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One of the best ways to improve your life and general health is to up your fitness levels. If you're one of those people who prefer attending classes, there are many top-quality fitness centers in Alexandria, Virginia, where you'll receive expert guidance from trained professionals. Here are a few examples. more Mind the Mat At Mind the Mat, you can sign up for yoga and Pilates classes, which are both excellent ways to strengthen your core and improve joint stability and overall flexibility. Here, they offer well-equipped studios, including state-of-the-art hot studios, and a variety of different classes that cater to both beginners and more advanced students who are looking for a challenge. Students can also stay in shape through digital online classes. Those who prefer yoga can choose from options like deep stretch, flow, and prenatal yoga classes, whereas Pilates students can opt for Mat, barre, or HAWT Pilates classes, as well as boot camps. Mind the Mat also offers therapeutic yoga sessions for those with injuries, limitations, or health conditions. In addition, aspiring instructors can sign up for various teacher-training programs that involve observing and co-teaching classes for several weeks. Zweet Sport What started off as a mutual passion between two athletes eventually evolved into Zweet Sport, which is a fitness and health center that consists of two elite fitness studios: one for hot yoga, and the other a total fitness studio. At these studios, they offer an array of fitness classes for both beginners and advanced students in hot yoga, indoor cycling, and small group fitness training. Students can attend classes in both studios with a single membership, allowing them to form a common community and get fit through various exercise disciplines. You can also opt for one-on-one training to help you achieve your personal fitness goals, whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle. To help you with the latter, Zweet Sport provides nutrition programs that involve establishing a client's personalized macronutrient goals and educating them on things like whole-food sources and healthy lifestyle choices. Sculp'd Sculp'd is another fitness center where you can attend both in-studio and livestream classes in a variety of disciplines. All classes, in-studio or online, offer custom modifications that cater to all fitness levels and body types. The center provides two studios where students can participate in six different class formats. In Studio A, you can enjoy a complete body workout with the Total Body class where each student gets to do Pilates-based exercises on their own sculp'd former machine. For a more cardio-focused workout, sign up for a Jumpboard class where your glutes, quads, and abs will receive a thorough workout, or the Remix'd class, which is high-intensity interval training. Studio B, in contrast, offers various yoga, barre, and proprietary Pilates classes. At these quality fitness centers in Alexandria, you will not only receive professional and attentive guidance from trained instructors during your personal fitness journey, but will also become part of a community of like-minded people that support and encourage each other. image via pixabay

There are few things as satisfying as a good pizza. Alexandria, Virginia, is home to many fine pizzerias and restaurants where you'll be treated to tasty pizzas prepared with fresh and homemade ingredients—and lots of care. more Del Ray Pizzeria Del Ray Pizzeria offers a laid-back, family-friendly setting where you can enjoy a good pizza paired with an ice-cold beer. The venue features a cozy bar area with a few TVs where you can catch some sports updates while sipping on a crispy pilsner or a hoppy IPA. If you're there for the pizza, however, move along to the roomy and clean dining space. At this joint, they don't serve New York- or Chicago-style pizzas but rather their own style—or styles. These include hand-tossed thin crusts, pan-handled thick crusts, and deep-fried calzones. In addition, you can now opt for a healthier, cauliflower pizza base. The menu features many unique and delicious pizza creations, such as the I Need Two Pears—with olive oil, mozzarella, blue cheese crumbs, caramelized pears, and balsamic mixed greens—or The Hills prepared with basil pesto, chicken, goat cheese, ricotta, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers. Lena's Wood-Fire Pizza & Tap If you like your pizza Neapolitan style and baked in a wood-burning oven, Lena's is your go-to pizza joint. Apart from their authentic wood-fired pizza, this restaurant offers an elegant and modern venue with lots of raw brick and wood surfaces. The dining room boasts a stylish bar area where patrons can sit down for a craft beer or a house cocktail, and there's also a welcoming patio outside for dining when the weather is nice. At Lena's, the pizza dough is made from scratch with only top-quality double zero flour and spring water, and you can rest assured that all toppings are fresh. On the menu, you'll find a combination of classic and innovative pizza options, such as the Pepperoni with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and hand-cut Pepperoni; and the Korean BBQ with Korean barbecue short ribs, gochujang, scallions, mozzarella, and pickled vegetables. Delia's Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven