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Döner Bistro: European Cuisine in Leesburg

June 5, 2015 by

Bringing a little-known delicacy from Germany and finding a home for it in Virginia, Döner Bistro offers traditional fare in a lovely beer-garden setting. “Döner,” which means “turning meat,” is a reflection of German’s changing culture. In the 70s, a Turkish immigrant took the popular meat and stuffed it into a flatbread with salad and sauce, creating a fast-food sensation perfect for a modern lifestyle. The owners of Döner Bistro wanted to bring this delicious food to the US. And you’ll be glad they did! Try the tasty gyros paired with pommes or imported German pretzels, and chase it with a cold beer. The outdoor beer garden is gorgeous and sets the scene for live music every Saturday and first Fridays of the month. The laid-back atmosphere means you’ll be comfortable to sit for hours.

Döner Bistro
202A Harrison Street
Leesburg, VA 20178
(703) 779-7880

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Brush Strokes Salon: Where Style and Comfort Come Together

June 4, 2015 by

Herndon locals who book an appointment at Brush Strokes Salon once often end up becoming regulars because this boutique salon is just that accommodating. Customers rave about the salon's cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and they praise the skilled, professional, and friendly stylists.

You can get a cut, color, or blowout, of course, but Brush Strokes also offers a range of specialty services, including thermal relaxing and keratin complex smoothing. The salon also offers a limited range of spa services, such as skin peels and facials. All services use only eco-friendly products, so you can feel good about your visit on an environmental level, too. The website features an extensive portfolio of actual customers, so you can get a very realistic sense of the stylists' strengths and past work. Spend some time looking through the online gallery to find a cut you love and rest easy knowing that your stylist is capable of replicating it on you.

Brush Strokes Salon
711 Pine Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 435-8002
www.brushstrokessalon.net
www.yelp.com/biz/brush-strokes-hair-salon-and-boutique-herndon

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Tailor a Pie to Your Palate at Pizzanese

May 28, 2015 by

Pizzanese is a build-your-own pizza restaurant where you can choose gluten-free or regular crust, cheese, unlimited toppings, and seasonings. Pizzanese serves an internationally-inspired selection of sauces, with options like tandoori and spicy chipotle as well as the more traditional classic red and classic white. Seasonings and toppings include sriracha, mango, and shredded nori.

If you don’t feel like building your own pizza, choose one of the specialty creations, like the chicken Alfredo, the meat lover’s, the Pacific islander, or the Korean barbecue. Regulars recommend the banana pudding for dessert. Boylan Sodas are available in the fountain, a welcome change from the big soft drink brands you usually find at a pizzeria.

Pizzas cook quickly in a scorching hot oven, making Pizzanese a good option if you’re in a hurry.

Pizzanese
13047 Worldgate Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-6599
www.pizzanese.com/#hello
www.yelp.com/biz/pizzanese-herndon

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Check Out These Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks

May 22, 2015 by

If you’re looking for an affordable vacation that enables you to get in touch with nature, visiting a national park is a great option. There are numerous National Parks throughout the country that offer outdoor activities, camping, and much more. Here are some facts about the nation’s most interesting parks.

  • The National Parks System has 397 national parks on record, but some of them don’t seem like parks at all. Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, for example, is considered a National Park.
  • Perhaps the most famous National Park, Yellowstone National Park, is also the country’s first. Ulysses S. Grant signed a law deeming it a National Park way back in 1872.
  • Mount McKinley, the highest point in North America, is located in Denali National Park and Preserve. The lowest point in the Western hemisphere is also located in a National Park; it is Death Valley, and it is found in Death Valley National Park in California.
  • There are two National Parks located north of the Arctic Circle: Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Kobuk Valley National Park. Both are located in Alaska.
  • More than 280 million people from all over the world visit American National Parks each year.

National Park System Fun Facts [ NPS]
Facts About US National Parks [U.S. National Parks]
Little-Known Facts About America's National Parks [Huffington Post]

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Add a Splash of Green to Your Apartment With These Easy-Care Houseplants

May 21, 2015 by

There’s no better way to breathe new life — quite literally! — into your apartment than by adding a few lush, green houseplants to every room. Even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, these low-maintenance plants will last for years with minimal care.

  1. Pothos. The pothos plant is one of the most common houseplants, and you’ve likely noticed its trailing stems filled with marbled green leaves in many offices and homes. Aside from its beautiful appearance, this plant also requires little light, minimal watering, and even helps to remove toxins from the air.
  2. Aloe. Spiky aloe plants do best in direct sunlight on a windowsill, and because they prefer dry soil, they’re perfect for the forgetful indoor gardener.
  3. Jade. This succulent plant is one of the most interesting in appearance, as it contains thick, rubbery leaves that grow across criss-crossing branches. It also has a very long lifespan of a decade or more.
  4. Snake plant. The snake plant, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is an affordable alternative to pricey floor plants, as its long, snake-like leaves grow upright in a unique and attractive way. It requires little watering, and it doesn’t mind low sunlight.
  5. Fiddle Leaf Fig. Although it can be a bit finicky, few plants make as much of an impact as the stylish, trendy fiddle fig. If you keep it in bright sunlight it can even grow as high as the ceiling.

