Virginia's Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From bears emerging from their dens to RAMMY awards, check out the stories Virginia Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of April 3.

Bears in Reston: They're Coming Out of Their Dens, Police Warn

Fairfax County Police are warning residents of Reston and the rest of the county to be on the lookout for bears, as spring is the time of year when black bears and their cubs begin to emerge from their winter dens. While bears typically avoid humans, they may wander into suburban areas to dig through garbage cans, gobble up pet food or pick through shrubs that produce berries.

18-Year-Old Assaulted with Pipe in Mount Vernon

Police are looking for five men that assaulted an 18-year old at the 8400 block of Frye Road in Mount Vernon Monday night. The victim was walking home around 7 p.m. when a car pulled up and five men assaulted him with a pipe. The unknown suspects took cash and property and then left. The victim sustained minor injuries, but refused help.

Vienna Sub Shop Nominated for D.C. Area Award

Vienna's Chase the Submarine is up for a RAMMY award, a regional culinary competition held by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. The downtown Vienna gourmet sandwich shop received nomination for Favorite Fast Bites of the Year, and the public can vote for this and three other categories: Upscale Brunch of the Year, Casual Brunch of the Year and Favorite Gathering Place of the Year. Voting is open online through May.

Northern Virginia Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Region

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washington, D.C. and portions of Northern Virginia, which means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that can produce hail and damaging winds. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. The weather service issued the weather alert at 12:45 p.m. on April 3, and the alert is in effect until 5 p.m.

Reston Town Center Launches 'Savor the Town' for RTC Eateries

Reston Town Center has kicked off a promotional event that it is calling "Savor the Town," which invites customers to try as many different restaurants as possible in order to win a prize. The program, which began April 3 and runs through April 30, involves participants visiting 10 different eateries to get stamps for a passport by asking their server or bartender about the "Savor the Town" special.

Photo credit: Fairfax County Police Department