Pizza When the doors of the original Delia's opened way back in 1981 in Springfield, Virginia, it was an immediate success due to a special combination of Old World recipes and a welcoming family atmosphere. So prosperous was it that the family eventually decided to open a new Delia's with a modern flair in Alexandria. Besides a stylish venue with a gorgeous bar counter that looks like its made from gold, this pizzeria also offers mouthwatering Mediterranean fare. The menu is made up of diverse options, including Greek dishes like halloumi and grilled octopus as well as traditional Italian pasta and pizza options. The pizzas at this restaurant are baked in a traditional brick oven, and you can choose from gourmet creations like the Prosciutto White with ricotta, prosciutto, pine nuts, microgreens, and fig balsamic drizzle; and the Choro with spicy chorizo, prosciutto, hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and basil. Whether you like a pan-handled thick-crust or a traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, or something in-between, Alexandria is home to a pizza joint that's perfect for you. image via pixabay

When you're out and about in Alexandria, Virginia, what better way to spend your time than to stop by one of the many dessert shops in the area? There are many innovative bakeries, ice cream shops, and candy stores selling all kinds of scrumptious treats. Stop by these sweet spots for a taste test. more Nicecream Not only can you taste the delicious ice cream at this shop, you can watch them make it right before your eyes. What began in a small home kitchen has now become a well-known establishment with some of the freshest ice cream in the DC area. They mix ingredients from local farms with grass-fed cream. Gaze in amazement as you watch them use liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream right in front of you so you can enjoy truly fresh ice cream. They have new flavors available each week for you to taste test. Check out their flavor calendar to learn what's available before stopping by. Past flavors include Nutella, bananas and cream, honey lavender, wild blueberry, and salted caramel. The Dairy Godmother If you're craving frozen custard, you'll love this Wisconsin-style frozen custard joint. The Dairy Godmother offers several unique flavors that change each day. They use a frozen custard machine that briefly beats air out of the custard before pushing it into a waiting bucket and serving it. This makes the custard denser and extra creamy. You'll notice the difference, as their frozen custard tastes fresher and fuller than most. Their flavor forecast calendar lets you know which new flavor they're featuring each day. They've previously served mint brownie, cookies 'n cream, chocolate peanut butter, and funfetti. Don't feel bad eating your custard in front of your pup as the shop has two puppy pops created from yogurt and peanut butter. Your dog will love the tasty banana or pumpkin flavors that are safe for them to digest. Buzz Bakeshop Looking for tasty treats in a relaxing atmosphere? Buzz Bakeshop is a great spot for you. They have a friendly staff that greets you the moment you step in the door and assists you in picking the perfect dessert. You have a large menu to work with from brownies to cookies to cupcakes. They even have equally delicious options for their gluten-free and vegan customers like banana walnut muffins and vegan chocolate chip cookies. You can also choose one of their specialty cakes to bring to your next event. Blüprint Chocolatiers To satisfy all your chocolate cravings, head to Blüprint Chocolatiers. They're a cute little chocolate shop with production on the bottom floor and their retail shop on the top floor. You have a wide variety of chocolates and other candies to choose from when you step into the shop. Not only do their chocolates taste wonderful, but they're artistically designed to look visually appealing as well. They have a large mixture of both classic and unique flavors like mocha, minty mint, lavender honey, raspberry, and vanilla bean. Alexandria is a great area to try unique and savory treats. No matter which dessert option you choose, any of these spots are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. image via pixabay

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan designed with every member of the family in mind. If you're thinking about getting a new vehicle, learn more about some of the impressive features of the Pacifica so you can see why this vehicle is just right for all of your needs. more Versatile Interior Whether you're taking the family on vacation or bringing your purchases back from the garden center, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has the interior space you need to handle all types of tasks. The Pacifica has up to 243 possible seating configurations, which gives you ample space for both passengers and cargo. If you leave all of the seats up, you'll have seating for up to eight people. When you need more space for cargo, the standard second-row and third-row Stow 'n Go seats with an easy tilt feature make it simple for you to create all the space you need. Excellent Technology Features From short drives going into town to long trips on vacation, the Chrysler Pacifica has all the technology you need to keep everyone entertained on your journey. You'll appreciate the