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Top 5 Safe Driving Habits

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

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Explore the 4 Neighborhoods of Alexandria, VA

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

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Best Places to Go Off-Roading Near Alexandria, VA

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

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It’s The Holiday Season…

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

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4 Historic Alexandria Sites Worth a Visit

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

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Celebrate the Holidays in Style in Alexandria

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

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Our Favorite Downtown Alexandria Shops For Holiday Gifts

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

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3 Things to See and Do at the Torpedo Factory Art Center

Located just outside of Washington, D.C., historic Old Town Alexandria is a charming cobblestone area brimming with rich history, funky shopping, and delightful restaurants. A landmark of the Old Town landscape, the Torpedo Factory Art Center attracts over 500,000 artists, visitors, and tourists each year. Established in 1974, it is housed in a former munitions plant (hence the name) and houses the largest number of working artists open studios under one roof. Explore all that you can see and do on a visit to the Torpedo Factory. Galleries The Torpedo Factory boasts thousands of square feet dedicated to showcasing the works of established and rising artists alike among its many gallery spaces. The Target Gallery is the center's space dedicated to exhibiting contemporary pieces. This gallery hosts eight exhibitions each year focusing on contemporary works. more Gallery 311 is the newest gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This gallery represents works created by members of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association, the founding entity of the Torpedo Center. The Artist's Association is a guild of nearly 300 visual artists that is dedicated to opening their workspaces to public visits. One of the original medium-specific galleries at the Torpedo Factory, the Scope Gallery aims to showcase high-quality clay work. Scope features the works of over 30 local ceramic artists that regularly exhibit in rotating monthly themes. Classes Each year, over 10,000 children and adults take art classes at the Torpedo Factory. The Art League School offers classes in virtually all of the visual arts, from drawing to jewelry making to fiber arts. Classes convene weekly in most cases and are taught by highly qualified, professional art instructors to students of all levels. The Art League also offers a wide array of classes for children ages 5 and older. Alongside more traditional visual art mediums, children can also explore such art forms as cartooning and clay animation. During the summer months, the Art League offers summer camps at the Torpedo Factory focusing primarily on painting, sculpting, printmaking, and drawing. Specific subject matter camps are also available for children who wish to focus their energies on one medium. Special Events One of the more spectacular settings in the Washington D.C. area, the Torpedo Factory Art Center makes a striking choice for hosting private events . The unique architecture features chic industrial exposed pipes, ductwork, and a smokestack that harkens back to the building's former historical function. Bright white paint offset by playfully colored accents creates a welcoming feeling that can be customized for any occasion. A dramatic two-story atrium overlooks the building's main space, with a catwalk from which to view events below. The art-filled halls of the building lend an elegant air to the space that impresses guests at the many weddings, parties, and receptions held here. Whether you are an established artist or a budding Picasso, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a true treasure in the Washington D.C. area. Its bright, sun-filled spaces are a natural fit for the creativity within the numerous artist's studios. The art center successfully democratizes art, making it accessible to anyone who steps inside. Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswel l/Under use by CC BY 2.0

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3 of the Best Things to Do in Old Town

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria is an endlessly charming and historic area to explore. Old Town boasts special shops, delightful restaurants, and historic sites that play a starring role in the foundation of our country. Check out some of the best places to scout out on a visit to Old Town. Boat Tour At the foot of the main drag of King Street, the Potomac River lines the eastern edge of Old Town. This beautiful waterfront area features restaurants and public areas for a stroll or outdoor event. It is also the launching point for the many boat tours that leave from Old Town to visit sites along the Potomac from the comfort of a boat. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a number of itineraries to suit your interests. See the monuments of Washington from one of their vessels, or head just south down the River for a quick trip to George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. Particularly popular are the Potomac Riverboat Company's Canine Cruises. Bring along your favorite more four-legged friend for a canine-friendly sightseeing tour — bring your own bones. Hard Times Cafe Hard Times Cafe is a D.C.-area institution, opening its first restaurant in Old Town in 1980 before expanding into multiple locations throughout the area. Hard Times is comfort food central, best known for its burgers, wings, and nachos. But their signature offering is chili, served in several recipes, including a vegetarian option. Enjoy it in a bowl or go all-in with their famous chili mac, comprised of spaghetti smothered with chili and loaded with cheese, tomatoes, hot dogs, and other toppings. Once you're set up with your food and a drink, Hard Times is the ultimate place to settle in to watch the big game — or games! Loaded with televisions showing all of the local sports teams, this cozy setting is a great time to huddle with pals or meet new friends enjoying the warm, boisterous environment. Walking Tours Steeped in history and located on the Potomac River, there is no shortage of sights to explore in Old Town. Consider one of many walking tours of the area, such as an Old Town Alexandria history tour that follows the footsteps of such notable figures as George Washington and Robert E. Lee. A walking tour explores the important moments in Old Town's history from colonial times through the Civil War. Not for the faint of heart, Old Town ghost tours offer a spooky perspective on the town's colorful past. Follow your 18th-century costumed guide along a lantern-lit exploration of entertaining ghost stories, legends, and folklore. Children ages 9 and up are welcome with adults, and tours are held most evenings from March through December. While it can be tempting to head downtown to D.C. for a day of sightseeing, Old Town is an equally fascinating and action-packed area to give a further look. From walking tours to delicious food, Alexandria truly offers something to please everyone. Image via Flickr by Ken Lund /Under use by CC BY-SA 2.0

