Reston and Herndon’s New Hotspots
Clarity has finally opened in the newest section of Reston Town Center, and it is already giving locals a new reason to make dinner plans. The Vienna favorite has brought its polished dining room, creative starters, and well-executed mains to Reston, with dishes like crispy burrata, pork belly, halibut, and short rib leading the way. We stopped in to see whether the new location lives up to the reputation, and the food is worth a closer look.
For this week’s events, Dear Evan Hansen at South Lakes High School is the strongest pick for anyone looking for a full evening out. Families may want to start Saturday with Paul Belanger’s free balloon comedy show at Reston Town Square Park, then head to Reston Row that evening for an outdoor screening of The Parent Trap. The Reston Community Orchestra’s open rehearsal on Monday is also a good choice for anyone curious about what happens before a performance reaches the stage.
Elsewhere in the newsletter, we have a free public art scavenger hunt that turns Reston into an outdoor family activity, plus a local news roundup covering the future of the historic Wiehle House, new FCPS bus-tracking cards, school technology rules, Metro’s bus challenges, and a giant Lego version of Fairfax County.
Feature Story
INSIDE RESTON’S NEW CLARITY
Clarity has officially opened in the newest section of Reston Town Center, bringing the polished dining experience that earned its original Vienna location a loyal following. From crispy burrata and pork belly to halibut and short rib, the new restaurant gives Reston diners another upscale option worth adding to the list.
Around Town
FREE RESTON FAMILY ART HUNT
Reston’s public art is turning into a free summer scavenger hunt for families. Through August 15, participants can track down local sculptures and murals, learn the stories behind them, snap selfies and enter to win a $500 grand prize.
Quick Hits
IN OTHER NEWS
The owner of Reston’s historic Wiehle House is seeking help to save it after a tree crashed onto the 1890s home during the July 5 storm. The roof took the worst of it, and the uninsured property now needs a preservation-minded partner with deep pockets and a healthy respect for Reston history.
Clarity has opened its second restaurant at Reston Town Center. The award-winning Vienna restaurant brings steaks, seafood, a six-course tasting menu and a smoked wagyu cheeseburger to a 4,500-square-foot space, giving Reston diners another reason to suddenly develop strong opinions about foie gras.
FCPS is introducing new student identification cards that track school bus boarding when classes begin August 24. The system will record when students get on and off their buses, which should provide families with more certainty and students with one more card they absolutely cannot lose.
The Fairfax County School Board approved new restrictions on generative AI and personal devices. Elementary students will be prohibited from using generative AI, while personal electronics will face tighter limits during instructional time, creating the unfamiliar classroom challenge of paying attention without a glowing rectangle nearby.
Westfield High School’s baseball field has been renamed for longtime coach Rob Hahne. Hahne led the Bulldogs for a decade and was a major figure in local youth baseball, so his name will now remain part of the field where he shaped generations of players.
A giant Lego display of Fairfax County landmarks is now on view at Tysons Corner Center for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The miniature county proves that traffic, redevelopment and civic pride all become significantly more charming when constructed from tiny plastic bricks.
Metro’s sweeping bus-network overhaul has produced lower ridership and slower buses during its first year. Officials are reviewing the results, while riders may be wondering how an attempt to make service simpler managed to arrive late and with fewer passengers.
Curated Events
EVENTS IN RESTON, HERNDON, AND BEYOND
Reston has a little something for everyone this week, from free neighborhood fun at West Glade Court and a family-friendly morning of magic, juggling and balloon comedy at Reston Town Square Park to outdoor movie night at Reston Row featuring The Parent Trap. Theater fans can catch Dear Evan Hansen at South Lakes High School, while music lovers can sit in on the Reston Community Orchestra’s open rehearsal at Hunters Woods for a behind-the-scenes look at local musicians in action. And remember to check out the link at the top of the newsletter for all of the concerts!
A Final Note
YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM RESTON WHEN…
“…a new Town Center restaurant opens and parking becomes part of the review.”
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