Alexandria
Summer Concerts in Northern VirginiaSummer concerts are found all over Northern Virginia and it's just one of the many benefits of life inside and near the Beltway. Keep in mind that outdoor concerts may be canceled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. City of AlexandriaIn the City of Alexandria, concerts are coordinated by the City's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities Special Events Office. Although Alexandria has many parking garages and lots, the City of Alexandria encourages visitors to historic Old Town to use the Metro rail. Both the Yellow and Blue metro lines stop at the King Street Station in Old Town. From there, visitors can hop on a Metro or DASH bus, but the King Street Trolley is free and fun. Alexandria offers: The Lunch Brunch ConcertsThese concerts are at Canal Plaza in Alexandria VA which is located at 44 Canal Center Plaza. Music starts at noon.
For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686. Music At Twilight Concerts
Music at Twilight is at Fort Ward Park Amphitheater. Fort Ward Park is located at
4301 West Braddock Rd. Music usually begins at at 7:30 pm.
For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686. Ben Brenman Park ConcertsThe concerts begin at 7 pm at Ben Brenman Park at the amphitheater. Ben Brenman Park is located near Cameron Station at 4800 Brenman Park Dr. Alexandria VA.
For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.883.4686. Arlington CountyRosslyn Music & Farmer's MarketThe Farmers Market at Wilson Boulevard & N. Oak Street in Rosslyn VA features lunchtime concerts on Thursdays from May through September 24th. The music begins at a quarter till noon and ends at 1:30 in the afternoon.
Pentagon CityPentagon Row in Pentagon City also offers exciting outdoor events, including a 10-week Summer Concert Series.
Fairfax CountyNot to be outdone, Fairfax County boasts a full schedule of summer concerts. Spotlight by StarlightSpotlight by Starlight is at the Mason District Park Amphitheatre located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale VA.
For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time. Lee District NightsLee District Nights happen on Wednesday nights at at Lee District Park Amphitheater near Kingstowne and Franconia in Alexandria.
Braddock NightsBraddock Nights is spread over several venues. The following concerts are at the Lake Accotink Park on Friday nights.
For detailed information on any of these concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time. Braddock Nights is also at Ossian Hall Park on Sundays
On Fridays Braddock Nights is at Royal Lake Park.
For detailed information on any Braddock Night concerts check here. For information about last minute performance cancellations due to rain or inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time. | ||||
EOS-21 at the West End of Alexandria VA
EOS-21 is so named for the 21 buildings that are on the EOS property. Of these 21 buildings 6 are condominiums and the remainder are apartments. EOS-21 is in West End Alexandria not far from Landmark Mall between Van Dorn and Duke St. EOS-21 has easy access to Old Town Alexandria and is close to both the Beltway (I-495) and I-395. EOS-21 is one of the most affordable communities inside the Beltway, but that doesn't mean you need to compromise on amenities. EOS-21 residents enjoy
Parking is available at no extra charge. In some units the washer and dryer are in the unit. In some units the washer and dryer is in the building. EOS-21 offers garden-style condos and apartments with several floorplans and styles.
Click EOS-21 for listings and to
see what's for sale.
This EOS unit is a 2 bedroom 2 bath and will rent for $1349 monthly. Condo fees and
rents at EOS-21 include the cost of
The units were refurbished during the condominium conversion.
There's plenty to see around the grounds.
You'll find that EOS-21 is a well-maintained property with lots of visual interest
in the landscaping.
This is a small portion of the fitness room. TV's, cardio-vascular equipment and more
are found facing the window.
The club room has TV's, billiards and a lounge for guests.
This is one of the communities two pools.
The EOS community also has a convenience store and dry cleaner.
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The Royalton of Alexandria--Fine Condo LivingThe Royalton of Alexandria
The Royalton of Old Town AlexandriaThe Royalton of Alexandria is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Steps away from the King Street Metro, Amtrak and the VRE. The Royalton condos are a commuters dream! These high-ceiling units offer granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The Royalton of Alexandria has a fitness room and underground parking. The Royalton of Old Town Alexandria is conveniently located atop of the brand new Whole Foods.
The Royalton of Alexandria is close to all the major employment and transportation centers--Washington, Arlington, Falls Church, Springfield, Crystal City. The Royalton is located just a few miles away from Reagan National Airport.
Contact Brian and ask about his "buy
with me, move for free program." Click the Royalton for
a look at prices and listings at the Royalton.
