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

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

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

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

If your road trip takes you through Alexandria, Virginia, or the surrounding area, there are several unique and memorable locations that you should visit. Take a look at the ones we list below. They're more than worth a bit of a detour. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial This memorial was built by the Freemasons in honor of the first President of the United States: George Washington. Sitting at the top of a hill overlooking Old Town Alexandria, it is both a memorial and a functioning Masonic lodge and meeting space. The structure itself is 333 feet tall and built to resemble a wonder of the ancient world: The Great Lighthouse of Alexandria. It holds nine floors in total and contains a collection of George Washington's possessions. The George Washington Museum, the memorial library, a replica of The Ark of the Covenant, a replica of the crypt beneath the Temple of Solomon, and a replica of King Solomon's Throne Room can all be found within its walls. more The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum This museum was originally a functioning apothecary, founded in 1792 by Edward Stabler, which operated until 1933. Its closing coincided with the advent of synthetic drug companies and the institution of federal food and drug regulations. The apothecary reopened as a museum in 1937, offering visitors a glimpse into the medical past of the United States. The instruments and drugs displayed are as they were when the apothecary closed. Purchases by Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee are viewable on the company ledgers. The medicine of the time was produced in an upstairs workshop and lab. On top of medicines, the apothecary supplied surgical and dental instruments, farm and garden equipment, cigars, varnish, paint, soap, perfume, artist's supplies, brushes, and combs, among other things. The Grave of the Female Stranger If a mystery is more your style, stop by The Grave of the Female Stranger. According to legend, she arrived in Alexandria by ship in 1816 with her lover. They rented a room at Gadsby's Tavern on North Royal Street. While there, she fell ill, and her love called for a doctor to care for her on the condition that the doctor asked nothing about who they were or where they came from. The doctor was unable to diagnose her, and she died on October 14, 1816. Her love borrowed money to bury her but was unable to repay the debt, and so forged a note from The Bank of England. She rests to this day in a grave at St. Paul's Episcopal Church within the town cemetery. Gadsby's Tavern Built in 1785, this colonial tavern was host to some of the most famous figures in American history. These included Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and John Adams, among others. The tavern also played host to more mysterious and poverty-stricken figures, like the woman now entombed in The Grave of the Female Stranger. The tavern changed form and name repeatedly over the decades but now stands as a replica of what it was during the colonial era. It houses Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant, which serves meals inspired by the tavern's colonial past. Whether you favor history, medicine, mystery, or colonial cuisine, Alexandria, Virginia has destinations that are sure to captivate your imagination. Image via Flickr by Jim Larrison. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

There are several bays, lakes, and streams intertwined with regional parks in northern Virginia, and some of these recreation areas have convenient perks like food stands, bait shops, and marinas. Many fish have been caught at the handy anglers' haunts around Alexandria, and you can launch your own fishing boat or choose a rental craft for a day of fishing there. Some local waters are dedicated to fishing and boating only. If you enjoy a wilderness environment, the 1,814-acre Mason Neck State Park is only minutes from downtown Alexandria. There are also plenty of parks that have something for everyone, including the kids. So grab your gear and your fishing license, and head to these local fishing spots. more Fountainhead Regional Park The fishing is fine at Fountainhead Park, and you can even stock up on provisions at the snack bar and bait shop before you head out. Bring your boat, or rent a powerboat, canoe, or kayak for the day. There's a ramp that can accommodate boat trailers, along with a fishing pier and floating dock perfect for family fun. This part of the Occoquan Reservoir is a no-wake zone with calm waters that make it fishing-friendly. Burke Lake Park Burke Lake is well-stocked with largemouth bass, and the volume of fish is rated at a high density for a lake this size. You can catch bluegill, sunfish, and catfish in the 218-acre waterway, and only canoes, kayaks, and electric-powered craft are allowed. The bait and tackle shop at the marina has fishing gear available along with several kinds of bait. There's no swimming or paddle boarding, just watercraft on this section of the lake, with over five miles of shoreline for fishing. Mason Neck State Park Fishing and boating are the only activities allowed here as well, and boat rentals are available. The park doesn't have a ramp for boat trailers, but you can easily launch a lightweight kayak or canoe from the access site. Belmont Bay has fresh to brackish water, and Kane's Creek is nearby for freshwater fishing. You're likely to spot a lot of local wildlife during your fishing trip, including white-tailed deer and American bald eagles. The park is popular for bird-watching, and picnic tables are available for before and after fishing. Pohick Bay Regional Park On the other side of the Mason Neck peninsula, Pohick Bay Park offers a fishing experience that's great for a family fishing day or weekend. Here, you'll find camping facilities, picnic shelters, a playground, and a pool. You can fish from the shore or the pier, or head out into the bay. The waters here are also open for paddleboarding and swimming, so you might have to get farther from shore to catch some of the crappie, catfish, and bass that populate the bay. The Fish Are Biting Whether you're looking for a quiet day of fishing in the creeks and marshes of Alexandria or a family excursion at the lake, your ideal fishing experience is just minutes from the city. From the calm waters of the Occoquan Reservoir to the shores of Pohick Bay, just choose your adventure. Image via Flickr by Virginia State Parks. Used with permission via CC by 2.0 / cropped from original