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4 Quiet Study Spots in Alexandria, VA

If you're looking for a quiet study spot in Alexandria, Virginia, there are many places you can go. These will help you focus on that big test coming up, so you can pass it with flying colors. From coffee shops to libraries, you'll be able to find a place of solitude to help you finish your term paper or get ready for the upcoming exam. Java Loco Java Loco makes for a good study spot since it's quieter than your average coffee shop. While it's great to be at a crowded coffee shop when you want to socialize, it doesn't make for a pleasant atmosphere to concentrate. As you enjoy the solitude of this place, you have a variety of unique drinks to choose from. These include pistachio lattes, Cubano coffee, and green tea lattes in addition to a variety of food. Good drinks, plenty of food, and quietness is the perfect formula to put in a hard day's worth of studying. more Stomping Ground Caffeine is helpful to keep you awake when you study, but you also need a solid meal to keep you going. Stomping Ground will start your morning off right with its large selection of hearty foods to choose from. Get the veggie hash for your fill of protein and vegetables, or go with the breakfast grit bowl to stay full for hours. They also have plenty of espresso drinks to choose from if you need to wake up, including cold brew coffee, lattes, mochas, and more. You'll be ready to take on your tasks after a full meal here. Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse One of the best bookstores in the D.C. area has a coffeehouse on the bottom floor, which makes it a perfect study location. You can browse the books when you need a break or if you need to do research for a paper. You'll also be able to study in silence while getting your caffeine fix at this cozy bookstore. They often have authors come to speak on certain subjects, so stick around to get even more educated on the topic you're studying. It's a good place to meet a study group as well. Alexandria Library There's no better place to study than the classic setting of a library. With librarians who enforce the "no talking" rule, you'll easily be able to get into your studies at the Alexandria Library. It's also a great place to do research, as you have access to thousands of different books to use as sources for your paper. You're also able to easily browse through newspapers and magazines by checking out their online databases. If needed, you can check out e-audio books or e-books, and you'll also have free access to the internet. When you need somewhere to study for the big test coming up, you have many places to choose from in Alexandria. Whether you need to spend the day researching at a library or want to get in the zone at a coffee shop, you'll love all the options available. Image via Flickr by pru_mitchell /Under use by CC BY 2.0

