Alpine-X photo
One of the largest indoor ski slopes in North America is said to be built at the Workhouse Arts Center at the site of the old D.C. prison in Lorton. The ski slope will be adjacent to the Workhouse Center in a complex to be known as Fairfax Peak. According to the developers, the approximately 500,000-square-foot facility will include a 1,500-foot ski slope, sky bar, 100-room hotel, and multiple restaurants and bars. Continue reading
McLean has many outstanding, upscale places where you can dine on steaks, seafood, and lasagna. Many local Greek restaurants offer novel twists on traditional recipes like spanakopita and gyros, highlighting fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Residents of this city often grab thin-crust pizza by the slice on their way home from working in the nation's capital. Sushi is another popular dinner choice here with many restaurants offering innovative combinations and fresh Atlantic seafood. This suburb also has many budget-friendly cafes serving the Mediterranean, Italian and American favorites. Shoppers headed to Tysons Galleria often make it a point to stop in McLean for delicious cupcakes and homemade pies. Given below are some must-try restaurants in McLean. Continue reading
at the Potomac River in Alexandria VA
There's the good old days, and there's modern conveniences. Why can't we have both? As it turns out, we can.
Old Town Alexandria, located in Virginia near Washington D.C., is part of the larger city of Alexandria – and one of the more upscale districts in the region. The antique community traces its roots to colonial America, when Alexandria was a seaport. A look at Alexandria's history is a roll call of United States history. The city was George Washington’s hometown. Thomas Jefferson was known to entertain guests at Gadsby’s Tavern. Christ Church saw such notable worshipers as Robert E. Lee. In all, the district is home to more than 4,000 historic buildings that remain true to their original architecture, but house modern businesses and homes.
At the Torpedo Factory and Potomac in Old Town
Old Town Alexandria offers everything needed for locals and tourists both. Restaurants run the gamut from fast food to fine dining. Retailers such as Banana Republic, Gap and Brooks Brothers operate shops there. There's nightlife, as well. Old Town is known for its upscale, laid-back, well-dressed and well-behaved partiers.
December snows in Old Town Alexandria shut the city down? No, Old Town is a walker’s paradise, and once the sidewalks were shoveled the town came to life.
A gentleman gets a photo with one of the film directors
Old Town Theater’s rich history started in 1914
A Christmas tree shines in the night in Old Town Alexandria
For immediate Old Town, Alexandria Real Estate, contact Nesbitt Realty
About 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.
Late winter in Virginia many of us have spent our weekends cooped-up inside the house. In addition, the bleak and stormy weather can affect our moods and overall dispositions, creating what is commonly thought of as the wintertime blues. Luckily, for those of us who subscribe to the notion of retail therapy, living in Arlington provides locals with a whole host of high-end retail remedies. With a wide array of exclusive indoor shopping malls and hundreds of specialty stores located throughout Arlington's many distinct neighborhoods, even the worst case of the winter doldrums can be cured by a little retail therapy. So the next time you have a dollar to spend and an afternoon to spare: stop, drop, and shop at one of Arlington's acclaimed retail shopping areas, the most popular of which are highlighted below.
Ballston Commons Mall: Located at North Glebe and Wilson Blvd., Ballston Commons stretches out over a 1.3 million square foot parcel of land and features major retailers such as Macy's, Macy's Furniture Gallery, and over 100 other specialty stores. Ballston Commons also features a Regal Cinema movie theater, a Washington Sport & Health Club, and two full-sized ice skating rinks. The mall is located on Metro's Orange Line; one block from the Ballston Station.
The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Located at 1100 South Hayes Street, Pentagon City Mall is considered a world-class fashion experience and offers a four-level, glass enclosed, atrium-style shopping center featuring more than 170 retail stores. Pentagon City also houses 7 full-service restaurants, a food court and a movie theater. The Pentagon City Mall is located on Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines; connected to the Pentagon City Station.
The Market Common at Clarendon: Located at 2800 Clarendon Blvd., the Market Common at Clarendon features an exceptional selection of stores including Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Barnes & Noble, and a variety of restaurants, all of which are located in an attractive and architecturally stimulating street-front setting intended for both walking and window shopping. The Market Common is located near Metro's Orange Line; three blocks from the Clarendon Station.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Clarendon.
