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Category: Fun Stuff

Fun things to do and see in Northern Virginia near Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County and Falls Church. Includes parks, shopping, sightseeing, recreation and events.

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Foxy’s Big Adventure

Fetch Fetch is a pet store in Old Town Alexandria that sells gourmet doggy-treats and other high quality gourmet goodies. I thought it would be fun to take my dog Foxy on a field trip to Fetch and the bakery that makes these gourmet doggie biscuits. Foxy at River Towers Foxy was eager to leave River Towers on her big adventure, even if she didn't know where she was going. Foxy in the car So we jumped in the car and took her around the corner to Old Town Alexandria VA. Foxy's Pit Stop Once we were in Old Town, Foxy decided to read the doggie-newspaper. One can learn a lot from a green patch on a brick-sidewalk. Foxy approaches Fetch Then it was off to Fetch and to see Marion. Marion and Foxy Foxy is Marion's adopted grandbaby. Marion always greets Foxy with a big hug and lots of kisses.Foxy loves the cookies at Fetch, but she was soon distracted ... she saw trouble coming. Foxy and Magnum Yep. Trouble at least that's what Foxy calls that adorable Jack Russell Terrier named Magnum. Magnum wanted to play, but Foxy didn't like sharing Marion's attention. Foxy's not on the man-hunt and had no interest in Magnum. Xanadu Bakery So we left town and headed to Beltsville, where they bake the Zanadu cookies sold in Fetch and Chateau Animaux. Painting at Xanadu The art work at the bakery was wonderful, but Foxy wanted to see where the action took place. cookie cutters at Xanadu She toured the bakery and found that everything is human grade, made with great loving care. Here's the cookie cutter. Foxy working She grabbed a green tea and cookie and they put her to work, bagging and labelling cookies.
Over the years, Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux has been featured in numerous articles, radio and television broadcasts, both national and international, including: USA Today, Pet Product News, Pet Business, Dog World (Japan), Washingtonian, Washington Business Journal, WASHINGTON spaces, Sam Donaldson's "Live in America" (ABC radio), Washington, D.C. Style, The Vicki Gabereau Show (Canadian Television Network), The Hill Rag, Voice of the Hill, Roll Call, The Hill, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Post Magazine, NBC Style: A Show for You (WBIR-TV 10, NBC, Knoxville, TN), It's Christopher Lowell (Discovery Channel), The Delta Shuttle Sheet, Pleasure-Scene, Budget Living, WTTR radio, CHAMPS' Capitol Hill Business Quarterly, CHAMPSdc.org, Barracks Row Bulletin, WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; KHOU-TV, Houston, TX; KING-TV, Seattle-Tacoma, WA; KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ; KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO; KGW-TV, Portland, OR; WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC; KENS-TV, San Antonio, TX; WVEC-TV, Hampton-Norfolk, VA; WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA; KASA-TV, Albuquerque,-Santa Fe, NM; WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY; KOTV, Tulsa, OK; KVUE-TV, Austin, TX; KREM-TV, Spokane, WA; KMSB-TV, Tucson, AZ; KTVB-TV, Boise, ID; NorthWest Cable News, Seattle-Tacoma, WA; TXCN, Texas Cable News Network; Newswatch on CH 15, New Orleans, LA; Local News on Cable, Norfolk, VA, and others.
Click here to view Chateau-Animaux Press Coverage
Chateau-Animaux regularly sponsors community events in Washington, DC, including weekly dog and cat adoptions with Capitol Cats, Homeward Trails, K-9 Lifesavers and the Washington Humane Society, "Pride of Pets" fundraiser for PETS-DC, the Washington Humane Society's "Bark Ball", and the annual Halloween dog costume contest -- "Howl-O-Ween!"  Dennis Bourgault has served as President of the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals, and the Boards of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District and Barracks Row Main Street.  
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A little about Belle Haven Marina

Belle Haven Marina
Docks at Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River
Belle Haven Marina is found on the George Washington Parkway just south of historic Old Town Alexandria. Belle Haven Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. The Belle Haven Marina is a short walk from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats are available for rent. Sign-up for sailing lessons and your package will include a limited number of free hours of sailing. The Marina has a short pier and the George Washington Parkway has many points to fish the Potomac River. Many anglers rent or own boats which ply more serene and secluded spots nearby.

