Welcome to the DMV (during Covid)

Over the last couple of months, I have slowly made the move to the DMV. For those of you who aren’t from DC, Maryland, or Virginia, no, I did not move to the nearest motor vehicle center. I had a lovely cold, snowy welcome to Arlington, VA the end of January. Moving in felt like the start of something new, something exciting and awesome and well, honestly, like an out-of-this-world experience. After many trips up and down I-95, I have officially moved in! As things have started to open, I have ventured out bit by bit. Last week I even made it on the Metro and into DC for the first time in a long time!

But enough about my move, here is everything I have learned about Arlington, VA, in two months of working from home and venturing into the cold winter that is the DC area. Below you will find my favorite restaurants, bars, and of course, monuments in Arlington (many, many DC guides to come :) ). As if I needed to say this, these places are all COVID safe and open for business!

The good eats (and drinks):

The Boardroom

Okay, post-COVID, this is going to be the COOLEST place. Imagine a bar with nearly every game imaginable - this is it. Not only do they have games, but the numerous tv screens will ensure you never miss a second of the game (or show). It is always pretty popular, but tables are spaced, and menus are on your phone so get scrolling through the food and drinks. Tots, cards, and a cold beer, what else could you need?

Bronson Bierhall:

I cannot rave about the food at this place enough! Most beer halls are known for their beer selection, and Bronson is no exception; however, the caprese pretzel is probably one of the most amazing things I have ever consumed. The huge tv projectors and numerous screens indoors and on the grassy outdoor patio make it the perfect place to catch any big games - March Madness was awesome! I went with a friend from out of town, but this is the ideal place for your big beer-loving group of friends (they have picnic-style long tables for the bigger groups and to mix and mingle in non-covid times).

Oby Lee Winery

Despite the name, this is not your typical winery. In fact, Oby is smack in the middle of Clarendon. They host an extensive wine selection as well as many other drinks. I personally recommend their sangria to share with friends. Friday’s are Polish dinner, but in general, Oby has a great selection of foods. While I won’t be becoming friends with employees, the atmosphere here is to die for!! They have small clear plastic and metal tents with windows, doors, and heaters to fight the cold. The string lights lining the tents only add to the intimate fun aesthetic.

Monuments:

You can’t visit Arlington without stopping by Arlington Cemetery or the Pentagon, but those are the well known places. Here I include the smaller must-see dedications to the US history and present. Check it out!!

Marine Corp War Memorial:

This is one of my favorite monuments in the DMV area. I grew up seeing the famous photo of Iwo Gima in history books and documentaries, so to see the image come to life in a statue was a bit of an out-of-body experience at first. The memorial is located just besides Arlington Cemetery (on the opposite side of the Air Force Memorial). Definitely check it out if you find ourself in the area.

Air Force Memorial:

Those three spires you see driving down the highway? That is the Air Force memorial. The memorial depicts the Thunderbirds soaring towards the stars to honor the men and women who have served in the Air Force. You can find more information about the memorial here - or better yet, go check it out yourself! It is located just next to Arlington Cemetery.

Arlington Cemetery:

Can I just say ~wow~. Arlington cemetery evokes the somber tranquil atmosphere you'd expect at any cemetery. When you look over the vast hills covered by the gravesites of brave Americans and DC with its monuments and grandeur in the background, you also feel this immense pride and patriotism. The cemetery is absolutely a must-see for any trip to the DMV, and it is easy to get to - right off the highway for those driving and just steps from its own metro stop.

9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon:

THIS IS CLOSED RIGHT NOW; but be sure to keep your eyes out for the Pentagon as your drive around Arlington. It is enormous, and I am beyond excited to get to visit soon. The memorial is outside but on Pentagon grounds and will be reopening when the Pentagon does. So keep an eye out!

Thomas Jefferson Island:

TJ Island is one of my FAVORITE walks. There are a couple of different loops to wander on the island once you cross the bridge from Rosslyn on to the small island. Not to worry, though, there is indeed a water fountain and bathrooms, so you don't need to worry once you are there. Stepping onto the island is like being transported from city to jungle. It has been preserved beautifully with a vast ecosystem of trees, flowers, and animals. It is the perfect escape. At the island's center is a large - and I do mean large - monument dedicated to Thomas Jefferson. It is awe-inspiring, to say the least.

More to come soon - especially as it gets warmer and everyone gets their vaccine!! Enjoy :)