Crystal City Shops: Located at 1608 Crystal Square Arcade, the Crystal City Shops provide visitors with more than 200 retail stores, shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes along Crystal Drive. The Crystal City Shops feature a promenade with direct access to hotels and the Metro. Restaurant options include Bebo Trattoria, Charlie Chaing's, Cold Stone Creamery, Jaleo, King Street Blues, Legal Sea Foods, and McCormick & Schmick's. The Crystal City Shops are located on Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines; connected to the Crystal City Station.
Pentagon Row: Located at Joyce Street and Army-Navy Drive, the Shops at Pentagon Row feature main stream fashion retailers and commercial restaurants as well as the Arlington Visitors Center. Shoppers can enjoy the charm of Main Street while shopping in an urban village setting. The Shops at Pentagon Row are located near Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines; near the Pentagon City Station.
The Village at Shirlington: Located at 2700 South Quincy Street, Shirlington is one of Arlington's favorite local neighborhoods for dining and theatrical productions. Shirlington is home to the Signature Theatre and features a European-style promenade with shops, restaurants, nightlife and an art-house cinema. The Village at Shirlington is not located within walking distance of a Metro station.
Many of the restaurants and shops are ready for Christmas and upcoming holidays.
City Hall is shut down for snow. Market Square is roped off until the snow can be cleaned up.
Old Town’s finer homes are tastefully dressed for the Winter.
If you need a realtor who knows Alexandria, contact us at 703 765 0300.
December snows in Old Town Alexandria shut the city down? No, Old Town is a walker’s paradise, and once the sidewalks were shoveled the town came to life.
Here’s a historic look down King St. toward the Potomac. You’ll find no free trolley on the streets this day.
Across Eads St. relatively close to the Crystal City Metro is the neighborhood of Aurora Highlands.
Aurora Highlands is in Arlington County and dates back to the days when Arlington County was a sleepy rural suburb of Washington DC. One of the most interesting assets of Aurora Highlands is the row of shops and restaurants along 23rd St. in Crystal City.
On a lazy summer afternoon a sidewalk cafe in Aurora Highlands is a nice place to take a bite to eat and enjoy a cool drink.
Old Town Alexandria is famed for its quaint historical atmosphere. Englishman John Gadsby operated a tavern here from 1796 to 1808. In those days, the tavern was the hub of political, business and social circles in Alexandria. Thus,
Gadsby's Tavern is an important part of the 18th Century heritage of today's Old Town Alexandria.
Gadsby's has been a landmark in Alexandria since colonial days.
Today Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located on Royal Street, a few blocks from route of the King St. trolley. Admission is only $4 for adults and $2 for children. Children under 11 are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. The museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel.
While in operation, the tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. Prominent patrons such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette are part of the history of Gadsby's.
At the tavern you can journey back to the 18th-century in a place where famous historical figures and everyday people dined and slept. The museum helps educate today's generations about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of the 1700's.
There is a restaurant still in operation in the building. The tavern can be rented for weddings, banquets and any meeting where linen tablecloths and a post-colonial setting are appreciated. Please note some tour times are not available due to special events at the museum. Please call in advance or check the online calendar for more information.
Texas De Brazil is a Brazilian steak house with a unique buffet. The waitress gives the buffet attendant a card that has a red light on one side and a green light on the other. Depending on the card color displayed (green light) the server will stop by with freshly grilled meat.The restaurant is located at 11750L Fair Oaks Mall Fairfax, VA 22033. The phone number for Texas De Brazil is (703) 352-4111.
Texas De Brazil serves many different meats including beef, pork, lamb, chicken and Brazilian sausage. The appetizer bar is well stocked and includes several sides. Texas De Brazil typically has a lively social setting inside. The restaurant also has a unique decorative theme.
Overwood is located at 220 North Lee Alexandria Va 22314. This area of Old Town is close to several parks, the water, and schools for children. Also within this area of Old Town are several restaurants and shops. The Torpedo Factory is just around the corner from Overwood. The food at Overwood is classic American. Most of the homes in this neighborhood are brick.
Greenbriar Shopping Center
Greenbriar Shopping Center located in Fairfax Virginia ,13039 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy Fairfax, VA 22033-2047, is filled with multiple stores and restaurants geared towards pleasing the needs of its customers. The distance is very reasonable on local residents and parking is never an issue with the massive parking lots that are available. Those stores and restaurants include Bone Fish, Starbucks, Giant, Marshalls, Five and Below, McDonalds, Sunoco, and Fed Ex to name a few. A popular hangout spot for teens and gatherings for adults, Greenbriar Shopping Center is always bustling with people venturing for fun, entertainment and to fulfill their shopping needs.