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Planning a trip to Alexandria, Virginia? Picking the perfect hotel is half of the battle, and choosing one with a swimming pool is never a bad decision. Below are four hotels in the Alexandria area that have great swimming options. The Alexandrian The Alexandrian is a beautiful hotel located only a few steps away from some fantastic museums. The swimming pool is indoor and heated, so you never have to worry about visiting during a chilly month. The surrounding area has dining options for everyone, from upscale and fresh for those looking for a fancier and healthier night out, to fast food for days when you just need something quick. Even if you decide to grab something and bring it back to the hotel, you can always take advantage of the Alexandrian's evening wine receptions for adults. more The rooms are spacious and come equipped with a mini-fridge and iPod docking station. If you're looking to book a suite, you won't be disappointed. Depending on which suite you choose, you could have a large soaking tub, a courtyard balcony, or a full kitchen and living room. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center is conveniently located in Alexandria's West End, within four miles of the Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon City Mall. The hotel boasts not one, but two swimming pools, one indoor and the other outdoor. The Finn and Porter Restaurant is a favorite of guests and can be found in the Hilton Alexandria, along with a bar and cafe. Room service is also available during limited hours. If you are traveling with a pet, keep in mind that they are welcome; however, they can not exceed 75 pounds. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Alexandria Fort Belvoir The TownePlace Suites by Marriott is a great choice if you're traveling with your family. Aside from having a pristine indoor pool, the hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary hot/cold breakfast, and free parking, so you'll be able to save a lot of money with those amenities. The TownePlace allows pets, as well, and even has cribs and children's beds available upon request. Some rooms have a full-sized refrigerator and kitchens stocked with cookware, so if those are important to you, be sure to request them. Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Belvoir Alexandria South The final hotel on our list is another fantastic choice for families. Complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi and parking are included in the amenities, and the rooms' sofas have the ability to pull out into beds. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy that the hotel is located a short drive from Hilltop Golf Club, TopGolf Alexandria, and Greendale Golf Course. Alexandria has a wide selection of hotels, so it's not always easy to narrow down your choices, but you won't be disappointed by any of these hotels. By booking one with a swimming pool, you ensure that you'll always have a fun activity available. Start planning your trip today! OI Tukai - Swimming Pool via Flickr by John Hickey-Fry. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

The arrival of spring marks the beginning of the festival season here in Alexandria. No matter your interest, there are a variety of festivals in the area that are well worth attending. Let's discuss a few and what they have to offer. Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade For 38 years, Alexandrians have been invited to don their best green apparel and flock to King Street in Old Town for the St. Patrick's Day Parade put on by The Ballyshaners, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish Heritage. The parade features Irish pipe bands, Irish dancers, the Notre Dame Alumni Parade, and a variety of cars and floats. more Parade attendees are encouraged to get to Old Town early to see the dog show on Market Square. The show, benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, features more than 30 costumed dogs competing in a variety of costumes. After the show, the canine competitors kick off the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The dog show starts at 11:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Both events take place on the first Saturday of March. Cherry Blossom Festival Hop aboard the Wharf Water Taxi for a 25-minute cruise to Washington, D.C., for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held from March 20 through April 13. The festival celebrates the short period of time in which the famous trees are in bloom while promoting international friendship. Highlights of the festival include the Blossom Kite Festival, featuring kite battles and trick competitions, Petalpalooza, which is capped off by a stunning fireworks display, and the Festival Parade featuring performers, marching bands, giant balloons, and floats. There are also activity tents, food tents, and a performance stage. Wharf Water Taxi departures start at 9:45 a.m. on weekdays and 11:45 a.m. on weekends. The taxi departs from the Old Town Wharf and docks near the festival's Tidal Basin Welcome Center. Civil War Women's Day March isn't just a great month for festivals, but it's also Women's History Month. To celebrate, the Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site will present Civil War Women's Day on March 23. Costumed re-enactors will examine women's contributions during the Civil War period, including the roles women played on the home front, on the battlefield, and in the workforce. Soldiers aid societies and relief efforts are also featured. Kids can participate in arts and crafts. 