Alexandria Living Magazine - September/October 2023

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fall is in the air and this is one of the best times to get out and about in Alexandria! Our calendar is chockful of activities you'll want to attend with friends and family.

14 18

DINING

Autumn is also a time of new beginnings. Why not check out some of the fun activities we discovered (with nearby eateries) for you and that first date?

DINING

Many longtime Alexandrians will recall the restaurant Bilgo Baggins. A new dining experience, Elaine's, just as magical, has taken its place, inspired by a special person and making a name for itself as a draw for authors and book-lovers.

22 26

HEALTH & WELLNESS

It seems like pickleball is everywhere! Not just for Baby Boomers, find out more about this sport and how you can get in on the fun.

HISTORY

We're all familiar with George Washington being a part of Alexandria's history, but thanks to our proximity to the White House, presidents and their families have found themselves in our City.

44 45 51

ART

Learn more about the artist curating a fascinating art exhibition in Del Ray and a travel experience that inspired her art.

TRAVEL

Join us as we explore a city we love almost as much as Alexandria! New Orleans, "the Big Easy" is easy to love.

THE LAST WORD

We talk to a local entrepreneur who followed her heart right into a new (and creative!) career.

ARISE

Alexandria is testing out a guaranteed income pilot program called ARISE, which stands for Alexandria Recurring Income for Success and Equity. We find out more about this issue in our story.

FROM THE GROUND UP

....and sometimes from underground! We look at dozens of projects popping up all across Alexandria in our annual guide to new development.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMUEL MADDEN HOMES

Photo of Carlyle House Historic Park in Alexandria.

PHOTO BY CHRIS BRIDNER

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Enjoy living in this spectacular 3-bedroom + den, 2.5-bath, Robinson Landing penthouse with stunning views of the Potomac River! Spacious open plan features floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and a gas fireplace. The chef’s kitchen offers gas cooking, top-of-the-line appliances, European-style cabinetry, waterfall edge island, and quartz countertops. Primary suite with sitting area, his/her walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath. Two balconies, private elevator, and two parking spaces with an EV charger complete this special property.

A Letter from Our Founders

PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton

EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton

ADVERTISING/EVENTS

Katherine Barton

Cleo Chitester

Kristen Riffle

DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

Julianne Woehrle

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Moore

Alexandria Living Magazine is published six times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC ©2023. 201 N. Union St., Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314. For newsstand or distribution locations or to subscribe for home delivery, go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe.

CONTACT US

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PRESS RELEASES & TIPS

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Happy fall!

Welcome to our September/October issue, which happens to mark our fifth anniversary! We hope you enjoyed a fun and restful summer and are ready to dive back into school, work and the many activities coming up in and around Alexandria.

We want to give a nod to local photographer Chris Bridner who took the lovely fall shot on our cover, in front of Carlyle House Historic Park. The stone mansion, which dates to 1753, was the home of Scottish merchant John Carlyle, a founding father of Alexandria.

Fall festivals, ghost tours and much more await this fall. Be sure to pencil in some fun with friends and family with our calendar as your guide, compiled by local writer Susannah Moore, starting on Page 8.

They say that fall is a time of new beginnings and looking for love is a new beginning for many. Starting on Page 14, local writer Kelly Lewis found some great options for a fun date night in Alexandria, whether it's that first date or your 50th anniversary!

On Page 18, local restaurant owner Cynthia Higgins talks about the inspiration for opening Elaine's, a new restaurant (that previously housed eatery Bilbo Baggins) that has become a haven for authors and book-lovers.

Fall is a great time to try new things. Everywhere you look these days, people are talking about or playing pickleball. The sport — a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong — has caught on like wildfire with young and old alike across the country and in Alexandria. Here's what to know and where to play, on Page 22.

We love our history in Alexandria and with our proximity to the capital, it's no wonder our city has been visited by U.S. presidents through the years. We take a look at some of our brushes with presidents and their families starting on Page 26.

Next we look into ARISE, which stands for Alexandria Recurring Income for Success and Equity, a guaranteed income pilot program. In all, 170 residents were chosen to participate out of more than 4,000 applicants. Take a look at this new measure starting on Page 31.

Once again this year, starting on Page 35, we are looking at all of the new commercial and residential developments popping up across Alexandria. You'll find a development guide and numbered map showcasing each project in a special section of this

issue sponsored by The Patterson Group. Look for updates to this guide on a regular basis on our website.

This month we revisit a city we love almost as much as Alexandria: New Orleans. The Big Easy is easy to love — its architecture, music, food....come along for the ride, starting on Page 45.

And last but certainly not least, we talk to local entrepreneur Bianca Del Cid, who turned her side gig and passion into a business, the White Lily Shoppe, featuring organic soaps and more, on Page 51.

A special event near to our hearts to add to your fall calendar: Tickets are on sale now on EventBrite (search 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival) for Alexandria

Living's Second Annual Fall Festival Sunday, Nov. 5 at River Farm, presented by our premier sponsor, The Patterson Group. Our event sponsors include Alto, Burke & Herbert Bank, Get Fit Studio, Renewal by Andersen and West End Village.

Food vendors include Port City Brewing, Lost Boy Cider, Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Co., DC Slices, AM Kettle, The Little Well, F.T. Valley Farm at Mont Medi and Taste of Asia. Stay up to date on all of the family fun activities at the festival at: alexandriafallfestival.com. We look forward to a fun fall and seeing you at our Fall Festival at River Farm!

See you right back here in November!

Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor

PHOTO BY MATT MENDELSOHN, TAKEN AT VIRTUE FEED & GRAIN.

Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton Founders

Our Team

Meet some of the contributors to this issue.

Kate manages advertising and social media for Alexandria Living. She grew up in Alexandria and enjoys highlighting new creators, businesses and events on social media. Kate loves creating unique partnerships with local businesses and finding opportunities for the Alexandria Living brand to grow. If you're interested in advertising with us, email kate@ alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

Chris Bridner, who took our cover shot, is an Alexandria-based landscape, travel and adventure photographer. His work has been featured in various publications, business advertisements and tourism campaigns. While his photography has taken him all over the world, his favorite place to capture is his home in the greater Washington, D.C. area. For more of his work visit chrisbridner.pic-time.com or follow him on Instagram @cbridner.

Kelly Lewis, who wrote our "Date Night in Alexandria" story, has a love for writing that started at a young age and grew at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, where she wrote for a campus magazine and newspaper. Originally from Rhode Island, she graduated in 2022 and has called Alexandria her home since. She loves living near the nation's capital and exploring the monuments. In her free time you can find her at the gym, babysitting, baking and exploring new restaurants.

Susannah has happily called Alexandria home since 2015. She graduated from the College of Charleston and has worked in the political and legal fields and is excited for the opportunity to rekindle her interest in writing. For fun, she enjoys running along the Potomac, yoga or spending time with her rescue cat, Cinnamon, and golden retriever, Kai.

Buz Nachlas is a frequent contributor to Alexandria Living. He enjoys taking photos of landscapes, monuments and in this issue, capturing images of New Orleans. In his spare time, you'll find him on his bike near his home in Williamsburg.

Local artist and designe, Julianne grew up right here in Alexandria. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising she returned to Old Town, Alexandria and joined the retail scene. From Why Not? to Monday's Child, over the last 10 years she has always been involved in boutique retail. Currently you can find her stationery and jewelry at the Made in ALX store in Old Town North.

KATHERINE BARTON Contributor

CHRIS BRIDNER Photographer

KELLY LEWIS Writer

SUSANNAH MOORE Writer

BUZ NACHLAS Photographer

JULIANNE WOEHRLE Graphic Designer

FALL 2023

Calendar of Events

September

Farther Afield

Sept. 1-30

Take a trip to Del Ray Artisans gallery in September to experience the "Farther Afield" art exhibition featuring artwork inspired by travel. Attend the opening reception on Friday, Sept. 1 from 7-9 p.m. to meet the curator and artists.

Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

Saturdays in September | 2-5 p.m.

Enjoy a rare opportunity to taste Mount Vernon's one-of-a-kind distilled spirits and tour the Distillery and Gristmill. Sample three distilled spirits, made using

18th-century distilling methods and techniques. Discover the history of George Washington's whiskey from Mount Vernon's Historic Trades team, and find out how they distill spirits today. Tickets are $60 for nonmembers or $50 for members.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Preservation Tours: Lost Buildings in Alexandria

Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 | 10 a.m.-noon

The City of Alexandria has seen older buildings and spaces being restored, preserved and reused in different ways. However, there were many buildings that were not preserved and have been lost to time. In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, explore the streets of

Alexandria with stops at locations where historic buildings once stood. The program is a joint effort between the Lee-Fendall House and Carlyle House Historic Park. Tours begin at Lee-Fendall House Museum at 10 a.m. every Saturday in September. The tour includes walking over many city blocks, so please dress appropriately for the terrain and weather. Tours are limited to 10 people. Tickets are $25 per person.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

'Two on the Aisle, Three in the Van' Sept. 9-30

Sometimes the best comedy isn’t onstage but in the parking lot! That’s certainly the case for the members of the Neighborhood Actors Summerfun Repertory Theatre

The Fall Colonial Market and Fair at Mount Vernon. PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

who, due to a lack of wing space, spend their down time in the parking lot around the van of an aging hippie/now-turned techie. Those looking for refuge at the asphalt oasis include a stressed-out artistic director, a wanna-be diva and a very innocent ingenue. In the end, the company proves the old adage that somehow, some way, the “show must go on.” And it does… just not always as planned.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com

Eighth Annual George Washington Patriot Run

Sunday, Sept. 10

Race along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and finish with the Mansion in view at this annual 5k and 10-mile race. Participants will receive a finisher medal and T-shirt. The Finish Festival will offer music, food and beverage concessions, and a free beer for each runner. A virtual 5k and 10 miler will also be available. Registration ranges from $45-$82.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day

Sept. 16

Join Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar for a jam-packed day filled with rugby, live music, Irish dancing and cold pints!

Doors open at 8:45 a.m.

Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, 112 King St., danieloconnells.com

Colonial Market & Fair

Sept. 16, 17 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Step back in time at Mount Vernon’s Colonial Market & Fair, featuring Colonialera artisan-made hand-blown glass, metalwork, reproduction 18th-century goods and more. Enjoy live music from the Colonial era and meet George Washington himself! The event is included with the price of general admission and is free for Mount Vernon members.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

HallowWEIRD Art Market 2023

Sept. 23 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The annual HalloWEIRD Art Market is a one-day, outdoor event that gives participants the chance to purchase

original artwork from talented local artists. Browse Halloween-inspired creations that are spooky, creepy, crawly and goth-like. Or, maybe you like art that focuses on the upbeat, fun side of the season (e.g., costumes, hot cider, hay rides, autumn colors). The market offers diverse, original handcrafted artwork from talented local artists in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography and more. There is something for everyone! The family-friendly event is held rain or shine and is free and open to the public.

Colasanto Park, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Sips and Secrets: A Speakeasy Night

Sept. 23 | 7-10 p.m.

