Articles of interest to the site’s sponsor and articles by friends of Condo Alexandria. Doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with real estate or Northern Virginia
Luckett Field is a 5.6 acre baseball/softball field near the intersection of Duke St. and Wheeler. Part of the grounds is dedicated to the Luckett Field Skate Park.
The skate park is frequented by children and adults of all ages and is considered a safe-family friendly park. The park is styled as a street course with lots of different rails. There are several quarter pipes, a 6-7 foot halfpipe. In addition to several different sized banks, there is a pyramid, kicker ramp, grind box, manual pad, and ledges. The park also has a big 3 stair set. There is no bowl.
There is no admission to the park. This park doesn't require pads, but I recommend them.
The skatepark is open seven days a week beginning at 9 am. The hours are seasonal, so the park will close at 5 pm through March. Skaters must be 6 years old to use the skatepark, and those under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
The park lies in the shadow of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial (aka the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Masonic Temple) in Alexandria. The skyline of Carlyle is visible from the park. There are many upscale (and a few downscale) neighborhoods very close by.
Many people feel that Old Town is the heart of Alexandria VA. As the name implies, Old Town is the oldest part of Alexandria, a port in colonial times. Historic Old Town Alexandria is found along the Potomac, just inside the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and then north toward Reagan National Airport. Old Town is served by the King St. Metro and the King St. trolley. With over 100 restaurants, shops, boutiques, coffee shops, ice cream houses and more, there's always fun to be found in Old Town.
Old Town feels small town, upscale and touristy. For most folks there is a bit of prestige attached to an Old Town address. There are two high rises near the waterfront at the Alexandria House and Port Royal. Some folks call the Torpedo Factory condos the "flagship Old Town" because of their fantastic location.
Old Town Alexandria has many townhouses, row houses and a smaller number single family homes. Click Old Town to search listings of properties in Old Town Alexandria.
As a hobbyist, I researched record stores in Northern Virginia and came
Record and Tape Exchange was established in 1976
across Record and Tape Exchange (RTX). After a short drive past the Annandale campus of Nova Community College (NVCC), I found RTX located at 9448 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22031, in the Pickett Shopping Center. With students, collectors, and music enthusiasts in mind, RTX buys, sells, and trades a variety of items including college text books, records, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. Inside RTX, I found that there shelves were filled with enough options for me to pour an hour or so into looking for that special record, while enjoying the stores PA sound system, which was playing a hissing and crackling blues album.
Some people prefer the nostalgia and sound quality of vinyl, to that of digital recordings
Jones Point Park is owned by the National Park Service and its 52-plus acres comprise the largest open space in Old Town Alexandria VA. Jones Point is located on the Potomac River near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the southeast corner of Alexandria, Virginia. Jones Point is a nice place for a walk or picnic by the Potomac and is popular with Alexandria's bird watchers, dog owners and history buffs. In addition to open green space and river banks, Jones Point offers
two large soccer fields,
picnic areas with picnic tables,
walking and biking trails,
garden plots for rent,
two fishing piers built over two old ship ramps,
and a large ship dock north of the bridge along the river.
Although the National Park Service owns Jones Point Park, the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities manages the park. The parks custodians strive to preserve and showcase the 9,000 years of human history evidenced at Jones Point. Recognizable touch-points like Jones Point Lighthouse from the middle of the 19th Century are found here along with artifacts from Native Americans and colonists from the early days of European settlement. During the first World War, Jones Point was an important shipbuilding site and remnants of that abandoned heritage are unearthed for visitors to see.
The survey stones placed here under the direction and guidance of George Washington after 1790 mark the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. The land which George Washington surveyed for the Federal City was within the capital boundaries for 45 years, from February 27, 1801, until September 7, 1846, when Alexandria was ceded back into Northern Virginia by Congress.
Jones Point Park is very accessible for residents of Old Town Alexandria, Ford's Landing, Porto Vecchio and Bearings South.
From comic books to used books and everything in between, below are 5 distinguished bookstores located throughout Northern Virginia that every local should know about!
Hole in the Wall Books – Falls ChurchNesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Falls Church.
905 W Broad St
Falls Church, VA 22046
Hole in the Wall Books is indeed just as it sounds - a bookstore the size of a closet chock full of books of every size, shape and color. There are books on shelves, books on the floor, books in boxes, even books piled up to the ceiling rafters. Hole in the Wall Books is especially strong on science fiction, fantasy and comic books, but they have a large selection of almost every other genre as well. As if finding a decent comic book store isn't already a thing of the past, Hole in the Wall stands apart from the rest and sets a new standard in teenage-boyhood envy. They also have boxes of older, back issue comics for avid collectors.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Alexandria.Book Bank – Alexandria
1510 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
For those who are drawn to old and used bookstores like moths to a flame, the Book Bank has a reliable and steady selection/collection of used books. Some pulp fiction, some expository, some historical, and some nobody ever heard of… until now. Stop in and find a used book that's new to you in one of the best little ol' bookstores in Northern Virginia. They have a great credit exchange program and a highly knowledgeable staff.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Mclean.Tree Top Kids – McLean
Langley Shopping Center
1382 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA 22101
A modest if not somewhat sparse collection of children's books, Tree Top Kids truly embraces the notion of quality over quantity and has a perfect range of age appropriate books and gifts for every child in your life…including your inner child! Tree Top carries an excellent selection of labor intensive, craft-oriented toys as well as an array of educational, innovative, and classic children's books. Both the toys and the books are organized by age group and activity throughout the store, making it easy and comfortable to find just what you’re looking for. Tree Tops' selection of books also includes a few autographed tomes for those who are looking for "collection" items.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Arlington.Busboys & Poets – Arlington
4251 S Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
Although Busboys & Poets is more of a restaurant than an actual bookstore, this cute amalgamation of eatery/readery is a major highlight of the Shirlington area in Arlington, Virginia. With several additional locations throughout greater Washington, this laid-back, hipster café has quickly become an Arlington favorite and is most well known for its fantastic breakfast and brunch menu. Like its sister locations, B&P has a fun vibe with stimulating books and artwork every where the eye can see, which is great to browse while you wait for your food or for a table. B&P features free wi-fi and they serve breakfast every day until 11a.m.
