child participating in the ride and his/her supervising adult must be in their seats no later than 15 minutes prior to the show for instructions from staff.
The participant’s supervising adult must accompany the participant to the ride loading area.
The participant must be between the age of 4-10 and comfortable to separate from a parent (adults are not permitted on the submarine).

With ten shows to choose from between the 14th and 18th, there's sure to be on that fits your schedule! You can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.

ZooLights Opens at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

11/28/2018

Visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo for its annual holiday lights festival, ZooLights, powered by
Pepco. ZooLights is a free event, and this year half-a-million environmentally friendly LED lights
will illuminate the Zoo for 37 nights—from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR: GINGERBREAD VILLAGE, REINDEER GAMES FUN ZONE
Guests can look forward to some new eye candy at Gingerbread Village, a magical area of
frosted cookies and lollipops, giant gingerbread people cut-outs and a gingerbread throne
perfect for friend-and-family photos. Visitors also can pause outside the Elephant Community
Center to see a dazzling laser-light show, sponsored by Pepco, or board the Smithsonian’s
National Zoo Choo-Choo, sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile, for a journey around the Kids’ Farm.
At the new Reindeer Games Fun Zone, sponsored by GEICO, try a holiday-themed obstacle
course and twirl on illuminated rides. Each night of ZooLights will also boast a live music or
dance performance in the Great Meadow beneath a light canopy that responds to sound and
melody.

Visitors will be able to enjoy special winter treats, sweets, coffee and a selection of seasonal
spirits. The recently completed Conservation Pavilion Patio will feature six fire pits where guests
can roast s’mores or grab luminous cotton candy served on glowing sticks.

DATES TO REMEMBER AT ZOOLIGHTS

ZooLights is hosting its second-annual GRUMP holiday market—a European-style

outdoor market featuring the work of local artisans Dec. 7, 8 and 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In 2018, GRUMP will double in size, featuring more vendors with unique gifts for all
ages, from handmade clothing and accessories to artwork, handcrafted toys and sweet
treats. GRUMP will start at the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance.

ZooLights will also feature a microbrew and craft beer event, BrewLights, Nov. 29. To

purchase tickets for this special event, go to fonz.org/brewlights.

During Member Week, Dec. 2 through Dec. 9, FONZ members will receive a full week of

free parking at ZooLights, a free gift and a punch card to enjoy eight free
rides/attractions and BOGO popcorn when they present their membership card and
photo ID.

Military Night, presented by Bank of America, is on Dec. 13 and will offer discounts for

military members.

ZooLights does not feature the Zoo’s animals—all indoor animal exhibits will be closed to allow
animals to get a full night’s rest. Visitors will be able to warm up in the Zoo’s Visitor Center,
Panda Plaza Gift Shop, Mane Grill and Great Cats Gift Shop.

Admission to ZooLights is free. A flat-rate parking fee of $15 for Friends of the National Zoo
(FONZ) members and $25 for nonmembers will apply. Proceeds from ZooLights concessions and parking sales will benefit animal care and conservation science at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

ZooLights will not be held Dec. 24, 25 and 31. For more information about the event, go to
fonz.org/zoolights.

JINGLE ON THE LAKE: Here Comes Santa Claus!

11/28/2018

As we make our way through the last of Thanksgiving leftovers and the dash for checkmarks on our shopping lists we turn our attention to the highlight of all holidays and the star of the show. Kids of all ages, from 1-99, excited to see the jolly old elf will kick-off the Christmas Season this Saturday, December 1, 2018. Santa Claus is coming to Lake Anne! From flight to float, Santa and his elves will make a grand entrance by boat and paddle board at noon.

Bundle up with everything holiday spirit and enjoy making an ornament, decorating a cookie, the
craft market and listening to live music – special performance by the Lake Anne Elementary
School Chorus & Orchestra. Make sure to have your wish list ready and space on your phones
for your 2018 photo with Santa. Santa will be sure to stay until every boy and girl has their turn
to share their wishes and take a FREE photo.

Holiday Lineup:
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Craft Market
10:00 a.m. – Noon Cookies and Kids Crafts
11:00 a.m. – Noon Lake Anne Elementary School Chorus & Orchestra
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Author, Watt Hamlett and Illustrator Jill Olinger Vinson of the
book “Reston A-Z” will be available to sign purchased copies. Proceeds to benefit Reston Historic Trust & Museum.
Noon SANTA ARRIVES! Pictures with Santa
Noon – 2:00 p.m. Music on the Plaza
Jingle on the Lake provided by The Lake Anne Merchants.

Details:
Annual Jingle on the Lake
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) - 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190
www.lakeanneplaza.com
Free, Rain or Shine

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

11/28/2018

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a critically acclaimed extravaganza that is a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle.

Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails “Entrancing … Las Vegas meets family entertainment." Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center, sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House and Broadway World calls “The Perfect Holiday Gift…a show that everyone will enjoy.

Ticketing Information

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
The Theater at MGM National Harbor
December 20-23
http://cirqueproductions.com/public-shows/cirque-dreams-holidaze

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED COUNTER CASUAL EATERY ‘DIRT’ TO OPEN FIRST LOCATION OUTSIDE MIAMI AT BALLSTON EXCHANGE IN 2019

11/21/2018

Celebrated Miami-based counter casual eatery DIRT has announced that it will open its first location outside Miami in Ballston, VA within the highly anticipated Ballston Exchange from Jamestown LP. DIRT Ballston will be located at 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 102B, Arlington, VA 2220 3, and plans to open in spring 2019.