2019 Woodlawn Needlework Show & Sale Woodlawn Estate, constructed in 1805, was the first family home of Eleanor “Nelly” Custis, one of America's most renowned needleworkers. Now it serves as the home to the Woodlawn Needlework Show, celebrating its 56th year of maintaining the tradition of needle arts and promoting new artists. Works from a diverse community of artists will be on display and for sale. During the show, held from March 1 through March 31, the Woodlawn home will be open for tours. These are just some of the fun spring festivals taking place in the Alexandria area. Whichever ones you choose to attend, stay safe and have fun! Image via Flickr by Tim Evanson / Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0

As we near spring and the weather starts to get warmer, it's time to start planning outdoor activities. Luckily for those of us who live in the Alexandria area, there are a ton of great places to go hiking and enjoy nature. Let's take a look at some nearby trails. Mount Vernon Trail The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail stretches all the way from the Mount Vernon Estate, where George Washington once called home, to the historic monuments of Washington, D.C. The trail is great for hiking, jogging, and bicycling. While traversing the Mount Vernon Trail, you'll be treated to a wide variety of beautiful sights, from stunning views of the Potomac more River to the Dyke Marsh, a gorgeous habitat for beavers, Red-winged blackbirds, and red foxes. Another highlight along the trail is the historic Jones Point Lighthouse, built in 1855. The trail has something for everyone, from nature lovers to history buffs. Dora Kelley Nature Park The Dora Kelley Nature Park is a 50-acre nature preserve that serves as a home to the tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, and belted kingfisher. While hiking along the park's one-mile nature trail, you're likely to see bald eagles, Cooper's hawks, barred owls, and even a wild turkey or two. At the end of the trail is a stunning oak-hickory forest dotted with beautiful mountain laurel. The Holmes Run Stream Valley Trail, great for hiking or bicycling, also runs through Dora Kelley Nature Park. Along this trail is a freshwater marsh that a variety of frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles call home. Theodore Roosevelt Island Theodore Roosevelt Island was conceived by landscape architects in the 1930s to serve as a tribute to our 26th President's legacy of conservationism. Three trails traverse the island - the Swamp Trail, which passes through swampy woods and a cattail marsh, the Woods Trail, where you can view the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Plaza, and the Upland Trail, which runs the length of the island through woodlands. While hiking along these trails, you're sure to spot a variety of frogs, snakes, and turtles. The island is also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to the Baltimore oriole, palm warbler, and American goldfinch. Huntley Meadows Park Nature lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy a hike through Huntley Meadows Park. Near the park's entrance sits the Thomson Francis Mason House, a villa built in 1825 as a summer retreat for Mason, who served as mayor of Alexandria from 1827 to 1830. The house has been restored and is open for tours. On the two miles of nature trail that run through the park you'll see beautiful wildflowers, Monarch butterflies, and several bird species. There is also a one-mile hike and bike trail that leads to the park's stunning 1,500-acre wetland that is home to beavers, frogs, dragonflies, heron, and deer. These are just some of the great hiking trails in the Alexandria area. Consider planning a trip so you can see for yourself the wonders of Northern Virginia. Image via Flickr by Jojodub /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Nothing beats a morning cup of joe. If you want to try a new place in Alexandria, Virginia, or perhaps are still on the hunt for a coffee shop worthy of a morning routine, use our guide of the top coffee shops below. Killer E.S.P. Located in Old Town Alexandria, Killer E.S.P. might be the spot for your next coffee fix. They have all your bases covered. If you're looking for a sweet treat to pair with your coffee, you can order a delicious slice of pie or a scoop of sorbet. The E.S.P. in the name stands for espresso, sorbet, and pie. The cozy interior offers plenty of room for relaxing and enjoying your food if you have the time. more Junction Bakery & Bistro Another excellent spot to grab a cup of coffee is Junction Bakery & Bistro. The decadent fresh bread and mouth-watering pastries are worth the trip alone, and that's before you add in the fact that they serve up some excellent coffee. Nitro-poured coffee is also available if you're looking for a thicker, creamier mouthfeel in your cup of java. The tall windows let in plenty