Alexandria, Virginia, dates back to the late 1600s when the first Europeans settled into the city. Throughout the years, the city faced new settlements, was one of the most important local ports, and even went through a war. Today, you can explore the history of Alexandria at one of these local museums. US Patent & Trademark Office Museum Inventors have been important to not only the emergence of Alexandria but the entire country. The US Patent & Trademark Office Museum celebrates inventors, builders, and creators. more The museum offers programs geared toward all ages. Preschoolers will enjoy the inventor's playground. Younger children will enjoy the camp and club invention programs and the STEM Make lab. High schoolers and college students will enjoy the leadership programs. Within the museum, you can explore ever-changing exhibits including Higgins Boat, the Intellectual Property Power exhibit, and the numerous interactive kiosks located throughout the museum. Fort Ward Museum Alexandria was an important part of the Civil War. You can learn all about the war history and hear interpretations and watch reenactments at the Fort Ward Museum. The tour guides are more than willing to answer all your questions. You can also view many of the same medical tools that were used in the historic Alexandria Union Army Hospital. Take a walk through Fort Ward Park and learn more about the city at each of the historic signs. The park spans across 45-acres of land and can also be used for outdoor recreation or an outdoor picnic. Freedom House Museum The Freedom House Museum was once one of the largest slave trading firms in the entire country. The museum offers an in-depth look and educational experience into slavery. Much of the museum is in the basement of the Freedom House and gives you an immersive experience of the conditions that slaves had to endure. You will also hear first-person accounts with details from the time of slavery. The museum is an important reminder of the harsh history of slavery and a dedication to the freedom that came with its abolishment. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Many business owners have come through Alexandria, forever changing the makeup of the city. One of the longest-running businesses was the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary which was first founded in 1792. You can explore the museum and check out the large collection of herbal botanicals. You can also view prescriptions, medical journals, and invoices that date all the way back to the 1700s while also learning about medicine during that time. The museum also has a large collection of hand-blown glass. Every Sunday morning, the museum hosts a Geek Tour which is a one-hour guided tour of the museum and includes different weekly themes. You can also host a birthday party or a special event at the museum. The city of Alexandria has been through a lot and today, it stands as a vibrant and welcoming city. Learn more about the city that you call home by exploring each of these important historical museums. Image via Flickr by Ryan Crierie. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

