Welcome to Just Outside DC — the only local newsletter that’s hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna.

THE BIG IDEA

The Tysons casino bill is back. Tell a friend.

​​You're probably thinking, "didn't we try this song and dance before? Old hat Dave Marsden has been pushing this forever hasn’t he?"

Well, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has introduced a bill that would authorize a casino development, and Comstock Holdings is already dreaming up big plans.

The Deets

Senate Bill 982 would make Fairfax eligible for a casino, but with some strict requirements:

• Located within a quarter mile of a Silver Line Metro station

• Within two miles of a mall

• At least 1.5M square feet

• Outside the Beltway

Voters will also have the final say through a ballot referendum.

This isn't the first casino bill for NoVA. Similar legislation fizzled out in recent years amid opposition for reasons which we've covered before in previous newsletter issues. If approved, Comstock plans to go all in with a massive 6-8 million square ft development anchored by the casino, including:

• A performing arts venue

• Luxury hotel and spa

• Convention center

• Apartments

• IMAX-style movie theater

The proposal is still in very early stages and faces a long road of approvals. But ultimately it’s up to local residents to make their voices heard on the issue.

Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation: One of our readers, Kathy, recommends you guys check out Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church. It’s a casual beach-themed spot that serves seafood, cocktails, and plays live music!

QUICK HITS

• Want to take advantage of the snow before it all melts? Check out this list of local sledding spots! 🛷 

• This Washington DC condo sold for north of $10M in 2024 👀 

• Winners from Virginia’s New Year Millionaire Raffle included this aunt and nephew duo who decided to split the prize 💰️ 

• The Cooper Mill just opened up in one of Old Town Alexandria’s last waterfront warehouses 🍽️ 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Korean Food Tour | explore the flavors of Koreatown in Annandale every week until March 🇰🇷 

• GMU Basketball | Men’s Basketball plays Mass tomorrow and Women’s Basketball plays Rhode Island on Sunday 🏀

• Wassail Party | an traditional English celebration to bless the apple trees for harvest tonight at Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria 🍎

• Vintage Winter Market | unique treasures from talented local vendors + live music at the Old Town Square in Fairfax starting tomorrow afternoon ❄️ 

• Mindful Drinking Fest | a non-alcoholic drinking festival in DC that is apparently quite popular 🍻 

• Tysons Pickeball Tournament | some friendly competition at the Pickleball club in Tysons on Sunday evening 🏓 

• Resolution Buster 2025 | a decadent event full of craft beer and lobster rolls at Settle Down Easy Brewing in Falls Church on Saturday 🦞 

• Family Activity Day | come create crafts and learn more about the army at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir every weekend in January 🪖 

• Full Moon Hike and Campfire | a guided night-time tour through Riverbend Park in Great Falls tonight 🌕️ 

• Souq Social Market | a unique shopping experience with local art and jewlery, halal food offerings, and more at Dulles Town Center this evening 🛍️ 

• Nature Sketching | learn drawing techniques at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve on Sunday morning ✏️ 

Thanks so much for reading today’s issue of Just Outside D.C.

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