Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.
Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path. Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhog and fox sightings are frequent. Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.
Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.
Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to tone up at Curves or take karate lessons. Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink. Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.
Mount Vernon RECenter is at the corner of Fort Hunt and Belle View Bvd.
Canadian Geese at River Towers
Winter in Northern Virginia can be a little bleak at times. The foliage is gone from the trees, and the grass is a little beat.
But River Towers is teaming with life. A flock of Canadian geese winters here at the creek which surrounds River Towers. One of the pleasures of living at River Towers is the sound of the geese when they take off together or come in for a landing. From the higher floors of the high-rise residents can watch the geese fly by at eye level and almost within arm's reach--a beautiful sight.
Winter berries add some color to the scenery.
Ducks are here year-round, as they like the gentle waters of the canal.
It's not a great time for a picnic, but it's always pleasant to walk through the natural areas surrounding River Towers. River Towers backs up against the Dyke Marsh, a national wildlife preserve that is home to a good many waterfowl and at least one pair of beavers that I've seen. Normally the geese stay close to the marsh and don't approach the buildings at River Towers, but I suppose this year, they've had enough of the snow.
Geese at River Towers
If you're seeking a home that is close to Old Town, close to the Potomac and you don't want to break the bank, River Towers is a great place to investigate any time of the year.
