The red glow of a neon sign reflects like burning embers atop the blonde, shoulder length hair of three women gathered outside a crowded corner bar. A stiff, chilly breeze parts the bottom of their stylish black overcoats, and they jump up and down in an effort to stay warm. The tallest of the group talks on her cell phone. "We're outside Whitlow's, but we're going to Iota later to catch the band," she intones. "When are you all getting here?" The social scheduling taken care of, the three make their way into the bar, and quickly find their place among the sea of revelers. It's Friday night on Wilson Boulevard, a popular northern Virginia social scene, and the weekend is just getting started.

With the Washington, D.C. nightlife scene beginning to erode - the U street corridor failing to live up to its promise, Adam's Morgan facing strict new zoning regulations, and Georgetown having, ages ago, degenerated into a tourist trap - more and more, people are discovering northern Virginia's, long secret, social epicenter - Clarendon.

Located some eight minutes from the Potomac River, and accessible by subway, Clarendon is emerging as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Arlington County. The area is an intriguing mix of 1950's Mayberry charm, wide cultural diversity, and newly built, upscale townhomes, apartments, and shopping.

In fact, there may be no hotter stretch of road anywhere in Virginia than Wilson Blvd., between the Courthouse and Clarendon subway stations. This twelve block area is home to a variety of clubs, bars, restaurants, shopping and cinemas that is reminiscent of a small-scale Westwood in Los Angeles or New York's SoHo. Hip, sophisticated singles, ex-fraternity types, southern rockers, ballroom dancers, young professionals, foodies, and lovers of live music all claim Clarendon as their own.

More than just a destination, Clarendon is a cohesive community where business owners, residents and regular clientele are on a first name basis, and frequent events such as the annual Clarendon Day Festival, Mardi Gras, and weekly antiques market, help maintain that camaraderie and warm sense of welcome for visitors. As Michael Alban, bass player for local band Jonasay, notes, "We love to play [Clarendon]. The club owners are supportive, the crowds are great - we're treated better here than any other place I can think of. It feels like we're coming home."

Home it is - to a variety of great entertainment, eclectic dining, multiple shopping opportunities and, like home, you can relax and have fun without ever having to feel like you don't belong. Forget D.C., velvet ropes, and thousand dollar V.I.P. rooms. This weekend, whether you're looking to meet your dream date, get your groove on, rock 'til you drop, hang out with friends, or get your hands on the best Pho soup this side of Saigon - Clarendon is where it's at!