Please join the friends, board and staff of the Lee-Fendall House Museum in their historic garden for Sips & Secrets: A Speakeasy Night. This exciting annual event honors Lee-Fendall House's Prohibitionera history, when it was home to one of Alexandria's liquor wholesalers (and suspected bootleggers!). It features lots of fun speakeasy surprises, including dancing to live jazz and ragtime, and costume contest for the best flapper or

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are one click away from your complimentary consult call to see if buying or selling is right for you in today’s market.

Concerts at The Birchmere

Check out some of the performances scheduled for September and October at The Birchmere. Check The Birchmere’s website for the latest information and a full concert list. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary.

SEPT. 1, 2

Raheem DeVaughn

SEPT. 10

The High Kings

SEPT. 16, 17

Tommy Emmanuel, CGP with special guests Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams

SEPT. 18

Patty Griffin with Scott Miller (SOLD OUT)

SEPT. 19

Joshua Radin with Maddie Pope

SEPT. 20, 21

Robert Earl Keen (SOLD OUT)

SEPT. 29, 30

The Whispers

OCT. 2

Jake Shimbukuro

OCT. 5

Edwin McCain

OCT. 7, 8

The Bacon Brothers with Cindy Alexander (SOLD OUT)

OCT. 11

Eric Benet

OCT. 13, 14

Jeffery Osbourne

OCT. 18

Rodney Crowell: The Chicago Sessions

Tour with special guests Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley

OCT. 20

Phil Vassar with Martin & Kelly

OCT. 24

The Zombies: Different Game Tour 23

OCT. 30

John Hiatt with Rebecca Porter

The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., birchmere.com

mobster style, 1920s-style cocktails, a silent auction and more while also supporting the museum's ongoing work in historic preservation, education and community engagement.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Fall Makers' Market

Sept. 24 | Noon - 5 p.m.

More than 30 makers will fill the parking lots around Port City Brewing Co. for the annual Fall Makers' Market! Sponsored and organized by Made in ALX, this is Alexandria's ultimate sip & shop event. Get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Port City Brewing Co., 3950 Wheeler Ave.

Intro to Macrame Workshop

Sept. 28 | 7 p.m.

Learn the basics of the art of macrame — a fun technique of crafting a cord using knots to form shapes. You'll create a hanging plant holder to use at home and be on your way to creating baskets and more, too. Taught be Sweet Victori's Tori Chenard. Tickets are available through madeinalx. com — click on the classes & events tab!

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., madeinalx.com

Candle-Making Workshop

Sept. 30 | 2 p.m.

Join Candace of C&A Soy Candles for this fun and educational workshop! Learn to set a wick, pour wax and work with scents — and take home 3 candles with you that you made! Advance registration required through madeinalx.com.

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., madeinalx.com

21st Annual Alexandria Art Festival

Sept. 30-Oct. 1 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The juried Alexandria Art Festival features artwork by gifted artists from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., artfestival. com/festivals/21st-annual-alexandria-old-town-artfestival

Sheryl Sims: Story Quilts Inspired by Family and Faith

Oct. 2 – Dec. 31

Sheryl Sims is an inspirational artist and powerful storyteller who weaves her stories of family and faith into exquisitely designed quilts you will see on display from Oct. 2 through Dec. 31 at Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House. With each quilt, Sheryl explores her heritage, including her enslaved and freed ancestors, and her connection to Woodlawn and Quaker Meeting. The quilts reveal a deeply personal journey of perseverance, resilience and above all, hope. The opening reception will be held Monday, Oct. 2 from 5-7 p.m.

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy., woodlawnpopeleighey.org

Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery

Oct. 6-28

Local artists featured in the "Curses! Foiled Again! The Art of Swords and Sorcery" art exhibit explore the visual aspects of swords, sorcery and the fantastical. Attend the opening reception Friday, Oct. 6 from 7-9 p.m. to meet the curator and artists.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

The Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour takes place Oct. 6-8. Photo by Maria Byrk for Visit Alexandria

Register in advance for these special workshops:

Magical Creatures Workshop Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Here There Be Dragons Two-Day Beadwork Workshop on Saturdays, Oct. 21 and 28 from 9 a.m.-12 noon.

Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

Oct. 6-8 | 6-9 p.m.

Bring a blanket and relax while you enjoy unlimited samples of Virginia wines after-hours on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Concessions by the Mount Vernon Inn will be available for purchase. Attendees will have the chance to meet George and Martha Washington. Ticket prices are:

Friday: $49 members, $59 general public Saturday: $53 members, $63 general public Sunday: $43 members, $53 general public VIP tables are also available.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Art on the Avenue

Oct. 7

Don’t miss one of the region’s top multicultural arts festivals now celebrating its 28th year. Held each fall on Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte avenues, Art on the Avenue strives to reflect the diversity of the Del Ray community and beyond through artists and their work. The event will feature more than 300 local and regional artists plus live

OCT 7

The Pope-Leighey House was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a small, affordable home that was built in harmony with the nature around it. (It was originally built in Falls Church, Va., but later moved.) Perfect for children, families and nature lovers of all ages! $10 registration per fairy house.

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy., woodlawnpopeleighey.org

Oktoberfest

Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

music, food, children’s activities like stuff your own scarecrow, paint a pumpkin, lotus flower design, weave screen art and more. Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, artontheavenue. org

Intro to Calligraphy

Oct. 7 | 11 a.m.

During this in-depth introduction to calligraphy class, learn all the basics of pointed pen calligraphy in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. This class will focus on the alphabet and instructor Jenny Paxton will provide supplies for you to continue your studies at home. You'll gain the confidence to do amazing greeting cards, place cards and decor ahead of the holiday season! Advance registration required.

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., madeinalx.com

Fall Plant and Garden Sale

Oct. 7 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Shop for seasonal color and heirloom plants along with native perennials, trees and shrubs grown at Mount Vernon at the Fall Plant and Garden Sale. Mount Vernon members receive a 10 percent discount. Quantities are limited.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Fairy House Festival

Oct. 7 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Build your own tiny fairy house using materials found in nature. Special activities will take place throughout the day including story times, crafts, and face-painting on the grounds of the Pope-Leighey House.

Oktoberfest in the Carlyle community of Alexandria is all you could want for authentic German food, beer and fun. So, shake off your finest lederhosen, polish your stein and indulge in beer while taking in the festivities at John Carlyle Square. There will be lots of artisans and crafters, good food, live music and dancing performed by authentic German bands. Admission is free; this is a pet-friendly, rain or shine event.

John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., chiceventsdc.com

Paws in the Park

Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Paws in the Park is a free, fun-filled day for the whole family (including the furry members), featuring entertainment, food trucks, activities, animal-themed vendors and, of course, a whole lot of adorable, adoptable pets! Paws in the Park celebrates the love the Alexandria community has for animals, with a whole lot of fun on the side. Proceeds from this event benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., pawsintheparkva.com

Fall Harvest Festival

Oct. 21, 22 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the farm at Mount Vernon. Beer-making, candle-making, surveying, coopering, spinning, textile-dying, cooking and more will be featured. The festival is included with the price of general admission.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Art on the Avenue, PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

ONGOING

Alexandria is well known for its ghost tours and there’s no better time to get spooked than the Halloween season. Check out a few of these tours below.

Alexandria Colonial Tours’ Ghost and Graveyard Tour

Various dates and times

Ghost Tours

Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28 | 7-9 p.m.

Explore Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark! Tours will be offered every half hour starting at 7 p.m. with the last tour starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Tours will be limited to 12 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

'Young Frankenstein'

Oct. 21-Nov. 11

“It’s alive!” From the creators of Broadway’s record-breaking musical comedy sensation, 'The Producers,' comes 'Young Frankenstein', a monster of a hit musical based on Mel Brooks' comedic film masterpiece. This wickedly inspired reimagining of the legend of Frankenstein is the story of the bright young grandson who travels to Transylvania to complete his grandfather’s experiment. This show is scientifically proven, monstrously great entertainment. For mature audiences!

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com

Halloween Cookie Decorating Class

Oct. 24 | 6:30-8 p.m.

Decorate a half-dozen Halloween cookies while sipping on delicious, award-winning cider from Lost Boy Cider. In this 90-minute class, participants will decorate a halfdozen cookies in three Halloween designs. Amalea from Sugarcoated Bakery will

provide expert instruction and tips so you can decorate stunning cookies. All the baking, mixing, bagging (and cleanup!) is already done, so you get to focus on the fun. Tickets are $65 and include everything you need to make six cookies plus a cider (alcoholic or non-alcoholic available). Attendees also get 10 percent off Lost Boy Cider to-go orders.

Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hoofs Run Dr., sugarcoatedbakeryva.com

Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon

Oct. 28 | 2-6 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with 18thcentury entertainment and activities including a costume parade, live music, demonstrations, a selfie station, an opportunity to meet George Washington and candy! Tickets for adults are $17 for members or $25 for the general public. Tickets for youth are $9 for members or $15 for the general public. Members not collecting candy are admitted free.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Sign up for Alexandria’s Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour. Tour guides wearing Colonial-era costumes lead fright-seekers for an hour by lantern light through six blocks in Old Town Alexandria. Listen to tales of romance, revenge, death and mystery and learn about Alexandria’s most notorious ghosts. Tickets range from $9$15 and children under six are admitted free. Visit the Alexandria Colonial Tours website for a complete list of dates and times.

221 King St., alexcolonialtours.com/ghosttour2020

Frights and Pints Old Town

Alexandria Tour

Various dates and times

If you need a little liquid courage while you listen to scary stories, Nightly Spirits offers their Frights and Pints Old Town Alexandria Tour year-round. The two-and-a-halfhour-long tour stops at three or four pubs or bars. A costumed guide shares ghost stories and the history of Alexandria’s most haunted spots along the way. Tickets begin at $25 and participants must be 21 or older. Private tours are also available.

301 King St., nightlyspirits.com/alexandria/alexandriaghost-tour-pub-crawl

Alexandria Ghosts' Ghost Tours

Various dates and times

Are you ready to experience Alexandria’s most thrilling ghost tour? From natives who lived here thousands of years ago, join this tour for an unflinching look into the city’s history, and tales of the very real hauntings experienced by its residents. Alexandria Ghosts reveals Old Town’s hallowed past and eerie hauntings to show you why Alexandria is one of the most haunted places in Virginia. Tours last 60-90 minutes. A Brews and Boo’s haunted pub crawl is also available.

301 King St., alexandriaghosts.com

Keep an eye out for the annual doggytrick-or-treating in Old Town hosted by The Dog Park store at 705 King St. and trick-ortreating for the little ones hosted by Old Town Boutique District.

GHOST IN THE GRAVEYARD TOUR. PHOTO BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

It's Date Night in Alexandria!

BY KELLY LEWIS

Local date ideas for everyone in your little black book.

Looking for love this fall? For a memorable experience, whether it's a first date or a special anniversary, follow along as we take you through some of the creative date spots the City of Alexandria has to offer. Whether you're a couple who loves to try new restaurants or get your blood pumping with a little exercise or a little of both, let's explore some fun date ideas to enjoy around town!

