Blog

As fans gear up for baseball season around Alexandria, Virginia, it's helpful to know the best places to see games. The Washington Nationals are set for another exciting season, so you won't want to miss out. Here are three places to enjoy a game in the area. more National Park Arguably the best place to see a game, National Park is just 15 minutes from Alexandria in the southwest area of D.C. See the action in person with the park's available ticket plans, and you'll enjoy discounted prices. You can buy in a small batch of five games or as many as 56 games. When you get a ticket plan, you'll also enjoy discounts on food and merchandise at the stadium. Season ticket holders also get a free subscription to MLB.TV. If you're a dedicated fan, locking in a ticket plan is the best way to ensure great seats for all the games you want. The food at National Park ranges from funnel cakes and ice cream to full meals from places like Shake Shack and El Verano Taqueria. Whether you go with friends or family, there's something for everyone. Grab a beer from one of the many local breweries represented in the park including Atlas Brew Works and Port City. Even if you only make it to one game this season, this park is definitely worth a visit. Anchor Bar at Fish Market Fish Market Restaurant is on King Street in the heart of Alexandria. The Anchor Bar is a spacious bar area within the restaurant featuring 16 large TVs that never miss a game. Several micro and macro brews are on tap, and they offer domestic, import, and craft bottles as well as a few ciders. They are also known for awesome margaritas and The Big Mary, a Bloody Mary drink topped with an Italian sausage. Enjoy some free popcorn while you watch or order from the Fish Market menu. Try the Drunken Cod Tacos with beer-battered fried cod over a creamy tartar sauce slaw on a flour tortilla. If you have a major appetite, go for the lobster linguini pasta dish made with fresh lobster tossed in a white wine rosé sauce. This is the premium sports bar in the area, so you can enjoy all Washington team sports here. Murphy's Grand Irish Pub Just up the street from the Fish Market, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is a warm and cozy spot to enjoy a game. With several flat-screens throughout the restaurant and a great menu of eats and drinks, Murphy's is perfect for watching any Washington sports events with other fans. They also offer regular live music and trivia nights. Every day features a different food special, and happy hour is weekly from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Come by for a drink or dinner and catch a game. Irish specialty menu items include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and Irish meat and potato pie. Even if you're not catching a game, there are other great reasons to visit each of these places. Keep an eye out for the fun events happening at these three local spots. image via pixabay

As fans gear up for baseball season around Alexandria, Virginia, it's helpful to know the best places to see games. The Washington Nationals are set for another exciting season, so you won't want to miss out. Here are three places to enjoy a game in the area. more National Park Arguably the best place to see a game, National Park is just 15 minutes from Alexandria in the southwest area of D.C. See the action in person with the park's available ticket plans, and you'll enjoy discounted prices. You can buy in a small batch of five games or as many as 56 games. When you get a ticket plan, you'll also enjoy discounts on food and merchandise at the stadium. Season ticket holders also get a free subscription to MLB.TV. If you're a dedicated fan, locking in a ticket plan is the best way to ensure great seats for all the games you want. The food at National Park ranges from funnel cakes and ice cream to full meals from places like Shake Shack and El Verano Taqueria. Whether you go with friends or family, there's something for everyone. Grab a beer from one of the many local breweries represented in the park including Atlas Brew Works and Port City. Even if you only make it to one game this season, this park is definitely worth a visit. Anchor Bar at Fish Market Fish Market Restaurant is on King Street in the heart of Alexandria. The Anchor Bar is a spacious bar area within the restaurant featuring 16 large TVs that never miss a game. Several micro and macro brews are on tap, and they offer domestic, import, and craft bottles as well as a few ciders. They are also known for awesome margaritas and The Big Mary, a Bloody Mary drink topped with an Italian sausage. Enjoy some free popcorn while you watch or order from the Fish Market menu. Try the Drunken Cod Tacos with beer-battered fried cod over a creamy tartar sauce slaw on a flour tortilla. If you have a major appetite, go for the lobster linguini pasta dish made with fresh lobster tossed in a white wine rosé sauce. This is the premium sports bar in the area, so you can enjoy all Washington team sports here. Murphy's Grand Irish Pub Just up the street from the Fish Market, Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is a warm and cozy spot to enjoy a game. With several flat-screens throughout the restaurant and a great menu of eats and drinks, Murphy's is perfect for watching any Washington sports events with other fans. They also offer regular live music and trivia nights. Every day features a different food special, and happy hour is weekly from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Come by for a drink or dinner and catch a game. Irish specialty menu items include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and Irish meat and potato pie. Even if you're not catching a game, there are other great reasons to visit each of these places. Keep an eye out for the fun events happening at these three local spots. image via pixabay

