It regularly makes the lists of top places to live, particularly when living involves kids. And if you’re a parent who spends the day chasing your kids around Arlington, you know why. From picturesque parks to exciting summer camps to a plethora of Farmers’ Markets, Arlington has it all (and then some!). Here are 15 signs you’ve been wooed by the charms of Arlington.
1. When you ask your kids if they want to go to the park they (rightfully) ask “Which one?” (Hayes? Quincy? Alcova Heights? Virginia Highlands?)
2. The gift table at every kid’s birthday party you’ve ever been to has featured at least one gift wrapped in Barstons Child’s Play fish wrapping paper.
3. You know that MONA isn’t just one Arlington mom, it’s many! (It stands for Mothers of North Arlington)
4. A sunny Friday morning sends you to the grass in Clarendon to dance along with Mr. Knick Knack.
5.The director of the daycare or preschool down the street knew you were expecting before your own parents did.
6.Your kids spend the summer doing everything from dancing to horseback riding to playing Minecraft or Legos—at summer camp!
7. You mark the date on your calendar. You sit at your computer at 7:45am. You steadily click ‘refresh’ until 8 am. And then you click like crazy to get those swim lessons!
8. The same daycare or preschool director from #4 offered your child a spot… the day after your child started Kindergarten.
9. When you tell your kids you’re all going to the Farmers’ Market they (rightfully) ask “Which one?” (Is it Ballston? Westover? Crystal City? Courthouse?)
10. You still have tickets somewhere in your house from last year’s Arlington County Fair.
11. Pentagon doesn’t refer to a shape, or a massive government building. It’s where you go for the mall (Pentagon City Mall) and the ice-skating rink.
12.The Smithsonian museums are so close, but sometimes the thought of getting your kids on the metro to get there makes them feel so far away.
13. Saying ‘Lost Dog’ to your kids makes them happy, not sad. (It’s all about the pizza. And the big dog right inside the door!)
14. You eat regularly at Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande and Pietanza purely because of the free dough balls (though the food is pretty good too!).
15. After exchanging names with the new parent you met at the park you both simultaneously ask, “Which elementary school do you go to?”
Did we forget something? Tell us in the comments section below.
—Tricia Mirchandani
Photos: Mr. Knick Knack via Facebook, Lost Dog Cafe via Facebook, Arlington County Fair via Facebook, Mary Kate M via Yelp
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