24 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow [Better Homes & Gardens]
The 15 easiest indoor house plants that won't die on you. [Today Home]
Easy Houseplants [This Old House]

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Ashburn Library: Read and Explore at This Contemporary Community Library

May 15, 2015 by

Musical story time. The Magic Treehouse book club. An English conversation group. These are just three recent events that have unfolded within the walls of Ashburn Library, a space that doubles as a community gathering place.

Ashburn Library offers both public computers and meeting rooms for its members' convenience, and these are just the frills in addition to its full inventory of books. One Yelp reviewer runs down the division of the library between kids' books (there's a large selection of them) and novels and texts for adults and adolescents. According to the same reviewer, Ashburn Library also boasts a decent collection of DVDs, CDs, and games. Other guests compliment the look of the library, its modern feel, and the staff. According to several fans, the front desk employees and librarians are always happy to help or just offer a smile and a greeting.

Ashburn Library
43316 Hay Road
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 737-8100
library.loudoun.gov/Our-Libraries/Ashburn-Library
www.yelp.com/biz/ashburn-library-ashburn

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The Art Station: A Venue for Leesburg Artists

May 14, 2015 by

Whether you’re caught in a creative drought, seeking an outlet for a flood of artistic inspiration or simply looking for a fun and spontaneous way to spend a few hours, drop into The Art Station to let your imagination run wild. The Art Station offers drop-in “Open Studio” hours where visitors can participate in one of self-guided candle-making, stenciling or painting projects at their leisure. For more structure, you may wish to register for one of their many instructor-led classes aimed at engaging the imagination and stimulating creative exploration. Classes are available at all skill levels and for all ages.

The Art Station may also be reserved for private parties and special events. Visit their website for detailed information on pricing, class availability and to learn more about the creative minds who keep artistic expression fresh and fun in Leesburg.

The Art Station
1601 Village Market Boulevard
Leesburg, VA 20175
http://www.theartstation.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-art-station-leesburg

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Handcrafted Beers Are Brewed On-Site at Sweet Water Tavern

May 8, 2015 by

If you're craving a hearty, home-cooked meal and an ice cold beer to go with it, head to Sweet Water Tavern. This Ashburn-area brewery and restaurant serves a Western-inspired menu of items like the drunken ribeye, fresh seafood, pastas, and salads.

There is a wholesome kids' menu filled with cheeseburgers and small steaks, as well as shareable appetizers like the Tex Mex eggrolls. For lunch, Sweet Water Tavern offers lighter salads and sandwiches, but everything is still served in generous portions that will leave you satisfied. Because Sweet Water Tavern doubles as a brewery, diners can also expect to encounter a variety of handcrafted beers on tap, which are made right on site.

The atmosphere at Sweet Water Tavern is upscale yet casual, with rustic wooden tables, an old-fashioned bar, and a covered outdoor patio perfect for summer evenings.

Sweet Water Tavern
45980 Waterview Plaza
Sterling, VA 20166
(571) 434-6500
www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/sweetwater/sterling
www.yelp.com/biz/sweetwater-tavern-sterling

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The Deli: New York-Style Goodness

May 7, 2015 by

Tucked away in an unassuming shopping strip in the middle of Herndon is The Deli, a small delicatessen serving a variety of meats — more than just ham, turkey, and roast beef. The Deli serves all its subs on soft, fresh bread with all the ingredients you want piled on. Choose a basic sub or one of their many house specialty subs like the Hot Sicilian or the Mad Italian. Study up on meats and cheeses because The Deli offers a variety of both essential ingredients that include some imported and seasonal varieties. Although its bit pricey for what you might expect from a modest deli, the subs are big enough to satisfy. Customers rave that The Deli stands up to other delicatessens in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia: very impressive for a small delicatessen hidden in an assuming strip mall!

The Deli
480 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170-4513
(703) 435-9085

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Have You Tried the Marshmallow Dipping Sauce at Burger 21 in Ashburn?

May 1, 2015 by

Local burger fans love Burger 21 for its creative burger menu and range of unlimited dipping sauces. The top-selling burgers at Burger 21 include the Tex-Mex Haystack, the Bacon Cheesy, the BBQ bacon burger, and the Philly cheese. You can also try one of Burger 21’s chicken burgers, such as the chicken marsala, or a seafood burger, like the ahi tuna. Vegetarian options include the Greek and the black bean burger. Definitely get the toasted marshmallow sauce for your fries or sweet potato fries! Though it’s a sweet sauce, it complements the saltiness of the fries well. Place your order at the counter, then take a seat!

Finish your meal with one of Burger 21’s popular milkshakes, such as the bananas Foster, the chocolate malted milk ball, the chocolate peanut butter, or the crème brulee.

Burger 21
43800 Central Station Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 726-0112
www.burger21.com
www.yelp.com/biz/burger-21-ashburn

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