If you're looking for a truck that's ready to work as hard as you do, the 2020 Ram 1500 has the capability and strength you need to get any job done. Offered in Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn, the luxurious Limited, and off-road specialist Rebel trim levels, and with your choice of two cab and bed sizes and four engines, there's a Ram 1500 to suit your work needs. more Exterior Design You can choose your Ram 1500 with a four-door Quad Cab and a 6-foot-4-inch long bed or a roomy Crew Cab with the long bed or a 5-foot-7-inch short bed. Reaching your load is made easier by the rear bumper step. All models are available with side steps and the Limited trim adds power retractable running boards. Rebel trim has the rugged features needed to handle the toughest terrain. Utility Options An available multifunction tailgate makes it even easier to load and unload the bed. In addition to the regular swing-down operation, it features 60/40 split doors that swing open by 88-degrees, enabling you to get closer to the bed. All models also have the option of a deployable bed step. For additional storage options, selecting the class-exclusive RamBox cargo system gives you unique storage bins at the sides of the bed that are lockable, weatherproof, drainable, and illuminated. You can also add a 115-volt power outlet for powering up your essential tools. Power and Capability The Rebel trim comes standard with all-wheel drive that is optional on other models. Active grille shutters and active air dams work together to improve fuel economy. The engine lineup begins with an eTorque 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,730 pounds. An available 5.7-liter V-8 generates 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, and gives you a maximum towing capacity of 11,620 pounds. The eTorque version of this engine gives you an extra 130 pound-feet of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 12,750 pounds. A new option is the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine that generates 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque that enables you to tow up to 11,610 pounds. An eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is standard with all engines. Depending on the cab, bed, and engine configuration, the 1500 offers a payload of up to 2,300 pounds. Technology The base Tradesman trim offers a 3.5-inch cluster display, a 5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth with integrated voice recognition, and a six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Laramie models feature a 7-inch cluster display, satellite radio, and an 8.4-inch touch screen. Longhorn trim adds navigation, while Limited models have a 12-inch touch screen. Driver assistance features include ABS with brake assist, rain brake support, ready alert braking, traction control, vehicle stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist, and trailer sway damping. Laramie models add front and rear park assist with auto-stop, while the Limited offers blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. To help you decide which 2020 Ram 1500 trim is for you, take a closer look at Ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

When you're in need of some pampering and relaxation, Alexandria, Virginia, boasts some fabulous day spas. They offer a full range of treatments to make you feel fully rejuvenated. Here are four of the city's best spas. more Fountains Day Spa Established in 1980, Fountains Day Spa is located on South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria. The historic townhouse is like a home away from home. They specialize in creating personalized massage and skin care treatments that are customized to your preferences to provide you with a one of a kind spa experience. Packages are offered for women, men, and couples. Massage treatments include Swedish, deep tissue, therapeutic, aromatherapy, hot stone, and pregnancy massage. You can also choose hand and foot treatments like reflexology, hand and foot exfoliation, and sole relaxation foot massage. Indulge yourself with body treatments such as a body polish, a Black Baltic mud wrap, a healing greens body wrap, or a hot chocolate body wrap. Fountains also offers facials, waxing, tinting, electrolysis, and more. Sugar House Day Spa Sugar House Day Spa on North Alfred Street is set in an elegant three-story house that is a relaxing oasis for your mind, body, and spirit. They provide a full spa service for men and women with skin and body treatments, hair design, pedicure and manicure treatments, makeup, waxing, and more. A range of packages offer combinations of treatments. In addition to some of the regular massage treatments, you can opt for a sinus relief massage and medi-cupping therapeutic massage. Refresh your skin with a microdermabrasion treatment or a power peel. Aerolase laser treatment can be used for hair removal, spider vein and skin discoloration treatment, and skin rejuvenation. You could complete your day by having semi-permanent makeup applied. Aida Spa Located on King Street, Aida Spa is owned by Aida Fekir, who gained her certification from the internationally renowned Maison de Beaute