🍪 Crumbl-ing into the Super Bowl 🏈

🐶 Plus: Book your spot for a Valentine’s pet photo shoot! 📸

February 07, 2025

It's Friday, Arlington.
Let's pop into the good stuff!

☕️ Good morning, Arlington. We’re one week into The Arlington Bubble, and we’re so grateful to have you here. Thanks for reading, sharing, and giving us your feedback. Based on your survey responses, we're adjusting our schedule: starting next week, you'll hear from us 3 times a week.

We want this newsletter to be something you look forward to in your inbox, so keep the feedback coming! Drop us a line at [email protected], and don’t forget to invite your family and friends to subscribe. More news, more fun, and more Arlington—coming your way!

👀 In today’s bubble:

  • Super Bowl Sunday! Best bars to watch the big game

  • First Friday = Art HOUSE Party

  • All Aboard: Metro Ridership Surges

But first, we begin with…a reader recommendation. Karen Hanneman reached out to recommend The Heidelberg Bakery, a beloved family-owned Arlington gem! She recommends their cakes, German cookies, and fresh-baked pretzels—and says their BBQ brats in the summer are a must! Beyond the delicious treats, Heidelberg is known for giving back and supporting the community.

Got local favorites to share? Email us at [email protected]—we love your recommendations! 💌 Thanks for sharing, Karen!

📰 News Bites 
Quick local updates

🍪 Crumbl-ing Into Pentagon City: Free Cookies for Grand Opening! Crumbl Pentagon City is celebrating its grand opening today at 1421 S Hayes St., Suite 110. Stop by from 8am-10pm for a free chocolate chip cookie (while supplies last).

🏡 For Rent: Al Gore’s Arlington Home Hits the Market at $9K/Month. Former Vice President Al Gore is renting out his longtime Arlington Tudor for $9,000 per month. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom home features a chef’s kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and a serene backyard with koi ponds.

🚆 Silver Linings: Metro Sees Federal Ridership Climb. Metro is reporting a steady increase in federal worker ridership ahead of the looming return-to-office mandate. On Jan. 14, federal employees made 86,000 trips—the highest since before the pandemic. With a new executive order requiring in-office work, numbers are expected to rise further. While ridership won’t fully solve Metro’s financial woes, it’s a welcome boost.

🍸️ A Virginia bill reducing the required food-to-liquor sales ratio from 45% to 30% is gaining local support. Advocates say it boosts business flexibility, while critics argue it prevents overconsumption. The bill passed the Senate and awaits a House vote.

🍿 What’s Popping?
What’s Happenin’ in the ARL Tonight

😂 Laugh It Up at Upside on Moore’s Improv Night! Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter at Upside on Moore Comedy Improv Night from 6:30–9 p.m. at 1700 N. Moore St. Talented comedians will bring hilarious, live improv to the Spout Run Room. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended. Grab your friends and enjoy an unforgettable evening of comedy!

🎨 First Friday Art HOUSE Party: A Night of Creativity & Community. Join Art House Seven tonight from 6:30–8:30pm at 5537 Langston Blvd., Arlington for a lively First Friday Art HOUSE Party! View stunning oil paintings, drawings, and ceramics by instructors Anne Arnett, Samantha Van Heest, and Amy West. Enjoy wine, cheese, and kid-friendly refreshments. Free entry, RSVP encouraged! Bring the family for an evening of art, conversation, and inspiration.

💘 Love at First Art: Valentine Sweetheart Sale – Feb. 7-9! Discover original artwork for $150 or less at McLean Art Society’s annual Art Show & Sale at Church of the Covenant, Arlington! Enjoy a wine & snacks reception tonight (5-8 p.m.), or shop Feb. 8-9. Free entry—one weekend only! Find a unique, heartfelt gift for your Valentine.

💃 Weekend Vibes 
Your Guide to ARL Fun

📸 Cupid-Approved Pet Photo Shoot – Saturday: Get adorable, professional pet photos at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 4–6pm for $75. You'll receive 1-3 digital photos from Bright Eyes Photography, with proceeds benefiting AWLA. Spots are limited—don’t miss this paw-some opportunity! 

🎤 The Comedy Karaoke Trivia Funtime Show – Saturday: Get ready for a wild night of trivia, comedy, and karaoke at Highline RxR on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7:30pm. Hosted by Christian Hunt, this event features stand-up comedy, trivia battles, and a karaoke showdown. Tickets: $10-$15. Free parking & Metro-accessible. Don’t miss headliner Patrice DeVeaux—grab your team and join the fun!

📚Saint Ann’s Annual Used Book Sale – Sunday: Browse hundreds of books across all genres at Saint Ann Church & School’s annual used book sale on Sunday, Feb. 9, from 8am-2pm. Enjoy a Valentine’s bake sale, free coffee & tea, and a $5 bag sale at 1pm.

🏈 Super Bowl Sunday! Deciding where to watch the game? Here is your go-to list:

🧸 For the Kiddos
Snacks & Naps

🏀 Ballin’ After Dark: High school students are invited to drop-in basketball at Arlington Mill Community Center tonight from 9pm to midnight. Enjoy food, music, and the game room. Free event; registration encouraged but walk-ins welcome. Bring your high school ID for entry.

Bubble Up Your Brand! 🚀 Local biz, meet your new megaphone. The Arlington Bubble is ready to blast your message to hungry readers. Small space, big impact. Advertise now before we pop! 💥 If you’re interested, reach out to us at [email protected]

🫖 Spill the Tea
Share your POV

👋 One Last Thing
Before we forget

🚗 As a reminder, The Washington Regional Alcohol Program and Lyft are teaming up to offer free rides from 8 p.m. Feb. 9 to 4 a.m. Feb. 10. During this window, residents can check WRAP’s website for a code that unlocks a $15 ride. This inaugural initiative ensures you celebrate responsibly.

🙏 Thanks for reading!

💃 Keep up with us @arlbubble on IG. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected] 

Have a great day, Arlingtonians!