Alexandria Living Magazine - January/February 2024

A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

PRESIDENTIAL RETREATS

ALEXANDRIA GROCERY STORES

New Alexandria Restaurants Opening in 2024 ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM January / February 2024

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As we head into the 2024 New Year, it brings me immense joy to express gratitude for the clients who trusted me with representing their beautiful homes in Old Town, Alexandria.

Our small community is more than a collection of homes; it’s a sanctuary of support, understanding, and connection.

Thank you for being an essential part of this remarkable community. Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and Happy New Year.

Lauren Bishop Tel. 202.361.5079 I LBishop@McEnearney.com I LaurenBishopHomes.com I @laurenbishoprealtor McEnearney Associates, Realtors® 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I Tel. 703.549.9292 I Equal Housing Opportunity

205 S. Union Street

|

Alexandria, VA

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www.markswoods.com

703.838.9788

Introducing Benchmark

HERE, CONNECTIONS CREATE COMMUNITY. At Benchmark Senior Living, we pride ourselves on being different, working tirelessly to set ourselves apart from others. While our best in-class amenities, personalized care, restaurant-style dining, full calendar of programs and numerous awards set us apart; our true differentiator is the power of human connection. It is the interaction between our residents and associates which gives people that indescribable feeling of warmth that we refer to as our Benchmark Experience.

Benchmark is proud to bring this award-winning experience to Alexandria.

Discover a new standard of senior living.

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Mind & Memory Care

BenchmarkAtAlexandria.com

Scan to learn more.

Visit our Welcome Center or call 571.701.1199.

3462 Berkeley Street | Alexandria Assisted living licensure pending.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON ESTATE.

CONTENTS

9 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Grab your coat and gloves and get out and about this winter! There’s plenty going on in Alexandria in January and February. Check out our calendar starting on Page 9.

14 PHOTOS

Did you attend the Alexandria Fall Festival? Check out our photos by Andrew White of the fun and festivities.

9

& DINING 16 FOOD Sure, everyone's complaining about

PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

prices, but grocery shoppers today have more choices than ever before.

Here's a look at some favorite stores through the eyes of a local shopper.

& WELLNESS 22 HEALTH Getting a good night's sleep seems harder to come by these days. We explore ways you can catch up on your zzzs.

& GARDEN 25 HOME The new year is a great time to declutter, toss out and organize. Local writer Linda Harvey spoke with three experts.

Here's what they had to say.

16 PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVENDER ORGANIZES

30 PETS Looking for a new veterinarian?

Pet owners in Alexandria will have two new options in 2024.

32 PETS

Have you ever thought about fostering a pet? Put your thoughts into action..

38 ARTS Next time you're visiting Old Town 25

North, be sure to look down! The arts and culture district is home to special stormwater covers featuring the artwork by three local artists.

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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FEATURES

20 FOOD & DINING Our readers love to hear about new restaurants. Here's a look at some new ones to try for the new year!

PHOTO COURTESY OF

34 HISTORY Local writer Glenda Booth explores the places where four presidents got away from it all in Virginia.

PHOTO COURTESY OF

ON THE COVER On the cover: The grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon, covered in snow.

Photo by Thalia Romero

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SOCIALIZE WITH US facebook.com/alexandrialivingmag

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

@alexlivingmag

@alexandrialivingmag

Babs Beckwith Sells Old Town

Babs Beckwith, Realtor® Tel. 703.627.5421 I Babs@BabsBeckwith.com I www.OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com Old Town Alexandria 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I Off. 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity

A Letter from Our Founders PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton ADVERTISING/EVENTS

Katherine Barton

Happy 2024! We hope you enjoyed the holidays with family and friends and are ready to start off the new year with plenty of hopes and dreams and goals.

DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

Julianne Woehrle PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Bush Alexandria Living Magazine is published six times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC ©2024. 201 N. Union St., Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314. For newsstand or distribution locations or to subscribe for home delivery, go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe.

CONTACT US

info@alexandrialivingmagazine.com or call 571-232-1310.

PARTNER WITH US

Alexandria Living Magazine fully supports the local business community and offers several unique ways to partner with the publication.

• Sponsored articles and multimedia content on the website, in our popular email newsletters and on social media.

• Highlighted events in our events calendar, email newsletters and social media.

• Sponsored real estate listings.

• Brand awareness through online banner ads designed to boost your business.

• Contests, sweepstakes and giveaways.