Aladdin's Lamp Children's Bookstore & Other Treasures – Arlington
2499 N Harrison St
Lee Harrison Shopping Center
Arlington, VA 22207
This truly exceptional, independently run children's bookstore frequently features 'in-house' events designed for children of many age groups. The high-level of service, quality and selection of children's books has helped to make Aladdin's Lamp one of Arlington's best kept secrets. The convenient location and unique retail selection combine to make Aladdin's Lamp a bookstore both you and your children will remember.
Masonic Temple
As a tribute to our first president, George Washington, the Masonic Memorial was created. The memorial looks like the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. With 9 floors in the edifice, it has something for everyone.
The first floor is dedicated to the Shriner's, with the George Washington Memorial Theater joining along side. The second floor features the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. On the third floor is the Grotto Exhibit, an organization featuring the Master Masons. The fourth and fifth floors are covered with paintings, and historical documents. The sixth contains the Memorial Library. Once on the seventh floor you will experience murals of Masonic lessons. On the eighth floor is The Knights Templar Chapel. Finally, as you make your way to the ninth floor you will see a replica of King Solomon's throne.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
Masonic Memorial as seen from Alexandria House
This is from “Snowmaggedon” of 2009.
View of Carlyle District of Old Town Alexandria
George Washington Masonic Temple
The King Street Metro is near the Amtrak station
George Washington Masonic Temple at sunset
Carlyle’s lion looks at the Masonic Temple
This historical site is a must see. It contains many reflections of one of our founding fathers and a glimpse inside the mysterious. The Masonic Memorial is easily accessible near the King Street Metro. The Masonic Memorial has a spectacular view of King St and is right in front of the Alexandria Amtrak station.
For more information please contact:
George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Drive
Alexandria, VA. 22301
703-683-2007
Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, Virginia. Through educational programming and learning-oriented gardening sites, the mission of Green Spring Gardens is to advance awareness and promote the practice of gardening in Northern Virginia.
Visitors to the Gardens can stroll through 5 acres of gardening plots and may attend classes at the Visitor Center. In addition, guests can research gardening questions or explore the Green Spring Garden ecosystem in an educational setting at the horticultural library. Green Spring Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday; admission is free. Call 703-642-5173 for more information.
Yesterday, my brother and I attended an Objective Rally Point event with the Alexandria Veteran Business Enterprise Center at the Army Navy Country Club.
For real estate in Arlington VA contact Nesbitt Realty
We arrived 10 minutes early. Upon entrance there was a very timeless and grand staircase that separated the floors, while simultaneously showcasing the interior of the different levels. Next, after climbing the stairs, hanging up our coats, and being given our name tags from the receptionist, we entered the main banquet room.
In the main banquet room we networked over coffee. After that, breakfast was served and I found a place in line, and filled up my plate with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, and fresh fruit. Following finishing breakfast, speakers began their presentations. Some of the speakers that stood out in my memory include a former West Wing actress, who spoke about Veterans courts and Brigadier General Mark S. Martins, who spoke on a range of topics including military history and law. The event was hosted by Fluet Huber Hoang PLCC.
Facts about the Army Navy Country Club
Established in 1924
Is a private, member owned recreation facility
Members are primarily from Active Duty and Retired commissioned U.S. Military Officers and Warrant Officers
Members rank ranges from Second Lieutenant and Ensign to General and Admiral
Historical Review indicates that the current Arlington land became the site of a Civil War fort in 1861 named Fort Richardson
In 1914 the Knights of Columbus purchased a farmhouse on the site of the current Clubhouse, with the intention of construction with suitable modifications and establishing a social club
Members have included Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and William J. Clinton
Has 6 Swimming Pools, 54 championship golfing holes, fitness center, golf and tennis pro shops
The uppermost floor of the Army Navy Country Club
A cold morning in March with a blanket of snow at the Army Navy Country Club
The inside of the Army Navy Country Club is very tastefully decorated
The Army Navy Country Club has hosted weddings
The golf course surrounds the Army Navy Country Club
The park lies in the shadow of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial (aka the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Masonic Temple) in Alexandria. The skyline of Carlyle is visible from the park. There are many upscale (and a few downscale) neighborhoods very close by.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
Many people feel that 
Although the National Park Service owns Jones Point Park, the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities manages the park. The parks custodians strive to preserve and showcase the 9,000 years of human history evidenced at Jones Point. Recognizable touch-points like Jones Point Lighthouse from the middle of the 19th Century are found here along with artifacts from Native Americans and colonists from the early days of European settlement. During the first World War, Jones Point was an important shipbuilding site and remnants of that abandoned heritage are unearthed for visitors to see.
The survey stones placed here under the direction and guidance of George Washington after 1790 mark the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. The land which George Washington surveyed for the Federal City was within the capital boundaries for 45 years, from February 27, 1801, until September 7, 1846, when Alexandria was ceded back into Northern Virginia by Congress.
Jones Point Park is very accessible for residents of 
