Washington FAMILY Magazine Ultimate FAMILY Resource
We have been running the Best for FAMILIES survey in our magazine for more than 20 years! This year, we surveyed thousands of DMV moms and dads in over 200 categories and rounded up tens of thousands of votes. Take a “scroll” down this list for access to the D.C. area’s Best for FAMILIES restaurants, retail, activities, trips and more!
We’ll be featuring news from our winners and runners-up on Facebook.com/WashingtonFamilyMagazine and Twitter @FamilyMagDC so be a part of our online FAMILY to get the latest updates! Follow us to be sure you’re the first to know about next year’s survey and nominate your favorite businesses for the 2016 honors.
And now, the 2015 Best for FAMILIES results!
FOOD
BEST RESTAURANT WITH FAMILY NIGHT SPECIAL
BEST SPORTS BAR
BEST CHEAP-EATS RESTAURANT
BEST OUTDOOR/PATIO DINING
BEST BURGER RESTAURANT
BEST CUPCAKE COMPANY
BEST BAKERY
BEST PIZZA DELIVERY
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
BEST CATERER
RUNNER-UP:
BEST CUP O’ JOE
BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT
SWEETFROG PREMIUM FROZEN YOGURT
BEST FINE DINING FOR THE FAMILY
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE BAKERY
HEALTH + WELLNESS
BEST ALLERGY OR ASTHMA DOCTOR
ADULT & PEDIATRIC ALLERGY CENTER
BEST OB/GYN
RUNNER-UP:
DR. CHOUDHRY,
BEST OPTOMETRIST
(TIE)
DR. MCGREW,
www.eyecarecenterleesburg.com
703-777-1299
Virginia Village Shopping Center
12 Fairfax St. SE
Leesburg, VA
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
RUNNER-UP:
NORTHERN VIRGINIA DERMATOLOGY,
BEST HOSPITAL
BEST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
BEST LACTATION CONSULTANT
RUNNER-UP:
NORTHERN VIRGINIA LACTATION CENTER
BEST DENTIST/ORTHODONTIST
DR. MIKE,
www.littlepearlsdentistry.com
703-726-3030
19465 Deerfield Ave.
Leesburg, VA
RUNNER-UP:
DR. PHU LE,
BEST CHILDREN’S COUNSELING
www.mindwell.us
703-378-7998
14110 Robert Paris Ct.
Chantilly, VA
MindWell psychologists conduct thorough neuropsychological testing and can assess cognitive, educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental issues. Our reports are recognized as the “gold standard” by public and private schools. Our approach to therapy is equally holistic, teaching real-world skills to bring you success and relief. Our educational consultants translate educational recommendations both at home and at school. Isn’t finding a solution what it’s all about? We will help you find that solution.
BEST NUTRITIONIST/ DIETICIAN
NORTHERN VIRGINIA ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
BEST MIDWIFE
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
NORTHERN VIRGINIA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
PROGRESSIVE PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
BEST FERTILITY CLINIC
BEST HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER
BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM OR DOCTOR
BEST NAIL SALON/MANI-PEDI
BEST DAY SPA
ELIZABETH ARDEN,
BEST HAIR SALON FOR FAMILY
BEST HAIR SALON FOR CHILDREN
BEST HAIR SALON FOR MOM
BEST CHILDBIRTH CLASS
BEST GROUP FITNESS CLASS
RUNNER-UP:
BEST FITNESS CENTER
www.topkickonline.com
Multiple Locations in Virginia
TopKick offers a positive yet challenging martial arts and fitness environment throughout all of our programs. We teach our students martial arts in a unique program that’s a cut above the rest! We know from experience that training at TopKick can offer everyone,─regardless of age,─ a healthful, balanced life. Whether in our children’s class, family class, or adult class, the emphasis on targeted goals with ever-increasing difficulty leads to self-confidence, awesome physical benefits, improved focus, and much more. Don’t forget about our summer camp and after-school programs that offer confidence building, fun-filled days. Visit us online at www.topkickonline.com to discover more and contact us today!
