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Alexandria, VA may be a small city, but with over 100 independently-owned boutique shops and local restaurants, there is plenty to see and do. One of the most appealing features of Alexandria is its charming aesthetic. The picturesque cobblestone streets and attractive row houses make it an ideal setting for posting up in a cafe to get some work done, meet up with a friend, or simply people-watch. Read on to discover our favorite coffee shops in Alexandria. 1. Misha's Coffeehouse and Roaster The ambiance of a coffeehouse is almost as important as the quality of the coffee, and Misha's is well aware of that. Think warm, red walls, soothing jazz music, the earthy smell of roasted coffee, and the steady hum of conversation and productivity. In addition to their in-house roasted coffee, Misha's also serves a variety of pastries. Unless you arrive early, you should expect to take your coffee to go, as Misha's is a popular spot and is often crowded. more 2. Swing's Coffee Roasters With three locations in the D.C. area, Swing's is a D.C. staple. The Del Ray location in Alexandria is located in a lofty, industrial building that serves as the perfect workspace or coffee date spot. Swing's coffee roastery is attached to the coffee bar, and several large windows behind the register overlook the roasting production. Seating is limited, so again, you may want to arrive early. 3. St. Elmo's Coffee Pub St. Elmo's Coffee Pub has two locations: one in the Del Ray neighborhood and one in Old Town North. St. Elmo's offers a larger variety of food than competing coffeehouses, making it an appealing option if you hope to stop in over breakfast or lunch. They also offer a sizable beverage menu that includes smoothies, hot chocolate, assorted teas, and even kombucha. If you don't plan to eat in you can order food and drinks to go via Toast. 4. Dolci Gelati Primarily a gelato shop, Dolci Gelati also serves locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks. Specialty gelato flavors such as honey mascarpone fig and kettle corn set Dolci Gelati apart from other ice cream options in the area. If you're also planning to visit the Alexandria waterfront, Dolci Gelati is an ideal option -- once you get your caffeine and sugar fix, you need only walk five minutes to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront Park. 5. Fontaine Caffe & Creperie If you snag an outdoor table at this French-style creperie, Fontaine is a great location for people-watching. The menu features both savory and sweet crepes, along with other French-inspired dishes, and a limited coffee selection featuring drip coffee, cappuccinos, espresso, and hot or iced lattes. They also have an impressive beer and wine menu, but if you imbibe, drink responsibly, and only if you are of legal drinking age. And please, never drink and drive. Now that you know about some of the best spots for a coffee or a bite to eat in Alexandria, you'll need a way to get there so that you can try them for yourself. Visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today to find the best new or used car for your needs.

The quaint city of Alexandria, Virginia, lies nestled against the Potomac River and has a spectacular view of Washington, D.C. The city's 18th- and 19th-century architectural charm captures its rich history, and its residents offer friendly, welcoming smiles to everyone. Whether you live in the area or you're on vacation, there's so much to see and do. Here's a look at some unique, fun things to do in Alexandria. George Washington Masonic National Memorial The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a truly unique building, although not one-of-a-kind. It was built in the early 20th century and is modeled after the ancient Egyptian Alexandria Lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This magnificent national memorial contains a museum, concert hall, research facility, library, and even a giant 17-foot tall statue of George Washington watching over the entrance. more Gadsby's Tavern Museum A visit to Gadsby's Tavern Museum offers a peek into life during the late 1700s. Gadsby's was the tavern where locals met to discuss business or simply have a little fun dancing or catching a theatrical performance. Many notable people visited Gadsby's, including Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and George Washington. Today, the property is part museum, part hotel. You can learn about the clothing, food, and style of life in the 18th century. Old Town A visit to Alexandria wouldn't be complete without an excursion to Old Town. The Potomac River runs along one side of this historic section of town, and the cobblestone streets make the perfect place for a casual stroll. Old Town is packed with shops, museums, and restaurants to suit almost any taste. When you get tired of walking, you can hop on the King Street Trolley. These buses travel between the Potomac waterfront and the King Street Metro Rail Station. The ride is free, and you can hop off wherever you like by pulling the bell cord. Mount Vernon George Washington's impact on our country is seen all over Alexandria, but Mount Vernon definitely gives us a deeper look at the man than any other monument or museum. Mount Vernon was the plantation home where Washington spent some of the most important times of his life. Touring the estate will take you through the life and times of George Washington as history recalls him and offers a visit to his final resting place. Hundreds of artifacts are on display, including his dentures, and the estate itself is a beautifully preserved property all on its own. Torpedo Factory Art Center The artists of Washington, D.C, have reclaimed a former torpedo factory. Today, it houses the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, two workshop spaces, seven galleries, and 82 local artists' studios. You can browse the sculptures, handmade jewelry, paintings, blown glass, and more, and don't hesitate to purchase those pieces that speak to you. There's so much history to explore in Alexandria, and it isn't as hard to do as you might think. The next time you feel like exploring, visit one of these five places. Image via Pixabay

