Alexandria has many wonderful events that take place in the city. With popular annual events like the Scottish Walk Parade, the George Washington Birthday Celebration, the Red Cross Waterfront Festival and the fall Festival of the Arts plus new events, performances and even chocolate tastings, you will find something to do all year long!
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The largest and longest running exhibit of its kind in the United States, with artists from around the globe at Woodlawn, the beautiful home of George Washington's adopted granddaughter.
In preparation for the Grand Ball on April 17, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors. $12 per class; $30 for the series of three. Reservations recommended.
Kids of all ages plus their canine family members will be welcome to participate in an Easter egg hunt. ACKC, Artfully Paper and Barkley Square are organizing the hunt with some 2000 eggs. Other sponsors include Purple Goose, Executive Lock and Key Hardware, Evening Star, and Erickson & Ripper Gallery, The eggs will be of two types: those for human children with chocolate and a ticket and those for canine children with doggy treats in them, also with a ticket. The tickets will be for prize drawings at the end of the hunt. Some prizes being humans and others for our canine participants. The grand prize will be a 26 inch chocolate bunny made by ACKC. To make the anticipation of the event even stronger, the chocolate bunny will be on display at ACKC (2003a Mt. Vernon Ave) starting the week of March 14. Come by and imagine what you can do with all that chocolate. Donations being accepted for both the American Red Cross and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Alexandria author Thomas E. Crocker will discuss his book "Braddock’s March: How the Man Sent to Seize a Continent Changed American History." Braddock stopped in Alexandria in 1755 and used it as a major staging point for his expedition. The Congress of colonial governors that Braddock summoned at Carlyle House was a turning point in America’s relations with Great Britain. Mr. Crocker will discuss the expedition, with particular reference to its importance in Alexandria’s history. Open to all!
During Women's History Month, join Dr. Peter Henriques, Professor Emeritus of History from George Mason University, as examines Washington’s relationship with key women throughout his life. While Washington is often thought of as a “man’s man,” he had important and revealing relationships with a number of women: mother Mary Ball Washington, first love Sally Fairfax, wife Martha Custis, and friend Eliza Powell. Doors open at 7 p.m., lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.
These sessions operate on a drop-in basis so there is no need to register in advance. Bring your supplies and join us at the gallery to draw or paint our live models. We don't supply easels - only plenty of chairs - but you are welcome to bring your own if you want to use one. The session starts with some short 5 minute warm-up poses and progressively move into longer poses lasting 10-45 minutes. These sessions provide a great opportunity to hone your drawing and observation skills.
Save room for Chef Soper's Spring Lamb Dinner. This annual event is by reservation only, call us to reserve your place. Alexandria's favorite stop for fun, food and drink. Serving the finest steaks and the freshest seafood, Union Street Public House is conveniently located in the heart of Old Town. With fresh oysters, 11 beers on tap, more available in the bottle, and a varied wine list, Union Street does not disappoint.
Join us for the 4th in a series of 4 wine tastings! No country is better known for fine wine production than France. Knowledge of French wines is essential to any wine education. We will taste a selection of wines from several regions in France. Wine tasting sessions are $25 per person. Purchase the entire series of 4 for $75 per person. Additional sessions will be Feb 11, Feb 25, & March 10. All tasting sessions will be led by Wilkinson Wine Cellar.
An in-depth exploration of the ancient elements of the African Dagara Medicine Wheel that will energize, empower, and balance your life. Toby will present the teachings and rituals of each of these elements, as well as the specific drumming rhythms associated with each of the elements. Learn how each of us is inextricably linked to a certain element (and rhythm) by birth, and how you can use this knowledge to balance your own energy and life. $60 by 2 days before, then $65.
The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association will host the Opening Reception from 4 to 6 p.m. The Athenaeum is located in Old Town Alexandria, one block south of the King & Lee streets trolley stop.
"African Goddesses" presents a review of female Deities that are honored throughout the Diaspora. Explore the attributes, legends, and lore that empower women and men to enhance their own Spiritual selves and their lives. Mamaissi Makena, a Mami Wata-Vodoun priestess has traveled and studied in Ghana, South Africa, and Egypt as a historian, educator and culturalist, learning and training in history, traditional rites, and spiritual systems first-hand for the past 15 years. $20 by 2 days before, then $25. CALL TO REGISTER.