Clear Your Schedule for These 4 Fun Events

It's important to make time for fun events and activities, rather than letting the busyness of school, work, and routine responsibilities overrun your life. There are many events to check out this fall in Alexandria, Virginia, so make sure to clear your schedule. From taking a water taxi ride to spending a weekend learning how to teach children yoga, you'll love filling your time with these events. Attend the Colonial Market & Fair From Sept. 15-16, the yearly Colonial Market & Fair takes place for a weekend of family fun. Dozens of the finest historic craftspeople in America will be there to show how they make traditional items. You'll see everything from woodcarvings, leather works, furniture, food, baskets, tinworks, ironwork, and weavings being made and sold. There will be plenty of entertainment taking place during the weekend, including fire-eating, colonial music being played, a puppet show, and a balloon launch. You'll even see people in costume showing how they used to make chocolate in the 18th century. more Take a Water Taxi to the National Mall For a new way to visit the National Mall, take a ride on a water taxi. The Potomac Riverboat Co. will take you on a 30-minute ferry ride from Old Town Alexandria and drop you off by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the National Mall. You'll also be near a Capital Bikeshare station if you want to explore the area by bicycle. Several Smithsonian museums are also nearby for you to visit. The water taxi service runs from Friday to Sunday until Oct. 28. Tickets cost $30 for an adult round-trip ticket or $18 for one-way. You'll pay $10 for a one-way ticket for children younger than 12 years old and $20 for a round-trip ticket. Attend a Salsa Dancing Festival From Sept. 27-30, you can attend the 3rd Annual Fall Salsa and Bachata Dance Festival. Every night will have a theme party to dress for and there will be four different rooms. You can choose to join the bachata room, kizomba room, salsa room, or the zouk room. Watch some of the best show off their skills, or attend one of the 50 workshops to become a professional yourself. Plenty of local restaurants will be participating in the event to fuel you after a full day of dancing. Learn Yoga for Kids Attend the 2018 National Kids Yoga Conference from Oct. 12-14 to learn how to educate children on the benefits of yoga. There will be a variety of talks to attend, such as interventions, research, policy, and trauma. You can choose several different training tracks, including the basic teacher training certificate, advanced teacher training, or teen-only teacher training. Attendees will learn the best ways to encourage kids to get into yoga and why it's important. You'll have a chance to listen to some of the top educators in this field and network with others to further your career. There are plenty of things to choose from when you're in Alexandria. Your fall will fly by when you fill your calendar up with these events. Image via Flickr by Phil Roeder /Under use by CC BY 2.0

5 Criminally Good Pizza Places in Alexandria

Pizza is one type of food best served big and with company. It's a classic dish with the right fit and flavor to satisfy everyone on board, and we know just where you can get it in Alexandria. Here are five pizza joints offering good pies and prices for any budget. Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap Perfectly charred at 900 degrees, all Neapolitan-style pies at Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap are guaranteed to please any party. You can opt for a 10-inch or 14-inch pizza, and all are tastefully matched with fresh dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of meats and veggies. Menu options are aplenty, and picks such as Korean BBQ and New England Clam are both sure to get your taste buds tingling. Order for takeout or dine in to sample everything Lena's has to offer. more Juliano's Enjoy the best of Italian cuisine at Juliano's pizzeria, sub shop, and pasta place. Whatever Italian food you're looking to try, this place has it. Order your favorite hand-tossed or thin crust pizza in a personal, medium, or large serving with your choice of toppings. Or, go for a gourmet option such as the Big Juliano. This baby packs four types of meat, including pepperoni, sausage, ham, and meatballs, plus onions, mushrooms, and green peppers. You can dine in, take out, or have your dish delivered right to your door whenever you want it. RedRocks Neapolitan Bistro RedRocks is situated in Old Town Alexandria and backed by top reviews from notable outlets like The Washington Post and Huffington Post. Its award-winning pizza is anything but basic and can be yours when you dine in or carry out. Try the Spanish Chorizo pie. Bursting with flavor, it's made with chorizo sausage, fontina, basil, shaved fennel, crushed red peppers, and tomato cream sauce for a dish that's both hearty and memorable. Yum! Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant For delicious gourmet pizzas customized to perfection, Bugsy's is the place to be for your next dine-in, delivery, or takeout dish. This restaurant serves up small, medium, and large pies depending on your hunger level, and all are equally as impressive as the next item on the menu. Try a traditional favorite such as The Farmer's Market pizza, topped with veggies. There are also a variety of exceptional pizzas to choose from, along with a make-your-own option for a personalized creation. Delia's Mediterranean Grill and Brick Oven Pizza This fancy restaurant offers brick-oven pizza guaranteed to please your growling tummy. Try a signature pie like the Gustoso for a blend of salami and ham topped with olives, tomatoes, herbs and spices, and mozzarella cheese. Or, you can craft your own pizza using specialty meats and toppings for a pie that's as unique as you. It's all tasty at Delia's, whether you dine in or carry out. After reading about all this pizza, we're sure your mouth is watering. Satisfy your craving with a visit to these top pizza dives in Alexandria. Image via Flickr by Pierre Wolfer /Under use by CC BY-ND 2.0

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