Foodies

If you and your date love to explore new tastes and experiment in the kitchen, try a cooking class at Sur La Table, located at 326 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Plan ahead by taking a look at the class calendar online to choose the style of food you want to prepare and book in

advance. The date night options include New York Steakhouse, Restaurant-Style Sushi, Cooking with Wine, Bavarian Feast and Fine French Dining.

The average price for a class is $89 per person, which includes step-by-step instructions from a chef, equipment, ingredients and an amazing meal, so come hungry and ready to roll up your sleeves.

Most of the date night classes are held in the late afternoon or evening at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Expect the class to last about two to two-and-a-half hours with 12 to 16 students total. The class will be divided into groups of four, sharing workstations and equipment. This is great for a first or second date because the classes require you to be standing and moving, rather than eyeing your date across the table, wondering what to say next!

The Artistic Type

Visit Paint This! Studio at 1013 King St. in Old Town Alexandria with your date to make your creative ideas come to life. Participants can choose from more than 150 colors to paint pottery, such as plates, mugs, frames, vases, figures and more. Or create a mosaic or try glass fusion.

The studio hours, from Saturday to Monday, are 12 noon to 6 p.m. and from Wednesday to Friday, 12 noon to 8 p.m., so this is a great date for the afternoon or early evening hours. Prices start at $8, plus the price of the ceramics you choose; the average cost is $10. The studio will glaze and fire your pieces (included in the price), so be prepared to return two to three weeks after your initial visit to pick up your pieces. Not only is this a fun, hands-on date, but you and your partner will go home with an item to commemorate the big day.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

If you've worked up an appetite, a great dining option after you've created your masterpieces (and keep the art vibe going) is The Majestic, located nearby at 911 King St. It's a cozy and sophisticated spot with lots of original art on the walls. Be sure to make a reservation. Yelpers reviews note it's a bit on the pricey side. Other nearby options include Misha's coffee shop for lattes, at 917 King St., or Augie's Mussel House & Beer Garden, 1106 King St. Check Augie's calendar for live music performances. You can make reservations for indoor seating; outdoor seating is first-come, first-serve.

Green Thumbs

If you and your partner love to garden or are interested in learning how, stop by PlantHouse, located at 921 N. St. Asaph St. in Alexandria's Old Town North

neighborhood. PlantHouse is a familyowned business that launched in 2018 in Virginia Beach and has since been blossoming in new locations including Alexandria.

You can shop for plants and pots, build a DIY terrarium or take a workshop. Some of the workshops offered in September include: Jellyfish Terrarium Workshop, Moss Wall Workshop, Terrarium in a Bottle, Succulent & Sangria Workshop, Boozy Bonsai Workshop, and Kokedama Workshop. The average admission price per person is $30 and most classes are held in the evenings.

If you want to extend your date to a meal together, Sisters Thai is just around the corner at 503 Montgomery St. where you can canoodle over dumplings, spring rolls and chicken satay. Other options include coffee drinks at St. Elmo's Coffee

Pub, 529 Montgomery St., or Hank's Oyster Bar on the corner of Montgomery and N. St. Asaph streets, where you try to get a table on their romantic rooftop deck.

Budget-Friendly Fun

The cost for dinner dates can add up quickly, so if you’re looking to keep your date light on the pocketbook, explore some of the free experiences Alexandria has to offer. Start with free admission at the Torpedo Factory Art Center at 105 N Union St., in Old Town Alexandria, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Afterward, grab a front-row seat along the waterfront and do some people-watching.

Next up? An inexpensive but fun meal to share at nearby Sonoma Cellar at 207 King St., where you can share a small

PHOTO OF SISTERS THAI BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

plate; there are plenty to choose from, including artichoke dip served with pita for just $20. Top the night off with a cone from one of the many ice cream shops located along King Street including Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co., The Creamery, Ben & Jerry's, Kilwins, Dolce Gelati and more!

The Dog-Loving Couple

Bond over your love of pets with a date night that includes a furry friend or two. In Del Ray, head for The Garden, at 1503 Mt. Vernon Ave., a dog-friendly beer garden where the menu includes bratwurst, beers and more as well as treats for your pup.

Next, get in an energetic half-mile walk along The Avenue and get some dessert (and a puppy pop) at The Dairy Godmother, at 2310 Mt. Vernon Ave. Top off your evening with a stroll to your last stop, perusing The Dog Store, at 2301 Mt. Vernon Ave.

The Sporty Couple

Have you ever been rock climbing?

Alexandria is home to one of the first rock climbing gyms in the country. Sportrock Climbing Centers, located at 5308 Eisenhower Ave., has lots of active options for you and your partner, with 150 plus routes on 20, 40, and 60-foot walls.

If it's your first time climbing, Sportrock recommends taking a class or attending an Open Climb that includes a reservation of 90 minutes with instructors teaching you how to handle the ropes and climb. Harness and helmets are included. The gym also offers membership options if you and your partner want to make this a weekly outing.

Grab a cozy dinner later at another sporty spot, Joe Theismann's Restaurant, at 1800A Diagonal Road, about a fourmile drive or reward your climbing efforts with margaritas and nachos at Los Tios Grill, about 1.5 miles in the other direction at 241 S. Van Dorn St.

PHOTO OF POPS ICE CREAM BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

PHOTO OF SONOMA CELLAR BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Trivia Night

Looking to put your date's knowledge to the test? Try a little friendly competition at a trivia night! Murphy’s Irish Pub at 713 King St., hosts trivia night every Tuesday at 8:15 p.m., when participants can play for free and have a chance to win prizes including tickets to sporting events.

Another trivia night is hosted by Lost Boy Cider, at 317 Hoofs Run Dr., on Thursday nights from 7 to 8 p.m.

Bonus: Lost Boy Cider is dog friendly! Trivia night is free and includes prizes for the top three winners.

PHOTO OFTHE DAIRY GODMOTHER BY C. DAVIDSON COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

PHOTO OF THEISMANN'S BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

PHOTO OF MURPHY'S IRISH PUB BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams

BY BETH LAWTON

Opening a restaurant was a childhood dream for Cynthia Higgins, who spent years as a child in her grandmother’s kitchen in Egypt.

“Elaine is my grandmother, and my happiest memories as a child were of cooking with her in the kitchen,” said Cynthia. “Our whole life was [spent around] the dining table in the kitchen.”

That dream finally came true for Cynthia when she opened Elaine’s, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, earlier this year. Her two-story restaurant is in a fully renovated historic building that used to house Bilbo Baggin’s Restaurant and Pub, at 208 Queen St.

The menu mostly features Elaine’s recipes. In addition to being a fabulous cook, Elaine was the first female investor in the Egyptian stock exchange in the 1950s and an incredibly generous woman as well as a philanthropist, Cynthia said.

“She’s the inspiration for this restaurant and for everything else in my life. I have big shoes to fill, so I’m trying to live up to her standards, which is not easy, but I’m a work in progress,” Cynthia said.

The original plan was for her to open the restaurant with her brother as general manager. They were extremely close and just 11 months apart in age, but he

Elaine’s Modern Mediterranean Restaurant is an homage to home — and a haven for authors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE'S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE'S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE'S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

passed away just a few months before the restaurant opened. Her husband, Jeffrey James Higgins, stepped into the role.

“My grandma told me to never give up. Fail, and fail 10 times, but never give up,” Cynthia Higgins said.

She lives with multiple sclerosis and has had both temporary paralysis and blindness which has made it, at times, difficult to be in the kitchen due to heat intolerance. She has also recovered from cancer but has lingering health issues from the treatment.

“I came into this space, and I immediately envisioned what it was going to look like,” said Cynthia.

There’s still a connection to the old Bilbo Baggins Restaurant and Pub, which operated at 208 Queen St. for nearly 40 years.

Jeffrey said that the restaurant hosted a Bilbo Baggins restaurant fans Facebook group meetup just after opening. In addition, original Bilbo Baggins chefs have come in to eat dinner, and the wife of Bilbo Baggins’ founder Michael Armellino has visited. Certain items on the cocktail menu honor the old restaurant. The bar counter is the same, but the rest of the historic building was ripped down to the studs and rebuilt.

“Even though it’s a whole different vibe and it looks different, we want to be the neighborhood place, still,” he said.

The restaurant, in a few short months, has established itself as a literary haven. Jeffrey said he spent much of his career in counterterrorism, including working on the first narco-terrorism case. But he always had literature in his heart and has, since retirement, written multiple books. (His best-seller “Furious: Sailing into Terrorism,” has more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, averaging 4.4 stars.

“I have books I wrote when I was six, with covers and illustrations. They were horrible,” he recalled, laughing.

Cynthia has also published several books, including non-fiction.

Jeffrey, who has started to find time to write again now that the restaurant is up and running, has two books coming out next year. One is a mystery novel, and the other is a techno-mystery thriller with an artificial-intelligence bent.

Through his writing career, Jeffrey found that unless you’re an A-list author, it’s difficult to find places to do book signings and launches. That was part of his motivation to open Elaine’s to authors. In the coming months, he said, he plans to host a "Noir at the Bar" event, happy hours for local mystery and thriller authors and several more book launches. “There’s a really vibrant writing community in the DC area,” he said.

Of the book launches that Elaine’s has already hosted, he noted, “It’s more fun than being at a bookstore – and I love bookstores – but you can eat and drink here.”

For people coming in for book events, Cynthia recommends her favorite item on the menu — the mezze platter. In addition to offering a taste of multiple items, the best-selling item is also visually pleasing. “The aesthetics of food are very important to me because I am also an artist,” Cynthia said. She used to be a sculptor, but had to stop when she was diagnosed with cancer.

“It’s very personal. Food is the most personal thing,” she said. “It can’t get more personal when you’re cooking someone a dish and you want them to feel full and happy. I like to communicate love through cooking and through our hospitality — my love for my team, for Old Town and for the country I immigrated to.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINE'S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Pamela

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Cocktails, Dinner, and Dancing along the Potomac River

Charlotte Moss Honorary Chair

Renowned Interior Designer, Writer, Author, Lecturer, Flaneuse

PHOTO: WWW.ERIKKVALSVIK.COM

Laura Dowling Gala Chair

Former Chief Floral Designer at The White House, Author, Speaker

Cindy Conner & Amy Golden Gala Co-Chairs

Cameron hardesty Young Patrons Chair

Wurst Vetrini Young Patrons Co-chair Event planner

Pickleball, Anyone?

BY ALEXANDRIA LIVING STAFF

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, growing 159 percent from 2019 to 2022 to 8.9 million players, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

And the sport is growing in Alexandria as well.

What is it?

Pickleball — a mix of tennis, badminton and ping pong — is a recreational sport that all skill levels can play indoors or outdoors with a net, a ball and paddles. The sport was founded in the summer of 1965 in Bainbridge, Wash., where three dads created the game for their kids.