To learn more about how partnering with Alexandria Living Magazine can help build your business, contact us at ads@alexandrialivingmagazine.com or call 571-232-1310.

PRESS RELEASES & TIPS

Send news releases and story tips to

maryann@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Subscribing to Alexandria Living Magazine is easy! You can go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/ subscribe to pay securely online by credit card, or mail a check with the subscription mailing address to Alexandria Living Magazine, 201 N. Union St. Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Subscriptions are $14.95 for one year or $24.95 for two years.

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If one of your goals is to get out and see more of Alexandria, make some new friends and just rev up your social life, there's so much out there for you to do, even during the coldest of months. We can help you pencil in your plans starting on Page 9 with our Calendar of Events, compiled by local writer Susannah Moore. If you have any events coming up in the spring, please contact her at: susannah@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

One of our more popular features both in our magazine and on our website, according to reader feedback, is news about dining. We're giving you a double dose in this issue with a feature on grocery shopping and another story on new restaurants opening this year. Dig in, starting on Page 16.

If you're like us, you'll do anything for a good night's sleep these days.

Starting on Page 22, we look at the best ways to do just that.

The new year is a great time to square your shoulders and decide once and for all to clean and organize every nook and cranny of your home. Local writer Linda Harvey spoke with three organizing experts to help you create the closets, drawers and cupboards of your dreams, starting on Page 25.

In this issue, we are looking back at the extremely successful Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living Magazine event organized by Kate

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor

PHOTO BY MATT MENDELSOHN, TAKEN AT VIRTUE FEED & GRAIN.

Barton and presented by The Patterson Group, held in November at River Farm. We wish we had more room for photos by Andrew White starting on Page 14.

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to do some good in the world this year, you'll want to peruse our story on how to foster a pet, written by Beth Lawton on Page 33.

Local writer Glenda Booth examines the Virginia retreats where four U.S. presidents got away from it all, starting on Page 35.

Thank you so much for being a loyal reader! We value your feedback and input. Drop us a line at maryann@ alexandrialivingmagazine.com or beth@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

See you right back here in March!

Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton Founders

Our Team Meet some of the contributors to this issue.

GLENDA BOOTH Contributor

KATHERINE BARTON Contributor

SUSANNAH BUSH Writer

Glenda is a freelance writer who has lived in Northern Virginia for more than 40 years covering travel, history, people and conservation for local, state and national publications.Glenda has volunteered for Earthwatch in Botswana, Greece, France, Saskatchewan (Canada) and the Galapagos Islands. A gardener, outdoors woman and lifelong learner, she lives in Fairfax County and is the mother of two grown sons.

Kate manages advertising, social media, and event planning for Alexandria Living.

She grew up in Alexandria and enjoys highlighting new creators, businesses and events on social media. Kate loves creating unique partnerships with local businesses and finding opportunities for the Alexandria Living brand to grow. If you're interested in advertising with us, email kate@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

Susannah has happily called Alexandria home since 2015. She graduated from the College of Charleston and has worked in the political and legal fields and is excited for the opportunity to rekindle her interest in writing. For fun, she enjoys running along the Potomac, yoga or spending time with her rescue cat, Cinnamon, and golden retriever, Kai.

LINDA HARVEY Contributor

JULIANNE WOEHRLE Graphic Designer

Linda is a freelance writer/editor who loves living in Alexandria and enjoys its smalltown feel, where there’s always a chance of six degrees of separation or less! She has called the Beverley Hills neighborhood home since 1998, raising two daughters with her husband. She enjoys volunteering with many local organizations, exploring the sites of the DMV area, and visiting her Hokie daughters. She’s still deciding if she likes pickleball more than tennis — but is game for either one.

Local artist and designer, Julianne grew up right here in Alexandria. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising she returned to Old Town Alexandria and joined the retail scene. From Why Not? to Monday's Child, over the last 10 years she has always been involved in boutique retail. Currently you can find her stationery and jewelry at the Made in ALX store in Old Town North.

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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EVERYDAY HEROES

You help us. Now let us help you!

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Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® appreciates the sacrifices you and your family make to help your community. We take pride in ensuring “everyday heroes” enjoy a smooth and stressfree homebuying journey, so you can do your job better. To show our gratitude, when you purchase a home with Atlantic Bay, we’ll give you a lender credit toward your closing costs!

Eligible Professions: Law Enforcement First Responders Educators Healthcare Professionals Active-Duty Military and Veterans Government Employees (Federal, State, and Local)

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Offer valid through 12/31/24. State bond programs, jumbo loans, and construction perm loans are not eligible for lender credit. Other loan program exclusions and lender restrictions may apply.