Carita in Paris, France. She has traveled the world learning both ancient and modern beauty and anti-aging techniques to provide you with unique and specialized services. Body massages include lava stone therapy, tension relief, and the raindrop technique that provides a healthy balance to the body. You could also be pampered with luxurious Oriental body treatments like Hanakasumi body exfoliation, Sensations Orientales, or the Customized Sensorial Escape. Other treatments include manicures, pedicures, waxing, and ear candling. Pure Aesthetica Pure Aesthetica is located on Mount Vernon Avenue and is dedicated to helping clients feel beautiful on the outside and promoting well-being on the inside. Along with other massage treatments, you could be indulged with Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, which uses fluid movement of the therapist's feet and body weight to achieve superior relaxation. Other services include facials using microdermabrasion, LED, microcurrent, and oxygen infusion techniques; purifying foot soaks; BOTOX treatments; and Reiki healing, which is a Japanese technique used to boost your innate energy to promote health and well-being. Brow and lash treatments are also available. A session of treatments at these day spas will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the rigors of life with new energy. image via pixabay

When your teen gets their driver's license, it's a momentous occasion for them as they finally get the freedom of the road. But it can be nerve-wracking time for you as you are going to worry about them every time they head out on the road. One way of reducing your concerns is to make sure they know some basic car maintenance to keep the car running efficiently and safely, so their newfound freedom doesn't end at the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Here are five maintenance tips you should make sure your teen knows. more Regular Fluid Checks Your teen needs to know their way around under the hood so they can check the fluids on a regular basis. Fluids should be checked with the car on a level surface and with a cold engine. The five crucial fluids are the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. They should read the car's owner's manual so they know the correct fluids to use. Tire Checks The tires are the only contact the car has with the road and it's essential to regularly check the tire pressure and tread depth. Under inflation or over inflation will lead to uneven and premature wear to the tire tread. You can buy a tread depth gauge or use the simple penny test. Place the side of a penny in the tread grooves. If all of President Lincoln's head can be seen, it's time for new tires. See and Be Seen It's important to see and be seen clearly on the road. A weekly light check should become a habit to make sure all the bulbs are working and that the lenses are clean. Don't forget the brake lights, reversing lights, and fog lamps. At the same time, make sure that all the windows are clean inside and out and that the wipers are in good condition. This is especially important at night and in poor winter weather. Use a recommended auto glass cleaner that won't leave smears on the windows that might affect their visibility. Know the Warning Lights When you turn the ignition on in modern cars, the dashboard lights up like an airplane cockpit. But it's important to know what all the warning lights actually mean. Studying the owner's manual will teach your teen which lights indicate what action is needed in the near future and which ones mean that immediate attention is required. Prepare for an Emergency Even with a well-maintained car, things can and do go wrong, so it's advisable to have an emergency kit in the car. The basics should include a tool kit, first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, roadside flares or reflective warning triangles, and an empty fuel container. For driving in winter weather, they should add warm clothing and blankets, water and snacks, and a snow shovel. If you can teach your teen to get into the habit of making these maintenance checks, it will hopefully instill a greater sense of responsibility, as well as keeping them safer on the road. When it's time for service, visit Ourisman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. image via pixabay

The city of Alexandria, Virginia, is steeped in history, from the earliest settlers through the American Revolutionary War and Civil War and to present day. Alongside the area's famous landmarks are some more unique attractions that are off the beaten path. Here are four that are worth seeking out. more The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Located on top of a hill overlooking Old Town Alexandria is The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, which is dedicated to the first President who was also a renowned mason. The 333-foot tall nine-story building was constructed to resemble the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. The construction began in 1922, but it wasn't until 1973 that the interior was fully completed. Tours of the memorial take in the grand Memorial Hall, the Replica Lodge Room, The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit, the George Washington Museum, and the Knight Templar Chapel. The ninth-floor observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views. The memorial is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 and children aged 12 and under enter free. Winkler Botanical Preserve A well-kept