There's no better night out than dinner and a show. Alexandria is home to several theaters, so planning an evening filled with live entertainment is easy, and if you want to have dinner first, you can find several excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Take a look at these Alexandria restaurants for a pre-theatre bite. Michael's Little Italy Ristorante & Pizzeria It's a quick walk from Michael's to the Little Theatre of Alexandria, and the food and ambiance are wonderful. It has a Sinatra and Dean Martin theme with a menu filled with freshly-made pasta, pizza, and more. Make sure to plan your dinner early enough so you have time to enjoy the food at Michael's before you head to the theater. You can start with grilled shrimp or fried artichokes and, if you are a pasta lover, then move on to the carbonara with angel hair pasta, bacon, onion, basil, egg, and Parmesan cheese. more The pasta options also include rigatoni, penne, and fettuccine with a choice of marinara, vodka, or Alfredo sauce. If you want pizza, you can get Philly cheesesteak, buffalo chicken, or try the calzone. The Majestic The Majestic on King Street in Old Town is close to the Metrostage and offers a relaxed atmosphere with an ambiance that feels as if you've stepped back in time. Start your evening with a choice from the extensive wine list for a before theater drink or order a cocktail. For dinner, the menu includes seasonal specials such as butternut squash soup, and for starters, you can choose from a crispy Brussels sprouts Caesar salad or marinated cucumbers. The main dish options include slow-roasted prime rib, pan-roasted striped bass, and the majestic burger, which comes with house-ground prime chuck, bacon jam, garlic aioli, pimiento cheese, and pickled onions. BRABO Brassiere BRABO serves traditional French dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers. If you choose the prix fixe menu, you can just enjoy everything that chef Sebastien Rondier comes up with for the evening. BRABO also has an extensive drink menu with a wide range of cocktails, wine, and beer that all pair perfectly with the menu. Hanks Oyster Bar When you have tickets for a show at the MetroStage, you can stop by Hank's Oyster bar on Old Town for a bite before you go. Start with fresh seafood from the raw bar or choose one of the small plates for something light before the show. The menu includes lobster bisque, popcorn shrimp and calamari, fried oysters, and Eastern Shore crab dip. The large plates will fill you up with options such as the molasses braised beef short ribs served with coleslaw and a rich homemade mac and cheese, or try the oven-roasted chicken that comes with a choice of two sides. Start your night out at the theater with a bite at one of these Alexandria restaurants. The city has many different options offering all different cuisines, and you can grab something quick and casual or plan a romantic dinner before you see a show. Image via Pixabay by Free-Photos

