Herndon’s Local Talent Takes the Stage at the NextStop Theatre Company

When was the last time you went to the theater? No, not the local cinema—a live theater with professional stage actors! If you're like most, it's probably been some time. If that's the case, you should book tickets for an upcoming production at NextStop Theatre Company.

NexStop is a professional black-box theater tucked away inside a renovated warehouse structure. Here, the NextStop Theatre company practices and performs a number of stage productions the whole year round. In addition to scheduled performance events, educational programs are available for all ages. NextStop Theatre Adventures, for example, is a week-long program for kids to get their feet wet in drama. Improv workshops, audition techniques, and stage acting classes are open to adults.

Make sure to visit NextStop's website frequently to see updated schedules. There's something magical about stage performance that just can't be captured on screen!

NextStop
269 Sunset Park Dr
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 481-5930
www.nextstoptheatre.org

The Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail: A Quick Escape to the Great Outdoors

Take your morning or evening runs to the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail, a beautiful escape from stresses of everyday life.

The Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail is a small part of a larger trail system throughout Fairfax County. This trail is approximately 3 miles long with roughly the same distance in auxiliary trails. While these paths are paved, too, what you're getting is a beautiful view of the local flora and fauna with some stream crossings, as well.

This trail is perfect for a nice stroll or jog. You could even bike or take your dog along for a peaceful walk. If you're environmentally conscious, consider bringing along a bag and some gloves to help keep the path clear of trash. Everyone should be able to enjoy this beautiful path that's so close to home.

Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail
Town of Herndon Line
Herndon, VA 20170
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trailmap-sugarlandrunsv.htm

Find Tasty Vegetarian Indian Fare at Balaji Café in Herndon

If you’re a vegetarian, Balaji Café is the place to go near BLVD l Loudoun Station for fresh, healthy Indian cuisine. This meat-free eatery serves all of the usual Indian favorites, including vegetable Manchurian, dosas, vegetable fried rice, and many other dishes. For those with less spicy tastes, there are even veggie burgers and other American dishes. Mango lassis and masala chai teas make delicious drinks to wash it all down, and you'll find traditional Indian desserts to finish the meal.

Everything is made fresh and custom to order, and if you’re in a hurry, the friendly employees will happily package your food up to go. Inside, Balaji Café is clean and modern, with a few wooden dining tables where you can enjoy lunch or dinner.

Balaji Café is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Balaji Café
298 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 437-1267
www.balajicafe.com

Grab a Coffee Before Setting Out on the Trail at Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee

If you’re an avid cyclist or an avid coffee lover, you’ll enjoy visiting Herndon’s Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee. This unique local business specializes in premium coffees and specialty espresso drinks, but it also serves as a gathering place for the area’s bicycle enthusiasts.

It's located conveniently next to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, and inside, it contains a small bike shop that sells brand-new bikes and even offers repairs. Grab a hot coffee, a flavored latte, or a fresh fruit smoothie from the friendly baristas, and if you’re hungry, pick up a pastry to enjoy inside. Once you’re fueled up for the ride, set out on the trail on your own bike or rent a high-quality road bike from the shop at Green Lizard.

Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee
718 Lynn St
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 707-2453
www.greenlizardcycling.com

Calvert Rejuvenations Spa: Treat Yourself to a Bit of Bliss

You deserve a bit of relief from the stresses of daily life, and Calvert Rejuvenations Spa is the perfect respite in the Herndon area. This stylish, modern spa is decorated in warm shades of cream and natural wood, and the walls are painted a dusty purple to add a beautifully feminine touch.

The spa is best known for its Bit of Bliss package, which includes a 30-minute massage and 30-minute facial. This sampler package is a wonderful gift for a friend or loved one, and the spa also offers a wide variety of other packages, plus spa parties for birthdays or bachelorette parties. Services include the usual massages, facials, and reflexology, as well as more innovative options like cellulite reduction, skin tightening services, and even eyelash extensions that you won’t find at many other places.

Whether you’re treating a friend or simply pampering yourself, everyone deserves a day off at Calvert Rejuvenations Spa.