The rules of the game include:

• the ball must stay inbounds

• there should be one bounce per side

• serving must be done from the baseline

• the serve can't land in the no-volley zone

• the game ends at 11, 15 or 21 points

A pickleball court is 20' x 44’ for both singles and doubles. The net is hung at 36” at the ends and hangs 34” in the middle. A non-volley zone extends 7 feet back from the net on each side, commonly called “the kitchen.” The game isn’t just for Baby Boomers. The number one singles player in the world is Anna Leigh Waters, 16, of Boynton Beach, Fla., who went pro when she was 12. She took up pickleball when her family evacuated Florida due to Hurricane Irma in 2017, which is when her grandfather introduced his new evacuees to pickleball in his Pennsylvania backyard.

Whether you play singles or doubles, are new to the sport or have been playing for years, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour allows you to compete in brackets against players at your age and skill level. You can find tours here: https://www.ppatour.com/ schedule/. You can watch games on ESPN and CBS.

The sport is also popular in Fairfax County. You can currently find a pickleball court in the county by using this locator and using the pickleball court filter: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ locator.

FXA Pickleball is the largest pickleball league in Northern Virginia, averaging over 125 teams each year. The league offers full team, small group and individual registrations for each season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USA PICKLEBALL

For more information, email pickleball@ fxasports.com or text (703) 382-9111. Visit fxasports.com/leagues/pickleball for more information.

Can there be too much of a good thing?

Pickleball has its detractors. In Arlington and Vienna, there has been debate about limiting the hours of play after noise complaints from people who live near pickleball courts. One neighbor in Arlington complained about the sound saying "It's just too much — 15 hours a day, seven days a week." In Vienna, after community meetings, hours of play were restricted.

According to the National Pickleball Association, there are about 4,000 places to play the sport around the country. The sport is just as popular right here in Alexandria, where you can play at a number of locations, including:

Carlyle Towers (private): Two outdoor courts

Charles Houston Recreation Center: Three indoor courts

Fort Hunt Community Park: Four courts

George Washington Rec Center: 10 courts

Gum Springs Community Center: Two courts

Hollin Hills Pickleball & Tennis Club: Six courts

Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club: Two courts

Martin Luther King Park: Four courts

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center: Four courts (indoor and outdoor)

The City of Alexandria manages the following multiuse pickleball courts for community use. Unless otherwise posted, ball courts are open from sunrise to sunset.

Cameron Run Regional Park at 4001 Eisenhower Ave. (multi-use with tennis and pickleball) (one court each overlay) Note: Interim portable court during the aquatic offseason from approximately October through April

Chambliss Park at 2502 North Chambliss Street (multi-use with pickleball and tennis) (four courts)

Chinquapin Park at 3210 King Street (lighted) (multi-use with pickleball and tennis) (five courts)

Nicholas Colasanto Park, Del Ray: One court

Parkfairfax condos: Two outdoor courts

Parkfairfax condos II: Two outdoor courts

Patrick Henry Recreation Center: Four courts

Porto Vecchio (private): One outdoor court

Powhatan Park: One court

Simpson Park Tennis courts: Four outdoor courts

South County Community Center: Three courts

Whitman Middle School/Stephen Foster Park: Four courts

William Ramsey Field (private): Two courts

Eugene Simpson Stadium Park at 426 E. Monroe Avenue (multi-use with pickleball and tennis (four courts)

Lee Center at 1108 Jefferson Street (multipurpose with pickleball and tennis) (two courts)

Mount Vernon at 2600 Mount Vernon Avenue (multi-purpose with pickleball and tennis) (one court)

The sport is also popular in Fairfax County. You can currently find a pickleball court in the county by using this locator and using the pickleball court filter: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/locator.

PHOTO COURTESY OF USA PICKLEBALL

Expert Breast Cancer Care, Close To Home

At Virginia Cancer Specialists’ Alexandria Old Town Breast Surgical Suite

At Virginia Cancer Specialists, our multidisciplinary team of experts provides leading-edge, exceptional care in your community.

Dr. David Weintritt and the Old Town Alexandria breast surgery team provide a full-service spectrum that includes:

• Breast surgical oncology and oncoplastic surgery

• Breast surgery for benign conditions

• Breast ultrasound

• Genetic and genomic testing

• Lymphedema screening and advanced surgical techniques for lymphedema prevention

• Resensation breast surgery after mastectomy

• Clinical research and development of breast surgery techniques

• High risk clinic for screening and risk reduction

• Minimally invasive ultrasound-guided biopsy

David Weintritt, MD, FACS, is a board-certified breast surgeon and founder of the National Breast Center and Foundation. He is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive care available. He firmly believes every patient is unique and deserves a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Old Town Alexandria Breast Surgical Suite

277 S. Washington St., Suite 100 Alexandria, VA 22314

SCAN ME

David Weintritt, MD, FACS

David Weintritt, MD, FACS, believes there are three pillars to cancer care— before diagnosis, during treatment, and after the cancer is gone.

“We can improve patient outcomes if we engage in all three phases of care,” Dr. Weintritt said. “If, for example, you ignore the ‘before,’ then you’re not creating appropriate methods of risk assessment and screening.”

Dr. Weintritt and his team at Virginia Cancer Specialists’ Alexandria Old Town Breast Surgical Suite are working to move barriers to care—starting with access to genetic testing and counseling through a high-risk clinic for screening and risk reduction.

According to Dr. Weintritt, people who qualify for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer testing often aren’t offered risk assessment services or have difficulty accessing those services due to scheduling constraints or availability. The team works with physicians in the community to assess their own patient population and identify individuals who qualify for genetic testing based on hereditary risk factors.

“We make sure the doctors in our community know that we have the resources in place to provide those services for their patients,” Dr. Weintritt said. “We’ve made the tests less expensive, more available. We’re able to do some counseling virtually. At our clinic, we’re not just dealing with health emergencies, we’re trying to prevent them.”

Connecting patients to resources as early as possible is an essential part of Dr. Weintritt’s approach to cancer care, which includes individualized treatment structured around each patient’s specific needs. If a patient

is diagnosed with cancer, his team can factor in the results of genetic testing when developing treatment recommendations.

“Because breast cancer can have a genetic component, screening for gene mutations is a necessary part of determining the most effective treatment,” Dr. Weintritt said. “A positive result often leads to a different recommendation for surgery. It can change a patient’s medical regimen if they’re undergoing chemotherapy. It really helps us tailor the plan.”

The clinic in Alexandria offers a range of breast cancer services, including breast surgical oncology, lymphedema screening and advanced surgical techniques for lymphedema prevention, minimally invasive ultrasound-guided biopsy, clinical research and development of breast surgery techniques, and reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. The team aims to provide a full-service spectrum, and additionally provides screening for risk occurrence and risk management services following treatment.

“The majority of our patients do very well after treatment,” said Dr. Weintritt. “But it’s important for us to make sure we don’t disconnect from our patients once they’re cancerfree. We want to continue to provide support.”

For Dr. Weintritt, that support extends to the community. That’s why he founded the National Breast Center Foundation to further remove barriers to proper screening, diagnosis, and education about breast cancer. The foundation hosts events, like the upcoming 8th Annual Walk to Bust Breast Cancer, to raise funds

to support patients in the local community who need assistance accessing care.

“We have patients who come out of treatment and want to help others in a similar position,” Dr. Weintritt said. “Our fundraising events are an opportunity to provide resources for patients who don’t have appropriate insurance or access to screening. It’s a big focus of what we’re able to provide.”

Dr. Weintritt knows cancer has touched many families in the Alexandria area, including his own. It’s why he strongly believes in the community effort to move the needle toward survivorship through better access to care at all stages of a patient’s cancer journey.

“We can’t change the impact cancer has had in the past,” Dr. Weintritt said. “But at Virginia Cancer Specialists, we have the opportunity to change the future.”

Hail to the Chief

Brushes with Presidential History in Alexandria

BY MARY ANN BARTON

When most people think of presidents and Alexandria, their first thought is likely “George Washington,” who made his home just down the road in Mount Vernon and was a frequent visitor to Alexandria. There is no shortage of celebrations and recognition of our first president in Alexandria.

Due to our proximity to the nation’s capital, there have been lots of presidents (and presidents' families) throughout history who have visited Alexandria.

In 1994, we were leaving the Fish Market after lunch with my parents and one of my brothers and his family who were all visiting from out of town. My late husband, Paul, had reported on the Clintons since their days in Arkansas.

As we meandered up the street, doing some window shopping, my mother and I noticed a crowd gathering on the sidewalk a little farther up the street, near Two Nineteen restaurant, and I realized that in the middle of it was my husband chatting with Hillary and 13-year old Chelsea Clinton. They were in Old Town doing some Christmas shopping. We all said hello (Hillary patted my 1-year old niece Kendall on the head) and Paul introduced Hillary to my parents and my brother and his wife. (Twenty-two years later, my daughter Kate introduced Hillary at a campaign rally at George Mason University.)

Back to 1994: As Secret Service stood nearby, we all wished each other a Merry Christmas and went on our way. It was a fun moment.

Many Alexandrians have likely had similar experiences over the years. Here’s a look at more of Alexandria brushes with the presidency:

President Joe Biden visited Sportrock

Climbing Center May 28, 2021 to mark COVID-19 vaccination progress. Earlier that spring, he visited a pop-up vaccination site on the grounds of the Virginia Theological Seminary.

GOP presidential nominee, the late Sen. John McCain, graduated from Episcopal High School in 1954, playing football and participating on the wrestling team. Later, when he was a U.S. senator, McCain had a home in Old Town Alexandria and visited his alma mater at reunions.

Vice President Kamala Harris visited fibre space, a yarn shop in Alexandria,

March 3, 2021 to talk to owner Danielle Romanetti about COVID relief plans for small businesses.

First Lady Jill Biden was a full-time English professor at Northern Virginia Community College at the Alexandria campus, located off of N. Beauregard Street. She visited the National Science Foundation in Alexandria in June with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2018, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and his

President John Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy host the President of Pakistan and his daughter july 11, 1961 for a state dinner at Mount Vernon. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY

wife Brigitte and Mount Vernon for a dinner. The dinner was private, just for the two couples. Unlike the private dinner, President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy held a full state dinner in 1961 at Mount Vernon to honor the president of Pakistan. Guests arrived on four boats and dined under a giant tent on the grounds.

Other presidents who have visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon include Joe Biden, George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson and 21 former presidents including Washington himself.

President Barack Obama and his family probably visited Alexandria more than any other modern-day president. Sightings include:

• The president and wife Michelle celebrated their wedding anniversary in 2011 with a date at thenRestaurant Eve, now the location for 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood

• The first lady made an incognito trip to the Target store at Potomac Yards.

• Valentine’s Day dinner at Vermilion in 2012.

• Obama did some Christmas shopping at PetSmart at Potomac Yard Center before picking up pizzas at Del Ray Pizzeria in 2011.

• Obama and his daughters visited the Dairy Godmother in 2009 on Father’s Day.

• Michelle Obama took her mother out for her birthday, along with the Obama daughters, at The Majestic in 2009.

• Obama also had a hamburger with his Education secretary, Arne Duncan, at FireFlies in 2014. It’s now the location of Matt + Tony’s restaurant.