Alexandria, Virginia, has a long and rich history, making it the perfect spot for antique shopping. The dozens of shops in this city have sales floors filled with early American antiques and store owners who are history experts who will love to spend time talking to you about what they have. From housewares to furniture to jewelry, any antique shopper will love spending time at these Alexandria shops. A Galerie You'll find A Galerie on Cameron Street in Alexandria. It is known for having the most extensive collection of vintage items and antiques in Old Town, with a wide range of items dating back to the 16th century and up to the 20th century. Stop by to spend an afternoon browsing through decorative items for the house, including vases, art glass, china, and pottery. You can also find stemware, original artwork, and stemware. The inventory at A Galerie is always changing, so make sure to stop by often to see what's new. more The Antique Guild Start your antique hunting at The Antique Guild on North Fairfax Street. This shop has a large selection of antique and estate jewelry along with tea sets and fine silver. You can also find porcelain, bronze, and other items for the home. This is one of the best antique shops in the area when you want to find a unique piece of antique jewelry, including engagement rings. If you want to see what is new at The Antique Guild, check out their Instagram, or just stop by the shop. The Hour The Hour on King Street is known for its midcentury and antique barware. This is the place to go when you want to find a cocktail curio, serving trays, stir sticks, and antique spoons. The Hour also carries vintage jewelry, lots of art, and even some modern pieces if you like to mix the old and new. You can find unique items at this shop, such as a prohibition-era bar set designed by Reed & Barton or a solid copper milk jug-style shaker that features a cork stopper and a curved ribbon handle. Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques on North Columbus Street features English and American items from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can find anything from furniture to period paintings, mirrors, and lighting at this charming shop. The furniture ranges from large pieces, such as a Federal Hepplewhite secretary bookcase to a smaller Federal cherry and tiger maple stand. You'll also find a wide selection of home accessories for any room in your home such as Vieux Paris platters, Sheffield candlesticks, and a scroll clock. If you're looking for a new piece to hang on the wall, Spurgeon-Lewis also has a wide selection of paintings, 18th-century mirrors, and hand-colored engravings. These are just some of the antique stores in the Alexandria area. Whether you are looking for a piece for your home, vintage jewelry, or a unique gift to give someone, you can find it in one of the many shops. Image via Pixabay by Skitterphoto

Whether you're traveling through the area or a longtime resident in need of new ideas for dinner, Alexandria, Virginia, has several perfect family-oriented restaurants worth trying. If your crew is in the mood for some comfort food, a giant burger, some pizza, or a hot dog, any one of these four eateries is bound to make everyone happy. more Chadwicks Located on Strand Street in Old Town, Chadwicks is the second of a trio of restaurants with the same name. Opened in 1979, the restaurant features a classic American menu. with some of its items changing seasonally. Stop in for lunch and enjoy an array of entrees, such as buttermilk fried chicken, jumbo crab cakes, or barbecued ribs. Kids might enjoy building their own burgers, topping them with their favorite cheeses. Del Ray Cafe Blending local organic and natural food with the best of French cuisine and catering toward the entire family, Del Ray Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere for all its customers. Owners Laurent and Margaret Janowsky purchased the 1925 home in 2000, with plans for converting it into a restaurant. Today, you can stop into the casual neighborhood eatery and enjoy a variety of delicacies, including organic omelets, quiche, burgers, pot pies, and seafood. The children's menu features salads, crepes, pancakes, sandwiches, pasta, and hamburgers. Haute Dog and Fries Situated on Montgomery Street in North Old Town, Haute Dog and Fries serves the same hot dogs you would find at Fenway Park, although these aren't your typical ballpark dogs. At this eatery, each hot dog comes straight off the grill and is served atop a New England-style bun. It's hen blanketed with fresh toppings, some of which include caramelized onions, mangoes, jalapeno peppers, and a homemade chili. Each dog comes with hand-cut French fries or sweet potato fries. Other available dishes include burgers, bratwurst, Italian sausages, kielbasa, and lobster rolls. Owners Pamela Swanson and Lionel Holmes opened the eatery in 2010 and remain committed to using locally produced products from vendors who yearn to give back to the community. They serve fresh sausage and grass-fed beef provided by Virginia-based Fields of Athenry. Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap is on Braddock Road, central to Old Town and Del Ray. Owner Jason Yates sought inspiration from his mom, Lena, who knew how important it was to give her family the love and stability needed through comforting food. He created the restaurant as a place for friends and families to gather to forget about their hectic schedules and enjoy some delicious authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant's menu features mouthwatering Italian specialties, including its famous Neapolitan-style pizzas that come straight from the wood-burning oven. The dough consists of double-zero flour and pure spring water, while the fresh toppings cap off the pie. There are also house-made pasta dishes, including gnocchi made with butternut squash, chicken Alfredo, and lasagna. Kids can enjoy pizza, pasta, chicken, or steak. The next time you're in the Alexandria area, make sure you hit up one of these family-friendly restaurants. They're bound to whet your appetite, fill your stomachs, and make even the pickiest eater satisfied. image via pixabay

