“Can you just disinfect everything?’ It’s the question we hear most this time of year, and the answer might surprise you.
WellNest was started by a busy Falls Church family with three kids in elementary school, so we know how quickly one sniffle turns into the whole house being sick. That’s why every WellNest visit follows the same two steps: clean first, then disinfect.
Disinfecting only works on a clean surface. Grime blocks disinfectant from reaching germs, and the product has to stay wet long enough to do its job. Our trained, background-checked, W-2 professionals take care of both steps, with extra attention on the spots your family touches most: doorknobs, light switches, faucets, counters, and remotes.
We use BotaniClean, an EPA-registered disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs. It’s in the EPA’s lowest toxicity category, so it’s gentle enough for homes with kids and pets.
You have enough on your plate this season. Let us handle the germs.
Book online today for a healthier home this cold and flu season.
Real estate for sale sign (photo illustration by ARLnow)
Surging mortgage rates are leading to a more cautious approach to real estate in Arlington, but overall, they don’t currently seem to be scaring off many prospective buyers.
Months of rising interest rates, which surpassed 7% for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages last week, have led homebuyers to tread more carefully, even as local home sales have been holding relatively steady, a cross section of real estate professionals told ARLnow.
Festival Latinoamericano at Arlington Mill Community Center.
Yikes! at Spark!
Former Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc.
Looking for inspiration this weekend? Arlington County has numerous opportunities to connect with creativity, culture, and community through experiences that celebrate artistic expression, cultural heritage, and Arlington’s unique sense of place.
On Saturday morning, join former Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc for The Nature of Poetry, a guided walk of Lubber Run Park that explores the connection between poetry and the natural world. Participants will stop along the trail to read nature-themed works, reflect on the landscape, and create poetry inspired by their surroundings. The program offers a chance to experience one of Arlington’s treasured green spaces through a creative lens while discovering how art can deepen our understanding of place and environment.
Later that day, celebrate the rich traditions of Latin America with Arlington Parks and Recreation’s Festival Latinoamericano, one of the region’s premier cultural festivals. The annual event brings together music, dance, art, food, and family-friendly activities that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of Latin American cultures. Featuring live performances, artisan vendors, and opportunities to experience traditions from across Latin America, the festival offers a day of cultural discovery and community celebration.
On Sunday, head to 2700 Art Space for a special Halloween-themed YIKES! at SPARK!This festive edition of Arlington Arts’ monthly community art market invites visitors to celebrate the season through creativity, community, and a touch of spooky fun. Featuring local artists, makers, food vendors, and engaging activities, YIKES! at SPARK! transforms 2700 Art Space into a vibrant gathering place where neighbors can connect, discover unique artwork, and enjoy arts experiences for all ages. Drawing on the spirit of SPARK!, the event offers a welcoming opportunity to meet local artists, support small creative businesses, and experience the energy of Arlington’s growing arts community.
And while you’re out exploring Arlington this weekend, take a detour to Columbia Pike to watch a new public artwork come to life. Artist Rowan Bathurst is currently creating a large-scale mural on the Goodwill building at 4714 Columbia Pike, offering a rare opportunity to experience the creative process in real time. Inspired by the diversity, culture, and spirit of the Columbia Pike community, the mural is transforming an everyday space into a vibrant visual landmark. Whether you live, work, or spend time along the Pike, it’s worth stopping by to see the artwork taking shape and witness firsthand how public art can bring new energy and identity to a neighborhood.
From poetry and cultural celebration to public art and community gathering, this weekend’s events showcase the many ways creativity enriches Arlington’s neighborhoods and public spaces. Whether you’re looking to make art, experience a new culture, meet local artists, or simply enjoy time with friends and family, Arlington County offers something for everyone.
Learn more about these and other upcoming events through Arlington County.
Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Juan Gelabert (screenshot via Arlington NAACP)
Leaders in the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office continue to evaluate the impacts of body-worn cameras used by deputies in the county’s detention facility.
“We are getting feedback for the unintended consequences,” Chief Deputy Sheriff Juan Gelabert said at a Sept. 28 discussion with members of the Arlington NAACP.
Fall registration is filling up at MoCA! Classes begin in just a couple of weeks so sign up today! From pottery and printmaking to drawing and collage, you and your young artists are sure to find a class or workshop that excites!
Can’t commit to an 8-week class? Check out our 1, 2, or 3 day workshops here at MoCA! These are great introductions to what MoCA has to offer. Whether you are a practiced hobbyist or a complete novice, we are excited to have you join a workshop or class this fall. Programs are already filling up so sign up today!
Sprouts at 3115 Langston Blvd (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
A new grocery store with a wide selection of organic products, bulk dry goods and oven-ready entrees has opened on Langston Blvd.
Sprouts Farmers Market hosted its grand opening earlier this month in the Lyon Village Shopping Center. Interior signage promises “organics on every aisle,” and the supermarket delivers on that.