New for 2010! Bike and Roll Alexandria will offer our Blossoms by Bike River Ride during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Celebrate the arrival of spring and see the natural beauty of our Nation’s Capital at its peak. Ride along the Mount Vernon Trail and into DC and view the sea of pink and white blossoms along the Potomac River and up close along the Tidal Basin. Blossoms by Bike River Ride is a moderate level ride and is recommended for those 13 years or above.
Just as guests to the tavern did over 200 years ago, enjoy different rum punch creations from local distilleries, restaurants and caterers and vote for your favorite! Also enjoy food (both period and modern) as well as a silent auction full of great items. Cost is $50 per person (includes admission and food and drinks for the evening) or $100 (includes admission, food and drinks, and patron bag). Reservations are required. 7-9:30 p.m.
Post 24 members as well as veterans, active duty and Reserve service members, are invited to eat lunch weekdays at the American Legion Post at reasonable prices. Flat screen TVs and a pool table in a cool, quiet atmsosphere. Located at the base of the flag pole - buzz to enter, turn left on entering into clubroom.
Immerse yourself in exotic dance moves every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Join the dancer and show your moves! Reservations recommended.
The nation's oldest farmers market offers a variety of vendors, including baked goods, cut flowers, live plants, and crafts.
Afternoon tea service! Please RSVP for this ongoing event taking place every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The menu includes your choice of tea or a glass of French Sparkling cider (additional fee), strawberries with fresh whipped cream, assorted finger sandwiches, house-made scones served with Devonshire cream & jams, and assorted fine pastries and cookies.
Join us Friday nights at 10 p.m. as we welcome live Flamenco guitarists, "Duende Camaron". There is never a cover, and our kitchen is open until 11 p.m. "Eat a little, drink a little, have a LOT of fun"!
Join us on Fridays for live Flamenco shows at 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. There is never a cover charge, and our kitchen is open until 11 p.m. Stop by and see our new lounge! "Eat a little, drink a little, have a LOT of fun"!
Join us at La Tasca Saturdays at 9 p.m. and dance the night away listening to the contagious latin rythyms of "Deep Dreams". There is never a cover charge and our kitchen is open until 11 p.m.
2 Person Fixed Menu, offered Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday includes 3 courses: Primi, Secondi (familgia style), Dolce & a bottle of wine (White, red or Lambrusco). Price per couple $35, excludes tax & gratuity. Primi: choice of Insalata mista or Bruschetta; Secondi: Saltimbocca alla Romana served with spinach & polenta or Home made spaghetti with meatballs (beef, veal & pork); Dolce: Tiramisu or Cannoli
Old Town Toastmasters invites visiting Toastmasters and prospective members to join us. We meet at 6:30 at the Trattoria Da Franco, near the corner of Duke and Washington Streets in Old Town. Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays (use the contact information to confirm meeting dates falling on or near holidays). Parking available on Washington Street and at the United Bank near the restaurant. Join us for a full dinner or a light snack—along with great speeches and conversation! Each meeting has 3 main agenda items: 1. prepared speeches 2. speaker evaluations 3. table topics (an impromptu speaking opportunity for those not giving prepared speeches) Our membership includes both veteran and beginning Toastmasters and we represent a wide variety of professions. Please join us for a lively and informative evening.
Old Town Toastmasters invites visiting Toastmasters and prospective members to join us. We meet at 6:30 at the Trattoria Da Franco, near the corner of Duke and Washington Streets in Old Town. Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays (please use the contact information to confirm meeting dates falling on or near holidays). Parking is available on Washington Street and at the United Bank near the restaurant. Join us for a full dinner or a light snack—along with great speeches and conversation! Our membership includes both veteran and beginning Toastmasters and we represent a wide variety of professions. Please join us for a lively and informative evening.
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is now offering up-close and highly informative guided tours once a month with its new "Behind the Counter" tours. This is your chance to truly explore this Alexandria treasure first established in 1792. Witness the evolution of the Stabler-Leadbeater pharmaceutical business through the museum's buildings and collection. Examine the objects, archival materials, and the building itself - by going behind the counter! Reservations are required, and the tour price of $25 per person also includes a light breakfast. Because of the exclusive access, tours are limited to no more than 12 people. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The names of famous customers appear in the documents, including Martha Washington, James Monroe, Nelly Custis and Robert E. Lee.
