Retail Trails

Cupid Doesn’t Quit, Why Should You?
Fall 2006

Fall is not traditionally the season for romance – there are no spring flowers blooming and the chirping birds of summer are all off making southbound travel plans – but that’s no reason it should come to a dead halt. Show your special someone how much you care and treat him/her to a fun night out on the town! With a near countless number of great restaurants, shops, and activities, whatever your style, Arlington has the perfect Autumn date for you.

Who are you and your special someone?

Andre Agassi & Steffi Graf

For you sporty types, leave the car at home and rent a bike from Bike Oasis in Rosslyn. Nothing spoils a date like getting completely lost, so check out Bike Arlington beforehand so you can confidently navigate the County’s thirty-six miles of multi-use trails and fifty miles of bicycle lanes and routes.

Hop on the Custis Trail and head over to the Lyon Village Shopping Center, where you should definitely stop at The Italian Store for its famous Muffuletta. Piled high with traditional meats and cheeses, this fantastic sandwich serves two people at a bargain price. (As everyone knows, The Italian Store is a local favorite, so consider calling in your order beforehand to avoid long lines.)

When your tired legs start feeling jelly-like, head back and return your bikes, and then if you’re still standing, why not challenge your date to a few games of pool or darts next door at the Continental? With four lounge areas, nine pool tables, and food and/or drink specials every night of the week, you’re bound to find something there to keep you happily occupied well into the evening. End the evening on a sweet note by sharing one of Tivoli Restaurant’s delectable desserts.

Danny Zuko & Sandy Olsson

Your date may be the star of your show, but there’s some amazing other talent to see around town, too. Home to over a dozen theatre companies, Arlington is the place to see professional productions ranging from the classics to the latest off-Broadway musicals. On stage right now is the Charter Theatre’s production of “Short Order Stories”, the American Century Theater’s production of “MacBird!”, and Signature Theatre’s production of “My Fair Lady”. You don’t want to miss these shows, so be sure to check each theatre for specific schedules and ticket prices – you can find links to all them (and more) at the Arlington Arts Web site.

The Charter and Signature Theatres are right around the corner from Shirlington, where there are a host of restaurants serving nearly every imaginable cuisine you might be craving. On select Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, you might also be able to take part in The Curious Grape’s “Passport to Italy Seminar Series” – the seminar and wine tasting are free, but space is limited, so call to reserve your spot in advance. The area near the Gunston Arts Center (where the American Century Theater performs) doesn’t have quite as much restaurant selection, but between the Arlington Diner and Cuscatleco Restaurant, both in the nearby Shirley Park Shopping Center, you’ll have no problems grabbing a great bite to eat before the show.

Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz

Wise guys, this one’s for you. If it’s funny and in Arlington, chances are it’s happening at the Comedy Spot. This Ballston favorite has something for everyone. On Fridays and Saturdays, there are two regularly-occurring shows: first there’s Comedy Sportz, where two teams battle it out improv-style for your laughs and votes. This is appropriate for all ages, meaning it’s a good call if you’re on a first date and would prefer to avoid any potential embarrassment. Then there’s the Blue Show, which is for mature audiences only, and if you are not mature (and you should not have to ask yourself), it’s probably wise to stick with Comedy Sportz.

Of course you’re not going to find anyone very funny (including your date) if you’re hungry and cranky, so do everyone a favor and fill up before the show on the great food at either Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery or Chevy’s Fresh Mex. Rock Bottom has a great selection of classic dishes, and it’s definitely worth checking out the “Rock Bottom Originals” and the “Especially Healthy” dishes. If you’re in the mood for fantastic south-of-the-border food, look no further than Chevy’s. Everything there, from the chips-and-salsa to the mouth-watering Chiquita Sundae, is freshly prepared and downright delicious.

Winter Is Coming

The ideas are there… the rest is up to you. The miserable cold days of winter will be here before you know it. Just because the flowers are all dying doesn’t mean romance has to go with them. Don’t get stuck drinking hot chocolate alone by the fireplace in the middle of January – show that special someone how much you care today!

**It’s not always the best idea to wing a date. Call before visiting to confirm hours and pricing, and make reservations where appropriate.**

Highlighted Retailers

The Italian Store
Lyon Village Shopping Center
3123 Lee Highway
(703) 528-6266

Continental Modern Pool Lounge
1911 North Fort Myer Drive
(703) 465-7675

The Village at Shirlington
(check the Shirlington website for links to individual restaurants)
28th Street South

The Curious Grape
4056 28th Street South
(703) 671-8700

Custcatleco Restaurant
2927 South Glebe Road
(703) 519-8875

Arlington Diner
2921 South Glebe Road
(703) 549-0677

The Comedy Spot
Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Boulevard
(703) 294-LAFF (5233)

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Boulevard
(703) 516-7688

Chevy’s Fresh Mex
Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Boulevard
(703) 516-9020

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