standard Uconnect 4 infotainment system that includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice command using Bluetooth, a media hub with a USB and auxiliary port, and a 7-inch touch-screen display. Your passengers in the back will love the available Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, which comes with a Blu-Ray/DVD player, two video screens, wireless headphones, and remote controls. Impressive Safety Features If you're looking for a new vehicle that offers some of the latest safety features, discover what the 2020 Pacifica has to offer. To make your drive more secure, the minivan comes standard with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-path detection, the ParkView rearview camera, ParkSense rear park assist with stop, electronic stability control, and hill start assist. It's also available with full-speed forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, ParkSense front park assist with stop, and parallel and perpendicular park assist with stop. Sophisticated Exterior The Chrysler Pacifica combines smart features with sophisticated style to create a minivan you'll love to show off. To help you make a statement when you're coming down the road, the minivan comes standard with daytime running lights, premium fog lamps with chrome accent bezels, LED headlights, and a black upper grille. You'll also catch eyes when you leave thanks to the standard LED taillights. For convenience, the Pacifica comes standard with a power liftgate, power sliding doors, and heated side mirrors. Exciting Power The Pacifica doesn't just look good; it also offers the performance you need to handle every type of family adventure. The vehicle comes standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that works with a nine-speed automatic transmission to generate 262 pound-feet of torque and 287 horsepower. Not only does this engine give you an efficient drive, but it also offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Now that you know more about the outstanding features you can find in the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, it's easy to see why this should be your next vehicle.

With a Jeep, you can enjoy off-road adventures, a unique style, and a comfortable interior. These vehicles are great for camping trips or commuting. Some of the best Jeep models for family fun are the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee, and the Wrangler. more Cherokee The 2020 Jeep Cherokee crossover SUV looks sporty and sleek. It has Jeep's seven-slot grille, a mesh lower grille, narrow LED headlights, roof rails, active grille shutters, and fog lights. You can choose from eight trim levels. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine gives 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. You can also select a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that provides 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque or a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission comes with a manual mode, and the optional four-wheel drive has rock, mud, sand, sport, and snow modes. The Cherokee can pull up to 4,500 pounds. It has a 7-inch infotainment system, storage space underneath the floor, folding rear seats, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. You can add navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather seats, remote start, an 8.4-inch touch screen, and more. Safety features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and hill start assistance. Forward-collision warning, hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, parallel parking assistance, and braking assistance are optional. Grand Cherokee The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, folding rear seats, and plenty of ground clearance. You can choose from 12 trim levels. The base 3.6-liter V-6 engine offers 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You can also select a 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque or a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine that generates 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission comes with custom, mud/sand, towing, track, sport, auto, snow, and rock driving modes. The Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds, so it's ideal for family trips with a boat or trailer. It comes with buttons on the steering wheel, voice recognition, and dual-zone temperature control. Additional options include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch touch screen, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player. You can also add a 19-speaker audio system with active noise control, a 12-inch touch screen, and an entertainment center for the rear seats with a Blu-ray and DVD player, wireless headphones, and two screens. Wrangler The Jeep Wrangler's boxy profile, round headlights, and seven-slot grille make it attractive and recognizable. It has amazing off-road performance and that space you'll need to go on trips with your family. Two- and four-door models are available, and you can fold down the windshield and remove the doors. Floor drains and removable carpeting make cleaning up after a family trip simple. You can also add a power top and rock rails. For more information about these versatile vehicles, visit Orange Park CDJR. We offer an extensive inventory, and we can help you choose the best Jeep for your family.