20% off glasses of wine at lunch 20% off bottles of wine at dinner
This new exhibition blends historical photographs, artifacts and reflections to tell the story of Girl Scouting in the Washington metro area. “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” features a collection of Girl Scout uniforms from the 1910s, 1930s and 1960s, Brownie items from as early as 1937, a display of cookie fundraising materials, and extensive camping and hiking exhibits highlighted by a tent and official Girl Scout gear, including a canteen, collapsible cup, compass and more.
A special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers! Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom Mondays, excluding Federal holidays, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Themes change monthly. $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or purchase a 5-week pass for $30.
Join us at Cheesetique where we are proud to welcome you to our Cheese & Wine Bar, a cheese-centric restaurant with extensive hot and cold selections, a full wine and beer list, and of course some of the best cheeses and meats available anywhere.
Join us every Thursday to “stitch in space.” Knit or crochet in our lounge from 5pm to 9pm with other members of the fibre space community. Our knit doctor is also on site at this time to help you with your knit and crochet questions. We will, from time to time, even feature a certain project, technique or charity!
Purchase a "National Treasure Tour" to take an hour-long walking tour that includes behind-the-scenes information about areas where "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" filming took place and how these locations were used during George Washington's time. The tour includes the mysterious basement, usually closed to the public! These popular tours sell out quickly so please plan ahead! Purchasing tickets online is recommended.
Fontaine Caffe & Creperie is offering French Movie Night every Thursday @ 7:30 p.m. in the back room. Make it a date night or enjoy with a group of friends. No RSVP needed.
Pre-Theater menu special: 2-course Prix-Fixe $17.95/per person 5-7pm
Save some green Monday through Friday from lunch between 11am and 2:30pm where we'll be serving up a daily $11 lunch special. Ribs, Roast Beef, Meatloaf, French Dip and Fried Chicken or Fish round out the weekly menu. In a rush? Take it to go with compostable containers and "silverware" back to your desk and discard in a green compost bin.
Experience the powerful benefits of meditation with crystals to help us dissolve, release, integrate and amplify what we want. The classes will use: (3/11) Amazonite - Help letting go of anxiety & fear, opening the throat chakra for better communication and blocking geopathic stress. (3/18) Tiger Eye - Facilitates grounding, protection and integrity. (3/25) Amethyst - Calms and focuses the mind, enhances meditative states, and helps you feel more centered. Bring a meditation cushion. Mimi M. Malfitano has 17 years practicing combined TM Meditation and Dzogchen Meditation. CALL TO REGISTER
When peering through a keyhole, we consciously know we’re viewing something that wasn’t meant for our eyes, and therefore it becomes exciting and forbidden. Rosemary Feit Covey’s provocative images forces the viewer into the role of voyeur, either by demanding the viewer to observe her engravings through a peep show box, or on a photographer’s light box. Suggestive rather than overtly explicit, her wood engravings subtly deal with obsession on many levels.
Learn to cast on stitches, knit, purl and fix mistakes in this introduction to knitting. If you haven't knitted in years and just need a refresher, this is also the course for you. Students will learn all of the basic knitting skills needed to start a ribbed scarf project. Prerequisites: None! Supplies available for purchase at the shop before class.
Gallery hours: Thursday, Friday and Sunday 12 to 4 pm; Saturday 1 to 4 pm. Discover more about these works and the artists at the Opening Reception, March 28 from 4-6 pm. The Athenaeum, home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association, is located in Old Town Alexandria just 1 block south of the King & Lee streets trolley stop.
Each month, we will feature a fun and classic film in our shop along with sodas and popcorn. Bring your current work in progress and join us for a special night of stitching at the movies. No need to RSVP or register. These are free to all! Our next showing: Friday, March 26, 6:00 pm (showtime at 7) – John Water’s film Cry Baby
Usher in spring with these miniature bites of pastel perfection consisting of layers of cake, buttercream, and marzipan.
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