If you're in the mood for European cuisine and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia, area, you are in luck. There are many top-rated European-inspired restaurants that are worth trying. Here are a few that you'll definitely want to add to your list. more La Refuge Restaurant The La Refuge Restaurant is Old Town's oldest French restaurant. Diners can expect authentic French recipes from the owner's hometown of Beaugency, France. Try one of the fresh salads or hors d'oeuvres as a starter and then move on to the main dish. With items like the Coquilles Saint Jacques Marseillaise or the Poitrine de Poulet Dijonnaise, you're sure to enjoy your meal. In addition to a delicious menu, La Refuge Restaurant also offers a full wine menu. The wines are carefully chosen to perfectly pair with menu items. The La Refuge dining room is quaint and comfortable and will transport you into an authentic French dining experience. Old House Cosmopolitan Old House Cosmopolitan has been an Alexandria favorite for locals and tourists for over 10 years, where they have earned a reputation by being one of the best German cuisines in the area. Each menu item is designed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Begin your meal with the Calamari or the Obazda. Then, try one of the mouth-watering entrees, like the Jager Schnitzel or the mixed grilled platter. Old House also offers daily lunch specials until 4 p.m., with discounts on your favorite dishes. Pair one of the delicious German beers with your favorite menu item. Landini Brothers Landini Brothers is a casual Italian dining option, located right in central Old Town, Alexandria. The Landini brothers started their restaurant in 1979 with the goal of combining Tuscany-inspired cuisine with friendly culture. They understand that sitting down with family and friends to enjoy a good meal together is just as important as the quality of the food itself. Just a few items on the menu worth trying include the Carpaccio di Tonna or the Insalata Tommaso. Gluten-free dishes are also available on request. La Fromagerie While La Fromagerie might be known for its extensive wine list, they also serve a worthy menu. Many customers rave of the Charcuterie board, which is made up of artisan cheeses and fresh Charcuterie. If you are still hungry, then try the escargot or the duck confit. Make sure you leave room for dessert, as the chocolate pot de crème is a must-try. La Fromagerie also offers numerous wine programs that allow you to try out their best wines. The Sommelier Ben Kuna wine program has many perks including weekend discounts on bottles of wines, free corkage services, themed wine events, and ongoing wine recommendations. Keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some restaurants may have restrictions including capacity and hours. It is best to always call ahead to ensure that the restaurant is open before visiting. With the long list of delicious European-inspired restaurants in the Alexandria area, you don't have to travel far to enjoy a good meal. Grab a few friends this weekend and take a European tour around Old Town Alexandria. image via pixabay

