Clarendon Day Guest Post!
I’m still in Texas this week, but based on what I gathered from the #ClarendonDay hash tag, it looks like the weather held up nicely and everyone had a fabulous time! It would have been plain wrong for Clarendon Culture not to blog about Clarendon Day, so I actually arranged for blogging backup! I enlisted the help of the very talented ‘Legs’ from Steak & Legs to share her Clarendon Day experience with you.
Steak & Legs is a blog by the sweetest Arlington couple who share everything from their travels to date nights to recipes to techie tips. It’s such a delight to follow their adventures, and it’s even more delightful to run into them on the street, which is what happened last year when I excitedly nudged my husband and said, “Hey! That’s Steak and Legs!” We stopped and chatted, and they are just as sweet in person as they are on their blog! And without further ado… heere’s Legs!
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Like many other Arlington residents I look forward to Clarendon Day each year. Clarendon’s annual block party is a great way to meet our Orange line neighbors, snack on local specialties, and converse with community leaders. I especially enjoy the shopping. Vendors that usually set-up in Eastern Market bring their crafts to Virginia for the day. 
What separates Clarendon Day from Taste of Arlington and Eastern Market is the entertainment and activities. Local performers come rain or shine to dance, sing, and act. Pacer’s hosts a 10k and 5k first thing in the morning and then neighborhood gyms and yoga studios host free classes throughout the day. Children also have a dedicated area where they can participate in crafts, face painting, and play in a moon bounce.
My favorite aspect of Clarendon Day is the food. All of my favorite restaurants present reasonable portions of their best dishes for a reasonable fee. This year I was able to sample BBQ from Rocklands, mini donuts on a stick from Mac’s Donuts, tacos from District Taco, and a mini chocolate chess pie from Northside Social. I already knew I loved all things Northside Social, but I was pleased to discover Mac’s Donuts. They make the perfect mini cake donut doused in powered sugar and cinnamon. 
I arrived in time (BBQ chicken sandwich in hand) to watch the local belly dancing studio, Saffron Dance, perform on the Kaiser Permanent Performance Stage. I actually take a weekly class at Saffron and have a new appreciation for belly dancing and the Saffron dancers. Judging by the crowd they drew I’m not the only one who appreciates the art form. Another impressive performer was the yoga instructor at the Tranquil Space tent. She performed downward dog and eagle pose on a small mat while merry festival-goers threatened to spill their drinks on her head.
Arlington Magazine had a tent near Tranquil Space where they were promoting the launch of their magazine. Due out this fall the magazine will be published bimonthly and delivered to your mailbox if you subscribe on their website. I was fortunate enough to meet the co-founder, Greg Hamilton, and editor, Jenny Sullivan, and discuss our shared love of Arlington and Clarendon Culture.
Other noteworthy tents included the MidAtlantic Urgent Care of Clarendon where I learned you can get a flu shot for $15. I also enjoyed picking up a brochure at Time for a Walk in case I finally adopt a dog and need assistance while on vacation or at work. I was pleased to see so many Arlington politicians shaking hands and loved seeing the Arlington Democrats and Republicans tents set-up next to one another. But most of all I was happy Aurora Bath & Jewels returned to Clarendon Day so I could pick up another sparkly candle.