Jacksonville, Florida, has plenty of coffee shops that can help you rise and shine in the morning or perk up at any time of day. Their coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dessert options are varied and delicious. Take a look at some of the best coffee shops that the Jacksonville area has to offer. more Brass Tacks Coffee Company For an exceptional cup of coffee and great food, head over to Brass Tacks Coffee Company in Jacksonville. Their extensive drink menu has nine types of espressos, nine varieties of tea, and five basic coffee types. They include drip coffee, Kalita Gold Cup, nitro cold brew, cold brew, and flash brew. If you love flavored syrup with your coffee, this is the place for you. Brass Tacks offers vanilla, almond, mocha, Irish cream, Mexican mocha, lavender, caramel, hazelnut, mint, and white mocha. Brass Tacks serves breakfast until noon. Patrons love their build-your-own-burrito menu, and their biscuits and gravy are peppered with succulent sausage. Their Nutella Belgian waffles are excellent, and their Night Bites menu is available from 11 a.m. to closing. Try the chicken pot pie biscuit or the buffalo chicken grilled cheese. They're open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and they close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Southern Grounds Southern Grounds has a professional chef who uses quality coffee, wine, and food. They offer lots of impressive options, and it's a great place to spend time with friends and family members. Several types of tea, delicious coffee, and smoothies are available. Try a strawberry smoothie or a frozen caramel latte. For breakfast, you can choose a three-egg omelet with grits or a fruit cup and a biscuit or toast. The yogurt parfait has granola and fresh fruit, and the avocado toast comes with avocado, olive oil, onions, Feta cheese, and tomatoes. Other options include a Baja shrimp taco, a grilled salmon salad, a Baja ancient grain bowl, and sourdough toast with goat cheese. Southern Grounds is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and they close at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bold Bean Coffee Roasters If you're looking for sustainably sourced specialty coffee that's roasted locally, visit Bold Bean Coffee Roasters. They offer a wide selection of coffees and beans from Colombia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Brazil. You can subscribe to get regular deliveries of coffee to use at home. Choose their popular house blend or a constantly rotating selection of coffee bean varieties. Their cafe is near Jacksonville Beach, so you can enjoy a great view from the patio. Try the CBD-infused kombucha or the affogato, espresso over vegan ice cream. You can also enjoy a vegan blueberry muffin or a bacon and cheese biscuit, and you can even buy treats for your dog. Give each of these great Jacksonville coffeehouses a try the next time you need to put some pep in your step. With offerings this good, it might be hard for you to choose a favorite. image via pixabay

If your car needs its engine cleaned, you may be wondering if you can do this task yourself. While cleaning car engines is often touted as being difficult, it's actually a fairly easy job you can do right at home. Here are the steps to take when cleaning your vehicle's engine to ensure your safety and a job well done. more Cool Your Engine If your car has recently been running, open the hood and give the engine at least 20 minutes to cool off before beginning to clean it. This ensures that you don't get burned while cleaning the engine as well as that you don't damage the engine as a result of rapid contraction. Brush Out Debris Debris can get caught in the engine bay and needs to be removed before you begin cleaning the engine. If debris is left in the engine bay, it can eventually lead to engine damage and even fires if it's near the electrical system. Common debris found in engine bays includes grass, pine needles, twigs, and even small animal nests. Remove Coverings If your car's engine has plastic coverings on or around it, remove those before beginning the cleaning process. You can also remove the negative terminal on the battery as well as the battery itself if you want. You can wash both the negative terminal and plastic covers separately. However, do not wash the negative terminal with water. Rather, wipe it down with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the terminal. Unplug the Battery If you didn't remove the negative terminal in the last step, be sure to disconnect it before cleaning the battery. Loosen the bolt that connects the negative battery, and remove the ground cable from the terminal. You can also unhook the positive terminal as well. Spray the Engine with Degreaser After you've taken all necessary precautionary measures, you can now spray degreaser on the entire engine compartment. While any degreaser will work, you may want to choose a purpose-made engine degreaser for the best results. Spray the degreaser starting at the broom of the engine and working your way up to ensure full coverage. Be sure to avoid spraying the engine degreaser on other parts of the car that have paint, as the degreaser can cause the clear coat to come off and damage the paint. Soak and Scrub Let the degreaser sit on the engine compartment for several minutes, with five minutes being recommended for especially dirty engines. After the degreaser has soaked, use a stiff bristled brush to scrub the degreaser into areas that are grimier. You can also use a steel-toothed brush for larger areas of grease or grime. Rinse the Engine Once you've finished degreasing your engine, rinse it off with a garden hose. Avoid using a high-pressure water hose to avoid damage to the engine or disconnecting any wires. If you have any questions about how to properly clean your car's engine, give us a shout at Ourisman CDJR and we'd be happy to help you out. image via pixabay

