Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria VA

Will and Julie at Art Festival
At the 2009 Alexandria Art Festival
This weekend Julie and I went to Old Town with the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group to enjoy the Alexandria Art Festival. The Art Festival occurs every year around this time and features artists and craftsmen from around the area.
2009 Art Festival
2009 Art Festival in Old Town Alexandria
King Street closes to vehicular traffic and artists set-up stalls in the street. It's an easy way to enjoy lots of art from lots of folks. The weather was very co-operative, neither too hot nor too cold.
Old Town Alexandria
2009 Old Town Alexandria
This 12 foot tall image of a koi caught my eye, as did many smaller pieces.
artwork
Arts Festival in Old Town Alexandria
I found that my camera was drawn to the larger pieces, but this is probably because I knew they would photograph well. There were many smaller items for sale too. However, many of us felt that this year's festival seemed to offer more pieces that would be welcomed in a restaurant or hotel lobby than usual and a few number of the smaller pieces that look nice in a home.
harpist
Harpist
There were several musicians playing up and down the street. This harpist sang like an angel, but I have to admit that my favorite was the steel drum player.
King Street
People walking King Street during Art Festival
We walked all the way up to Washington Street before turning around and making way back to the Potomac. After some discussion the group voted to eat at the Charthouse. At the Charthouse, the ladies had a little wine and we enjoyed some relaxed conversation and then dinner. For my part, I think the food at the Charthouse is good, but not great. Even though it's a little pricey, it's worth it because of the pleasant views of the Potomac that are offered. Charthouse
Will Nesbitt 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.

GW Rec Center offers a place for all to move

The George Washington RECenter in Alexandria provides residents with plenty of ways to exercise indoors and outdoors. In addition to a fitness area with exercise bikes and two treadmills, the center has lighted tennis courts and a picnic area. Saunas, showers and fully equipped locker rooms are also available for use. For the aquatically inclined, the center features an indoor heated 25-meter pool, complete with a poolside spa, a diving board and a beach/wading area. Swimmers will also enjoy water aerobics classes and private and public swimming lessons. Also, water exercise equipment is available for the public. The center is located at 8426 Old Mt. Vernon Road in Alexandria. To get to the center, take exit 177A (Route 1) from the Beltway. From Route 1, take Route 235 and then bear right onto Route 623, Old Mt. Vernon Road. The entrance is on the right. For more driving directions, visit the center’s page here. The center is closed during most federal holidays, excluding Columbus and Veterans days. For more detailed information on hours, click here or call the center at 703-780-8894.
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Serene River Towers in Autumn

looking up at high-rise
Nine-story high-rise framed by evergreens
Located at 6641 Wakefield Drive in Alexandria VA 22307, blanketed by waterways and parks over 27 acres of woods, River Towers is situated just between Fort Hunt Road and the George Washington Parkway. The serene neighborhood of River Towers offers a relaxed private environment very close to Old Town Alexandria. Residents here have easy access to the Potomac River, Alexandria and Washington D.C. Many condos here have water views. Some have views of the nearby parks. What to Find at River Towers:
front view of 31 building
Welcome to River Towers
  • Farmer’s Market
  • Fitness Center
  • Cinema
  • Game Club
  • Library
  • Mount Vernon Recreation Center
  • Monuments
  • Museums
  • Pool
  • Clinic
  • Playground
  • Restaurants
  • Wildlife Viewing
What to Do at River Towers:
  • Basketball
  • Biking
  • Bird Watching
  • Boating
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Golfing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
  • Racquetball
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Shopping
    River Towers in Autumn
    River Towers in Autumn
  • Tennis
  • Water Skiing
  • Wind Surfing
  • Volunteering
With Fall here, River Towers’ is a picturesque nature filled neighborhood more than ever and more exciting activities to enjoy within the community.  

Summertime fun at Potomac waterfront in Old Town Alexandria

Summertime in Alexandria is loads of fun. Tourists descend on our fair city, but we're glad to have them as our guests.
on the boardwalk in Alexandria
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
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.

The Many Musicians of Old Town

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. bluegrass 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. Glass Harp The glass harp as played by Jamie Turner is an old town treat one simply must hear in person to appreciate.
harpist
Harpist
This miss not only strummed the harp to perfection but also sang beautifully. waterfront musicans At the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory there are often a few soloists serving up music for passers-by. banjo and guitar I heard some fine picking and strumming from this pair.

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  Will Nesbitt   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.

Potomac River Waterfront Properties

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Murphy’s Irish Pub in Old Town

Murphy's Harp
The harp is over the hearth at Murphy's
Murphy's Grand Irish Pub is located in Old Town Alexandria on King Street just a few paces from Washington Street/the George Washington Parkway. Murphy's serves up Irish classics and pub fare. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. Murphy's also has a calendar of events filled with various musical entertainment. Together with Eamon's and a few other places in Alexandria, Old Town has plenty to warm the Irish heart.

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inside Murphy's
Inside the pub, Murphy's is almost as dark as Guiness beer.

Enjoy the Scenery at Founders Park

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