With a city as old as Alexandria, which was established in 1749, you're sure to find plenty of great antiques, hidden gems, and lost treasures. This lovely, historic city boasts numerous antique shops with treasures ranging from estate and vintage jewelry to early American furniture. Next time you're in Alexandria, Virginia, check out these five amazing places to go antiquing. more Christopher H. Jones Antiques Find elegant, rare, and historically important items when you shop at Christopher H. Jones Antiques. The shop specializes in early American antiques from the Southern and Mid-Atlantic areas. Detailed maps from the 17th and 18th centuries give you a peek into the worlds of early explorers. Finely crafted quilts, furniture, pottery, and glassware represent how a home was decorated from that time period. The proprietors of the shop can help you pick just the right pieces to help you decorate your own home in this style. Hang striking paintings from famous 17th, 18th, and 19th-century artists on your walls, and add attractive pieces of statement furniture to any room in your home for an eye-catching vintage look. The Hour Shop Elevate cocktail and happy hour at your next social gathering with barware and vintage cocktail-related items from The Hour Shop. You'll find exquisite vintage cocktail glasses, pitchers, decanters, shakers, and bar tools to give your home bar a sophisticated look. The staff at The Hour Shop can show you how to make classic cocktails, give you in-depth details about the history of the cocktail culture, and provide tips on home bar styling and entertaining. Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage Dress in vintage style with clothing, jewelry, and accessories from Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage. The store specializes in consignment fashion from several eras including Victorian, Flapper-Roaring '20s, Art Deco, World War II, and the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. Add a touch of elegance to your outfits with Victorian glass bead necklaces, Chanel pins and brooches, and lace over-the-elbow gloves. Finish your vintage ensemble with an antique handbag, clutch, or purse. The Antique Guild When you're searching for exceptional, hand-picked Victorian-era, estate and antique jewelry, The Antique Guild is the place to go. Each item in the store is carefully researched, cleaned, and authenticated. Whether you want a Victorian cameo made from coral, shell, or precious stones, a Victorian bangle bracelet, Art Deco chain bracelet, or precious pearl drop earrings, you'll find what you're looking for at The Antique Guild. Domimex Antiques and Rugs Rugs bring warmth to any room, help tie a room together, and have a luxurious feel under your feet. Make your rug collection extra special buying rugs and carpets from Domimex Antiques and Rugs. Elevate your home with antique rugs made from the finest of Persian wool, rare carpets made from Morrocan cashmere, and silk rugs from the Orient. Domimex Antiques and Rugs can help to clean, repair, and restore your antique rugs so they look as beautiful as the day they were made. We hope you enjoy shopping at these top antique shops in the Alexandria, Virginia, area. Feel free to drop us a line letting us know your favorite antique treasure find. image via pixabay

You've taken great care to make sure your teen has passed their driving test and you've let them drive you around town and on the highway. Even so, it can be with great trepidation that you hand the keys to your teen and let them drive away on their own. However, once you feel that they've mastered these six skills, you can have peace of mind that they'll be good drivers. more Stopping and Going Safely Teens need to understand the basic fundamentals of driving. One of them is learning how to brake and stop properly. They need to know how long it takes for the car to stop to avoid a collision as well as how much brake pressure it takes to stop smoothly and on time. Entering the highway and merging with traffic is also important. They need to know just how much acceleration is needed to safely get onto the road. Then, they need to know how to get into the proper lane quickly and safely. Once they learn how to use their turn indicators, look carefully in their mirrors, and over their shoulders to cover the blind-spot on the car, they'll have lane changing mastered. Parking in Parking Lots and on Streets Parking is another crucial skill to master. Teens need to know how to maneuver through busy parking lots and how to pull in and out of parking spots. Parking on city streets can be challenging, so it's important for them to learn how to parallel park. In addition, if parking on a hilly street, your teen needs to know how to angle the tires into the curb properly and why it's important to apply the emergency brake when parked. Understanding Road Signs In order for your teen to arrive safely at their destination, they need to understand how to properly read road signs. Teaching them in a classroom-setting lets them learn and absorb the different signs and their meanings. Armed with this knowledge, they are better prepared to understand what the symbols and verbiage mean. Driving at Night Night driving has its own sets of challenges. Bright oncoming headlights can hurt the eyes, darkness can reduce visibility, and teens need to be aware of drivers who may be impaired. It's important for drivers to know when to dim their own headlights so other drivers aren't blinded by the bright lights. Understanding Driving Laws Knowing speed limits, safe distances between cars, right-of-ways, seat belt laws, driving in school zones, and hands-free driving are vital skills for any driver to understand. What to Do in an Emergency If something happens to the car, like getting a flat tire or if your teen is involved in a fender bender, they need to know who to call. Teach them how to turn on the emergency flashers and how to call for road-side assistance or a tow truck. Mastering their emotions during an emergency is one of the best skills they can learn. In addition to having your teen master these skills, consider getting them a car that has advanced safety and driver-assist features such as lane assist systems, automatic high-beam headlights, collision warnings, and blind-spot monitoring. 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

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

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