From the marina, one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

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Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park

Fairfax County has a number of RECenters throughout the county. One of these is the Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park. The park is located in Annandale just outside the Capitol Beltway. The center features swimming, fitness and racquetball facilities as well as other recreational activities such as crafts and dancing. The center is ADA accessible with curb ramps, automatic doors, ample parking, an elevator, and a wheelchair accessible unisex bathroom and dressing stalls. The Audrey Moore RECenter at Wakefield Park has a natatorium (inside pool). The pool and natatorium is accessed via locker rooms containing saunas and showers. At the natatorium one will find a large 50 meter by 25 yard pool with one 3 meter and two 1 meter diving boards. The pool also has a Super Slide. The natatorium is equipped to handle swim-meets with plenty of seats for spectators. In addition to a natatorium, this RECenter has a gymnasium with six basketball hoops and volleyball nets. The center has various courts for sports like racquetball, squash and wallyball. Local youth and adult leagues make good use of the gym, so it's a good idea to call the center to make reservations for courts. The center also contains a cycle studio. Overlooking both the gym and the natatorium is a well-equipped fitness center. The fitness room features cardiovascular equipment and Cybex machines that are networked with FitLinxx. There fitness room has has free-weights and an area to stretch-out before your work-out. Check the calendar for both beginners and advanced group fitness classes. The RECenter isn't just for sporting activities. Retired and older adults gather for activities at Audrey Moore's senior center. Dancers and soon-to-be dancers make good use of the dance room where instructors hold scheduled classes for a wide variety of activities like salsa dancing, ballroom dancing and square dancing and more. You can try your hand at arts and crafts in the craft room or even fire-up the kiln and make your own pottery in the pottery lab. Aspiring photographers can make use of the dark room. Just outside the natorium is an outdoor sundeck. The center is situated in Wakefield Park which has many trails for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. A portion of the pride of Fairfax County Parks, the Cross County Trail, courses through the park. The Cross County Trail is over 40 miles long and connects the entire county from one end to the other. Outside the center are lighted courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball and soccer. The Wakefield Skate Park is found here as well. From early May to late October, the grounds are also used on Wednesday afternoons the Wakefield Farmers' Market. Audrey Moore RECenter 8100 Braddock Road Annandale, Virginia 703-321-7081 Map/Directions
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Ramsay House

 
Ramsay House
The Ramsay House in early Spring
Scottish Merchant William Ramsay's built his now famous house in 1724. Many believe that the house was constructed in Dumfries but nearly 15 years later the structure was barged up the Potomac River to its present location on King St. in Old Town Alexandria. One reason for this belief is that the building was built in 1724, but Alexandria was established in 1749. William Ramsay was Alexandria's first postmaster and the city founder. His residence was opened as a Visitors Center in 1956. Today, the Ramsay House offers much for visitors and residents of Alexandria. Stop by to view an orientation video, or to pick up maps and brochures. At the Ramsay House, one can make reservations, view foreign translations of materials. At the Ramsay House, one can purchase tickets for special events and for Mount Vernon. Seasonal walking tours, "Footsteps to the Past" depart from the Ramsay House. This so-called "ghost tour" guides visitors through Old Town telling the tales of ghosts and local hauntings. The tour treks through about 6 blocks of Old Town's most beautiful streets. This is a fun way to learn more about the history of Old Town Alexandria. Alexandria is a great place to work or live. Alexandria is home to numerous non-profits, associations, Motley Fool, the United States Patent Office and more. Old Town Alexandria is filled with shops and restaurants, a beautiful waterfront and has easy access by Metro or trolley. Whether your preference is historic or a bright shiny new condo, it's all here in Old Town.

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Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library

The Barrett Library was built in 1937 and named after Kate Waller Barrett (185?-1925), to honor her memory as a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. Mrs. Barrett was a very accomplished woman who received her M.D. from the Woman's Medical College of Georgia in 1892. Dr. Barrett opened a home for unwed mothers in 1893 with the financial aid of Charles Crittenton. By 1909 there were over 90 homes and national headquarters in Washington D.C. Dr. Barrett also was involved in veterans' relief, woman's suffrage, and the restoration of the Arlington Mansion. The library renovated and expanded its facilities in 1995. The Foundation Center at Barrett Library collaborates with the Alexandria Library to strengthen the nonprofit sector with the appropriate knowledge about U.S. philanthropy and training for its patrons. The Barrett Branch also offers the SummerQuest children's programs and “Let’s Talk Books” a Barrett book discussion group held every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 1pm-5pm Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 838-4555 Old Town Alexandria is a great place to live or work.
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River Farm — headquarters of the American Horticultural Society