secret of Alexandria is the Winkler Botanical Preserve on Roanoke Avenue. It's a secluded 44-acre natural oasis in the city where you'll find wooded trails, cabins, bridges, and a large pond with waterfalls cascading into it. The preserve showcases the natural beauty of Virginia with many native species of flowers and plants. You can often spot deer, geese, ducks, and turtles. The gates are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. Gadsby's Tavern Museum The Gadsby's Tavern Museum on North Royal Street consists of the 1785 tavern and 1792 hotel named after Englishman John Gadsby who was proprietor from 1796 to 1808. The tavern was the center for social, business, and political life in early Alexandria and prominent customers included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, and Marquis de Lafayette. It was also the setting for theatrical, dancing, and musical performances. Now a museum, the building has been restored to how it would have looked in its Colonial heyday. You can take a self-guided tour or learn the in-depth history of the site with one of the guided tours that are offered at select times throughout the day. You can also book a candlelit meal at the Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant with its Colonial era-inspired menu. Hours vary according to the season. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 5 to 12 years. Hollensbury Spite House An easy to miss landmark is the Hollensbury Spite House on Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria, which is the narrowest house in America at just 7 feet wide. It was originally an alleyway between two properties owned by brickmaker and city councillor John Hollensbury. By 1830, Hollensbury was so incensed by wagons gouging the walls of his houses and boisterous loiterers in the alley, that he bricked it in and put on a roof, creating the tiny two-story residence. The house is now privately owned. These are just a few of Alexandria's lesser known spots. A little exploration of the historic city can reveal many more. image via pixabay

Java can perk you up when you need a boost, so knowing where the best local coffee houses are is a must. Alexandria, Virginia, has some of the best coffee spots around, but it can be tricky trying to pick a favorite. That's why it's nice to have a helping hand. Here are a few places that offer the coffee you need to keep you running in the Alexandria area. more Killer E.S.P With two locations to serve you in Old Town Alexandria and Chinatown, Washington DC, Killer E.S.P is where sweet treats, excellent coffee, and good company merge. The E.S.P is short for expresso, snacks, and pie, and they are very skilled in all three of these treats. The decor is quirky and comfortable, offering a casual vibe for enjoying a good book, catching up on emails, or chatting with friends while you sip your coffee. Try some of their gluten-free snacks, or a chocolate pecan pie. If you need something more substantial, they also offer quiche or pot pies. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Extra Perks Located in north Old Town Alexandria, Extra Perks has been serving up some of the best coffee in the area for nearly 20 years. Extra Perks is more than a coffee house. It boasts a full kitchen where they prepare traditional British fare or your favorite American dishes for breakfast, lunch, or late afternoon. The atmosphere has a couch by the fireplace and cozy tables where you can settle down and enjoy a full meal, a snack, or a coffee. They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Coffee, croissant sandwiches, quiche, soup, empanada, pastries, Italian style subs, and hot subs make up the backbone of St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. The staff is exceptionally courteous, helpful, and there to serve you. You can not go wrong with any of the menu items as everything is fresh and made to order. Stop in today for a hot sub and a Stumptown cold-brew coffee. They are open Monday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coffee is the fuel that gets you moving in the morning and keeps you going all day long, but what makes a coffee house great isn't solely based on the coffee. Service, selection, and quality all play a part in where you go for your coffee. Choosing where to go is half the battle, but finding a truly unique coffee house is a rarity. There is no shortage of coffee shops in Alexandria, Virginia, so get out there and explore them all until you find the one that dots all your i's and crosses all your t's. image via pixaby

Dodge has outdone itself with the 2020 Dodge Challenger lineup. There's power and performance at every trim level as the Challenger charges forward as one of America's most iconic muscle cars. With its nostalgic appearance and legendary performance, the 2020 Challenger lineup will not disappoint. more What Trim Will You Choose? There are eight distinct trim levels to choose from when considering the 2020 Dodge Challenger as your next toy. These trims include the SXT, SXT AWD, GT, GT AWD, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, SRT Hellcat, and SRT Hellcat Redeye. Determining which trim level that is right for you depends on your expectations. No matter which one you select, you will have the reliability, safety, power, and performance that Dodge provides. The exterior design of the 2020 Challenger takes inspiration from the 1970s but has been refined to near perfection and provides plenty of customizable options. If the exterior doesn't