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
(TIE)
www.sportandhealth.com
Locations in D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Imagine all the fitness, sports and recreation you and your family can enjoy. All the latest in fitness equipment, and group exercise classes like Zumba, Tabata, Insanity, Cycling, Body Pump and more. Plus yoga, barre, pilates, tennis, racquetball, squash, basketball and swimming. There’s something fun for all ages to love. Visit us at sportandhealth.com for our 23 convenient locations.
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
BEST URGENT CARE
www.patientfirst.com
800-447-8588
Locations in D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Patient First provides convenient, cost-effective urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, as well as primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician. Every Patient First medical center is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year, with experienced physicians available on a walk-in basis. All Patient First centers have x-rays, lab tests and prescription drugs on-site. Patient First accepts most major insurance plans and files claims on behalf of patients. And if a patient wishes us to do so, we will transmit a copy of the visit record to his or her primary care physician.
RUNNER-UP:
BEST PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
HOME + STYLE
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT
www.kimdarwaza.com
703-856-2254
12001 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy., Ste. 200
Fairfax, VA
With over a decade of real estate experience, Kim Darwaza is a recognized leader among Northern VA real estate professionals. Kim is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and has been included in RISMedia’s Top 5 in Real Estate. Kim was born in Virginia and attended Fairfax County Public Schools and Virginia Tech. She is a lifetime Northern Virginia Association of REALTOR’s Top Producer. She prides herself on working in all price ranges throughout Northern VA and treats her clients with the same respect at every price point. She is married with two children and currently resides in the Oakton High School pyramid.
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER
BEST PERSONAL ORGANIZER
BEST HOME-BASED BIZ FOR MOMS
(TIE)
BEST KITCHEN DESIGNER
BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER
BEST MARBLE & GRANITE COMPANY
BEST COUNTERTOP STORE
BEST MECHANIC
BEST NANNY/BABYSITTING SERVICE
RUNNER-UP:
BEST FLOORING COMPANY
BEST RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE
BEST ELECTRICIAN
www.michaelandson.com
Serving D.C., Maryland & Virginia
800-948-MIKE
BEST HVAC COMPANY
www.michaelandson.com
Serving D.C., Maryland & Virginia
800-948-MIKE
BEST PLUMBER
www.michaelandson.com
Serving D.C., Maryland & Virginia
800-948-MIKE
BEST BASEMENT FINISHING COMPANY
BEST REMODELING COMPANY
BEST GENERAL REPAIRS/HANDYMAN COMPANY
BEST PET SITTING/PET BOARDING
BEST PET GROOMER
BEST VETERINARIAN
BEST PET TRAINER
BEST HOME BUILDER
www.tollbrothers.com
Locations in D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Toll Brothers, an award-winning Fortune 1000 company, embraces an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1967, Toll Brothers has sold over 100,000 luxury homes nationwide. In Northern Virginia and Maryland, the company builds luxury homes in both single-family and master planned communities, including those for active adults—from the upper $200s to over $1 million. Toll Brothers was recently honored as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies 2015 by Fortune magazine, ranking #1 in the homebuilding industry in four categories, and was named national Builder of the Year by Builder magazine.
PARTY
BEST KIDS’ PARTY ENTERTAINER
www.afyp.org
703-307-5332
5506 Talon Ct.
Fairfax, VA
BEST FACE PAINTER
ALEXANDRIA FACE PAINTING
BEST PARTY RENTAL COMPANY
BEST PETTING ZOO
Travels within D.C., MD, VA, WV, and PA.
