Epiq Food Hall just opened in Woodbridge. Y’all know I’m greedy and having so many food options under one roof makes me excited. With 14 different vendors including Pho, Italian, Seafood, Southern, tacos, desserts and a bar means they have a little bit of everything for everyone. Food halls often host start up businesses and give them a place to generate revenue and advertise their business. Opening a restaurant has given me a deeper understanding of how hard it is for start-ups to get established so please support these vendors!

​📍14067 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge, VA

The ultimate candy themed pop-up Candytopia has hit almost every major city in the US and is now open in 3 locations: Philly, Atlanta and Houston. I went a few years ago in LA and I’m planning a road trip to Philly to check out that location in the near future. The pop-up is fun for the whole family, so load up the kids and go!

Tix are $20-28 and can be purchased here: www.candytopia.com
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​📍 901 Market St, Philly
​📍3330 Piedmont Rd NE, Atl
​📍7620 Katy Freeway, HTX

An retro outdoor skating rink is opening in the Mosaic District in Fairfax. Mosaic Skateland will be open daily throughout September. Tix are $15 for adults and $13 for children and include skate rentals. You can also bring your own skates. Tix and deets available here: mosaicrink.ticketsocket.com/#/event-details/mosaic-skateland

​📍 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031

DC area pools are finally opening to the public. Here are a few that offer day passes and cabana rentals. I will definitely update this as I discover more.

Ven at Embassy Row was one of my favorite places to spend a day off. Day passes start at $50 and includes towels. The pool is open Mon-Thurs from 12-8 and they have a rooftop bar. For info www.resortpass.com/hotels/the-embassy-row-hotel

Deck 11 at Yotel is offering day passes for $40-60 depending on day of the week. You can also rent cabanas for $100 which includes admission for 4 people. Cabanas have a $600 food/beverage limit. For deets www.exploretock.com/deck11atyotel/

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Capitol Skyline Hotel pool is an oldie but goodie. The perfect place for a ditch day. They haven’t opened for the season yet but with restrictions lifted in DC, I can imagine that they will open soon. Day passes last season we’re $45.

La Vie is the sister restaurant to Nara-Ya at the Wharf. La Vie is known for its swanky decor and panoramic view of the harbor. I just discovered La Vie has private cabanas and cabines on their Penthouse Portico called Painter’s Row. Each cabana pays tribute to a famous painter. To reserve cabanas and cabines for brunch, the deposit is $100. Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. They’re also hosting a special Diamonds in the sky event for the fireworks on 4th of July. Cabanas are sold out but you can purchase individual tix. For deets, visit www.exploretock.com/lavie/

My friend and I were dying to try Nara-Ya for weeks. It is an upscale Japanese restaurant at the wharf. The decor is beautiful and eye-catching. Service was also really good. They feature an extensive drinks menu of Japanese inspired craft cocktails, sake and Japanese whiskey. I loved the smoked tuna and sushi. The “Its Business Time” was my favorite. For our entrees, I ordered the Rockfish which was served with broccolini and cooked perfectly and my friend ordered the scallops. While both were delicious and flavorful, I must warn you that they are really small plates. All in all, I enjoyed the experience.

The Yard Milkshake Bar looks amazing!  Their unique milkshake concepts are a hit and they were even featured on Sharktank.  Originating in Gulf Shores, AL, they have expanded to multiple locations.  I was excited to learn they had locations in the 757 and DMV.  www.theyardmilkshakebar.com for more info.

Virginia Beach: 3229 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 103, VA Bch
Ashburn: 20352 Exchange St, Unit 103, Ashburn, VA

We know that DC loves rooftops.  Hi-Lawn is on the rooftop of Union Market.  Hi-lawn is a bar and restaurant with seasonal menus, creative cocktails and lawn games.  They feature live music on Thursdays. Bring a blanket or book a picnic table online.  www.hilawndc.com for details.
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Location: 1309 5th St NE WDC

Swingers is a new adult putt-putt golf opening in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.  The venue brags on stunning cocktails, the District's best street-food and good vibes curated by a live DJ.  Sounds like a good time to me!

If you want to play golf, they have 2 courses which are both 9 holes. Tickets range from $19-24 depending on day/time.   They also have a food and drink package that starts at $39. 
If you want to just hang out, there is no fee for entry.

​Location: 1330 19th St NW WDC

Selfie Wrld just opened a location in Northern Virginia. I previously posted about it when the Virginia Beach location opened a few months ago. They are literally taking over. I had tickets to the Virginia Beach location but with so much going on lately, I couldn't make it so I'm happy they opened a closer location. I was able to visit over the weekend and loved it! They provide you with a selfie stand and clicker to set up the perfect shot which is pretty cool. I’ve been to quite a bit of them and this was one of my faves!
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Location: Tysons Corner 1961 Chain Bridge Rd, Mclean, VA
Tix: $25 for adults and $20 for children
For deets www.selfiewrldnovadc.com