Following visits to various parts of Washington, D.C. and the greater DMV area, DIRT Co-Founder Jeff LaTulippe noticed quickly that Ballston encompassed a unique and rapidly expanding community, one that DIRT could call home and grow with. LaTulippe and Director of Operations JJ McDaniel were immediately attracted to the energy of the neighborhood. Ballston is an active area that fits DIRT perfectly, and the duo has plans to connect creatively with the community, including neighboring gyms and boutique fitness studios, so they are thrilled to be located within close proximity to Sport & Health, Gold’s Gym, Orange Theory, VIDA Fitness (also opening in 2019), Ballston CrossFit, and Bash Boxing, to name a few. Furthermore, LaTulippe and McDaniel felt that DIRT would be the perfect complement to their neighbors CAVA, Shake Shack, and Philz Coffee, three concepts that they have admired from afar.

Featuring a variety of breakfast dishes and toasts (both served all day), salads, bowls, plates, smoothies, juices, vegan “mylkshakes”, pastries, and a full espresso bar and tea program, DIRT is an inclusive concept that offers something for everyone: omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, or those who are simply seeking delicious, high-quality food.

“DIRT was borne out of necessity,” says Jeff LaTulippe. “Having overcome my own personal weight loss struggles (I lost about 60 pounds in my early to mid 20s), it was important to me to create a menu that was more than just kale and quinoa and grilled chicken. We wanted to strike the right balance of ‘health-conscious’ and ‘delicious’ at any time of day, an all-day restaurant that wasn't solely focused on salads and bowls, but could offer a variety and keep the dining experience fun and enjoyable. We couldn't find a place like this, so we created it.

“The menu was designed with flexibility in mind, so you can be really healthy if you’d like, but you can also indulge and feel good about what you’re putting in your body. We’re naturally very ‘vegetable-focused’, but we also offer many sustainable proteins, including grass-fed steak, Faroe Island salmon, wild-caught tuna, organic free-range chicken, and pasture-raised eggs. One of the best-selling items on our menu since the day we opened is our DIRTy Steak + Cheese sandwich, our take on a Philly cheesesteak, made with grass-fed steak, provolone, sautéed peppers and onions, pepperoncini, sriracha, and a house-made horseradish Greek yogurt ‘aioli’ on fresh locally-baked bread.”

DIRT also takes a different approach to service with a “counter casual” operating model. “We have a different service model than the omnipresent Chipotle-style assembly line that people have become inundated with,” says JJ McDaniel, DIRT Director of Operations. “You order at the counter, and although we don't have formal servers, from there it's very much a full-service experience. We bring your order to you, with real plates and silverware and linen napkins, check on you during your meal, and clean your table after you leave. Trays and bus tubs are purposely absent from the DIRT dining experience.”

Featuring 1,800 square feet, DIRT Ballston has enlisted local architecture and interiors firm //3877 to spin a design evocative of DIRT’s roots in Miami and Ballston’s rich character. Welding clean, strong geometric forms with storied textures and industrial-chic materials, including concrete and blackened steel, DIRT’s persona is reflective of its defining narrative, placing a heavy emphasis on clean eating and great taste coexisting. Espousing a sleek and contemporary aesthetic visually connected to DIRT’s seasonally-inspired menu, emerald green and natural elements will be weaved throughout the space, playing upon the eatery’s dedication to all things natural.

Within the restaurant, 33 seats will offer guests an opportunity to relax and enjoy their meals while a grab ‘n go window is designed accommodate guests who are on the move. A large marble order counter will be available for easy ordering and an intuitive flow of space. Separating the ordering station from the food prep center, a modern glass block wall will be revealed, opening the space’s floor plan visually without sacrificing food prep standards. The back of the space will be illuminated by a sculptural neon sign denoting DIRT’s ‘Eat Clean, Talk Dirty’ message while providing an eye-catching element that dictates the fresh, fun, and playful ambiance. White oak, maple, and subway tile detailing will create a seamless approach to imbuing airiness throughout the space. Oversized basket weave pendants will flush the concept out in full, creating a statement piece that generates a narrative without taking attention away from the food.

“DIRT has a unique approach to clean, beautiful, fresh food in that they offer a wide variety of dietary options, invigorating the D.C. fine casual scene,” says Meghan Scott, Interior Designer at //3877. “They have a strong brand aesthetic which provided a solid basis for the design. At the same time, they were open to new ideas throughout the collaborative process allowing creative freedom to push the concept. Jeff and JJ’s excitement about coming to D.C. was infectious and we are more than excited to be a part of the team.”

The opening of DIRT Ballston is a homecoming of sorts for LaTulippe. His wife is from Silver Spring, MD and the pair originally met in Washington, D.C. – with their first date in Georgetown in 2010. They are excited to return home and share DIRT with the D.C. area. “We're very community-focused, so we’ll take the same approach in D.C. that we've had in Miami – we’ll make friends in Ballston and the greater D.C. area and support local farms and food artisans as much as we can.”

(www.dirteatclean.com; @dirteatclean)