304-725-3200 and 202-491-5998
www.crittersandconservation.com
BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY CELEBRATION
BEST PARTY SUPPLY STORE
BEST BALLOON ARTIST
BEST PLACE FOR A TEAM PARTY
BEST KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE
RUNNER-UP:
PLACES
BEST MOVIE THEATRE
BEST FAMILY SPORTS VENUE
BEST LOCAL WINERY
RUNNER-UP:
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
BEST RECREATION CENTER
CLAUDE MOORE RECREATION CENTER
RUNNER-UP:
BEST PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN
BEST INDOOR SWIMMING POOL
RUNNER-UP:
BEST SWIMMING POOL/ WATER PARK
BEST INDOOR PLAY FACILITY
www.rebounderzsterling.com
703-433-5867
22400 Davis Dr., Ste 180
Sterling, VA
BEST ICE SKATING RINK
BEST ROLLER SKATING RINK
BEST MUSEUM
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
RUNNER-UP:
PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
BEST SHOPPING CENTER OR MALL
RUNNER-UP:
BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD
RUNNER-UP:
BEST FAMILY DAY TRIP
BEST FAMILY VACATION
BEST FAMILY RESORT
BEST FAMILY BEACH
BEST RAINY DAY OUTING
BEST LOCAL GETAWAY FOR FAMILIES
BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAY FOR MOM & DAD
RETAIL
BEST BICYCLE STORE
BEST PLACE TO BUY OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
BEST TOY STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S FURNITURE STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S FURNITURE STORE
BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S SHOE STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
www.etsy.com/shop/TutuHappyLLC
Online Store
BEST ACCESSORIES STORE
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
BEST HOME FURNITURE/FURNISHINGS STORE
BEST HOME DECOR STORE
BEST HOME FURNITURE/FURNISHINGS STORE
RUNNER-UP:
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE
BEST MATERNITY CLOTHING STORE
BEST STATIONARY STORE
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
BEST PLACE TO BUY A CAR
BEST JEWELRY STORE
RUNNER-UP:
BEST SHOE STORE
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
BEST ARTS & CRAFTS STORE
BEST CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHER
EDUCATION + ACTIVITIES
BEST CHILDCARE CENTER
www.beantreelearning.com
703-961-8222
Westfields Campus
5003 Westone Plaza
Chantilly, VA
571-223-3110
Ashburn Campus & The Pavilion at BeanTree
43629 Greenway Corporate Dr.
Ashburn, VA
BeanTree Learning, Northern Virginia’s premier school for early childhood education, offers outstanding childcare at its Chantilly and Ashburn, VA, campuses. An exceptional school by any standards, BeanTree provides unparalleled educational offerings for children during their critical learning years from infancy through kindergarten. We believe BeanTree families expect and deserve the utmost care and nurturing for their children in all aspects of the private school environment from academic offerings, outstanding educators and campus safety. BeanTree Learning’s faculty of more than 70 educators focus on each child’s specific needs to ensure academic excellence.
BEST PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
www.harshalom.org
301-299-7087
11510 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD
BEST PRIVATE PRESCHOOL
(TIE)
www.pinecrestschool.org
703-354-3446
7209 Quiet Cove
Annandale, VA
BRADLEY HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NURSERY SCHOOL
RUNNER-UP:
BEST PRIVATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
www.pinecrestschool.org
703-354-3446
7209 Quiet Cove
Annandale, VA
RUNNER-UP:
CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
BEST PRIVATE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
BEST PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL
RUNNERS-UP:
BEST MONTESSORI SCHOOL
MATER AMORIS MONTESSORI SCHOOL
BEST LIBERAL ARTS SCHOOL
THE NEW SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
BEST PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(TIE)
BELMONT STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SAMUEL W. TUCKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BEST PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
BEST STEM
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BEST FAITH-BASED SCHOOL
www.harshalom.org
301-299-7087
11510 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD
BEST WALDORF SCHOOL
www.washingtonwaldorf.com
301-229-6107
4800 Sangamore Rd.
Bethesda, MD
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
www.languagestars.com
866-557-8277
Locations in MD & VA
BEST TUTORING COMPANY
BEST TUTOR
BEST SWIM SCHOOL
www.britishswimschool.com
301-963-7706 or 703-848-2800
841-F Quince Orchard Blvd.
