Shirlington: The Urban Village of Arlington

Shirlington's main street Campbell Avenue (Dec 2010)

The evening presents a return visit to Shirlington, Arlington's arts and entertainment capital, where my next destination, the nationally-known Signature Theatre Company, is located. In the same complex of the theatre is the Shirlington Library. Add to this an entire avenue of specialty shops and restaurants anchored by a Hilton Garden Inn hotel and an AMC Loews seven-theatre multiplex.

Campbell Ave (Dec 2008)

Shirlington is conveniently accessed via taxi from Downtown Washington, DC as no metro station is located in the town's center. Taxi fare one way is about $18-$22 including tip depending on your destination in Downtown DC. Note that taxis are not obviously present in Shirlington so be prepared to call for one.

With so many dining choices in a concentrated area, there should be a cuisine to suit your palate. Then combine this with a play or musical at the Signature Theatre. Tickets should be purchased in advance. Visit  signature-theatre.org for the current season's productions.

The word Shirlington is a combination of "Shirley" (from the Shirley Highway or Interstate 395) and "Arlington." Officially called an urban village, it is located in the southern part of Arlington County, Virginia.

More info at villageatshirlington.com for a complete list of restaurants, shops and services. Click here for a detailed report about the redevelopment of Shirlington.