I regularly scour Instagram to spotlight cool happenings, curious people, and interesting stuff in Arlington, Virginia. Here’s a rundown of the best Instagram finds, including:
- Operation Fire Paws – with many cute puppies & firefighters
- An operation to help service men and women who are overseas
- And two of the best views (one new!) in Arlington, VA
Carpe Librum: Arlington Pop-Up
Perfect for those who love bargains, reading, and philanthropy, Carpe Librum’s new pop-up location in The Alcove in Arlington is the place to be. All proceeds from the sale of used books, CDs, DVDs, and more go back to Turning the Page, an organization that works towards connecting public schools with communities and families to produce high quality public education.
Rescue a Puppy, Gain a Best Friend
What is more adorable than a puppy? A puppy that could be your puppy! Local firefighters pose for photos the month long #OperationFirePaws campaign, a donation drive benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and all of the wonderful animals looking for furrever homes.
Operation Turbo
#OperationFirePaws isn’t the only operation of note in Arlington. If you are looking for a way to help out our service men and women overseas, take a look at Operation Turbo. An idea born from the minds of Dyan and Jeff Smith, Operation Turbo sends “Boxes of Home” to US Military members around the world, with a focus on those who may not receive mail or care packages otherwise.
New Location for Phoenix Bikes
Operation Turbo is an excellent way to help our soldiers overseas, but what about helping kids in our own backyard? Phoenix Bikes, an organization local to Arlington since its establishment in 2007, educates youth in practical, applicable subjects such business management and bike maintenance and mechanics. They’ve been working towards a new space since 2011, and are preparing to move from their concession shack to a proper storefront in the Arlington community!
The Observation Deck
There comes a point where sometimes we need to take a step back to get view of the big picture. The Observation Deck at CEB Tower is a place to do just that! With a 360° view of the many monuments and natural beauty that attracts those to the D.C. area, there is no better place to take it all in. The best part? Arlington County residents can get in for free.
Gravelly Point
Perhaps you don’t feel like taking in a quiet panoramic view, but instead would rather find something you could view up close. An afternoon at Gravelly Point can provide an exhilarating, an rather loud, experience as you watch airplanes soar right over your head. With Reagan International Airport’s runway just a few hundred feet away, you’re guaranteed to get an up close view of the belly of a plane roaring above you.
Arlington’s Monthly Fitness Fundamentals
Arlington Magazine is a great example of community pride, publishing six editions a year. The best way to highlight local pride? Highlighting a local in their best element, like personal trainer Chauncey Graham working out of Gold’s Gym Ballston.
CoworkCafe
Perhaps what you are looking for isn’t so much fitness related guidance however, but rather an environment where work and comfort don’t have to feel mutually exclusive. One option, rather than the over crowded coffee shop across the street, is CoworkCafe. With the comforts of a Starbucks and the amenities of a Staples, you can purchase a day pass or a monthly pass for a reserved work space. While they have soon to open locations in D.C. and Brasseire, their original location is right here in Clarendon.
So Fetch at the Clarendon Ballroom
What else is there to do in Arlington, you ask? Well, does the music of the 2000’s pull at your heartstrings? What if you paired it with a beautiful venue right around the corner? If this peaks your interest, check out So Fetch, a 2000’s tribute band that will be filling the Clarendon Ballroom with familiar tunes all night long on August 24th.
Escape Room Arlington
While an evening with So Fetch sounds, well… fetch, maybe you don’t want to wait until the 24th to have a fun night out. Enter Escape Room Arlington. A ticket is all you need to enter a room full of secrets, puzzles, and codes. Bonus? Your ticket comes with a free appetizer at William Jeffrey’s Tavern next door!
That’s it for this Arlington Instagram go ’round!
Until next time! If you want more of The Arlington Life on Instagram, you can follow me on IG @meg_ross_arlingtonvaagent.
~ Meg
