Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Annandale is more than a zip code: Dan McKinnon reflects on his vision for creating a “sense of place”

Annandale booster Dan McKinnon, chair of the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee, has done more than just about anybody to promote positive change for Annandale. His goal: to transform Annandale, an unincorporated suburban community in Fairfax County, into a “hometown” with “a sense of place.” The revitalization efforts are focusing on the commercial center … Continued

Craft Gallery: Annandale’s hidden gem

The Craft Gallery of Artisans United at the Fred M. Packard Center in one of Annandale’s hidden gems. The tiny shop has jewelry, ceramics, woodcarvings, knitted items, fabric art, pottery, photography, and other high-quality crafts on display and available for purchase. Artisans United is a nonprofit organization that serves as a network for local artists … Continued

Bloom opens in Annandale Shopping Center

With a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross and local business leaders, the Bloom grocery store in the Annandale Shopping Center opened Tuesday afternoon. First-day shoppers were treated to performances by the Poe Middle School Jazz Band and students from the Hapmudo martial arts studio, as well as free samples. The new … Continued

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival comes to Chantilly

If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, check out the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly Jan. 29-31. More than 250 artisans will be selling pottery, sculpture, glass, fashion, furniture, art, and much more. The festival also features interactive demonstrations with master crafters, live music, children’s entertainment, and specialty gourmet … Continued

What happened to Annandale’s antique community?

About half a dozen years ago, Annandale had a thriving community of antique dealers, mostly centered around Little River Turnpike. At one point, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce even promoted Annandale as an antique center. Unfortunately, many antique dealers are no longer in business, and some of those that are left are barely hanging on. … Continued

New shops open in Annandale

Annandale has recently gained some new retail outlets with the opening of a two-story shopping center on Annandale Road between Little River Turnpike and Maple Place. Does anyone know what used to be in that spot? The Annandale blogger doesn’t remember. All but one of the stores are Korean, and none of the people working … Continued

Wakefield craft fair: A great place to shop

The annual craft fair this weekend at Wakefield is one of the best in the area. Why fight the crowds at a mall when you can browse among hundreds of venders offering, high-quality handmade items? I found a variety of one-of-a-kind gift ideas at reasonable prices. The craft fair is open Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  The … Continued

It may be the end for Hollywood Video in Annandale

It looks the Hollywood Video on Little River Turnpike in Annandale by the Braddock Road intersection is going to close soon. According to a salesperson, the store isn’t getting any new videos, and nearly everything is for sale. The video game section closed a while ago. I will miss Hollywood, even though I also subscribe … Continued

H Mart offers good value for groceries

One of the best reasons to “love where you live” for Broyhill Crest and Columbia Pines residents is the good selection of places to shop for groceries, reports Deb Craggs. Her current favorite for fish and fresh vegetables is the Korean-owned H Mart on Heritage Drive in Annandale. Although it’s a bit farther away, it’s … Continued

Take advantage of tax holiday

If you’re thinking about doing some back-to-school shopping, you should take advantage of Virginia’s summer tax holiday Aug. 7-9. During this three-day period, purchases of school supplies selling for $20 or less per item and certain types of clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from the state sales … Continued