Westover

Find hidden treasures

Considered a hidden neighborhood gem with a small-town feel, this suburban residential community is highly livable, walkable and bikeable.

Arlington still has some overlooked, well-kept secrets, and Westover is one.

A model of well-planned mid-century urbanism, Westover is a cozy walkable neighborhood of tree-lined streets, independently owned boutiques and friendly restaurants anchored by the Westover Shopping Center. In fact, all pedestrian and bikeable roads and paths lead to this lively community hub. Characterized by sturdy maples and oaks and flower-trimmed red-brick colonials, Westover is such an intimate community, you may encounter the same faces over and over while you explore the area.

It also claims two distinctions: the Westover Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of housing built between 1939 and 1957, and the community boasts the first-ever LEED Platinum-certified house in the state of Virginia, dating back to 2009.

Outdoors lovers will find plenty of green space including the beautiful Bon Air Park, where you can literally stop and smell more than 120 different varieties of roses. Pick up a sub or pizza at The Italian Store before heading to Westover Park or community-owned Dominion Hills Park for a leisurely family picnic.

Shoppers can pop in for a latte and an eclectic gift at the Trade Roots gift store and coffee shop representing thousands of artisans and farmers from Africa to South America, from Asia to Denver. Linger there for live music on many Friday evenings. To mingle with the locals, browse the Sunday Westover Farmers Market for pastries, organic fruits, herbs, farm-fresh vegetables and ready-to-eat items. The market enhances the already strong sense of community.

Dining

Sample Thai specialties at Thai Noy, voted best Thai restaurant in Arlington by Washingtonian magazine readers, or Mediterranean specialties at family-run Lebanese Taverna, a perennial neighborhood fave. Treat yourself to award-winning Toby's Homemade Ice Cream, whose two dozen all-natural flavors are hand made in small batches.

Four-legged friends are welcome at the Lost Dog Café, run by lifelong animal lovers and dog rescuers Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood. Fill up on salads, pizzas and inventive dog-themed sandwiches (try the Bulldog, Greyhound, Mighty Dog, Diggity Dog, Healthy Dog or Purebred). The wags and woofs are joined on the same sidewalk by the purrs and meows of the Stray Cat Café from the same owners. Felines dance on the café’s walls in vibrant paintings by local artist Jessica Lovelace.

Nightlife

Listen to live music and chill with a pint at family-owned Westover Market’s Beer Garden, where you can choose from 1,000 brews in the “Great Wall of Beer,” a veritable Who’s Who of craft beer.