exude enough of the muscle car look, you can now opt for the available widebody option to satisfy your aggressive nature. This is one muscle car that will never go out of style. Power You Can Feel Anyone familiar with Dodge and Mopar understands that the word power is synonymous with the brand. Depending on the trim, the 2020 Dodge Challenger is quite possibly the most powerful production vehicle in America today. The SXT, SXT AWD, GT, and GT AWD models come with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. This engine provides 303 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, giving you more than enough power for thrilling acceleration. The R/T models come with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that has 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. This engine is legendary for its performance and reliability. The R/T Scat Pack model comes with the 392 HEMI V-8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, giving you the most power for your dollar. If those weren't powerful enough for your taste, then you will want to take a look at the SRT Hellcat model with the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8. This monster engine produces 717 horsepower and 656 pound-feet of torque. Let's not forget the SRT Hellcat Redeye model, which has the 6.2-liter supercharged high-output HEMI V-8. This engine has to be demon-possessed as it creates up to an astounding 797 horsepower and up to 707 pound-feet of torque. Safety and Technology Available safety features for the 2020 Challenger are automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, full-speed forward collision warning, a rear back up camera, and much more. Available tech features include the Uconnect 4C NAV system, an 8.4-inch touch screen, the Alpine audio group, and Heritage Tic-Toc-Tach gauges, a 7-inch reconfigurable driver information digital cluster display with 0-60 time and lap timer. The past may inspire the Challenger, but it embraces the future. The 2020 Dodge Challenger lineup is sure to impress and has the power and performance you expect from a real muscle car. Regardless of how fast you want your Challenger to be, you can bet that it will be safe, reliable, and stylish. Race into your local Dodge dealer to experience the 2020 Challenger today.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has become synonymous with off-road adventure, and the 2020 year model embodies all that Jeep has to offer. The Rubicon allows you to take the path less traveled and to escape from the everyday grind. Camping, exploring, or getting your family out into the great outdoors has never been as easy as it is in the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. more Power The standard engine for the 2020 Rubicon is the 3.6-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. You may want to choose the 2.0-liter turbo-4 with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. New for 2020 is a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 with 260 horsepower and a whopping 442 pound-feet of torque. Each of these can be mated to the standard six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic transmission. Off-Road Performance The 2020 Rubicon is equipped with the Rock-Trac 4X4 System, which has a low range of 4:1 and a crawl ratio of 84.1:1 thanks to a heavy-duty two-speed transfer case and when equipped with the manual transmission. Tackling the off-road means having capable tires, and the Rubicon has that covered with 33-inch all-terrain tires, which are accommodated by its high fender flares. The taller tires and high fender flares give the Rubicon an impressive 10.8-inches of ground clearance. Off-road trails and obstacles require maximum traction, and the 2020 Rubicon delivers with the Tru-Lok Electronic Locking Differential and Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect. When the Tru-Lok Electronic Locking Differential is engaged, it locks power while distributing it evenly between the wheels for added traction. When the Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect is engaged, the front sway bar is disconnected, allowing the front wheels to drop and compress, helping you get over the toughest off-road obstacles. Being able to see what's in front of you is a huge advantage when traveling off-road at night. The available LED Lighting Group gives the 2020 Rubicon the edge. With this group, the Rubicon gets distinctive signature LED headlamps, taillamps, daytime running lamps, and fog lamps. These lights provide you with outstanding visibility with a touch of style, helping you see what's ahead. Rubicon Shocks and Rock Rails come standard on the 2020 Rubicon. These features are made from heavy-gauge steel tubing. They are designed with the toughest off-road trails in mind and offer excellent protection for the side and lower body as you traverse the unknown. Safety Features Jeep understands that you won't always be off-road and provide the 2020 Rubicon with available safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, a rear park assist system, a rear back up camera, a high-strength steel frame, and an advanced airbag system. With all the amenities you get with the 2020 Rubicon, you can relish in the on-road safety and off-road control. Getting where you want to go, no matter the terrain is more attainable than ever before in the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. What are you waiting for? Find a Rubicon at your local Jeep dealer and experience an off-road adventure today.

