🏗️ A familiar name is breaking ground in Strasburg… and it’s not just bringing gas. Think hot food, jobs, and a new local hangout.

🚧 Big changes are coming to I-495, but not without some weekend headaches. Find out when, where, and how it might impact your plans near Tysons.

😋 Northern Virginia’s dining scene is leveling up, and this year’s Top 10 Restaurants prove it. From artful tasting menus in Falls Church to sizzling saganaki in Vienna and next-level Korean barbecue in Tysons, these spots are redefining what “fine dining” means around here. Hungry yet?

Driving the news: Sheetz is officially breaking ground in Strasburg, with its first-ever store in town set to open by mid-2026.

The project, approved by local officials, will sit on Old Valley Pike, directly across from the new Valley Health clinic.

Details:

The big picture: Strasburg's retail footprint continues to evolve, and the new Sheetz joins a growing corridor of development around Valley Health.

The location was approved “by right,” meaning it met all zoning requirements and bypassed extra approvals, despite Virginia DOT’s suggestion for off-site road improvements like a roundabout.

Between the lines: The “by-right” process highlights a tradeoff: speed of development over infrastructure influence.

While it fast-tracks business investment, it also limits the town’s ability to shape surrounding road upgrades.

What’s next: Demolition of the former Valley Health clinic is underway, paving the way for Sheetz construction to begin this week.

The bottom line: Sheetz’s arrival brings new jobs, increased food options, and added tax revenue, without the need to raise local rates.

Town leaders see it as a win for the local economy, especially with the boost from meals tax revenue.

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Driving the news: VDOT will shut down one lane in each direction of I-495 near Tysons and McLean on Saturday, Nov. 8, Saturday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 16 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to support paving for the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension project.

Details:

Why it matters: This work is the final stretch before Tysons and McLean gain expanded express lane access, aiming to ease rush-hour traffic and shorten commutes, a welcome change for Fairfax County drivers and local businesses dependent on regional mobility.

The big picture: The I-495 NEXT project connects with other major regional improvements, like the I-66 transformation and Maryland’s Beltway plans, helping unify Northern Virginia’s highway system.

What’s next: Check for real-time traffic and closure updates at 511Virginia, on the 511Virginia app, or visit 495next.vdot.virginia.gov.

If you're heading near Tysons this weekend or next, plan ahead, expect delay

CHECK ALL THE DETAILS→

Thinking about moving to Northern Virginia? In this video, we'll highlight everything about Fredericksburg. One of the many towns in NoVA that is absolutely booming in 2026!

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

The region’s dining scene has never looked (or tasted) better.

Northern Virginia is bursting with culinary talent, and this year’s Top 10 list highlights the restaurants setting the standard for taste, creativity, and unforgettable dining experiences.

Here’s a peek at the top 5 that made the cut:

Cuisine: Modern American | Price: $$$$
A long-standing icon with a fresh edge. Chef Bertrand Chemel keeps the menu evolving with seasonal tasting courses that span continents. Don’t miss the kampachi crudo, creamy corn espuma, or the grilled Braveheart rib-eye that steals the show.

Cuisine: Greek | Price: $$$
White curtains, sizzling saganaki, and a menu that channels pure Mediterranean joy. From the housemade trio of dips to cast-iron moussaka and chargrilled lamb chops, every bite is a postcard from Greece.

Cuisine: Modern American | Price: $$$$
Farm-to-table meets fine dining in this 19th-century countryside retreat. Signature dishes like BLT gnocchi, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and mango mousse make the drive to Paris, VA more than worth it.

Cuisine: Japanese | Price: $$$$
Where art meets indulgence. Expect A5 wagyu, foie gras, and uni in stunning compositions that rival anything in D.C. Come hungry, leave amazed (and maybe a little spoiled for sushi anywhere else).

Cuisine: Modern Korean | Price: $$$$
Korean barbecue gets a luxury upgrade. From the heirloom tomato and burrata salad to the prime steak tour and the decadent croffle dessert, every plate is crafted to impress.

Hungry for more?
The rest of the list dives into Tysons, Arlington, Ashburn, and beyond (each with its own flavor story to tell.

👉 See the full Top 10 (and what to order at each spot)

Party with a purpose at this neon glow party hosted by the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Expect live music from The Experience Band, DJ Aladdin DaPrince, themed giveaways, and a night full of fun.
📍 Location: Air Restaurant and Lounge, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Nov 7, 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $30.23
🌐 Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gogo-glow

Celebrate the 25-year anniversary of this blues-rock band’s debut album Shake Hands with Shorty, along with their latest release Still Shakin’. Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, founding the band in 1996, lead the show blending traditional Mississippi music with modern genres.
📍 Location: The Barns at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
📅 Date & Time: Nov 8, 8:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $60
🌐 Website: https://www.wolftrap.org/show/2526barns/110825

Browse over 300 vendors from more than 30 states at the 32nd annual regional Christmas market. Shop holiday decorations and unique gifts from artisans working in pottery, jewelry, stained glass, and more. The event also hosts a food drive benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, bring non-perishable food items to donate.
📍 Location: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, VA
📅 Date & Time: Nov 7–9
🎟️ Tickets: $9
🌐 Website: https://dullesexpo.com/event/32nd-annual-nova-christmas-market

MORE THINGS TO DO→

The market’s holding steady with a median sale price around $675K, up 12% year-over-year. Homes are taking about 69 days to sell, and the sale-to-list ratio is 98.3%, still a sign of solid demand.

For Buyers: With listings staying active a bit longer, there’s room to negotiate, especially on homes that have been sitting for a few weeks. Still, desirable properties move fast, so be ready with pre-approval.

For Sellers: Price strategically and stay flexible. Demand remains strong, but buyers have options. Well-staged, accurately priced homes are the ones selling quickest.