LOCAL LORE & FIND YOUR ZEN
This week, we’re hopping the line just west to Herndon for a quick hit of local lore, because that tiny depot in the town square is basically where Herndon became Herndon. We’ve also got a big FCPS update that could affect fall planning for families near Fox Mill, Oak Hill, Chantilly Highlands, and Franklin Farm. Plus: quick local headlines and a stacked weekend/events rundown to get you out of the house.
What’s inside
Feature: Herndon’s Forgotten History
Around Town: Details on Skyview High
Events: Nature, Finance, and Skating
What do you think of Skyview’s tech pathways?
Feature Story
INSIDE HERNDON’S ORIGINS
Think you know Herndon history? That little depot in the town square is basically the origin story of Herndon, built around the arrival of the railroad and later transformed into a tiny volunteer-run museum with original floors and a caboose you can actually step inside. The name connection might surprise you: Herndon honors a heroic sea captain who never lived here. Click to hear his story and other Herndon fun facts!
Around Town
SKYVIEW HIGH SCHOOL: WHAT WE KNOW
Heads up, Reston/Herndon, especially Fox Mill, Oak Hill, Chantilly Highlands, and Franklin Farm: Skyview High School is the new name for what FCPS previously called Western High, and it launches in 2026–27. The first year is opt-in only for rising 9th and 10th graders across five pyramids, with boundaries coming later (final decision expected by June for a 2027–28 boundary rollout). Check out all the information we know so far and get a peek inside.
Quick Hits
IN OTHER NEWS
Early voting kicks off Friday, March 6 for Virginia’s redistricting referendum, expect extra chatter (and mailers) around town through April.
The Fairfax County casino bill got sent back to the Senate for reconsideration after House action and this one’s not going quietly.
Fairfax officials are warning residents about a fake “toll violation” mass-text scam, don’t scan the QR code; delete and move on.
A house fire in the Herndon area was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported after crews responded to the 900 block of Leona Lane.
Toastique set its opening date for a new Reston location at RTC Next. Another fast-casual option landing near Town Center!
A big new weekly farmers market is coming to Halley Rise. EatLoco says it’ll run Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with an opening day on March 29.
Reston Town Center’s newest office towers are now fully leased and more retail is on deck as the RTC Next area keeps taking shape.
The next phase of RTC Next got county approval including plan tweaks like more office space and an updated location for an arts facility.
Developer eyes replacing a former Fannie Mae office site in Reston with townhomes the proposal would swap an older office building for a new residential community.
Curated Events
EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND
If you want a little Reston adulting with a side of community vibes, this weekend’s got range: hop on a quick midday live Q&A to see what’s up with the association budget and assessments (and hear the answers straight from the source), then swap spreadsheets for something wholesome with a twilight stroll at Frying Pan as the animals get tucked in for the night. Saturday turns into a choose-your-own-adventure, starting with a “treasure hunt” marketplace where you can score random gems, an appraisal roadshow to finally find out if that thing in your drawer is priceless or just… sentimental, and then finish with maximum sparkle at a glow-y, DJ-fueled skate night at Town Center.
A Final Note
YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…
“…you’ve seen a fox, a heron, and a cyclist in five minutes and thought, ‘Yep. Normal.’”
Your Next Step
SIMPLE WAYS TO WORK WITH US
Buying or selling, the questions are similar: timing, pricing, and fit. From Reston’s clusters to Herndon’s historic streets—and everywhere along the W&OD—we’ll help you separate noise from what actually moves the needle. Expect data that’s grounded in our local neighborhoods, answers that respect your pace, and options designed to teach first and guide second. Start where you are; we’ll meet you there.
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Curated home picks — tell us your must-haves; we’ll send a short, smart list.
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