Calvert Rejuvenations Spa
485-A Carlisle Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(571) 323-1088
www.calvertrejuvenations.com
www.yelp.com/biz/calvert-rejuvenations-spa-herndon-2

Enjoy the Little Things at Frying Pan Park

After a long work week, take a load off and enjoy some time in nature at Frying Pan Park. This Herndon favorite is unique from most community parks because it operates a bit more like a farm, complete with cows, pigs, horses, and many other animals. Take a hay ride with the little ones to get a full look at the park’s scenic grounds, and then stop in for a visit with the newborn calves or their much larger parents.

Frying Pan Park contains a large playground with colorful sliding boards, swing sets, and jungle gyms for the kids to climb on, and adults will enjoy relaxing nearby on a bench under a shady tree. There is even a carousel that visitors of all ages love.

Before visiting, check the Frying Pan Park website to see what types of events are coming up; the bustling park often hosts puppet shows, concert series, and other free events for Herndon area residents.

Frying Pan Park
2709 W Ox Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 437-9101
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp

Down Dog Yoga: Empowerment, Inspiration and Community

One Yelp reviewer calls Herndon's Down Dog Yoga "life changing," while another promises that you will "literally feel like a new person" when you walk out of the studio after a yoga class. And they're not the only two who heap praise on this Herndon studio. Down Dog offers a wide range of classes to suit everyone's schedule and preferences.

Whether you decide to attend the sweat-inducing Power Hour at 6:30 a.m. before heading to the office or opt for a gentle Sunday afternoon all-levels practice, you'll find that the Down Dog instructors are patient, inspirational, and professional. You can sign up for individual classes or purchase a monthly pass, and Down Dog even offers a teacher training program for those who want to graduate from taking classes to leading them. Be aware that Down Dog is committed to hot practice, and the studio is heated between 90 and 95 degrees in order to encourage sweating that may help the body expel toxins.

Down Dog Yoga
12973 Highland Crossing Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 437-9042
downdogpoweryoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/down-dog-yoga-herndon-2

Treat Yourself to Something Sweet at Amphora Bakery

Whether you stop in for a breakfast pastry or for a large order of specialty desserts, Amphora Bakery offers something sweet for any occasion. This sweet local bakery is friendly and stylish, and its knowledgeable employees are always on hand to offer assistance with ordering a custom birthday cake or a dozen cookies for the office.

Amphora Bakery’s celebration cakes feature your choice of professional-quality decorations, from floral and fashion designs to sports and even your favorite entertainers. There are cookies made especially for seasons or holidays, as well as custom cookies with a personalized message or picture. If you’re planning a party, Amphora Bakery can create a complete dessert table styled according to your theme and made with your choice of sweets.

Amphora Bakery
294 Sunset Park Drive
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 964-0500
www.amphorabakery.com

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub: A Place to Unwind in Herndon

Looking for a place to unwind after a long day at work? Look no further than O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in historic downtown Herndon. Offering daily specials (like the $8 fish and chips special on Mondays) and events (team trivia on Wednesdays), there’s always something to do here. The menu is full of traditional Irish grub as well as newer Irish favorites like the Guinness Burger and Beef and Guinness Stew. Be sure to pair one of the Guinness entrees with Guinness beer, of course. It’s quiet during the weekdays, but it gets relatively loud during Happy Hour and the weekends. If you want the complete traditional Irish pub experience, O’Sullivan’s features live Irish music in the evenings, and the staff is friendly, fast, and takes the time to know your name.

O'Sullivan's Irish Pub
754 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 464-0522

Herndon Community Center: A Community Destination

There are no more excuses for not exercising: since it's open from early morning to late afternoon, you can easily afford to spend a few hours at the Herndon Community Center, the fitness and recreational center located within Bready Park. For a low $7, non-Herndon residents can purchase a day pass while Herndon residents pay only $6 and have full access to all its amenities. The Community Center has all the basics in free weights, fixed equipment, and cardio equipment. There’s also a 25-yard indoor heated pool (with a training area for children), spa, sauna, full-sized gymnasium, and basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts. The Center also offers plenty of classes, ranging from swimming to tennis to dance to art. If you have somewhere to go after working out, there are large locker rooms with showers. If you have a child and are only staying for two hours, there’s a drop-off childcare center run by friendly staff.

Herndon Community Center
814 Ferndale Avenue
Herndon, VA 20172
(703) 787-7300

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