• In 2016, the Obama family attended Easter services at Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Then-Congressman Gerald Ford and his wife Betty relaxing at their home in 1952 in Parkfairfax. They moved to the Clover neighborhood, where he lived when he became President Aug. 9, 1974, after President Nixon resigned.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Other sightings in Alexandria include then-First Lady Laura Bush visiting Jackson 20 (now King & Rye) during her husband’s presidency.

President Ronald Reagan, proud of his Irish heritage, surprised patrons on St. Patrick’s Day in 1988 at Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own. The bar closed in 2014 and was located at 111 N. Pitt St. in Old Town Alexandria.

After Spiro Agnew resigned the vice presidency, Congressman Gerald Ford, a Republican from Michigan, was appointed the role. During that time, he and his family lived in Alexandria, at 514 Crown Dr. The family had moved to the home from the Park Fairfax neighborhood.

After President Richard Nixon resigned the presidency due to the Watergate scandal, Ford then became president. He spent his first days as president at the family home. Two days after he was sworn in, the Fords attended an Episcopal service at Immanuel Churchon-the-Hill, at 3606 Seminary Road. The sermon by the Reverend William Dols, Jr., addressed the need to “pick up the broken pieces” of Nixon’s presidency.

During the Ford years in Alexandria, they were active in community affairs and the children attended Alexandria City Public Schools. According to Mayor Bill Euille, who attended T. C. Williams High School with the two oldest Ford sons, Gerald Ford visited the schools “as a parent, a speaker to government classes, and an

athletic booster for his sports-minded children.”

After President Ford passed away Dec. 26, 2006, at the age of 93, his funeral motorcade passed through Alexandria on Dec. 30, as it traveled from Andrews Air Force Base en route to the U. S. Capitol. Hundreds of Alexandrians lined the streets to say farewell to one of their most famous residents.

Nixon also lived in Alexandria, in the Park Fairfax neighborhood, while he was a member of the House of Representatives and a U.S. senator.

In Old Town Alexandria, Gadsby’s Tavern not only hosted George Washington, but the first five presidents including Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural banquet in March 1801.

President Barack Obama and his daughters Sasha and Malia visit The Dairy Godmother June 20, 2009 in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood. OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO

ARISE

BY BETH LAWTON

Alexandria’s Guaranteed Income Pilot Program is changing the lives of residents in 170 Alexandria households.

In early 2023, the lives of people in 170 Alexandria households took a significant turn for the better.

Selected from more than 4,100 applications, 170 residents were selected forthe Alexandria Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE), Alexandria’s guaranteed income initiative. Guaranteed income is money provided to residents with no strings attached, and the programs are designed to provide families the opportunity to improve their quality of life, explained Heather Peeler, president and CEO of ACT for Alexandria, the city’s community foundation.

The program is providing the chosen households with $500 per month for two years. Funding for the program — $3 million — came from federally-provided American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. ACT for Alexandria and the City of Alexandria’s Center for Economic Support are leading the program.

Alexandria is joining several other cities across the United States in testing out guaranteed income programs for residents. In Los Angeles, for example, a program called BIG:LEAP is giving 3,200 residents $1,000 per month for one year. In Chicago, the Chicago Resilient

Communities Pilot program is giving 5,000 people $500 per month for one year. A Rochester, New York program gave 351 residents $500 per month for 12 months. In Arlington, Virginia, Arlington’s Guarantee provides $500 to 200 low-income working families in Arlington every month for 18 months.

While those pilot programs are recent, the concept of guaranteed basic income is not at all new. Early advocates for guaranteed income included Thomas Paine and Thomas Moore, according to the group Mayors for Guaranteed Income. In the 1960s, economist Milton Friedman, President Richard Nixon and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. supported the concept.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is now a member of Mayors for Guaranteed Income, an organization that Mayor Michael D. Tubbs of Stockton, California, founded in June 2020 to advocate for more guaranteed income programs. The mayors of College Park and Takoma Park, Maryland, and Richmond, Virginia, are also members.

“Too many families are on the financial edge where an unexpected setback like reduced hours at work or a car repair can have a devastating impact,” Wilson wrote in his Mayors for Guaranteed Income profile. “Guaranteed income is a proven tool to help families secure stronger financial footing and take steps to move up the economic ladder.”

Who’s Benefiting in Alexandria

Applications opened for just 10 days in 2022 to City of Alexandria residents 18 years or older who had a household income at or below 50% of Alexandria’s

area median income. There were no citizenship or work requirements to be eligible. More than 4,100 people applied for the program.

The 2023 median income in Alexandria is $152,100 for a family of four, and $106,500 for a single person household, according to Housing Alexandria.

The City of Alexandria has engaged Abt Associates to evaluate the effects of the program. Questions they expect to answer include how ARISE affected shortterm and long-term financial stability among participants, plus employment, housing stability and child outcomes (if there are children in the house). Studies have shown that financial stress can affect a person’s mental health and physical health, and Abt Associates will be looking at those factors, as well.

In Alexandria, ARISE participants come from all Alexandria city ZIP codes, with a higher concentration in ZIP codes with higher levels of poverty.

How It Makes a Difference

Alexandria is, overall, a wealthy city. In May of this year, SmartAsset ranked Alexandria sixth in Virginia in per capita wealth. But the cost of living here is high and many families have trouble making ends meet. The poverty level in Alexandria is 8.6%. That’s about 10% higher than the region’s overall rate, and 14% of Alexandria’s children live below the poverty line, Peeler noted. For families making 50% or less of the area median income, a boost of $6,000 per year (the income is a tax-free gift) can make a huge difference in their day-to-day lives. Participants receive their monthly $500 payments through a

ARISE participants in the current program:

• Median household income is just $21,600

• Average age of adult participants is 42

• 51% of participants speaking a language other than English at home (Spanish 28%, Amharic 10%)

• 56% of participating households have children

• The average household size is 3

• The average number of children is 2

Self-identified race/ethnicity:

• 46% Black

• 27% White

• 10% Latino/a

• 6% Asian

• 4% two or more races, and

• 7% other

$2,500+

The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Alexandria, according to Rent.com Top 5% Alexandria's rank in the United States in terms of overall cost of living.

debit card. They can use no-fee ATMs or download an app and use Google Pay on their phones.

Similar to the outcomes of other guaranteed income pilot programs nationwide, ARISE participants are spending their $500 each month mostly on basic necessities. The primary spending category is groceries.

A single father who is participating in the ARISE program has said the programs allows him “time to think for tomorrow,” he told city officials. “The repeating cycle of going to work and sleep and go back to work prevented me from thinking [about] long-term goals.” He used to work two jobs, which was negatively affecting his relationship with his kids.

“Now, I have the freedom to quit my

second job. ARISE gave me the freedom to have time to think for tomorrow. My kids know me better now since I get to spend time with them,” he said.

A senior citizen participating in the program said, “This program is God sent. With living expenses rising, in addition with the mounting medical bills from my cancer lifesaving treatment, life has been stressful. Without this assistance I'd fall off the financial cliff, but God, knowing that I can count on this income lessens my stress and anxiety considerably.”

ARISE participants have access to a coach, who can help them navigate city and community resources like financial counseling in the long term.

“Research from projects across the country has shown that guaranteed

Fairfax County to Start Economic Mobility Pilot Program

Fairfax County will be piloting a guaranteed income program for residents in select ZIP codes, offering $750 per month to 180 families for 15 months starting in 2024.

The Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot will provide payments to eligible households, optional financial coaching and resources to promote economic stability.

The pilot, similar to a program operating in Alexandria right now, includes freedom of choice for the families to use the money in any way they deem necessary.

Fairfax County officials have set out the following requirements for the program:

• Participants must be employed.

• They must have at least one child aged 16 or younger living in the household.

• They must have an income that falls between 150% and 250% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level (currently $30,000 for a family of four).

• They must live in a neighborhood in one of the following Zip Codes: 22306, 22309, 20190, 20191, 22041, 20170, 22003, 22150, 20120 or 20151.

The application portal will be open Sept. 23 – Oct. 3, 2023.

Funding for the program will be provided by Fairfax County General Fund dollars along with American Recovery Plan Act funding, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The possibility of philanthropic donations is also being explored, according to county officials.

Learn more about the program at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ neighborhood-community-services/economicmobilitypilot.

income is an effective way to combat several factors stifling economic mobility — the coronavirus pandemic and its immediate and long-term economic fallout — and longstanding systemic racism,” according to the Alexandria Center for Economic Support. “The ARISE guaranteed income pilot project speaks to our shared values as a community — to live a dignified, productive, safe, and creative life and to have the opportunity to pursue dreams and goals.”

ACT for Alexandria is hoping that ARISE and similar programs, including Arlington’s Guarantee, will push state lawmakers to expand the Virginia CTC and EITC.

“These programs offer low-income people financial breathing room and give them a chance to break free from poverty and move up the economic ladder,” Peeler said.

$152,100

The 2023 median income in Alexandria for a family of four in 2023

2% 100% $683,000 ALEXANDRIA (FAIRFAX COUNTY) Average sold price 882 Homes sold

22 Avg. days on market 26% 1% 144%

BREAKING GROUND IN ALEXANDRIA

OUR ANNUAL UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY

From hundreds of feet underground to hundreds of feet in the air, Alexandria is the site of construction and development projects totaling more than $1 billion. While many of the sites will welcome new residents — including a few significant affordable housing projects — there are also projects in healthcare, education, water and transportation. The following pages detail more than 40 of the projects underway now in Alexandria.

Duke Street In Motion

Those who travel along Duke Street will see some big changes in the coming years. Construction should start in 2025 on changes to Duke Street from the former Landmark Mall to the King Street Metro station. Construction will include the addition of Bus Rapid Transit dedicated lanes along some parts of the corridor and other changes meant to make the 4.2-mile stretch safer for drivers, bus riders, bikers and pedestrians. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/dukeinmotion.

Embark Richmond Highway

Embark Richmond Highway in the planning phases in Fairfax County. The Richmond Highway project, from the Huntington Metro station to Fort Belvoir, will have dedicated bus lanes and much-improved, safer pedestrian facilities from sidewalks to road crossings. Fairfax County is using eminent domain to make room for the project, which is forcing some businesses to close or move. This is a multi-year project that could be completed as soon as 2030. Learn more at fairfaxcounty.gov.

RiverRenew

Ironically, the biggest and most expensive project in Alexandria is the least visible to residents. The water company Alexandria Renew Enterprises is continuing work on RiverRenew, the project that will separate rainwater from the sewage system to prevent untreated water from entering the Potomac River during big rainstorms. A tunnel boring machine named Hazel is working 100-feet underground to dig new tunnels from the water company’s facility in Eisenhower East to Old Town North. The only visible signs are several small construction sites around the city and the recent installation of seismic meters in historic parts of Alexandria. Learn more at riverrenew.com.