Inspired by the original "father of recreational vehicles," the Willys Overland CJ-3A from 1948, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys certainly doesn't disappoint. This Willys is just as heavy-duty and ready for off-roading as the original, and you're sure to love its modern upgrades. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider purchasing the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys. more Rugged Style Like the original Willys, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys model boasts a rugged style that can't be ignored. Gloss black exterior detailing on the grille and headlamp inserts give the front of the Willys a tough appearance, while the exclusive hood decal showcases this Jeep's off-road capability. The Willys' 17-inch gloss black five-spoke wheels set in 32-inch Firestone Mud Terrain T/A tires let you easily drive this adventuring vehicle both on and off the beaten path. Other exciting exterior details include 10 different exterior colors to choose from, a premium tan Sunrider Soft Top, and LED headlights and fog lamps. Unmatched Off-Roading Capabilities The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys has several features that make it an excellent off-roading vehicle that can handle anything you throw its way. Responsive, high-performance shock absorbers give you control and security no matter the terrain and provide exceptional comfort on smoother ground. Underbody armor with heavy-duty rock rails combines with skid plates to give you the ultimate protection against rocky trails and uneven terrain. Other off-roading features you can enjoy include a limited-slip rear differential and heavy-duty brakes you can count on. Cutting-Edge Technology Not only will the 2020 Willys make the perfect off-roading companion, but it'll also keep you connected with its cutting-edge technological features. These features include the award-winning Uconnect system that lets you control the temperature, change settings, and turn on various entertainment options with just the sound of your voice. The Uconnect system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone apps, music, and contacts. The available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot covers as many as eight different devices, ensuring you and your passengers are never disconnected. The 7-inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display gives you up-to-date information about your vehicle and helps you keep track of stats like security, navigation, and speed. Advanced Safety Features The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys also comes equipped with advanced safety features to keep you feeling confident on the road. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection is an available feature that detects vehicles in your blind spot, helping you safely switch lanes. The Forward Collision Warning alerts you when cars in front of you are too close, and the ParkSense Rear Park Assist System that helps you effortlessly parallel park. Additional available features include an SOS button on the rearview mirror, a Vehicle Finder to help you easily locate your vehicle, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go that automatically adjusts your speed when a vehicle is detected up ahead. With features that make it one of the most advanced off-roading vehicles, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Willys is the ultimate choice for those who are serious about taking their off-roading adventures to the next level.

Whether you're visiting Alexandria, Virginia, for the first time and are looking for something to do with the family or if you're simply a local museum enthusiast, this town has plenty of exciting museums to check out. From fine arts to gardens, there's a museum for everyone in the Alexandria area. more National Gallery of Art The National Gallery of Art is a not-for-profit museum that was established in 1937. This museum is one of the world's renowned art museums and includes temporary exhibitions from all over the world. They offer several art-related learning resources for teachers, kids, parents, and adults with a passion for art and regularly participate in preeminent research that makes its way into publications. The National Gallery of Art offers several attractions including tours, a sculpture garden, a gallery shop, and various areas to enjoy food and drinks. Tours include guided, self-guided, and school tours of the east building and west building of the National Gallery of Art. The sculpture garden boasts 6.1 acres of native American species of flower trees, ground covers, canopy trees, and perennials, as well as a large fountain that is made into an ice-skating rink in the winter months. The Gallery has several cafes, includes the Garden Cafe, the Terrace Cafe, the Pavilion Cafe, and an espresso and gelato bar. The Gallery offers free admission for everyone and is open every day of the week. College Park Aviation Museum The College Park Aviation Museum is a one-and-a-half story museum dedicated to the historic and reproduction of aircraft. The museum focuses on portraying the history of the airfield and