Take a break from your daily grind to restart your body and mind. After long hours, week after week, your body and mind get tired, and there's no better way to refresh them than a visit to the spa. Pamper yourself — you've earned it. Enjoy an oasis of rejuvenation at these fantastic spas near Alexandria, Virginia. Live Health Center If you're looking for a great deal on a relaxing day at the spa, head over to Live Health Center. The professionally trained staff will ensure that you get everything you need to rejuvenate your mind and body. The spa offers various massages, including Swedish, deep tissue, sport, and couple massages. Sign up for a mini facial or deep cleanser facial to complete your experience. more If you want it all, sign up for a package that includes an hour-long body massage, a 30-minute hot stone treatment, and aromatherapy paraffin, all for $150.The Live Health Center is open from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Aida Spa For a first-class spa experience, Aida Spa is one of the best in the area. It has everything you'd want from a spa, including facial and body treatments, body massages, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and more. You can easily spend hours here pampering yourself. Ever since the spa opened its doors, it's been receiving wonderful reviews from happy customers. Aida herself was trained and certified at an internationally renowned school in Paris. She's been offering her expertise for over 30 years. This spa's multiple packages let you get what you're looking for. Sign up for a two-hour facial and mani/pedi package, or go all the way up to the top four-hour package, which includes microdermabrasion, aromatherapy, and a spa mani/pedi. Aida's highly rated services, whichever ones you choose, make you feel beautiful and healthier. Aida Spa is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Fountains Day Spa Fountains Day Spa is one of the most popular spas in the area, and for good reason. Whether you're looking for electrolysis treatment or a 30-minute massage, Fountains has you covered. Its selection of massages is extensive, ranging from Swedish massage to pregnancy massage. Body treatments, hand and foot treatments, reflexology sessions, tinting, facials, and more are also offered. The spa has a great selection of specials as well. Sign up for a Fountains Mini Delight special for $184.50 to get an hour and a half of reflexology, a mini-massage, and a mini-facial. If you want to refresh your face, the spa's great facial lets you spend 100 minutes enjoying the expert techniques and methods. Fountains Day Spa is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. You deserve a break, and there's no better way to spend that break than relaxing at any of these spas. Whether you're preparing for a big event or just want to feel like a new person, these spas offer an oasis that will leave you feeling beautiful, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Image via Flickr by Zenspa1. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original

On the Potomac River waterfront sits the quaint city of Alexandria, located a mere 20 minutes from Washington D.C. This charming and affordable destination is perfect to explore or to use as a starting point to visit surrounding areas. It's a great place for families along with loads of fun attractions. Kids activities abound from museums and historic sites to bike rides and boat tours. There are many free things to do as well. Here are some of the kid-friendly attractions for your family to discover. Our Special Harbor This free water park has an amazing splash pad for the kids, in addition to dumping buckets, spray fountains, water guns, misting sunflowers, a lighthouse, and many other water play features. There is a quiet beach area with interactive water tables and gentler bubblers for younger children, while a water maze adds to an energetic atmosphere. Anyone under 12 must wear closed-back water shoes or they will not be allowed into the park. Our Special Harbor, with its Chesapeake Bay themed spray ground, can be found at the Family Recreation Area at Lee District Park. more Kids' Scavenger Hunt A great way to introduce your children to the region's history is through the Alexandria Colonial Tours' Kids' Scavenger Hunt. It's a fun self-guided walking tour with six stops, which takes about 45 minutes, and can be customized to suit your family's needs. Maps and clues can be found at the Christmas Attic on South Union Street for $4. The clues help your children plan their way to the next stop, find necessary information, and fill in the blanks. The hunt is suitable for children aged 7-11. Pirate Ship Cruise The Potomac Boat Company offers a treasure hunt cruise. Your children will have a blast with the pirate speak, treasure chests, water cannons, pirate games, and more. The 40-minute cruise around the Alexandria seaport is on a small covered boat, featuring a costumed captain and his mate as they share historical and geographical facts in conjunction with the pirate theme. It's a memorable excursion for the kids and it provides a lot of interesting information for the parents. Old Town Waterfront Alexandria's Old Town Waterfront provides a relaxed family outing where you can stroll along the waterfront and stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. Adults will love the old architecture and shops, while the kids will be kept amused by the street performers and artists. Irresistible treats and snacks are found along the boardwalk, which will keep any child happy. Take in the sights and enjoy the atmosphere of this historical city. Alexandria has good reason to be recognized as one of the top five best cities in the U.S., as noted via Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 Readers' Choice Award survey. It has a rich history with a variety of dining, shopping, sight-seeing, and family attractions available. With a little research and planning, your kids will have plenty to do in and around the vicinity. King Street Trolley - Old Town Alexandria VA via Flickr by m01229. Used with permissions 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

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