DEVELOPMENT KEY

29. TideLock (Formerly TransPotomac Plaza)

30. The Aidan Old Town

31. 1101 King Street

32. The Heritage

33. Witter Place

34. Meridian 2250

35. 765 John Carlyle Drive

36. 2121 and 2111 Eisenhower Avenue

37. The Huntington Club

38. Aventon at Huntington Station

39. Lennar Homes at Huntington Crossing

40. North Hill

41. 8850 Richmond Highway

42. Penn Day Fire Station/Emergency and Supportive Housing

43. Franconia Governmental Center

44. 6801 Telegraph Road

45. Rose Hill Shopping Center

Landmark

Former Landmark Mall

The former Landmark Mall is gone (except for the parking garage) and construction crews are working on re-grading the 51-acres at Van Dorn and Duke streets to prepare for utilities. Inova will build a new hospital and trauma center on the site, which will start welcoming patients in 2028. The rest of the site will be filled with a variety of retail, residential and civic uses built in phases. The current hospital at Seminary Road and Jordan Street will be demolished after the new hospital opens and will likely be replaced with housing.

Across from Landmark

SE corner of Duke and South Walker Street

Directly across from the site of the former Landmark Mall, construction fencing is up around several buildings, including Big Lots, a medical office building and two restaurants. Called Overlook at West End, developer Hekemian has plans to build more

than 350 multifamily residential units, 36 townhomes and possibly a hotel on the 8-acre site.

Benchmark Senior Living

Intersection of Larchmont and Beauregard streets

Near the intersection of King and Beauregard streets, Benchmark Senior Living will be opening in early 2024. The new assisted living and memory care community will feature hospitality-rich amenities, a penthouse café, wine tasting suite and more. Learn more at benchmarkseniorliving.com.

Three Collective

5203 Leesburg Pike

Mostly built and now seeking groundfloor retailers, the Three Collective includes three buildings in the Skyline neighborhood just south of Target. More than 675 apartments will be available starting in September with amenities including an indoor dog agility park, a bowling alley, demonstration kitchen, recording studio, maker space and more. The 16-story office buildings (now apartment buildings) were built in 1979. Learn more at threecollective.com.

Upland Park

5100 Echols Ave.

After a delay to accommodate residents, construction has started on the Upland Park development just northwest of the intersection of Beauregard Street and Seminary Road. The neighborhood of small, single-family homes will be demolished to make way for 92 new townhomes. The first of the new townhomes may be available for

LANDMARK. PHOTO COURTESY OF FOULGER-PRATT

ACROSS FROM LANDMARK. PHOTO COURTESY OF HEKEMIAN

6

residents to move into in late 2025 from NV Homes.

Residential May Replace Medical Building

1900 N. Beauregard St.

Monday Properties has proposed tearing down a medical office building at 1900 N. Beauregard St. and replacing it with a multifamily residential community. The building is one of four similar buildings along the west side of North Beauregard Street all owned by the company, but only one is part of the new redevelopment proposal. Future plans for the other three buildings have not been disclosed. A group of residents is actively opposing elements of the project.

Seminary Road Affordable Homeownership Development

4500 Seminary Rd.

Current plans for the 2.8-acre site just east of Fire Station 206 on Seminary Road include 31 townhomes and 5 condominium flats, which will be available for ownership for residents at 80 percent Average Median Income (AMI) or below. An additional 3 flats would be owned and occupied by Sheltered Homes of Alexandria to allow them to continue to serve up to 12 residents. More information is available at housingalexandria.org/seminary.

Eisenhower Pointe

Just east of the Victory Center Tri Pointe Homes is developing about 130 townhomes on Eisenhower Avenue just east of the still-empty Victory Center office building. Affiliates of Stonebridge own the remainder of the property, including the Victory Center itself, and the parking lots to the west of the building. Stonebridge has floated the idea of tearing down the office building in favor of a multi-family residential building, but

there’s no timeline for when — or IF — that would ever happen. The Victory Center was designed specifically with a federal government client in mind, but it has been mostly empty for years.

Virginia Paving and Vulcan Materials

701 S. Van Dorn St.

At some point in the future, it’s possible that both the 18-acre Vulcan Materials Site at 701 S. Van Dorn St. and the Virginia Paving Co. across the street will turn into park space along Backlick Run and residential developments. The ideas were included in the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan, but any possible development of the properties is still years away.

South Van Dorn Plaza Shopping Center

500 Block of S. Van Dorn St.

Any possible redevelopment of the Van Dorn Station Shopping Center, which is home to a variety of multicultural, thriving businesses including La Mart, is also still years away. Like the Virginia Paving and Vulcan Materials sites, ideas for this property and several others in the area were included in the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan, but there do not appear to be specific development projects in the pipeline yet.

ParcView II

5380 Holmes Run Pkwy.

In Condo Canyon in Alexandria’s West End, plans are underway to construct a multifamily apartment building with an underground parking garage next to the existing ParcView apartment building at 5380 Holmes Run Pkwy. The existing ParcView will be renovated and connected to the new building. A construction timeline is not yet available.

MacArthur Elementary School

1101 Janneys Lane

There are several educational projects in development in Alexandria. A brand new school will be welcoming students soon on Janneys Lane. Students from Douglas MacArthur Elementary School were using the old Patrick Henry School on Taney Avenue while the new elementary school was built. The Alexandria City Public Schools board has also authorized several other school construction projects in the coming decade. More information on the various Modernization Projects is available through acps.k12.va.us.

Minnie Howard School

3801 W. Braddock Rd.

The former sports field at the Minnie Howard campus of Alexandria City High School is a where a multi-story new high school building is under construction now. The old building will be demolished when the new, state-ofthe-art building opens for the 2024-25 school year.

Lindsey Volvo and Cadillac Dealerships

Intersection of Quaker and Fern Streets

The Lindsay Company has been busy redeveloping its car empire in Alexandria. The car dealership has torn down one of its old buildings and is currently building a new Volvo dealership in its place at 1605 Fern St. (at Quaker Lane).

Sansé and Naja

3500 Mt. Vernon Ave.

In Arlandria, Sansé and Naja, the two planned affordable housing buildings at the intersection of West Glebe Road and Mount Vernon Avenue, will break ground this year. The project will include 474 units of affordable housing in addition to 36,000 SF of retail and

an underground garage. More than 100 of the units will be “deeply affordable” — attainable for those making 40% of the area median income (AMI). Learn more at housingalexandria.org.

Elbert Avenue Project

3912 Elbert Ave.

Less than a mile from Sansé and Naja, Alexandria officials also gave the green light to a redevelopment of the three low-rise apartment building on Elbert Avenue. Community Lodgings has proposed a project would include 96 affordable housing units, with 19 of those dedicated to households at or below 50% of the area median income.

Virginia Tech

Intersection of Potomac Yard.

The biggest educational development project in Alexandria is the longterm development of a $1 billion Virginia Tech Innovation Campus near Potomac Yard. Announced at the same time as the location of Amazon’s HQ2 near Crystal City, the Virginia Tech campus will focus on graduate-level work on technology-based solutions to the world’s pressing problems. Construction is underway on the first academic building, which will open sometime in 2024.

Oakville Triangle

Corner of Oakville and Fannon streets west of Potomac yard

A new Inova Healthplex is rising at Oakville Triangle. Nearby, developers are constructing new townhomes, multifamily housing and retail, including a new venue for the restaurant Founding Farmers. The healthplex will open in 2024.

The Grayson

1200 N. Henry St.

Just south of Oakville Triangle, a new apartment building called The Grayson is under construction at 1215 N. Fayette St. There will be 119 apartments available in the new building. Learn more at graysonapts.com.

Alate Senior Living

1112 First St.

A new senior living community is opening at 1112 First St. Alate Senior Living, designed for active seniors, will open in early 2024. According to the company behind the project, Senior Lifestyle, “Alate Old Town will offer more than 130 beautiful, private apartments bathed in natural light, cozy amenity spaces and a restaurant-style dining room.”

Wythe at Braddock Metro

715 North West Street

The small, single-family homes across North West Street from the Braddock Metro Station have been torn down to make way for a 180-unit multi-family residential building with retail on the lower floow. The project will include 14 affordable units. The project was controversial, as residents brought up concerns about flooding and sewer capacity in the neighborhood. n

PT Blooms Development

805 N. Columbus St.

PT Blooms is building a five-story, multi-family residential building of 78 units in the 800 block of North Columbus Street. The project may be completed in late 2024.

The Montgomery Center

800 of N. Royal St.

Starting in 2024, the one-story brick building known as The Montgomery Center will be demolished to make room for a much larger development. Several small, local businesses will be closing or moving due to the construction. The Art League, which takes up a significant portion of the building, is looking for a new home. The new building may have a live entertainment venue in addition to retail, and apartments above.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PT BLOOMS LLC

OAKVILLE TRIANGLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF STONEBRIDGE

Ladrey Senior High Rise

300 Wythe St.

The Ladrey building and a second plot of land at 600 Royal St., both owned by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), could be demolished and replaced starting in 2025. “The redevelopment plan calls for demolishing the existing building and constructing a new mid-rise building that will replace all 170 existing units and add a significant number of units that are affordable for people who live and work in Alexandria. The new building will have about 270 units,” according to AHRA.

Holiday Inn Express

808 N. Washington St.

The project to tear down the old Towne Motel and construct a new hotel (incorporating a unique, historic home on the property) started back in 2019. The project has been plagued with problems, starting with pandemic delays and continuing through this summer with dozens of quality control inspections of the building's garage and foundation. Most of those recent inspections have received only a "partial pass," indicating there are still serious issues to be resolved. It is not clear when or if the hotel will ever open.

Samuel Madden Housing

999 North Henry St.

Alexandria officials have approved the redevelopment of Samuel Madden Housing. Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Fairstead, Mill Creek Residential and The Communities Group will work together to build more than 530 units of affordable, workforce-rate and market-rate housing, plus retail, community amenities including an ALIVE! food hub, childcare and more. Information about the project is available at samuelmaddenhomes.com.

GenON Plant

TideLock (Formerly TransPotomac Plaza)

1055 N. Fairfax St.

The American Physical Therapy Association sold its three-building property in 2020 and moved into a new headquarters in the Potomac Yard neighborhood in 2021. Now, Community Three and Whitaker Investment are working to convert the 1980’s office buildings, formerly called the TransPotomac Plaza, at 1033, 1055 and 1111 N. Fairfax Street, into multifamily buildings with an arts and cultural anchor on the ground floor. Learn more at build-tidelock.com.

Waterman Place

901 N. Pitt St.

Waterman Place, an office building at the intersection of Montgomery and North Pitt streets, will be torn down and replaced with a residential building with retail and arts on the ground floor. There will be a parking garage below the building. The Carr Companies owns the property.

1400 N Royal St. Hilco Redevelopment Partners will be tearing down the massive Potomac River Generating Station (known to long-time residents as the GenOn Plant) in Old Town North. Once home to a 482-megawatt coal-fired plant, the buildings will be demolished and new residential buildings will take their place along with office space, retail and a significant amount of park space and paths. More information is available at hilcoredev.com/projects/ hrp-alexandria.

The Aidan Old Town

Corner of Rt. 1 S and Wythe St.

New luxury condos will be for sale soon at The Aidan. The 94-unit building will include junior one-bedroom, one- and two-bedroom units, and amenities such as office space for residents, a dog washing station, a yoga lawn and more. Learn more at aidanoldtown.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAMUEL MADDEN HOUSING

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARR COMPANIES

1101 King St.

1101 King Street

Construction has not yet started but plans are being formulated to convert the office building at 1101 King St. to residences. American Real Estate Partners acquired the building in September 2022 and plans to start construction this year. The building will have about 200 apartments and retail and office space on the first floor.