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Eisenhower Metro on the Yellow Line in Alexandria VA
Eisenhower is a two platform station. Access to both platforms is provided to two escalators and an elevator. Bike parking is available with 10 bike racks and 6 lockers in the station. The first train departs at 4:51 am Huntington and the last train departs at 12:37 am Huntington. Service became available to the public on December, 17, 1983. The REX bus provides service nearby at the corner of Swamp Fox Rd. and Eisenhower. Eisenhower is served by DASH buses 2, 6, & 7. Metrorail fares are posted on the WMATA site. Fares are discounted for children and seniors. The Eisenhower Metro serves the Carlyle District and is convenient for workers at businesses in and around the Hoffman Center. The Eisenhower Metro is also useful for many residents in the condos of the Carlyle District. For some residents, the Eisenhower Metro is more convenient than the King St. Metro. The Eisenhower Metro is in the 22314 zip code, which is generally considered Old Town Alexandria, but there is very little that is "old" anywhere near this stop in the Carlyle District. The Carlyle Towers and several other new structures dominate the skyline here. For more information about Carlyle Towers, or the condos of the Carlyle District, please contact Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria at 703 765 0300.
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Rainy Day at the Watergate in Alexandria VAI stopped by the Watergate at Landmark this weekend. It was a rainy day, but the rain seemed bring out the colors so I snapped a few pictures.
This is the putting green as seen from a balcony at the Watergate.
And then a look back toward the pool and the community center.
The unit itself was in near perfect condition. These pictures really don't do it justice. The putting green and pools are just some of the many amenities of the Watergate at Landmark. Among other things the Watergate features a 38,000-square foot, multi-purpose community center and an adjoining fitness center with
This community center has many ares of interest to residents:
Conveniences such as an ATM machine, a unisex hair salon, a sandwich-shop, and a convenience store also are on-site in the community center. In addition to the many amenities of the community center, residents can enjoy:
Condo fees are a little higher at the Watergate but when you figure that the fee in includes insurance, gas, trash, water, sewer, heating, cooling electricity and the many amenities of Watergate: it's well worth it.
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Jones Point Park on the Potomac in Alexandria VAJones Point Park is owned by the National Park Service and it's 52-plus acres compise the largest open space in Old Town Alexandria VA. Jones Point is located on the Potomac River near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the southeast corner of Alexandria, Virginia. Jones Point is a nice place for a walk or picnic by the Potomac and is popular with Alexandria's bird watchers, dog owners and history buffs. In addition to open green space and river banks, Jones Point offers
The survey stones placed here under the direction and guidance of George Washington after 1790 mark the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. The land which George Washington surveyed for the Federal City was within the capital boundaries for 45 years, from February 27, 1801 until September 7, 1846, when Alexandria was ceded back into Northern Virginia by Congress.
Jones Point Park is very accessible for residents of Old
Town Alexandria, Ford's
Landing, Porto Vecchio and Bearings
South.
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Fire Department responds to a call in Belle View
Units from the Fairfax County and Alexandria City Fire and Rescue Departments responded
to a call yesterday from Belle View condominiums in New Alexandria VA. New Alexandria
has an Alexandria postal address, but is actually part of Fairfax County.
Fire and rescue units from Fairfax County's nearby Sherwood Hall station arrived before
units from the City of Alexandria. Fairfax County officials responded with fire trucks,
an ambulance and police cruisers. Police blocked off westbound Belle View Boulevard
in front of the Belle View Shopping Center to give rescuers room to work. By the time
Alexandria responders arrived it appeared that Fairfax County had the problem well
in hand.
By the time these pictures were taken the fire was under control and/or extinguished, but smoke and burnt plastic could still be smelled in the streets. Residents and witnesses said they believed the fire was from a second story unit and may have been a kitchen fire. At least 1 person was taken to the hospital for further examination, but there were no apparent injuries other than smoke inhalation. 
The Incident Commander wrapped up with an after-action report and life soon returned to normal in Belle View. Will Nesbitt is the Principal Broker of Condo Alexandria and serves home buyers, sellers and landlords throughout Northern Virginia. | ||||
Alexandria's Civil War Memorial
One of the busiest intersections in Old Town Alexandria VA occurs where Prince St. crosses Washington St. This intersection is dominated by a memorial of the U.S. Civil War. Over the years, and on several occasions, drivers have crashed their vehicles into the statue. As a result some folks filed petitions to have the memorial moved. But the statue has not moved and remains a fixture in Alexandria. I doubt the statue ever will be moved because of the historical significance of the statue's location. In 1861, at the place where the statue now stands, the sons and fathers, brothers and men of Alexandria gathered to pick up arms against the Union. After the Civil War, the surviving veterans formed a chapter of the United Confederate Veterans. Together members of the organization commissioned a memorial for their fallen comrades. The statue's design depicts an unarmed Confederate soldier at Appomattox. The soldier's head is bowed as he observes the Confederate surrender. The statue was dedicated on May 24th, 1889. The George Washington Parkway is one in the same with Washington St. as the Parkway passes through Old Town, and thus the Parkway, and some of Old Town's heaviest traffic, passes the statue. As originally planned, the Confederate Statue was surrounded by a fence and ornamental gas lamps, but by 1923, motor vehicles and electric lights caused a change in design. The traffic continue to increase on South Washington Street and 1932 when construction of the Parkway was completed, the grounds surrounding the statue were paved over. The pictures below depict the statue as it looked prior to the completion of the GW Parkway at a time when motor vehicles were still relatively uncommon.
