What is Reston becoming?
There are a few buildings in Reston that make people stop and ask what is actually happening inside, and the new JW Marriott Residences at Reston Station is one of them. This week, we’re taking a closer look at Virginia’s only JW Marriott branded residence, from the private 25th-floor lounge and rooftop dog park to the views across Reston Station and toward Tysons. It is polished, expensive, and a little unlike anything else in Northern Virginia, which makes it worth seeing up close.
Also inside this week, we’re looking at 11 new restaurants and breweries coming to Reston and Herndon in 2026, including several names headed for RTC Next, Arrowbrook Centre, and Dulles Station. The local news roundup has updates on Reston East planning, Vantage Hill construction, Herndon’s proposed budget, the Herndon 2050 plan, and a few Richmond issues still echoing around Northern Virginia.
For events, Saturday is the day to keep an eye on Herndon. Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park is probably the easiest family pick, especially if you have kids who want animals, wagon rides, and a full spring farm day. I would also keep Runnymede Park’s Native Plant Sale on the list if your yard is waking up for the season, and the Big Book Blowout Sale at Herndon Fortnightly Library is a good low-key stop for anyone who still likes the thrill of finding a stack of books for almost nothing.
Feature Story
INSIDE VIRGINIA’S ONLY JW MARRIOTT RESIDENCES
This Reston Station tour gives a rare look inside Virginia’s only JW Marriott branded residence, where luxury condo ownership comes with hotel-level service, private resident amenities, and some of the best views in Northern Virginia. From the 25th-floor lounge and rooftop dog park to floor-to-ceiling windows and record-setting penthouse sales, this is a very different kind of Reston living. Watch to see what else it’s got!
Around Town
NEW TASTES COMING TO RESTON AND HERNDON
Reston and Herndon are getting a serious restaurant glow-up in 2026, with at least 11 new places to eat, drink, and obsess on the way. From Paris Baguette and Grazie Nonna to Voodoo Brewing, Dogfish Head Alehouse, and NH 44 Brewing, the local food scene is about to get a lot more interesting. What are you most excited to try?
Quick Hits
IN OTHER NEWS
Reston East may be next in line for a bigger planning rethink. Fairfax County planners are now looking at a broader chunk of office-heavy Reston East, from Upper Lake Drive to Hunter Mill Road, instead of reviewing individual parcels one by one.
The first new Vantage Hill townhomes are expected this summer. Construction is moving on The Fairland at Vantage Hill, where the first seven of 28 planned homes are expected to be finished around July or August near Lake Anne. The project replaces surface parking and an abandoned pool, which is about as Reston redevelopment as it gets.
Herndon’s next budget is on the table. Town Manager Dan Hoffman’s proposed FY2027 budget calls for $99.8 million in spending, with big increases tied to capital investment, public safety, roadway safety, sustainability, and community programs. The proposal also includes $200,000 for Herndon’s Community Donations Program.
Herndon wants residents weighing in on its long-term future. The town is updating the Herndon 2050 Comprehensive Plan and creating a new Economic Development Plan, which means the next version of Herndon is very much in the “please tell us what you actually want” phase.
Local nonprofits can now apply for Herndon community funding. The town’s streamlined Community Donation Program is open, with applications accepted through May 8, 2026. It is designed to support nonprofit work that expands services and strengthens community engagement in town.
Reston and Herndon lawmakers are still talking casinos, data centers, and Richmond wins. At a local legislative town hall, Dels. Karen Keyes-Gamarra and Irene Shin joined Sen. Jennifer Boysko to recap the 2026 General Assembly session, including legislation on affordability, paid leave, gun safety, and local concerns around a proposed Tysons casino and data center tax revenue.
Curated Events
EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND
It’s a very Herndon kind of week: baby animals at Frying Pan, native plants at Runnymede, library treasure hunting, collectibles, and a cozy café dinner to close it out. Whether you’re corralling kids, restocking the garden, chasing down a rare card, or just looking for a neighborly night out, this lineup is a reminder that some of the best local weekends don’t require a big production. Just pick your lane, wear comfortable shoes, and leave a little room in the trunk for books, plants, or both.
A Final Note
YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…
“…your weekend plans somehow include a farmers market, a trail walk, and pretending you’re not checking the RTC parking signs twice.”
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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