Summertime in Alexandria is loads of fun. Tourists descend on our fair city, but we're glad to have them as our guests.
At the Torpedo Factory and Potomac in Old Town
One of the places that you have to visit when you're in town is also a favorite spot of residents: the Alexandria waterfront. The docks behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center are always bustling with activity. Every few paces you'll find a street musician, street magician and other entertainer. There are numerous restaurants here: most of them quite nice.
Admiral Tilp offers river tours in Alexandria VA
If you're looking for a little fun on the water, you might want to take a cruse on the Admiral Tilp. The Admiral Tilp is docked here at the end of King Street and Union Street. The Admiral Tilp departs on the hour, so if you miss her, she'll be back. The Admiral Tilp offers a narrated tour under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, past National Harbor and down to Jones Point. The on-board guide provides a historical and contemporary context to what you will witness on board.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
If you like street music, then you'll find no better spot to wander than Old Town Alexandria. Through-out the week, especially on weekends, musicians gather in Old Town at street corners and near the waterfront to play music for tips and applause. Most are highly talented professionals, some are learning to play their instrument in front of a crowd. I enjoy them both in different ways.
Here in Old Town Alexandria, you'll find everything from a lonely saxophone, to steel drums to an entire band. Below I've collected a few photos to give you a taste of Old Town's many musicians.
This foursome was phenomenal singing and playing old time mountain music. It was a great throwback to the Carters because the gal in the front on the guitar was a great singer. The banjo player and bass were on point, and I love the texture that the mandolin (seated behind guitar) provided.
The glass harp as played by Jamie Turner is an old town treat one simply must hear in person to appreciate.
Harpist
This miss not only strummed the harp to perfection but also sang beautifully.
At the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory there are often a few soloists serving up music for passers-by.
I heard some fine picking and strumming from this pair.
About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.
Fortune Teller in Old Town
I took a walk on waterfront in Old Town Alexandria VA last night. The temperature was absolutely perfect as was the humidity. There were crowds, but it wasn't too much. I saw folks rushing to the Nina Dandy and other boats for an evening of cruising. There were several street musicians playing King St. At the pass-thru under the Torpedo Factory, a gentleman was playing the saxophone. And down along the water a street magician was showing his stuff. The balloon men were there creating animals and entertaining the children. A fortune teller was portending the future. A parrot rescue group had a flock of parrots and similar birds which were available for photos.
But then a light misting rain started to fall and the crowds scattered. At first they hid in the Food Court and on the trolley. The musicians were the first to pack, and they packed quickly to ensure their instruments weren't damaged. The mule drawn carriage pulled off and soon the streets were quiet. We walked around a bit, enjoying the peace and quiet. And then we were gone as well.
Street magic at the water front in Old Town Alexandria VA
About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.
The Ford Nature Center is located in West End Alexandria not far from the intersection of Beauregard St. and Sanger Ave. The Nature Center backs to Holmes Run behind William Ramsay Elementary School. The Nature Center is sited on Dora Kelley Nature Park, a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary with a one-mile long nature trail that meanders along streams, wooded hills, and freshwater marshland.
Staff naturalists at the Nature Center welcome visitors and "explorers" interested in Alexandria natural history. For groups of 8 or more, make reservations and a staff naturalist will take you on a guided tour of the Nature Park. you can see live animals up close and learn about the cultural and natural history of Dora Kelley Nature Park. For more information, or to make program reservations, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559.
The Nature Center houses the following attractions and exhibits:
Live turtles, snakes, toads and salamanders
Aquarium with native fish species from Holmes Run
Exhibit on Alexandria’s birds of prey
Mary Anne Warner’s beautiful 16’ x 7’ oil mural, “Wildlife of the Dora Kelley Nature Park”
Mounted black bear, red fox, turkey and bobcat
Interpretive exhibits on local geology, prehistory, and history
Small reference library with children's section
Games and activity stations for children
Greenhouse with tropical rainforest plants
The activity room of Ford Nature Center is available for use and rental by community groups and organizations.
Volunteering at the Nature Center
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above. Positions include front desk attendant, park conservation aide, and park watch assistant. Volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups in outdoor conservation and trail maintenance are also available from 9am-12pm on the following Saturdays: April 12, May 17, June 14, July 26, and August 23. For more information, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559.
I recently started volunteering as a coach for Fort Hunt Youth Basketball and I believe volunteering has some great benefits.
Friendship- When people get together, relationships are formed. After coaching a few practices, it's not uncommon for volunteers to exchange phone numbers or social media information. By giving just a small amount of time, lifetime bonds may be established.
Community- Building with your community gives a sense of pride. Whether you are volunteering at your local recreation center or at your local food kitchen, this will save money. Saving money saves resources and funds can now go toward other local improvements.
Personal Growth- Experiencing new things and environments will lead to personal growth. Skills you may not have known you had will become more apparent.
Health- Volunteering will naturally make you a more active person. Research has found that volunteering has amazing health benefits. While thinking of others, one can battle depression and social confinement.
Alexandria Avenue bridges the Mount Vernon Trail
Courtesy: Stay out of the way of others, including pedestrians and motor vehicles. When coming to a passage way with a vehicle stopped or about to stop and you are approaching, if you not going to stop, go to the left of the vehicle and pass behind it so that you do not interfere with their momentum, otherwise stop and wait for them to pass.
Round-trip: Consider where you begin, in regards to where your terminal point is. For example, a trip from Old Town by bike can lead to various routes, such as Eisenhower Valley, Del Ray, Crystal City, Fairfax County' Alexandria, Mount Vernon, etc.
Resources: Think of what you will bring with you on the way and what you might pick up while on the go. For example, a bike rack can be a luxury; storing photography accessories, snacks, water, maps, handheld electronics, etc. It can be economical to ride to a local business and back to acquire much needed resources such as home goods, hobby essentials, repair equipment, missing errand inventory.
Soak it up: While out it is amazing to witness the weather upon the land, the change and consistency in history of a region, to feel the wind, to see people in action, to fly down a hill, and so on.
Wing it: Weather nice? Mount the bike and head in a direction you've been before, or possibly travel to a region you have thought about before. Have some money on you and go to a business you like, pick up some fresh groceries, visit a friends dwelling, make it to a monument, etc.
Plan: Come up with an idea for a round-trip bicycle adventure. A plan to go visit the nightlife spot you enjoy, during the day, can be refreshing. Ride to the end of the 5 mile point on the map, and back.
Arlington County is organized into unincorporated "urban villages". Our website highlights several of these villages and other areas in Arlington County.
This foursome was phenomenal singing and playing old time mountain music. It was a great throwback to the Carters because the gal in the front on the guitar was a great singer. The banjo player and bass were on point, and I love the texture that the mandolin (seated behind guitar) provided.
The glass harp as played by Jamie Turner is an old town treat one simply must hear in person to appreciate.
At the waterfront behind the 
I heard some fine picking and strumming from this pair.