Do you want to impress your spouse, family, and friends with your cooking skills and some new dishes? Have you ever considered taking cooking classes but weren't sure where to start? If your answer to these two questions is "yes," continue reading for information on where and when you can take lessons and step up your cooking skills. more Sur La Table There is nothing like learning to cook, but sometimes you need to be right there in the kitchen with the teacher and not watching a video online. Sur La Table has locations near you where you can get the hands-on lessons you need to become a proficient cook. Classes include but are not limited to American Doughnut Workshop, Date Night: Winter in Paris (cast iron steak, truffle mashed potatoes, pear-hazelnut salad, chocolate mousse), Great British Baking (Victoria sponge cake, sticky toffee pudding, sausage rolls), and Perfect Spanish Paella (chicken and chorizo paella, Marcona almond-manchego-kale salad, Spanish flan). Classes are open to all skill levels. You are also required to be hands-on. The classes are capped at 16 students that usually work in groups of four, ensuring that everyone gets personal attention and guidance. Each class is between two and two and a half hours and requires you to stand and cook the majority of that time. Classes are held in-store, and you can check their website to find a location near you. Cozymeal Each cooking class that Cozymeal offers is considered as an experience. It is simple to find a place near you to experience a Cozymeal cooking class. Each class is taught by a professional chef, ensuring that you get the most out of the time you spend cooking. Finding an experience is as simple as using the Cozymeal online search by selecting the type of experience you are looking for and a date range. Once you find what you are looking for, you book and enjoy it. Classes include Fresh and Seasonal Italian, Fiesta de la Casa, Traditional Vegetarian Indian, Parisian Steak Dinner, The perfect Birthday Cake, and much more. Narrow down your interests and find the cooking class you are looking for today with Cozymeal. CulinAerie Located in downtown Washington D.C. is CulinArie, a destination location for those who want to enhance their cooking skills. Their instructors have an average of 15 years of experience in their respective fields bringing unique flair and talent to the kitchen. CulinArie's state-of-the-art kitchens provide for optimal cooking and learning and have sleek commercial equipment and flat-screen televisions for easy viewing. They offer classes for basic techniques and more intensive culinary skills. Contact them today for more information. These are a few of the places near Alexandria, Virginia, where you can take cooking lessons to improve your culinary skills. You can choose to partake in single dish classes or pursue a 12-week Masters series depending on your goals. No matter what you decide, you can locate a cooking class that suits your needs in the Alexandria area. image via pixabay

Alexandria, Virginia, is known for its excellent variety of restaurants, including plenty that serve up an amazing slice of pizza. If you're in Alexandria and you have a craving for some great pizza, be sure to check out a few of these top locations. Paisano's Pizza Paisano's Pizza serves exceptional Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. In addition to its family-friendly restaurant, Paisano's Pizza also offers quick delivery service, which makes it easy to enjoy a slice of your favorite type of pizza at home or work. You can either create your own pizza or order one of the New York-style gourmet pizzas. Good options include the Buffalo chicken pizza, garlic spinach pizza, barbecue chicken pizza, and Paisano's supreme. In addition to pizza, the restaurant also serves calzones, strombolis, and other popular Italian dishes. Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap The pizzas at Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap are cooked in a 900-degree wood-fired oven, which gives the crust a blistered and charred edge that's authentically delicious. Some of the popular options include the Margherita, which has fresh mozzarella, basil, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and olive oil, as well as the Korean barbecue, which has mozzarella, Korean barbecue short ribs, gochujang sauce, scallions, and pickled vegetables. If you're in the mood for something spicy, don't miss your chance to try the diavola pizza, which has mozzarella, spicy soppressata salami, fried kale, and ghost pepper hot honey. Faccia Luna Faccia Luna is an American trattoria that serves casual Italian food and