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. Read the rest of this entry »
Every year, Strategic Vision asks new car buyers what they liked most about their new vehicles within the first 90 days, along with what they didn’t like about the vehicles. The company then analyzes the results to come up with the best models — according to drivers in real-world situations — in several different categories. In 2018, they surveyed 42,000 people, and several Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles came out on top.
The 2018 Dodge Durango
For the fifth year in a row, the Dodge Durango came out on top in the midsize SUV segment. Owners loved the combination of utility, class-leading towing capabilities, and advanced technology. The aggressive styling of the Durango was another reason why drivers liked this SUV. This truck comes standard with an award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It has a best-in-class towing Read the rest of this entry »
The Mechanics Guide to Choosing the Right Oil
Choosing the right kind of oil is something that is usually left up to the service station to decide. Follow these mechanic’s tips to arm yourself with knowledge about choosing the right automotive oil for your vehicle.
Viscosity is an important indicator of the best oil for different operating conditions. The lower the number, the less it will thicken in the cold, so different oils should be used depending on if you’re in Minnesota or Death Valley.
Once you have the right viscosity determined, you can begin shopping for oil. Note that it is recommended that once you choose a type of oil, that you stick with it moving forward to maintain the best performance. Let’s explore the different types of oil that are available for consideration. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
The 2018 Dodge Durango Is the Perfect Family Vehicle
Are you searching for a car that keeps the entire family cruising along in safety and comfort? Look no further than the 2018 Dodge Durango, packed with features that make it the ultimate family vehicle.
Power
This midsize three-row SUV packs astounding power to get you where you need to be. Available in rear- or front-wheel drive configurations, the Durango also comes with three muscular engine options to best suit your family’s needs. The base model is equipped with a very respectable 3.6-liter V-6 engine that will happily suit most drivers. Read the rest of this entry »
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 Read the rest of this entry »
Hybrid or Not? Choosing a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. It is available in six trims: L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. There is also a hybrid model that is available in three trims: Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited. In order to help you make a decision, let’s compare the 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid by focusing on the Limited trim in both models. Deciding between the two will not be easy, as both have a lot to offer and are top contenders in the new-age minivan class.
The Three P’s: Price, Power, and Performance
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited trim comes at a starting price of $44,095. It sports a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that kicks out 287 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency of this car is rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and it has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Upcoming Models Worth Waiting For
The new models of our favorite vehicles come out every year, and it’s always an exciting time to see the updated versions that are available. While there are many to choose from, here are some of the models that are worth waiting for if you’re thinking about purchasing a new car in the upcoming year. From Jeep to Ram to Dodge, many new models are coming out with updated looks, added features, and overall enhancements that will make your driving experience that much better.
2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup
People are always excited when new versions of the Jeep Wrangler come out, and the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup is no exception. This model comes with a seven-slot grille and LED daytime running lights. There are also rectangular taillights that are similar to the current model. It’s rumored that it will come with both two-door and four-door models. The Jeep also has a single tailpipe on the driver’s side, which is different from the current model which has the tailpipe exiting on the passenger side. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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