River Farm is on Virginia's side of the Potomac River in Fairfax County just south of Alexandria. Originally together with nearby Collingwood, River Farm was a sprawling farm that was one of five farms that compromised George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Today, River Farm is twenty five acres of meadows, woods and landscaped gardens. The gardens bloom all year from the daffodils and lilacs in early spring to the cherries and dogwoods of late spring. Magnolias in the early summer give way to the Crepe Myrtles in later summer. The asters of fall herald the brilliant fall foliage that promises a winter of holly and persimmon. The woods and river banks of River Farm provide habitat for many birds, including bald eagles and ospreys, as well as animals as small as lizards and as big as deer. These and many other plantings make River Farm an excellent destination for a one day outing but also a lovely place to host an event. River Farm is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. In addition, from early April through September 25 River Farm is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1pm. River Farm organizes special events and children's programs throughout the year. River Farm's ballroom, patios and gardens are a great place for a spring wedding or corporate get-away.

River Farm

estate house at River Farm
River Farm is on the Potomac River
7931 East Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22308 Toll-free: (800) 777-7931 The headquarters of the American Horticultural Society is also at River Farm. The American Horticultural Society strives to inspire Americans to appreciate the vital connection between people and plants so that we might become become better caretakers of the Earth. Both experienced and novice gardeners may find the many publications of The American Horticultural Society very useful. Here are a few of their resources:
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A trip to the White House Rose Garden

A friend gave us ticket to a visit to the White House Rose Garden this weekend, so Julie and I took the Metro into DC. Despite having been born and raised here, I'd never gone to the White House before. We took this opportunity to enjoy a nice Spring day and enjoy some of the sites of DC. If you're thinking of buying or selling real estate in Northern Virginia, we hop you consider Nesbitt Realty. Call us at 703 765 0300.

Where’s the Nightlife in Old Town Alexandria?

Most of the bars and restaurants in Old Town Alexandria are located on Union St. and King St. There are a few that aren't on King St. or Union St. like Overwood for example, which is on North Lee. The restaurants and bars in Old Town Alexandria feature a wide spectrum of cuisines and atmospheres. There are hole in the wall bars (O'Shaughnessy's pub), karoake bars (Flying Fish), bars on the water (Fish Market, Union Street Pub, Chadwick's), and everything in between.
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Aubrey NesbittAbout the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.

Oronoco Bay Park

Oronoco Bay Park is a 4.5 acre Alexandria City park is located on the Potomac River at 701 North Lee Street. It has many entry points, the most obvious of which are at either the Madison or Pendleton Street entries or from the Wythe Street Plaza. The plaza entry is approximately in the center of the park, and there is also a sidewalk entry with trees and turf area between the Sheet Metal Workers of America building and the United Way building.

Oronoco Bay Park
Oronoco Bay Park
The park was once known as "Texaco Bay" and before that it was owned by Standard Oil Company which was owned by John D. Rockefeller; however, the City acquired the property (and changed it to Oronoco Bay Park) in the early 1980's. Historically, the Alexandria area was inhabited by Indians when Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac in the mid 17th Century. The park hosts several festivals and events including the annual "Red Cross Waterfront Festival"---the largest Red Cross fund raiser in the United States. Private concerns may reserve and rent the park for their events as well.
Oronoco Bay Park
walking path along the Potomac Oronoco Bay
This park is part of the linear park system along the Potomac. People can walk, jog or bike along the river path and enjoy the many sitting and picnic areas. There are wooden sun decks out into the river and a wooden boardwalk path that connects the path to the point where the bay and river meet near the Rowing Facility building.
Old Town Alexandria waterfront
Old Town Alexandria waterfront at Oronoco Bay
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Homes For Sale Near Upton Hill Regional Park and Seven Corners

Upton Hill Regional Park, located at 6060 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia near the Arlington and Fairfax County line at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Wilson Boulevard. Upton Hill offers local residents and visitors alike a versatile, wooded recreational commons in the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Northern Virginia. The park features an outdoor swimming pool complex that includes a lap pool, a full-sized recreational pool, a separate kiddie pool, multiple water slides, and a children's water house with a huge bucket that fills up with water and empties out onto everyone in its path!  The park also features a deluxe miniature golf course as well as batting cages that include baseball and softball both.
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
Although the park facilities are presently closed for the winter season, the park itself remains open every day for hiking, picnicking, and playing on the playground. The batting cages and mini-golf facilities will open for the season in March. The water park and swimming pool complex will opens Memorial Day weekend. Upton Hill Regional Park is a great venue with a wide range of activities that provide fun for the whole family! In 2007, the Park's facilities underwent a $2 million renovation as part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority's effort to attract local residents and visitors to an innovative, public facility representative of both the area and the local governments' commitment to its community. For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
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Seven Corners VA
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