the first flights the world saw. This museum is chock-full of interactive exhibits that include simulator flights, outdoor pedal planes, and the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a 1939 Taylorcraft. Tour one of the many exhibitions, including the Field of Firsts, Early Civilian Aviation, Brinckerhoff Era, Berliners, Airmail 2018, the 1910 Wright Model B Reproduction, the 1916 Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny" Military Tractor, and the 1941 Boeing A75N1/PT-17 "Stearman." After exploring the museum, be sure to drop by the museum store, which features a regularly changing selection of science and aviation books, toys, and souvenirs. The Museum is located just 30 minutes from Alexandria at 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive in College Park, Maryland. National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum The National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum is part of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office located at 600 Dulaney Street in the Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. This museum demonstrates how patents are examined and awarded and honors some of the most well-known inventors like Steve Jobs and Vinton G. Cerf. Enjoy the Intellectual Property Power exhibit, which showcases the impact trademarks and patents have on the world, or explore the evolution of the cell phone in the Qualcomm exhibit. Other exhibits to take in include the History of Patent Examination, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and a look inside a one-of-a-kind 1965/2015 Ford Mustang. Did you particularly enjoy a museum or find a museum you loved that wasn't listed here? Drop by and let us know at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Alexandria. image via pixabay

Are you visiting Alexandria, Virginia, and looking for the perfect ethnic restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat? Or maybe you're an Alexandria resident on the hunt for your next favorite ethnic eatery. No matter your reason, these ethnic restaurants won't disappoint. more Royal Nepal Royal Nepal is located at 3807 Mount Vernon Ave. in Alexandria and boasts fresh farm-to-table Nepalese Indian cuisine that is locally sourced and seasonal, so it's guaranteed to be delicious. The elegant yet casual dining area is Indian inspired and offers an ambient environment that you won't find anywhere else. Royal Nepal has several dishes that are loved by regulars and new visitors alike, including the Nepali Thali, free-range chicken curry, Tandoori salmon, and chicken tikka masala. For a lighter meal, consider one of the restaurant's starters. Favorites among their starter menu include aloo sadheko, oven-roasted wild boar, yak chili, and chicken chhoela. To finish things off, enjoy one of their decadent desserts, such as the Royal Nepal sikarni, warm chocolate melting cake, or the rasmalai. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant offers vegan, vegetarian, and authentic meat that is Ethiopian inspired and always fresh. Hawwi has menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and you even have the option to bring your own bottle of wine to drink while you dine. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant strives to provide only the freshest meals and prides itself on sourcing much of its food from local farmers. Favorite main-course menu items include dereck tibs, awaze chicke tibs, fish goulash, and miser wot and beef alicha. Appetizers you can enjoy include lentil sambusa, shiro and timatim fitfit, and falafel hummus. They even have a dessert menu to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose from chocolate cake, rice pudding, or baklava to finish off your authentic Ethiopian meal. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 1125 Queen St. in Alexandria, Virginia. Namaste Namaste is a locally owned restaurant that specializes in Indian and Himalayan/Nepalese foods. Namaste strives to provide guests with an unforgettable and unique dining experience through creative international food and hospitality that you simply can't find at larger restaurants. All Nepalese and Indian delicacies are personally created by chef Nabin K. Paudel and include vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. They offer regular menus as well as a menu of the day, which includes rotating specialties such as raj kachori, samosa chat, aloo papadi chat, and aloo tikki. On their main menu, guest favorites include lamb pasanda, malai kofta, chilly momo, and a variety of specialty naans. Dessert options include authentic Indian and Nepalese varieties such as Kesari Kheer, rasgulla, gajar halawa, and gulab jamun. Enjoy one of the delicious Namaste cocktails while you eat, like the Dirty Mother or Almond Delight, or try a tasty non-alcoholic specialty beverage such as a mint lassie or masala tea. Namaste is located at 6138 Rose Hill Drive in Alexandria. Are we missing one of your favorite local ethnic restaurants? If so, let us know! In Alexandria, we are always looking to expand our palate with new and exciting ethnic eats. image via pixabay