of light so you can really enjoy a sunny day from the comfort of your table while you sip on some coffee. Grounded Coffee Shop Grounded has earned its reputation among the locals as one of the best coffee shops in town. The cafe is large with plenty of seating, so you almost never have to worry about finding a table. The interior space has an artsy, folk type of vibe with various sayings related to coffee and knickknacks adorning the vibrant wall colors. You almost feel like you've been transported to another world specifically dedicated to coffee. Grounded also serves your standard breakfast-themed baked goods and pastries. Java Loco The next stop on our tour of amazing Alexandria coffee stops is Java Loco. The shop offers a wide assortment of caffeinated bliss, including lattes, traditional coffee, milk tea, tea lattes, and other specialty drinks. The coffee and lattes are some of the best in town, so if you're a coffee addict, you'll want to give Java Loco a try. The interior features a rustic feel with wooden accents and a large chalkboard menu. Food options include baked goods, pastries, and sandwiches. Stomping Ground Make your way to Stomping Ground on Mount Vernon Avenue if you want some truly delicious coffee. It's a great place to have a weekend breakfast and enjoy some of the more complex menu items such as biscuits and gravy, fried chicken biscuit, or Cobb salad. Of course, you can just go for the coffee and espresso, since it's excellent. The coffee menu includes most of the classic espresso beverages including espresso shots, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and mocha lattes. They also have drip coffee, cold brew coffee, and tea. There are plenty of places to get your caffeine fix in Alexandria, but only a handful are worthy of being all-time greats. The next time you're in dire need of some delicious coffee, head to one of these great coffee destinations. Image via Flickr by OiMax / Under use by CC BY 2.0

If you're on a road trip and happen to be winding your way through Virginia, make sure to spend some time in Alexandria. Sure, there's plenty of great food and museums in the area, but if want a truly memorable experience, you should look for some of the more unique attractions Alexandria has to offer. Here are some of the top strange attractions to visit in Alexandria. The Apothecary Museum The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary shop opened in 1792, and it's one of, if not the, oldest apothecary in the United States. Due to the rise of synthetic drugs and legislation to favor it, the shop closed in 1933 and re-opened as a museum six years later. Still open to the public, you can visit this piece of more American medical history. When it was running, the shop also sold farm equipment, dentistry tools, soap, cigars, brushes, and other general goods. Many of these items are on display as well. This museum is chock-full of little historical trivia and things that will just make you say "wow." For example, one display features invoices for Robert E. Lee and Martha Washington. It's not every day that you get to see historical artifacts like this. Many of the shop's original containers, which still contain ingredients, are on display today, giving an amazing snapshot of what life was like leading up to the early 1930s. Guided tours run every half hour at quarter past and quarter to each hour. The Hollensbury Spite House Currently, the Hollensbury Spite House is the narrowest standing building in the United States. The Hollensbury Spite House is only seven feet wide and 25 feet long. At one point there was a five-foot-wide house in New York, but it has since been demolished, giving the title to Hollensbury. A spite house is a building which is constructed with the sole purpose of irritating neighbors or specific parties. In this case, John Hollensbury's home was situated next to an alley. Horse-drawn wagons would drive through the alley and scratch the walls of his home. To prevent this, he built a house occupying the alley. When you tour the house, you'll observe how John used the exterior walls of the two homes on either side of the alley as the interior walls of his spite house. You'll also see the divots in the wall caused by the offending wagons. Tour Gadsby's Tavern This revolutionary wartime bar and tavern has had an impressive guest list over the years, including names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and many others. Now, the building operates seasonally as a museum where you can learn about revolutionary history and enjoy the historically accurate architecture. The tavern now serves a menu inspired by the food eaten in colonial America. There are a lot of interesting stops to make in Alexandria, Virginia. If you have the time, try to visit each of the unique venues on this list. You may even learn something new, inspiring, or exciting on your adventures in Alexandria! Image via Flickr by dewitahs /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Sometimes the best way to stay safe on the road is to practice proper safe driving habits. No matter how many years you've been driving, it's always good to review some of the best habits. Before you hit the road for your next trip, make sure you're familiar with these top safe