Gaithersburg, MD
PO Box 2374
Merrifield, VA
At British Swim School, we don’t just teach children and adults how to swim. We teach survival skills, love and respect for water, and foster abilities that can translate to lifelong enjoyment. We offer lessons for ages 3 months to adult, and have year-round, heated pools in locations throughout Montgomery County, MD, and Northern VA.
BEST SWIM INSTRUCTOR
JOSHUA SMALLS,
BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
www.topkickonline.com
Multiple Locations in Virginia
TopKick offers a positive yet challenging martial arts and fitness environment throughout all of our programs. We teach our students martial arts in a unique program that’s a cut above the rest! We know from experience that training at TopKick can offer everyone regardless of age a healthful, balanced life. Whether in our children’s class, family class, or adult class, the emphasis on targeted goals with ever-increasing difficulty leads to self-confidence, awesome physical benefits, improved focus, and much more. Don’t forget about our summer camp and after-school programs that offer confidence building, fun-filled days. Visit us online at www.topkickonline.com to discover more and contact us today!
BEST MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
JEREMY LAFRENIERE,
BEST GYMNASTICS CENTER
DYNAMITE GYMNASTICS, AGILITY AND ALLSTARS CENTERS
RUNNER-UP:
BEST CHILDREN’S YOGA
BEST ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES
www.harshalom.org
301-299-7087
11510 Falls Rd.
Potomac, MD
RUNNERS-UP:
POTOMAC ARTS ACADEMY AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
BEST CHILDREN’S ART PROGRAM
POTOMAC ARTS ACADEMY AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTION
BEST MUSIC INSTRUCTOR
www.littlehands.com
703-631-2046
44710 Cape Ct. #126
Ashburn, VA
7528 Old Linton Hall Rd.
Gainesville, VA
100 Welsh Park Dr.
Rockville, MD
BEST CHILDREN’S THEATRE
www.afyp.org
703-307-5332
5506 Talon Ct.
Fairfax, VA
BEST DANCE STUDIO
RUNNER-UP:
www.perfectpointe.com
703-533-8830
2499 N. Harrison St.
Lower Level
Arlington, VA
BEST BALLET STUDIO
BEST CHILDREN’S COOKING CLASSES
www.tinychefs.com
301-841-7395
Multiple locations
BEST DAY CAMP
www.afyp.org
703-307-5332
5506 Talon Ct.
Fairfax, VA
RUNNER-UP:
BEST OVERNIGHT CAMP
www.camptwincreeks.com
1-800-451-8806
Monongahela National Forest
9235 Huntersville Rd.
Marlinton, WV
BEST CAMP COUNSELOR
ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE’S REDSHIRTS
www.afyp.org
703-307-5332
5506 Talon Ct.
Fairfax, VA
FUN
BEST FAMILY MOVIE OF 2015
CINDERELLA
BEST PLACE TO MEET OTHER MOMS
BEST ANIMAL AT THE ZOO
PANDA
BEST FAMILY BOARD GAME
SPOT IT!
BEST FESTIVAL OR CELEBRATION FOR FAMILIES
BEST KID’S TOY FOR 2015
LEGO®
BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK
(TIE)
“THE GIVING TREE”
BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN
“GOODNIGHT MOON”
BY MARGARET WISE BROWN, PICTURES BY CLEMENT HURD
BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION FOR CARPOOL
Our Best for FAMILIES reflects the views of our readers and online followers. Your opinions count, and we’re glad to be able to share the wisdom of thousands of parent experts. All the survey results published in the magazine and on our website represent our readers’ choices. We’ve awarded the “Best” to our winners, and also listed those who were a close second as runners-up. Just to be clear, publishing the results does not constitute a public endorsement by Washington FAMILY or our staff. Our staff uses the Best for FAMILIES survey just like our readers use it – we find new family favorites every year!