Meridian 2250

2250 Dock Lane in Eisenhower East

The Paradigm Companies is developing the second of two buildings at Mill Road and Dock Street in the fast-growing Eisenhower East neighborhood. The 26-story building will have one- and two-bedroom apartments.

765 John Carlyle Dr.

South of Eisenhower Ave. at John Carlyle St.

After multiple rounds of changed plans, TransWestern with Trammel Crow and JM Zell are planning to build a medical facility alongside senior-living residences. The John Carlyle Center for Health & Wellness is a planned 126,000 SF Class-A medical facility connected to 215 residences for seniors. The project has not yet started construction. Learn more at 765JohnCarlyle.com.

2121 and 2111 Eisenhower Ave.

2100 block of Eisenhower Ave.

The Heritage

Southwest Alexandria near Rt. 1 N and Columbus St.

In Southwest Old Town, construction has started on The Heritage. After a controversial series of meetings with the Board of Architectural Review, Alexandria officials gave the green light to redeveloping the garden-style apartment buildings into new, larger buildings. The first phase of construction will include 598 new apartments in two new buildings. About 140 of the apartments will be set aside for Housing Assistance Program-eligible families, with first rights to those who previously lived at The Heritage at Old Town. The project should be completed in 2026. Learn more at heritageredevelopmentinfo.com.

Witter Place

Northeast of Witter Fields

On Duke Street, the Witter Place development is in the planning stages. The project, near the Witter recreation fields at 2712 Duke St., will include 94 apartments, all with two or three bedrooms. The apartments would be affordable to households at 40 to 60% of the area median income. There is no construction timeline available from Community Housing Partners yet.

The office buildings at 2121 and 2111 Eisenhower Ave. may be torn down and rebuilt as residential buildings. In 2022, Alexandria City Council approved the plans for MidAtlantic Realty Partners to build a two-building, 800-unit residential complex on the site, but there has been no visible movement on the project since that approval.

The Huntington Club Indian Drive

The plans to redevelop the massive Huntington Club condos neighborhood have been put on hold. Years in the making, the condo association and developer IDI Group Companies announced this spring they are waiting until market conditions, including interest rates, improve before proceeding with redevelopment. The community features more than 360 garden-style and townhouse-style condos on 19 acres. The redevelopment plans called for creating a community with about 1,500 total units.

Aventon at Huntington Station

5919 N. Kings Hwy.

A new apartment building is rising above the Huntington Metro Station. Starting this fall, residents can move into the Aventon at Huntington Station. The large apartment complex, by Lincoln Property Company, includes a sports café, a saltwater resort-style pool, remote working center and more. Learn about it at aventonhuntingtonstation.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HERITAGE

Lennar Homes at Huntington Crossing

6239 Shields Ave.

Lennar Corp. is working on building a few dozen three- and four-story townhomes on 7.6 acres between Shields Avenue and Quander Road. The property was the site of much-loved Evolution Home, which moved to Alexandria’s West End in 2022. Homes are being sold now.

North Hill

7250 Nightingale Hill Lane

The North Hill development, completed in the summer of 2023, includes 279 units — a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The community is geared toward seniors and those looking for affordable options. There’s a 12-acre park on the property.

8850 Richmond Hwy.

8850 Richmond Hwy.

In late 2022, a developer proposed building three multi-unit buildings at 8850 Richmond Hwy. through the Fairfax County Site-Specific Plan Amendment process. The property was zoned planned for office, retail or hotel/conference center uses, so the

residential proposal was unexpected. The site currently is home to the IMP building, an office building that was built in 1987. The proposal is working its way through the slow deliberation process with Fairfax County officials, so any redevelopment is still some years away.

Penn Day Fire Station/ Emergency and Supportive Housing

2801 Beacon Hill Road

Fairfax County has chosen the former Hybla Valley Nursery site, at 2801 Beacon Hill Rd., for a new fire station and emergency/supportive housing facility. County Staff recently began the process for selection of architectural and engineering consultants for the design of the overall project.

Franconia Governmental Center

7091 Beulah St.

Fairfax County broke ground on a new Franconia Governmental Center and Kingstowne Regional Library in March of this year. The new facility will open in 2025 and it will include space for the Franconia Police Station, the Franconia District Supervisor’s Office, the Franconia Museum, an Active

Adult Center and a new childcare center. The old Franconia Governmental Center, at 6121 Franconia Rd., could be redeveloped into affordable housing.

6801 Telegraph Rd.

6801 Telegraph Rd.

The federal government is auctioning off the property at 6801 Telegraph Rd., a 10-acre site that includes a 110,000-square foot office building. The property, once home to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, is next to the U.S. Army Reserve facility.

Rose Hill Shopping Center

6100 Block of Rose Hill Dr.

Combined Properties, the owners of the Rose Hill Shopping Center, are interested in redeveloping the one-story shopping plaza into a mixed-use community with residences and offices above retail on the ground floor. The residents of Rose Hill seem to be largely opposed to this proposal, as evidenced by the many “Save Our Shopping Center” signs on homes nearby. Leases for businesses in the shopping center expire in 2027, so no development would happen until after that year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINCOLN PROPERTY COMPANY

Travel-Inspired Art

An artist residency in France resulted in new work by a local painter.

BY BETH LAWTON

It was the height of the pandemic, and local artist Alexandra Schmeling was scrolling through Instagram when an ad popped up. The offer: To live in a French chateau (complete with goats and a private chef) with a bunch of other creatives and make art.

Her response was “obviously a resounding YES!” she said. “I figured none of us were getting out of our homes anytime soon—possibly ever—so what was the harm in applying?”

Just a few months later, she was on a plane to France with her watercolor paints and two suitcases.

Her two-month journey was a “magical

experience,” she said. “In real life, you can never truly ‘just’ make art. There is grocery shopping and chores and doctor’s appointments. At a residency, you leave ‘real life’ for a couple of weeks to solely focus on the art-making process, and it leads to bursts of creativity you otherwise never would have had.”

Schmeling, after recovering from her bout with COVID at the start of her trip, traveled through Paris, including the gardens, the streets along the Seine, and even the alleys among the tombstones of Molière and Chopin. Her favorite places were the little nooks and crannies you can find only by wandering the city for hours on end.

She also visited Alsace, a historic region with both architecture and food reminiscient of Germany, with half-timbered houses and dishes heavy in sausage, potatoes and cheese. She rented an electric bicycle to explore the tiny towns that are hard to get to by public transit, including some of the towns that inspired Belle’s town in “Beauty and the Beast.”

She also visited the French Riviera. “From the rock formations called calanques in Cassis to the beaches of Nice to the cacti garden atop a mountain in Èze overlooking the clear blue Mediterranean, everything looks too stunning to be real. The light in southern France, especially for a painter, is magical and everything is warmed by the pastel yellows and oranges of the buildings,” she said.

Her artist residency, which took place in the village of Orquevaux, France in the region of Champagne, included a large studio space to herself and many hours in the day to just work,

“letting me create a huge body of work and experiment with creating larger paintings than I had ever done before,” she said. “For the first time since college, I was surrounded by people who had the same passion for creating I did and we could all speak the same language with each other, no matter if we were writers or painters or dancers or musicians.”

The results of her work, along with the work of other artists, will be showcased at Del Ray Artisans in a show called “Farther Afield,” from Sept. 1 – 30. Schmeling is curating the show. The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is at 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, visit delrayartisans.org.

THE BIG EASY: A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

BY MARY ANN BARTON PHOTOS BY BUZ NACHLAS

There is almost nowhere else in the United States that will transport you a world away the way New Orleans can, with its exuberant multicultural take on dining, music and architecture. Did we mention the dining?

The lobby of the historic Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

During a recent four-day stay, we lost ourselves (but not our appetites) in “The Big Easy,” an apt moniker for the easy-going, laid-back way of life in New Orleans.

The city’s melange of French, Spanish, African, Hispanic and Caribbean cultures can be seen in the welcoming people, fascinating history, ornate architecture, foreign street names, fine dining and eclectic music across the city.

New Orleans traces its connection to France back to 1682, when FrenchCanadian explorer Rene´-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle canoeed down the Mississippi, feasted his eyes on the region and claimed it for France. La Salle called the land Louisiana after French King Louis XIV. In 1763, it changed hands to Spain, until 1800, and was then reacquired by France. On April 30, 1812, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million. Influences from the time periods can be seen around every corner.

Your first order of business will be deciding when to go and finding a place to stay. We visited during July, which sounds crazy with the heat and humidity, but the only time we noticed it was during a fairly lengthy (about a two-hour) outdoor tour of the Garden District but even then, hats and parasols helped shield the midday sun. The best time of year to visit, according to locals, is a “shoulder season” of fall or spring, but especially spring, when everything is in bloom.

You can fly non-stop on American or Southwest from Reagan National for less than $300 roundtrip. If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited New Orleans, you’ll likely notice the modern and airy $1.3 billion terminal, built in 2019. The old terminal was built in 1959.

Roosevelt New Orleans: Throwback to a glamorous era

Although there are plenty of newer choices, we opted to stay at the historic

Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, adjacent to the French Quarter. The lobby, with its chandeliers, palm fronds and intricate tiling, is a throwback to a more glamorous era. The hotel traces its roots to 1893 when it opened as the Hotel Grunewald. The hotel is said to be one of the inspirations for author Arthur Hailey’s 1965 book “Hotel,” after he stayed there for two months. Controversial politician Huey P. Long kept a suite at the Roosevelt during his visits to New Orleans. Today the hotel features a fitness center, spa, restaurant, bar, breakfast room, gift shop and rooftop pool. The dining options at the hotel include the Fountain Lounge (next time, we’ll try not to miss Fried Chicken Mondays), the Sazerac Bar (a restored landmark serving the official cocktail of New Orleans), Teddy’s Cafe (serving breakfast and brunch) and The Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail after a dip in the pool.

After a morning flight, we arrived at the hotel and stowed our luggage, grabbing a taxi at the front of the hotel (Gertrude was our friendly driver and coincidentally, we ended up in her cab at least three times during our weekend stay). We headed to Peche Seafood Grill for lunch in The Warehouse District. In 2014, it was named the country’s Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.

The restaurant is open and airy with high ceilings, brick walls and original fish-oriented artwork. Friendly and helpful, our waitress steers us to choices of Gulf shrimp and seafood gumbo to start from a menu that’s printed daily. Next up was our entrees: Grilled Tuna with okra and pickled papaya and Baked Drum with corn, summer squash and cashews.

We appreciated the fact that the kitchen concentrated more on flavor and presentation and less on the volume of food. We had room left over for dessert —the restaurant’s renowned salted caramel cake and delicious key lime pie. The desserts are created by pastry chef Maggie

Scales. As we left, the restaurant was filled with casually dressed patrons and others in business attire.