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Indian Food at the MicroconYears ago I wrote a game called Battlestorm and as part of the promotion tour, I travelled to game conventions all over the US. The largest and best of these game conventions like GenCon and Origins Game Fair would have 30,000 to 50,000 attendees who come to play games, attend lectures, see old friends and make new friends. It was my first exposure the convention circuit and it made quite an impression on me.
At these game conventions I met many celebrities, mostly actors from science fiction shows and movies, and some authors. In addition I met many gamers from around the country. I didn't often get the chance to play games at these conventions because I was too busy selling my own game, but I did get the opportunity to tour the displays and meet others before the gates opened to the general public. Today, I don't attend game conventions in a professional capacity, but I still attend one or two conventions a year. My wife Julie and I enjoy the drive up to the Lancaster Resort and Convention Center in Lancaster. Smaller conventions like Historicon and Cold Wars up in Lancaster have perhaps 5,000 attendees. However, these smaller conventions are closer and they still offer a lot of fun. Most conventions last 3 to 4 days. When I was a presenter I would stay for the entire convention, but as an attendee I rarely stay more than 1 day.
Reflecting the fun I'd seen at these conventions, I hatched the idea of bringing a smaller version to Alexandria. Using our group Alexandria Fun with Friends we host a mini-convention on a nearly monthly basis. The Microcon is much smaller in every respect. We usually have 30 to 70 attendees. Instead of taking up space in a convention hall, we usually occupy the Club Room of a local condominium. Attendees come to learn, teach and share games. Together, we play social games, board games, card games and role-playing games to get to know each other and to have fun. The fun starts at 2 in the afternoon and at dinner time we take a break to eat a meal. At a big convention, vendors are ever-present selling everything from carnie-food to gourmet meals, but our Microcon doesn't have any food vendors.
Many times, Julie has made food like chili or enchiladas or lasagna. Sometimes we have had the food catered. Most recently, the food at the Microcon was provided by Dishes of India, an Indian restaurant located in the Belle View Shopping Center.
If you've never had Indian food, or if you love Indian food, I highly recommend Dishes of India. The lunch buffet is the best way to take a tour of what the restaurant has to offer. The food is generally mild and very "American-friendly", meaning there are options on the buffet which will please the pickiest palate. For example, you might not like Indian food, but I know you like fire-roasted chicken. Vegetarians will enjoy simple foods like potatoes or green beans will Indian spices. If you need an event catered, contact Gopal at Dishes of India. I found him to be friendly helpful and accommodating. He tailored a menu to fit our budget and our needs and there was ample food for our attendees.
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Landmark Mall
To contact the office send mail or call: Landmark Mall
5801 Duke St (703) 354-8405 Mall HoursMonday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm Memorial Day: 10:00am-9:00pm Department store and restaurant hours may vary.
One of the fun features of Landmark Mall is the kiddie train. The train takes on passengers at the center of the mall and then---toot-toot!---the train shuttles its little passengers around the mall and back to the play-are at the mall's center.
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The 
Although
the National Park Service owns Jones Point Park, the Alexandria Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Activities manages the park. The parks custodians strive to preserve
and showcase the 9,000 years of human history evidenced at Jones Point. Recognizable
touch-points like Jones Point Lighthouse from the middle of the 19th Century are found
here along with artifacts from Native Americans and colonists from the early days
of European settlement. During the first World War, Jones Point was an important shipbuilding
site and remnants of that abandoned heritage are unearthed for visitors to see.
Old Town Alexandria
 Alexandria is a Colonial seaport located down-river and within eyesight of Washington DC. Alexandria was George Washington's hometown. The city's roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby's Tavern; Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church. The Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings, outstanding examples of early American architecture that now house small businesses and gracious homes, all waiting to give you a modern welcome. Old Town is characterized by brick sidewalks that line historic structures. Elegant modern structures are carefully planned to fit with the feel of Old Town.
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Shopping in Old TownAnne Taylor, Banana Republic, the Gap, Birkenstock, Brooks Brothers, & Talbot are just a few of the nationally recognized retailers with a presence in Old Town. In addition a wide variety of boutiques and shops provide clothing, jewelry, books, home furnishings and more.
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Dining in Old TownAlexandria has a plethora of cuisines available in local restaurants. Prices range from fast-food to fine-dining, but most of the restaurants in Old Towne offer upscale fare at reasonable prices. Also, you'll find the variety and selection you would expect at any tourist spot: ice cream parlors, specialty bakeries, taverns and public houses.
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Evening in Old TownThroughout the year Old Town Alexandria remains a popular night-spot for locals and tourists alike. Old Town has a unique vibe though. You won't find frat-style keg parties, or sweaty after-hours discoteques in Old Town. The evening starts with families and tourists and the dancers and drinkers show up late. The atmosphere is subtly more upscale than other nightspots in the DC area. The partiers are laid-back and approachable but well-dressed with impeccable behavior.
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