The 6th Annual Boulevard Manor Neighborhood Yard Sale returns on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More than 30 homes across the neighborhood will have items out for sale, from furniture and tools to kids' items, kitchen goods, vintage finds, and more. A free shopper map will be available at magnificentmanors.com/ysmap the week before the event so you can plan your route. This is one of South Arlington's favorite fall traditions and a wonderful morning for the whole family. No admission, no registration required to shop. Just come and enjoy the neighborhood.
Renderings of The Roasted Vine's planned cafe in Shirlington (courtesy of Mackenzie Ryan)
A new cafe with freshly roasted coffee beans, house-made syrups and coffee-infused cocktails is seeking to open within the next few months in Shirlington.
The Roasted Vine, which recently got construction permits approved at 4150 Campbell Avenue, offered the first taste of its cold brews and specialty blends at Celtic Fest earlier this month. Co-owner Mackenzie Ryan told ARLnow that initial responses were overwhelmingly positive.
Glass bottles thrown from a balcony in the Clarendon area shattered the rear windshield of a parked car with someone inside Saturday night.
Arlington County police were called to the 3100 block of 10th Street N. around 10:30 p.m. After arriving on scene, officers determined a man had thrown the bottles from high up on a residential balcony, but no one was hurt.
A four-month-old goldendoodle (via Jacob Fletcher/Unsplash)
In Arlington, goldendoodles are top dog.
That’s according to a new ranking from Rover, which found that the curly-haired mix between a poodle and a golden retriever was the most popular dog in the county.
O'Connell's Pierce Hall, left, runs for a touchdown during a Sept. 26 game (photo by Dave Facinoli)
With a strong 3-1 start, including two shutouts, the Bishop O’Connell Knights are seeing their best start in a dozen years.
The Arlington private high-school football team won its third-straight game by blanking the visiting and previously undefeated Northern Virginia Home School Centurions, 48-0, Sept. 26 in non-conference action.
Aerial view of Courthouse and the Orange Line corridor (staff photo)
New Details in Fatal I-395 Crash — Police say the unlicensed driver in the crash that killed three teens led a trooper on a roughly two-minute, five-mile pursuit in a car stolen Sept. 26. The driver and a passenger, both 16 and from Silver Spring, Md., died at hospitals, and a 17-year-old died at the scene. A 16-year-old Alexandria girl is in serious but stable condition. [ALXnow]
Federal Cuts Hit Home — In Arlington and Alexandria, 62% of respondents to a Gallup and Greater Washington Community Foundation survey said federal job cuts or furloughs negatively impacted their household — above the regional average of 55% but below D.C.’s 66%. [FFXnow]
Stumbling Stone Dedication — “Arlington Public Library… will host the Stumbling Stone dedication ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m., to honor the lives of former enslaved African Americans Bess (born ca. 1735) and Nann (born ca. 1747), at the intersection of N. Quincy Street and 10th Street North.” [Arlington County]
Decades at the DCA Help Desk — Antoinette Jeffries, 79, has volunteered at an information desk at Reagan National Airport since 1987, once fielding a marriage proposal from a Central African finance minister. “It’s just the excitement of it, and meeting new people all the time,” she said. [Washington Post]
Dad Bands Rock for AWLA — “The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) brought together more than 400 animal lovers, raising a total of $11,702 for Arlington animals in need, during the 4th Annual Reason to Rock Music Festival…” The festival, held Sept. 19 in Falls Church, was founded in 2023 by four local dad band members. [Press Release]
Diesel Costs Squeeze School Buses — “Months of changes to gas prices are causing some Northern Virginia school districts to spend thousands more on diesel fuel for buses than they had planned.” Fairfax County Public Schools, with nearly 1,600 diesel buses, is paying almost $2 more per gallon on average than last year. [WTOP]
Warner Backs Film Tax Credit — Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and a bipartisan group of senators are sponsoring a bill to create a 20% federal, labor-based tax credit for U.S. film and TV productions spending at least $1 million, with bonus credits that could raise it to 30%. [Press Release]
Fall Festival Picks — “Fall is peak festival season in the DMV.” Picks include the Cox Farms Fall Festival (select dates through Nov. 8), the 50th annual Fairfax City Fall Festival (Oct. 10) and the Wharf Oktoberfest’s Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash (Oct. 3). [Axios]
When Leaves Will Peak — “Peak foliage color is expected in D.C. around Nov. 7. If you’re heading to the Shenandoah — a popular leaf peeping spot — peak is expected Nov. 2.” [Axios]
Mild Fall Predicted — “D.C.’s fall outlook favors mild weather, slightly delayed and uneven foliage, coastal storm threats, and little reason to expect an early freeze or snow.” [Capital Weather]
It’s Wednesday — Expect mostly sunny skies today with a high near 81 and a light southwest wind. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Rents keep climbing, buying a home is out of reach for most, and homes are harder to find. Join the League of Women Voters of Arlington and Alexandria City (LWVAAC) and Arlington Public Library for a conversation with two of the region’s leading housing voices about what’s driving costs in Arlington and Alexandria, and what it would take to change course.