National WWII Museum to Open Liberation Pavilion

The restaurant is close to the National World War II Museum, where we were headed. In November, the museum will celebrate the opening of the Liberation Pavilion, exploring the end of World War II. The pavilion will also explore the Holocaust, the postwar years and how the war continues to impact our lives today. The Nov. 3 grand opening will be a part of the $400 million museum’s weeklong D-Day to Liberation: Road to Victory Celebration. Tickets to the museum are $39.50 per person and there are discounts including free admission for World War II veterans and their companions.

After checking out all the interesting exhibits at the museum, in particular the compelling “Road to Tokyo: Pacific Theater Galleries” and the gift shop, we headed back to the hotel to check into our room, a spacious suite, which included a separate living room and deluxe coffee machine.

After a quick nap, we were off to Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant, which has earned numerous accolades under Chef Donald Link, who is a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef South in 2007. A standout of the evening: It would be a sin not to try the Corn-Meal Fried Oysters. Amazing taste, along with the accompanying hot sauce and spicy coleslaw, which we continue to try to recreate at home with little success. Friendly and professional servers made the night extra special. The crowd was dressy and the vibe was fun.

Old school turn-down service with evening chocolates greeted us back at the Roosevelt.

On our next day in New Orleans, we shared a croissant and banana in the

hotel’s Teddy’s Cafe before heading to the Audubon Aquarium, which sits on the Mississippi River waterfront and reopened in June. It now includes the Insectarium, which involves creepy crawly (and fascinating) bugs as well as an indoor butterfly garden. The aquarium exhibits feature the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River, the Amazon and Caribbean Reef.

We enjoyed seeing the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit (housed in a special corner less tank with circular water-flow), the African penguins (who come up to the glass swimming underwater and slap and splash their flippers), Frosty,

the Barred Owl, a beautiful blue Macaw in a rainforest setting and the numerous sharks and Green Sea turtles. The aquarium gets crowded fast on the weekend, so if you plan to go, get advance tickets. If you’re the first ones into the building, you’ll be able to enjoy the exhibits without the large crowds. Be sure to ask questions of the knowledgeable staff.

Commander’s Palace festive jazz brunch

After the aquarium we were off to Commander’s Palace in the Garden District for their famous jazz brunch. The historic restaurant, which dates to 1893, has a woman at the helm in the kitchen, Executive Chef Meg Bickford, for the first time. Her cuisine does not disappoint. On a Saturday morning, it was bustling with New Orleanians and tourists celebrating birthdays, weddings and more with festive balloons at each table and a trio of strolling musicians (trumpet, bass fiddle and banjo) taking requests. The restaurant frowns on T-shirts, open-toed shoes and shorts just fyi. We started our brunch off seated in the Garden Room upstairs next to a large window overlooking a garden. We first tried the Shrimp & Tasso Henican (wild Louisiana white shrimp, Tasso ham, pickled okra, sweet onions, five pepper jelly and Crystal hot sauce). Next up were our entrees, which included the Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict (featuring a 16-hour barbecued shoulder of pork over warm buttermilk biscuits, which was delicious and large enough for two). Pecan pie a la mode and banana cream pudding were the perfect ending for a brunch you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

A macaw sits on his perch at the Audobon Aquarium, which recently reopened after a $41 million renovation.

Cornmeal fried oysters at Herbsaint

We walked off the amazing meal with a stroll around the neighborhood and after Ubering back to the hotel, decided to check out the rooftop pool. A helpful attendant waved us over to the only two chaise lounges available, where we relaxed with some reading and a quick nap before our next culinary adventure.

Dickie Brennan’s Tableau is a beautiful white-tablecloth restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter. We headed there for a leisurely dinner before a ghost tour. Two standouts were the Truffled Crab Claws, served with toasted baguette and the Gulf Fish Almondine. I kicked myself later after finding out they had outdoor seating upstairs overlooking Jackson Square. Next time!

After getting our steps in while on a spooky ghost tour after dinner, where we discovered fascinating facts about the City’s history, we headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

On our third day, we were off to the legendary Brennan’s for breakfast, where we tried the Upside Down Banana Cake and Oysters J’aime (oysters with Creole Tomato Gravy and Cornbread Crumble). After Eggs Hussarde and Eggs Sardou, we stepped outside to the back courtyard to see the celebrated family of turtles, who live in a fountain there and star in their own parade each year. Next time, I’ll be sure to try Bananas Foster, which was invented at Brennan’s.

After breakfast we took an Uber to the riverfront where we got on a Gray Line bus for a tour of Oak Alley, a plantation located about 50 miles from New Orleans. It gets its name from a double row of 28 oak trees that line the walkway up to the mansion. A tour at Oak Alley includes a permanent exhibit that tells the history of the more than 100 enslaved men, women and children who worked and lived there. Six reconstructed cabins stand where the original community was located. Narrated tours give details of what life was like for the plantation owners and enslaved people. The 200-yearold sugar cane industry is still thriving in the state, employing 16,000 and growing in 22 parishes across the south-central region of the state.

An oak tree at Oak Alley, a former sugar plantation.

Marvelous Muffalata

After returning to our hotel from the tour, we rested up before walking to Napoleon House to try their Famous Warm Italian Muffalata sandwich. It did not disappoint. The signature sandwich pays homage to Italian immigrants who first opened groceries and delis in the French Market. The sandwich is made with ham, Genoa salami, pastrami, Swiss and Provolone cheese and is slathered with a housemade tangy chopped olive salad dressing piled onto a sesame seed-encrusted Italian bread. A quarter of the sandwich is plenty for one person. The 200-year old building housing the restaurant was once the home of Nicholas Girod, who served as mayor from 1812 to 1815.

Next, we were headed to hear some music at Preservation Hall, where reservations are required. A long line of ticket-holders stands outside for the 45-minute concert held upstairs in an unair conditioned room with fans. Seating is on wooden benches or standing. No one is allowed to record or take photos during the concert. Banter between the musicians, who are members of the Preservation Hall All-Stars (made up of local master veteran musicians), and the audience is part of the fun. The 45 minutes goes by fast.

We walked back to the hotel and the next morning, our final day in New Orleans, we packed our bags before hopping in a cab (with Gertrude at the wheel) to the Garden District, where we enjoyed eggs,

bacon and coffee at Molly’s Rise and Shine. We then walked to a nearby spot where we met our very knowledgeable guide with Two Chicks Walking Tours and others for a two-hour tour of the beautiful mansions, including one owned by actor John Goodman and another by actress Sandra Bullock.

After exiting the tour and stopping for our bags at the hotel, we said goodbye to the friendly staff at the Roosevelt and headed to the airport. After getting through security, it was time for one last bowl of gumbo from Ye Olde College Inn at the airport before heading home.

What a great way to spend a long weekend. We’ll be back, New Orleans!

Tableau is a white-tablecloth restaurant near Jackson Square.

Preservation Hall features 45-minute concerts by master jazz musicians.

Nicole gets you.

Marketing Manager

Alexandria resident

Internet that gets you

Nicole knows you want an internet provider that is as dedicated to the community as it is to each customer. She also knows you want amazing internet and customer support all at a fair price. Is Nicole psychic? Nope—it’s just that as a fellow Alexandria resident, it’s exactly what she wants for herself.

Get a month of free service and no start-up costs when you sign up for Ting.

Home Fiber 1000 Gigabit Internet

$89/mo

Up to 1,000 Mbps download and upload speeds

Connect 20+ devices seamlessly

Unlimited data

To learn more and preorder internet that gets you, visit tinginternet.com/alexandria.

'A Feeling Like No Other' Bianca Del Cid on Starting Her Own Business

BY MARY ANN BARTON

organisms (GMOs),” she said. The term “organic,” she added, refers to a specific method of agricultural production that focuses on sustainability, environmental protection and natural practices.

Today her most popular product is the Lavender + Chamomile Natural Soap Bar. “Its calming and relaxing properties are a must try!” she said.

For Alexandrians out there thinking about starting their own business, Del Cid advised “surrounding yourself with likeminded people.”

“For me, it was listening to podcasts and feeling motivated and inspired, and then just doing it, just starting. It won’t be perfect, in the beginning, and that’s OK!”

designing her own packaging. The most challenging aspect of starting her own business was “probably the fact that I have not seen anyone do this successfully in my own family, not knowing how to start and figuring it all out as I go.”

She enjoys the flexibility she has created in her daily schedule and being able to spend her summers with her daughter Sophia.

Del Cid was born and raised in Woodbridge. Her parents immigrated from El Salvador and Guatemala in the early 1980s. She moved to Alexandria because it was closer to her job.

Before she started her own business, Bianca Del Cid worked for the City of Alexandria’s Department of Human Services, assisting the senior and disabled population with long-term care benefits.

In 2019, she started White Lily Shoppe, which features handmade organic soaps. “I started WLS in 2019 as a side project, I was planning my sister-inlaw’s baby shower and needed party favors,” she said. “I found some beautiful handmade soaps on Pinterest and thought, “I can make these!” and since that day, I just kept going. I ended up opening an Etsy shop six months later, and then I applied for my very first trade show by the end of 2019.”

She juggled her day job and her new business at the same time for over a year. “This meant a lot of late nights and it was not easy, however, I could not have done it all without the amazing help from my family,” she said.

What makes her soaps organic? “The oils used in my soap recipe are organic, they’ve been grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified

Del Cid makes her own products. “All the products are handmade by me in my home kitchen,” she said. "Eventually, I will need to expand and hire a team of local soap makers.”

She hired a brand designer, who created her logo and fonts and inspired her in

Today she’s proud of the business she has created. “Knowing that I had the power to create the direction of my life,” she said, “I used my passion in creating something so beautiful and being able to share that with the community is a feeling like no other.”

Alexandria restaurant I enjoy most: Sister’s Thai and Fish Market When I'm not working, I am: Spending time with my family. My morning routine includes: Listening to podcasts.

My favorite vacation spot is: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

You'd be surprised to learn that I: Majored in Criminal Justice because I wanted to be an FBI Agent.

Three people I would invite to a dinner party: My daughter, my boyfriend and my Mom.

My favorite movie is: “Bridesmaids”

My favorite book is: The Bible

What I like most about Alexandria is: The scenery, the people, and the support from the community.

I’m most proud of: What I have created so far with White Lily Shoppe and what is yet to come!

201 N. Union St., Suite 110

Alexandria, VA 22314

Introducing the newest powerhouse brokerage team

Two of the most respected names in local real estate – McEnearney Associates and Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties – have combined their exceptional talent and resources into one powerhouse firm. This strategic union marks a significant milestone poised to affirm their long-standing traditions of excellence and transform the future of independent real estate.

McEnearney Associates began in 1980 when John McEnearney founded his independent Alexandria brokerage with the vision “Not to be the biggest, but The Best.” More than 40 years later, that future remains bright with the announcement last week that McEnearney would be merging with Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties, another premier independent brokerage that was created in 2008 (incorporating the venerable Middleburg Real Estate firm that was founded in 1939) with a commitment to polished customer service, superior agent support and dedicated community involvement.

From left to right: Scott Buzzelli, David Howell, Maureen McEnearney Dunn, Dave Hawkins, Peter Pejacsevich