driving practices. Know the Weather Forecast Weather can have one of the biggest impacts on road conditions. It can also severely affect your visibility. Before you head out on the road, make sure you know if the forecast is calling for rain, fog, ice, snow, or any other hazardous conditions. If you have the possibility of facing severe weather, it's always better to postpone your plans and stay off the road than risk driving through dangerous conditions. Maintain Your Vehicle Even if you're a safe driver and you always pay attention to what's going on around you, it won't do you any good if you have an accident because a tire blew out or your brakes failed. Routine maintenance not only keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, but it also improves your safety. At least once a month you should go through your vehicle and check the battery, tire pressure, oil level, windshield wipers, wiper fluid, air filter, belts, hoses, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. Stay Focused Changing the radio station, checking directions, talking to passengers, looking at a text message, and taking a phone call can all take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. These dangerous distractions also cause you to lose focus. Fortunately, vehicles like the Dodge Charger come with features to help keep your focus on the road. This includes an infotainment system that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to get directions, make calls, and send and receive texts while still keeping your eyes on the road. Look Past the Car Ahead of You While it's always good to watch what the car in front of you is doing, you should also scan multiple car lengths ahead of that car. By looking to the right and left of the car ahead of you, you'll be able to quickly process upcoming road conditions, stoplights, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other important information. Plus, it's possible you might see a dangerous situation before the vehicle ahead of you, which means you'll have more time to slow down. Watch Your Speed According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed was a contributing factor in 27 percent of accidents in 2016. When you speed, you have less time to react to situations happening on the road in front of you. If you often find yourself driving above the speed limit, leave earlier to allow yourself more time to get to your destination, use cruise control whenever possible, and make sure you always pay attention to how fast you're actually going. No matter what type of car you drive, safe driving is always important. Keep these safe driving tips in mind the next time you get behind the wheel, so you can avoid costly and dangerous accidents or breakdowns and enjoy the adventures of the open road. Image via Flickr by State Farm /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Located just south of Washington, D.C. and on the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia, is a beautiful city known for its architecture and museums. If you're planning a visit to Alexandria, you'll find four distinct neighborhoods that each offer something different to enjoy. Learn more about the neighborhoods of Alexandria so you can take in the best the area has to offer. Old Town Old Town is in the heart of Alexandria and where the city first started to grow. As you stroll down the red brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets, you'll have an opportunity to explore some of the more over 200 independently owned boutiques and restaurants. If you like history, Old Town is the neighborhood for you. Stop by the Gadsby's Tavern Museum to see where the first five presidents liked to socialize. You can also wander through the stunning gardens at the Carlyle House or stop by the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum to learn more about healing and medicine from the 18th century. West End West End is the largest neighborhood in Alexandria and home to an incredible variety of things to do. If you want to explore the growing craft beer scene in the area, you can't beat a visit to Port City Brewing Company. When you visit, you don't want to miss the chance to try the Port City Porter, which offers a smooth and silky finish with hints of fresh coffee and cocoa powder. Another interesting attraction in the West End neighborhood is the Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site. Here you can view the reconstructed fort that was once used to protect Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. Del Ray With its eclectic and walkable streets, Del Ray is a neighborhood made for exploring. One of the best ways to see everything Del Ray has to offer is to set out on a walking tour. Along the way, you'll have a chance to check out some of the neighborhood's interesting and colorful murals. If you spot a unique boutique or restaurant that looks good while you're walking, be sure to stop in and see what's happening. If you time your visit right, you can also take part in popular neighborhood events, such as First Thursday. This monthly street festival takes place on the first Thursday of every month and features special events, live music, entertainment, and more. Carlyle and Eisenhower Valley Although Carlyle and Eisenhower Valley are known for their modern and contemporary vibe, you'll still find a distinct mix of old and new attractions. If you're interested in spending some time outside, consider visiting the 26-acre Cameron Run Regional Park or strolling along the nature paths in the African-American Heritage Park. Exploring the National Inventors Hall of Fame halls at the United States Patent and Trademark Office is also a great place to learn about technological achievements and perhaps get inspired to create your own invention. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Old Town or the diverse areas of Del Ray, you'll always find something interesting to do when you visit the four neighborhoods of Alexandria and to ride in style; check out our selection of the latest CDJR models on the market! Image via Flickr by Dougtone / Under use by CC BY-SA 2.o

While Alexandria, Virginia, offers plenty of exciting things to see and do, sometimes you just want to get away for a while. That's when you should consider checking out some of the off-road trails in the area. When you're interested in spending some time in nature, make plans to head to one of these top off-roading destinations near Alexandria. Lee Ranger District The Lee Ranger District in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests has several off-road trails worth exploring. One of the most popular is the more Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap Off-Highway Vehicle System, which is also the largest in the state. Here you'll find close to 40 miles of rugged off-road trails that offer plenty of twists and turns for excitement. Keep in mind that the trails are open to all users, so you'll have to watch out for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Budds Creek Motocross Park Located in Mechanicsville, Maryland, Budds Creek Motocross Park is a natural-terrain motocross track that offers the perfect combination of jumps, hills, corners, and soil with a deep and tacky consistency. In addition to hosting several professional races throughout the year, you can also stop by the track to check out the amateur races. On days the track doesn't have a race or other special event, be sure to visit for practice hours and put your own skills to the test. Tuscarora Trail The Tuscarora Trail stretches for 250 miles through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The trail was originally created as an alternative route for the Appalachian Trail when it was feared that the development would force the closure of the main trail. However, when the National Scenic Trails Act of 1968 passed, the Appalachian Trail was preserved and the Tuscarora Trail became an excellent option for off-road excursions. You can choose to complete the entire trail, or you can pick different sections to explore. Savage River State Forest Travel to Grantsville, Maryland, for a chance to explore the scenic Savage River State Forest. The area has several trails open to off-road vehicles, including the newest option: St. John's Rock ORV Trail and Campground. This is the first-ever trail system on Maryland Department of Natural Resources land specifically designed for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The trail system features a full-size rock crawl area for four-wheel-drive vehicles, technical trails for all-terrain vehicles, and single-track trails for motorcycles. When you want to enjoy multiple days of fun, you can stay at one of the sites at the campground. Assateague Island National Seashore Assateague Island National Seashore is a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean coast. While the island is famous for its herds of wild ponies, it's also an excellent place to go off-roading. The island is open year-round for off-road beach recreation. Just remember that it has a limit of 145 vehicles, so you might want to call ahead to ensure it's open. Whether you want to cruise down the sandy beach or check out some forested trails, these unique off-roading spots near Alexandria offer a great way to get out and enjoy nature. And there is no better way to get to your next adventure than in one of our latest Jeep models at Ourisman CDJR of Alexandria. Image via Flickr by Doug the trail builder /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0

We are in full holiday swing here at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Our show rooms have Christmas tunes playing, garland is hung and trees are up and decorated! You can’t help but be in the holiday spirit! We have held two company parties, one for our managers held in the Maryland area and one for all of our employees held in Virginia. Last Saturday our employees enjoyed drinks, dinner, dancing and some even won door prizes! The DJ had everyone on the dance floor. You couldn’t help but have a good time! We are open through the Holidays, except for Christmas Day. Come celebrate with us and get in the Christmas spirit! Tip of the Day to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly As we all know, the holidays are upon us. This, of course, means that traveling for many. For those who may be traveling by car, we consulted with our certified technicians and here are some tips they provided: make sure your tires are inflated to spec. This is very important. What spec is will vary per car.  