fantastic pizza. When you order one of the wood-fired pizzas, you have your choice of building your own or choosing one of the red sauce or white sauce specialty pizzas. If you're in the mood for a red sauce pizza, consider the La Capra, which includes fresh spinach, goat cheese, and grilled chicken. If you prefer a white sauce pizza, you can't go wrong with the Via Toscana and its caramelized onions, prosciutto, and smoked Gouda. Delia's Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven Pizza Delia's Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven Pizza brings all the wonderful flavors of the Mediterranean to Alexandria with its signature brick oven pizzas. One popular pizza option is the Medi, which includes Kalamata olives, sliced tomatoes, red onions, green peppers, feta cheese, parsley, and a Greek vinaigrette drizzle. Another good choice is the pesto chicken pizza, which has grilled chicken, basil pesto, crushed tomatoes, sauteed spinach, goat cheese, and mascarpone. Pizzeria Paradiso Pizzeria Paradiso is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and offers something for everyone to enjoy. If you like your pizza spicy, consider the Atomica that has salami and hot pepper flakes or the Paesana and its spicy garlic pesto and sweet red peppers. If you prefer something traditional, you'll love the Macellaio that has tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, pork sausage, and red onions or the Paradiso and its tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. No matter what type of pizza you like, you know you'll be able to get a delicious slice when you check out one of these top pizza places in Alexandria.

You don't have to go far to get away from it all when you live close to Alexandria. This part of Virginia has history, beautiful scenery, and a wide selection of hotels and spas where you can spend a relaxing weekend. From Old Town Alexandria to the foothills or a trip to D.C., there is a weekend getaway waiting for you. Old Town Alexandria Founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is a historic district with over 200 restaurants and shops along with museums and waterfront activities. You can find all kinds of places to stay from boutique inns to modern upscale hotels with all the amenities. During your weekend getaway, make sure to take a walk down King Street to browse through the shops, and you can even take a ride on the trolley. You can also stop for lunch or dinner at Virtue Feed & Grain and enjoy a delicious meal at the former 1800s feed house. Old Town also has a vibrant night life with live music and local bands playing at several different venues on the weekends. Washington D.C. Washington, D.C., is only a few miles from Alexandria and is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Spend some time exploring the big attractions or get away from the crowds at the lesser-known sights. Visit the U.S. National Arboretum or some of the smaller Smithsonian museums, such as the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. If you want a unique place to stay while in D.C., the Jefferson Hotel or the Kalorama Guest House are both good choices along with the Line Hotel DC in Adams Morgan or the American Guest House. Virginia Foothills more Spend your weekend exploring Virginia's Foothills and experience the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Inn at Willow Grove offers elegance in a restored plantation house with luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining. Use the inn as your home base and spend your days visiting the local vineyards and locally-owned restaurants. You can visit Madison's Montpelier, take a hike along the miles of hiking trails, and explore Gilmore Cabin, the home built in 1873 by an emancipated African American slave from the Montpelier estate. Spa Getaway at the Salamander Resort Just an hour from Alexandria in Middleburg, VA, the Salamander Resort and Spa offers the ultimate relaxing getaway. This is one of the top resorts in the area with a 23,000-square-foot spa, an infinity pool, 117 guest rooms, 17 suites, and twenty-four-hour room service. All the rooms have marble showers, pedestal tubs, and body jets, and each room has a private balcony. The spa has a full menu of available treatments, from wraps to massages, hot stone therapy, facials, and salon services. Book a couples massage or a full day of pampering for complete rejuvenation. Alexandria is just a short drive away from a variety of different types of weekend getaways. Whether you want to spend some time enjoying city life in D.C. or spend some time outside near the mountains, you can do it without going far from home.