Urban Village Highlight: Shirlington

Shirlington represents an interesting and unique locale within Arlington County. It is quite different from most of Arlington’s Urban Villages, most notably due to its lack of a Metro Station. The neighborhood does not, however, let its lack of rails diminish its transportation options or deplete its upbeat atmosphere.

How to Get There
Shirlington’s Metro-less landscape lends itself to innovation. People tend to refer to the lack of Metro as a deal breaker, but many have yet to realize the convenience of a dedicated transportation hub. Enter, the Shirlington Bus Station.

The Shirlington Bus Station works as the transportation center of the Urban Village. ART and Metrobus are constantly pouring in and out of the station with nearly 2,000 area commuters use the station each day. The Bus Station also contains the Shirlington Commuter Store where people can get information on transit options and purchase tickets, tokens and passes for all the region’s transit systems.

The Shirlington Bus Station also works as the principal transfer point for all Metrobus and ART buses in South Arlington. You will find trips to destinations in every direction. There is a map that shows just how many routes travel through Shirlington. Whether traveling to the area for fun or on your daily commute, there is an option for you!

Shirlington also contains two Capital Bikeshare stations directly in the Urban Village with two more just a short walk away. For more information on Capital Bikeshare and how to sign up, visit this website.

Helpful Bus Routes

• ART 77
  With a route that travels from Shirlington through Lyon Park to Courthouse, you can utilize this bus for easy access to two different Urban Villages.
• ART 87/87A/X
  This route travels directly from the Pentagon Metro Station down into Shirlington. It almost works as the “Shirlington Metro line” connecting Metro commuters with a quick and easy bus ride.
• Metrobus 23A
  You can hop on the 23A out of Crystal City for a quick trip to Shirlington, giving employees working in Crystal City an additional lunch option!

Some of My Favorite Places

• Best Buns Bread Company
  This bakery with a name that rolls off the tongue features tasty treats produced right in Shirlington. They also serve lunch options and plenty of desserts.
• Copperwood Tavern
  For a great time from brunch to dinner, you cannot go wrong with Copperwood Tavern’s rustic feel and locally sourced food.
• Signature Theater
  The ever inventive Signature Theater offers shows year round, tending to step away from the most popular performances, and instead create its own material or delve into long forgotten pieces. The theater hosts community events and concerts as well.

Where to Stay When Visiting
One of our Gold Level Champions, the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington Shirlington, offers comfort and amenities for those traveling to the Arlington area. It’s centrally located within Shirlington, just a few blocks from the Shirlington Bus Station and many Capital Bikeshare stations. And with so many local shops, restaurants and entertainment at arm’s reach – you may find yourself sticking around.

For more information on hotels in Arlington and Shirlington in particular, check out our friends over at stayArlington.

Photo Credits: (1) Arlington Transit; (2) Federal Realty; (3) Hilton Garden Inn