Additionally, make sure your windshield wipers are working up to code. You don’t know if you’ll get caught in rain, snow, or sleet. We hope everyone travels safely this holiday season! Employee Sneak Peak Bouba Diallo- Sales Consultant Bouba has been with us for 19 years! Before becoming a sales consultant, he spent his time working as a restaurant manager. When he began looking for a new job, his cousin recommended he come work at Ourisman! Bouba’s favorite part about the job is the environment. He loves the interaction with the customers and that each day is different. Bouba says the key is planning your day ahead of time and sticking with it while at work! When Bouba is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family or watching European soccer. He is a big soccer fan! If you have ever been a customer of Bouba’s, you know what a treat it is! Community Shout Out This year, as in years past, Ourisman Automotive is delighted to contribute to Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots is an organization run by the US Marine Corps Reserves. The Marine Corps distributes toys to families and children who cannot afford to buy gifts for Christmas. We are happy to put a smile on children’s faces! https://www.toysfortots.org/ Image via Toys For Tots

Alexandria, named after John Alexander, an 18th-century Scottish landowner, was founded in 1749 and has a rich and varied history. It was one of the 10 busiest ports in America and an important tobacco trading post. While the largest slave-trading company in the country was based here, Alexandria also was home to a large free black community. During the Civil War, the city operated as a supply center for Union troops. Here are four of Alexandria's historic sites where you can trace the history of the city. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site During the Civil War, a system of forts and batteries were constructed that were known as the Defenses of Washington. Fort Ward, named for the first naval officer of the Union to be killed in the Civil War, is the best-preserved of these fortifications, and some areas have been reconstructed and restored to their original condition. You can visit the fort and museum, located in a 45-acre park, and learn about Alexandria as an occupied city, and its later importance for the rights of African-Americans. There are living history more programs where you get the chance to meet and talk to re-enactors portraying Civil War soldiers and civilians. Freedom House Museum Franklin and Armfield was once the largest slave-trading company in America, and the Freedom House Museum is housed in what was once part of the company's headquarters. The building was used as a pen for enslaved individuals being shipped to the cotton and sugar plantations of the Deep South. Exhibits will enable you to understand the harsh reality of Alexandria's role in the domestic slave trade through first-person accounts and details of the company's operations. Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum The Lyceum was constructed in 1839 to promote educational and cultural opportunities for the public. Among other uses, the building also served as a hospital for Civil War casualties. Now, the Alexandria History Museum houses exhibitions telling the story of Alexandria through archaeological artifacts, historic finds, maps, photographs, and original artwork. Changing exhibitions feature at the museum throughout the year. Torpedo Factory Art Center On the day World War I ended, work began on the construction of a U.S. naval torpedo station in Alexandria. During World War II, there was intense production of submarine and aircraft torpedoes. With this growth in production, 10 more buildings were added to the complex. After the war, the buildings were used as a storage facility until 1969 when a proposal to turn the buildings into working studio spaces for artists was accepted. In 1974, the Torpedo Factory Art Center opened to the public. More than 165 professional artists work, exhibit and sell their art here. The many galleries feature guest exhibitions and events throughout the year, and the center attracts more than half a million visitors a year. These sites and others provide an insight into a city that played an important role, not only in the history of Northern Virginia but also that of the United States. Image via Flickr by sabreguy29 /Under use by CC BY 2.0

The holidays are always an exciting time of year. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, there is just something magical about the holiday season. The city of Alexandria adds to the magic with several holiday events to help get you in the spirit. Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend The 48th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend & Parade will take place on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade showcases marching units of Scottish clans playing the bagpipes and Scottish drums along with dancers and re-enactment groups. The parade starts at St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets and ends at Market Square. Make sure to head to the Square for the end of the parade so you can listen to the massed band concert. more Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights The fun doesn't stop with the Scottish Christmas parade. Make sure to head to Alexandria's harbor at 5:30 p.m. on December 1 to see the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. The 2018 event will mark the 18th year of this fun event that USA Today named one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Parades. It features brightly lit boats cruising down the Potomac River along the historic waterfront. Tree Lighting Ceremony Don't miss the annual tree lighting ceremony in Market Square. The event starts with a welcome from the Town Crier and some words from Mayor Allision Stilbergerg. You'll also get to see a performance by Santa's Frosty Follies from the Metropolitan Fine Arts Center, and the kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is free to attend, and anyone is welcome. The Santa Train The annual Santa Train is one of Alexandria's most popular holiday events. You can buy tickets at Whistle Stop Hobbies for a unique train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The trains depart from King Street Station in Alexandria and go to Old Town Manassas before returning to the station. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet all the passengers and have treats for the kids, and during the 30-minute stop in Manassas, there is time for hot chocolate and a question-and-answer session with Santa. Alexandria Candlelight Tour Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 8 and enjoy the laid-back pace of the Alexandria Candlelight Tour. This popular event takes you through Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Carlyle House, and the Lee-Fendall House to see the holiday displays. This year, you'll also get to see the Alexandria Black History Museum and a miniature display that tells the story of African American life in Alexandria. The tours include period-themed food, seasonal spirits, and some entertainment. Tickets cost just $25 for adults and $5 for children. There are so many ways to get into the holiday spirit in Alexandria. You can also take a walk down historic King Street to see all the holiday lights and displays or check out the different Santa experiences throughout the season. Celebrate in style this season! Image via Flickr by Lake Mead National Recreation Area /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0

The holidays are right around the corner, and whether you are someone who leaves your shopping to the last minute or you get it done early, you can find that special gift for almost anyone on your list in Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria was named one of the best indie boutique scenes on the East Coast by Where Magazine, and it offers a wide variety of stores from small boutiques to large national chains. Here are our favorite downtown Alexandria shops for holiday gifts. The Christmas Attic The Christmas Attic is a 35-year old shop owned by a local Alexandria family. It is not only a great place to shop for Christmas gifts but also a must-see stop for any trip to Alexandria any time of year. The shop has two floors of items for every holiday and many unique, hard-to-find gifts. Stop into The Christmas Attic to find handblown glass, holiday village houses and collectibles, and a wide variety of ornaments. more The Hour The Hour has a large collection of cocktail glassware with both vintage and new items available. The Old Town Alexandria location has two floors filled with everything you need to serve cocktails in style. This is one of the only stores in the U.S. to offer this type of collection, and it includes vintage shakers, trays, and pitchers. Owner Victoria Vergason is also launching her own vintage-inspired line with some of the products available right at the store as well as online. Hooray for Books Books make great gifts, and you can find one for everyone on your list at Hooray for Books, This local bookstore is the only independent bookstore in Alexandria. It offers a large selection of new books for children, adults, and young adults as well as toys for the kids, puzzles, cards, and fun gift items. Red Barn Mercantile Red Barn Mercantile is located on King Street. The owner of this store offers both antique and new furniture, home décor, kitchenware, and gifts. Red Barn Mercantile carries items for every room in the house, and you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list in one easy stop at this store. Shop for unique bath soaps, candles, dish towels, and woven cotton tote bags. You can even find unusual gifts here, such as a lobster bottle opener or Little's Q BBQ Sauces. The Dog Park You can shop in downtown Alexandria for gifts for your own four-legged friend or for someone who has a dog. This small dog and cat boutique specializes in fun gift items such as mugs, picture frames, and magnets. Stop by to see if you can find something with your breed on it to take home, or buy a gift for your pet sitter or dog walker. Shopping in downtown Alexandria is always fun during the holidays. There are many local shops offering items you don't often find in larger stores, and the area is always beautifully decorated for the season. Image via Flickr by Dougtone /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0