It all started with a soft engine hum. One quiet Sunday morning in 2010, the sleepy parking lot outside Katie’s Coffee House in Great Falls, Virginia, began to stir. A classic Porsche rolled in, followed by a Mustang, then a Jaguar. There was good coffee, great cars, and even better conversations. Before long, Cars and Coffee at Katie’s was born.
Today, it’s one of those rare local traditions that feels like it’s always been there. And for a town that values charm, legacy, and community, it makes perfect sense. What started as a casual meet-up has become something truly special. But this isn’t just a car show—it’s a lifestyle snapshot of Great Falls. Quiet. Timeless. Real.
That same commitment to quality, detail, and design is something we understand deeply at AV Architects + Builders. Based right here in Northern Virginia, we’ve spent over 24 years creating homes that reflect the same values you see at Katie’s on a Sunday morning—intentional design, timeless style, and a deep connection to how people live. Whether it's a home layout or a vintage engine, the magic is in the details.
In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how this iconic Sunday tradition came to life, what keeps it going, and why it speaks to the spirit of Northern Virginia. By the end, you’ll see why something as simple as a weekly gathering can hold lasting meaning—and maybe even inspire your next move, build, or Sunday plan.
Every Sunday, the parking lot at Katie’s Coffee in the heart of Great Falls turns into a mini automotive museum. Starting as early as 6:30 AM, you’ll find rows of cars that range from vintage Mustangs and old-school Jaguars to high-end Lamborghinis and experimental EVs.
It began with a few locals showing up with their cars and catching up over coffee. That’s it. One of those locals, Mike Kearney, played a big part in turning the space into something meaningful for car lovers and community members alike.
If you want to know more about what a Sunday morning looks like at Katie’s, check out this local feature from Connection Newspapers or take a visual stroll through Cooled Collective’s photo journal.
Mike Kearney—known around town for his involvement in the Great Falls Village Center and revitalizing Katie’s Coffee—never set out to create a big event. He just loved cars and conversations. And that’s exactly how this meet-up grew: organically, through word of mouth and shared passion.
Soon, visitors started arriving from all over Northern Virginia and even neighboring states. The vibe stayed the same—casual, friendly, and completely unpretentious. BMW fan communities have even documented their Sunday mornings at Katie’s to celebrate how personal and memorable the experience is.
There’s no shortage of luxury events or car shows in the DMV area—but Katie’s is different. No velvet ropes. No registration fees. Just a come-as-you-are culture. One moment you’re admiring a ‘70s Cadillac, and the next, you’re hearing someone’s story about rebuilding a 240SX in their garage.
The cars bring people in, but it’s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back. It’s also one more reason why so many people choose to retire in Northern Virginia, or raise a family here. There’s depth beneath the surface, and people know how to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Northern Virginia is full of contrasts—in the best way. Historic towns blend with modern communities. Tech-driven cities border peaceful trails and farmland. And on a sleepy road in Great Falls, you’ll find a colonial-style café with a parking lot full of rolling design statements.
Where else can you sip espresso next to a Land Rover Defender, a Tesla Roadster, and a mint-condition Alfa Romeo?
It’s a tradition that reflects the region itself: classic but progressive, elegant but approachable. And if you’re thinking about making a move, it’s worth knowing the best areas to live in Northern Virginia—because events like Katie’s are often just around the corner.
There’s a reason people spend hours restoring a car—or carefully planning a custom build. It’s about getting the details right. Every stitch, every curve, every decision matters.
That same philosophy drives our work at AV Architects + Builders. For over 24 years, we’ve been designing homes that aren’t just beautiful on the surface, but thoughtfully built around how you live. Clean lines, purposeful layouts, and timeless touches—it’s not about trends. It’s about homes that feel like they’ve always belonged to you.
And honestly? Walking through a home like that gives you the same feeling as walking through the Katie’s parking lot on a Sunday. Everything is different, but everything just makes sense.
A Great Falls Staple That Just Keeps Rolling
Katie’s Cars and Coffee isn’t trying to go viral or get franchised. That’s part of its charm. It’s just about people who love what they love—coming together, week after week, without needing a reason. And in a fast-moving world, that kind of tradition feels rare.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come from the simplest rituals.
If events like Cars and Coffee speak to you, check out more of our community events. And if it’s not just the cars, but the feeling—maybe it’s time to think about the kind of space you want to come home to. A place that fits your lifestyle. A home that holds your passions.
At AV Architects + Builders, we help you design that space, right here in Northern Virginia.
Schedule a discovery call or visit our Learning Center to get inspired and take the next step.
Because just like a great car or a great Sunday tradition, a well-designed home is something that never gets old.