Alexandria, Virginia comes alive in spring. To celebrate the wonders of the season, be sure to spend a little time out and about, enjoying the city. When you experience all that this city by the Potomac River has to offer, you'll make the most of warmer days and balmier nights. more Do Some People-Watching at Chadwick's Chadwick's is an Alexandria restaurant located at 203 Strand St. This popular Old Town eatery offers delectable American fair, plus a dazzling array of beers on tap. Cocktails, such as the popular dirty martini, are also on the menu. Fans of this eatery love the burgers, which may be personalized with a variety of fun and tasty toppings, including eggs, avocado, and bacon. If you want something a little lighter, go for avocado toast with healthy micro greens. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a leisurely brunch on the weekend. The ambiance is warm and inviting. It's never formal or stuffy. Brickwork and wooden booths give the eatery character and charm. There are also gorgeous fairy lights in a side eating area, which add a little magic to the environment. A compact patio is located outside. Enjoy the Patio at Vola's Dockside Grill One great way to celebrate the change in seasons is to visit Vola's Dockside Grill, which is a waterfront hangout that locals adore. You'll find it in Old Town, at 101 N Union St. This eatery is known for its seafood and it includes the Hi-Tide Lounge, which is a hidden gem that some tourists are lucky enough to discover. The restaurant was named after one of the city's most beloved residents. Vola Lawson lived right in Old Town and fought valiantly for civil rights. This relaxed eatery and lounge is a great place to enjoy a splendid water view and delicious eats and maybe a frosty cocktail, glass of wine, or ice-cold beer. You'll love the patio, but the inside of the restaurant is very nice, too, thanks to pendant lamps, wood tables, and an attractive bar. So, what's on the menu at Vola's? Well, lobster rolls and crab cakes are succulent options that you'll never regret ordering. Smell the Flowers at Winkler Botanical Preserve Eating and drinking are fun, but sometimes, it's good to take a break from indulging and spend a little time out in nature. When you visit Alexandria's Winkler Botanical Preserve, you'll be able to stop and smell the flowers. This peaceful outdoor attraction is situated at 5400 Roanoke Ave. This nature reserve has a secluded feel and it's a perfect place to go for a quiet walk. While you stroll, keep an eye out for pretty plants and flowers. You'll see other interesting stuff along the way, including a bridge, a waterfall, and a rope course. Spring gives everyone a burst of energy. It's a time when people want to celebrate good weather and the end of long winters. When you visit these Alexandria, Virginia, attractions you'll love what they have to offer. image via pixabay

Alexandria, Virginia, residents who want to drive cars with jaw-dropping style deserve to make their automotive dreams come true. The feeling of pride that comes from driving a truly show-stopping car, bestowed with iconic lines and plenty of raw power, is such a rush. While these cars aren't for the meek or tame, they offer the thrills and adrenaline that bolder car fans simply can't resist. more 2020 Dodge Charger Going for good looks and high performance doesn't mean sacrificing practicality. When you treat yourself to a 2020 Dodge Charger, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds. You'll love this car's muscular appearance, as well as the rumble of the base trim's 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which provides 292 horsepower. You'll also appreciate the fact that it provides true four-door sedan comfort. This rear-wheel-drive beast has retro design elements that are so much fun, as well as cutting-edge infotainment that makes it very easy to enjoy the ride. Tantalizing new colors are available for this year, so have fun choosing between sinamon, hellraisin, and frostbite. Four trims are available. The base trim is the SXT. The next bump up is the G/T. The third trim is the R/T. The highest trim is the Scat Pack, which delivers 495 horsepower via its 6.4-liter V-8 motor. Drive it if you dare. 2020 Chrysler 300 If you want a luxurious, full-sized sedan with a dramatic grille that stops the traffic, be sure to consider the 2020 Chrysler 300. This bold and beautiful car comes in four trims, which are Touring, Touring L, 300 S, and Limited. The base trim, Touring, features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 292 horsepower. The motor is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model seats five in an upscale cabin and will tow 1000 pounds. The premium trim, Limited, has extra bells and whistles that you'll appreciate, such as a driver's seat with power recline, leather seats, and genuine wood and leather steering wheel. 2020 Dodge Challenger The brashest performance will be at your fingertips when you become a 2020 Dodge Challenger owner. This powerful vehicle will be one that you're so proud to show off. Choose your preferred trim to get the personalized style and high-octane excitement that you want. The base trim is SXT. Next up is the GT, followed by the RT. The highest trim is the RT Scat Pack. The base model comes with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that provides 305 horsepower. This motor is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This entry-level Challenger has cloth seats, LED daytime running lights, and automatic air conditioning. At the top of the pile is the RT Scat Pack, with its 6.4-liter V-8 engine. This motor delivers 485 horsepower. This top-tier trim has plenty of fun extras, including satellite radio. optional sun/moon roof, climate control, and optional leather seats. If you're ready to turn heads, don't wait another minute to take one of these legendary cars for a test drive. These striking vehicles will never fade into the background.