Bottles of Wine and Pounds of Coffee at Grape + Bean

Opened in 2008 by David Gwathmey and Sheera Rosenfeld in Old Town, this wine retail shop / coffee shop / wine tasting bar carries the name Grape and Bean or just simply Grape + Bean. This Alexandrian treat is a part of what makes Old Town ultimately special. Providing exceptional service and excellent quality products, the place is also cozy, warm, comfortable and charming.
Grape + Bean = Cozy and Charming
Wine is offered by the glass and coffee by the cup along with cheese plates and coffee treats. Grape + Bean carry a food menu that is created for sharing.
Bottles of Wine and Pounds of Coffee
Wine is sold by bottle and coffee by the pound and serves as excellent gift baskets with a personal touch.

Bountiful apples and history in Blue Ridge.

lawn with apple blossoms
Lawn and apple blossoms
Named after the Blue Ridge Mountains and just above Piedmont, Blue Ridge is a part of the Appalachians. Many tourists patronize Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive in Blue Ridge. “Memories of a Lewis Mountain Man” portrays how unique culture and life was for “hill-billies” or mountain people in Blue Ridge before Shenandoah Park.  Even today, remnants of the said “hill-billies” are being sought after by Appalachian hikers as they trek through the Shenandoah Park. Apple Orchards are famous in the region but the industry is no longer booming as it was years ago. Yet again, White House Foods, a major apple juicer and product packager, still gets their supply of apples from this region.

Barcroft Park

Barcroft Park
Barcroft Park
Barcroft Park is 65 acres of highly-maintained family oriented recreational facilities. Barcroft supports a variety of sports and family activities.  Barcroft is the home for several baseball leagues as there are 5 baseball diamonds with bleachers here. Four of these fields are for youth; one is for one adults. There is a batting cage to support the baseball community. Barcroft has a a lighted rectangular playing field for sports like soccer, football or rugby. This field has a synthetic surface, concession stand, restrooms, and goals. Other sports are also supported by:
  • a basketball court;
  • two new tennis courts (opened in 2007);
  • a volleyball court;
  • a handball court;
  • and horseshoe pit.
At this location, Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center has a gymnasium to support several indoor sports. The gymnasium has everything needed for a boxer to train. This includes a boxing room with speed and punching bags, sparring ring, and floor exercise area. The gym can also host basketball, floor hockey, and indoor soccer. On-site, there are a variety of classes such as
  • aerobics,
  • boxing/kick boxing,
  • and gymnastics.
For the benefit of picnickers and visitors the park has three water fountains, a rental picnic shelter, picnic tables, charcoal grills. There is also a paved path throughout the park to walk, jog or bike. That path has a bridge, and stream. Hours for the park are sunrise to half hour after sunset except on lighted facilities. The facilities are open Tuesday, Thursday and weekends. 4200 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 228-0700 Park Map (PDF)
Barcroft Park
Baseball field at Barcroft Park
Barcroft is a part of what makes Arlington such a great place to live. To search condos in Arlington or property of any type in Northern Virginia, try our fast and free database of all available properties. Barcroft is located not far from Skyline Square and Skyline Plaza.

National Musuem of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution
Museum of Natural History in Washington DC
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, the green-domed museum on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian building constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities.
Julie at Natural History Museum
Julie at Natural History Museum

Kayaking the Dyke Marsh

Julie and I rented a tandem kayak at Belle Haven Marina and tooled around in the Dyke Marsh and in the Potomac.

Riverside Camping at Riverbend Park

Families can enjoy camping and night hiking at Riverbend Park. Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5 mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Kayakers and canoeists can enjoy exploring many islands in the Potomac River. Serious anglers and families can bring a boat or fish from the shady riverbank. Nature highlights include spectacular river views, beautiful wildflowers and birds. Facilities include a visitor center with snack bar, gift shop, exhibits and riverside picnic area. The park also has a nature center which is available for rent. Camping will began at 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday on May 15th. Bring your camping gear, toasting sticks and a dinner to cook on toasting sticks. S’mores and a light breakfast are provided. The cost is $45 per family. To register, call 703-759-9018.
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Biking the Mount Vernon Trail

Julie and I rented bikes in Old Town last week. We then biked the Mount Vernon Trail to Mount Vernon and back.  The trail here is pleasant with some ups and downs that can be a little challenging, but not too tough.  The views along the river and through the forest are great. Along the way the trail passes through the Dyke Marsh. We stopped there to take some pictures and drink some water.   Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers Market is located at King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King Street In 2010, the market is open on Wednesdays, May through October from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m with dates and times subject to change.
King Street Gardens
Hanging Gardens
The Upper King Street Farmers Market offers area residents and commuters the opportunity:
  • to shop for fresh
  • locally grown produce meat
  • dairy and bakery items