Ed. Note: The saga of a Wagamama coming to Penn Quarter was one of hope, tears, anguish, hope and ultimately tears. Bring back Olson’s some shout! Some of us are old. Some of us have no idea what we’re talking about. This is all true. And so chapter twelve begins…

From a press release:

“Leading international restaurant brand Wagamama will expand its U.S. presence with a Summer 2022 opening in Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood. The 5,100 square foot restaurant, located at 2950 Clarendon Boulevard, will be the company’s first location in the Washington, D.C. region and will serve an array of fresh, cooked-to-order Asian-inspired bowls, curries, and creative craft cocktails during lunch and dinner services.

Wagamama first opened in London in 1992 and quickly hooked diners on its “bowl to soul” dining philosophy, which has spurred the company’s continuous expansion to over 200 locations in 27 countries. Read More

Photo by slightlyworn

From the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, invites public review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Assessment of Effect for improvements to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. To better meet the needs of current and future visitors, we’ve proposed several changes to the park’s general management plan–the plan that guides park management decisions. You’re invited to submit your feedback from Nov. 18 through Dec. 30.

Since 1971, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has provided opportunities to experience live performances, learn about music and theater, and explore nature. The proposed improvements would improve the visitor experience while continuing to preserve the history, landscape and resources of the only national park established as a performing arts venue. This EA would amend the Park’s 1997 General Management Plan.

The amendment to the general management plan would allow the park to: Read More

Thanks to Ryan for sending: “This is the 16th floor of my office building in Alexandria. My expert google research tells me he’s a peregrine falcon, but correct me if I’m wrong!” Read More

Thanks to John for sharing this awesomeness from his backyard in Arlington: “I usually see one or the other, today was the first time they crossed paths in front of me. The interaction was amicable with a hint of curiosity.”

If you spot a hawk or any interesting wildlife and get a good photo please send in an email where you spotted it to [email protected]. Thanks! Hawks around Town is made possible by a generous grant from the Ben and Sylvia Gardner foundation.

Thanks to Jenna (and others) for passing on from Free2Move:

“As you are aware, as part of our Car Sharing service Free2Move offers all members both residential parking and metered parking at no cost to you. Over the past few months we have been working with the City of Arlington to renew our permits to operate in Arlington. Unfortunately, we have not been able to renew the permit and we were notified today by the City of Arlington to cease our operations in the area. Read More

photo by 202annie, view from “Johnson Ave and R Street, NW”

So about that storm Thursday night, from the National Weather Service:

“National Weather Service #storm survey confirmed two #tornadoes touched down in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC.” Read More

undated photo of 11th and E Street, NW via Whitlow’s

“Dear PoPville,

I know Arlington doesn’t normally make it on to your radar, but Whitlow’s (originally a DC joint!) closed down last night (Saturday) and I am pining to know where all the friends I was packed in with are headed next weekend.

In particular, Sarah – you were right, Read More

via National Park Service

From the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service (NPS) today reopened Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, following a complete rehabilitation of the site and transformation of the visitor experience. New exhibits and research allow the NPS to interpret the history of the Custis and Lee families alongside that of the more than 100 enslaved people who labored on the plantation. Together, their stories reveal a more complete picture of life at Arlington House and of the people and events that changed our nation.

The rehabilitation, which began in 2018, was made possible through a $12.35 million donation by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein to the National Park Foundation.

“Our goal is to create a place of dialogue and learning. We invite visitors to be curious, to connect with the stories, and to be open to hard questions. Park rangers and volunteers will share inclusive stories about the many people and events connected to Arlington House,” Charles Cuvelier, George Washington Memorial Parkway superintendent, said. “David Rubenstein’s generous donation improved every aspect of the site, and the National Park Service is grateful for his continued support.”

A visit today reveals a layered history that has often been untold–the experience of the enslaved people of Arlington House. Read More

via Wolf Trap

The healing continues! Check out Wolf Trap’s calendar here and their policies here.

Photos and words by @Pharipedia. Phari is one of my favorite photographers who contributes to our Instagram. He’s volunteered to share a bit more with us from his adventures around town. Phari lives on Capitol Hill.

“Just south of Old Town Alexandria, along the Potomac River, is an area called Jones Point where you will find a beautiful park with numerous playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, and a decommissioned lighthouse that operated from 1855 to 1926. Not far from the lighthouse, you can see the very first boundary marker of the original District of Columbia. After President Washington’s proclamation establishing Jones Point as the starting point of the federal territory, the exact spot of the south cornerstone was chosen by Benjamin Banneker, an African-American surveyor and astronomer.”