Christian Hartung Sr. Producing Branch Manager & Mortgage Banker NMLS #483527 Licensed in VA, FL, GA # 483527, NC, PA, DC, MD, DE, WV 202-360-8773 christianhartung@atlanticbay.com www.atlanticbay.com/christianhartung Revised Apr 20, 2023

This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Loan programs may change at any time with or without notice. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a tax professional. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All loans subject to income verification, credit approval and property appraisal. Not a commitment to lend. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, L.L.C. NMLS #72043 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Located at 600 Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

The George Washington Birthday Parade takes place Feb. 19.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITIZER.

WINTER 2024

January

Calendar of Events

Art Exhibits at the Torpedo Factory Art Center

Visions of Resilience: Art for Climate Justice at Del Ray Artisans

Spend the chilly weather indoors while exploring the following art exhibits.

Jan. 5-27

• Jan. 1-28 | Hygge (Danish Coziness) Studio 19 Scope Gallery • Jan. 9-Feb. 11 | Alphabet Soup - Studio 29 Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery • Feb. 1-March 3 | Dragon’s Breath - Studio 19 Scope Gallery • Feb. 14-March 17 | Landscapes - Studio 29 Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery The Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., torpedofactory.org

Visit Del Ray Artisans gallery’s Visions of Resilience: Art for Climate Justice exhibit from Jan. 5–27 to explore the emotionally resonant power of art to inspire and raise awareness about climate change and its impact on marginalized communities.

Art holds the power to portray what words so often miss. This exhibit conveys environmental issues through the universal languages of image and feeling with the goal of encouraging action towards a just, climate-friendly future. Attend the opening

reception Jan. 5 from 7 p.m.-9p.m. to meet curator Camille Kouyoumdjian and the artists.

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Nature Dialogue II at River Farm Historic House

Attend the opening reception Saturday, Jan. 13. The exhibition will continue through March 31. The featured artist is Dhamin Jassim.

7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria

Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com for more events this winter!

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Concerts at The Birchmere Check out some of the performances scheduled for January and February at The Birchmere. Check The Birchmere’s website for the latest information and a full concert list. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary.

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week

Jan. 5, 6

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Jan. 19-28

Jan. 12

Preacher Lawson

Make your reservations now — every year, dozens of Alexandria restaurants participate in Restaurant Week and offer a variety of lunch and dinner specials.

Jan. 13

Last Train Home Jan. 14

Patrice Rushen

Various locations, visitalexandriava.com

Jan. 17

All You Need Is Love: An All-Star Band Celebrates The Beatles 60th Anniversary in America Jan. 20

Lyfe Jennings Jan. 24

Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone Jan. 27

Dar Williams with special guest The Nields Feb. 2, 3

Will Downing Feb. 8

Aaron Watson with Jenna Paulette Feb. 9

Dave Hollister

Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

The Carlyle Ladies Birthday Celebration

Jan. 6 – Feb. 25 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Jan. 13 | noon-4 p.m.

The ice rink at Cameron Run Regional Park will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time on the park’s website; there will be no tickets available at the door.

Skate sessions will be limited to one hour.

Tickets are $12.50 per person and include the cost of skate rental. Group tickets and birthday party packages are available.

You are cordially invited to attend a birthday party for Sarah and Anne Carlyle.

Both of John Carlyle’s daughters were born in January (Sarah in 1757 and Anne in 1761). The birthday celebrations will feature period music, games and hot chocolate. Admission is free but a $5 donation is suggested.

Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., novaparks.com/events/ice-lights

Feb. 16

NRBQ Feb. 17

Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

Feb. 22

January 2024 Still Life Exhibit

Celebrating 150 Years of Rachmaninoff

Corey Smith Band with Jeb Gipson

Jan. 10-28

Jan. 14 | 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 16

This exhibit will display contemporary interpretations of the classic still life genre.

The exhibit will be juried by Jorge Alberto, a Cuban realist fine artist.

Celebrate the 150th birthday of Sergei Rachmaninoff and help The Rectory inaugurate its new one-of-a-kind Steinway A3 piano. The concert promises an evening of enchanting music by some

The Dramatics featuring L. J. Reynolds

Sarah Evans The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., birchmere.com

The Art League, 105 N. Union St., theartleague.org

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

Listing Excellence, Seamless Experience: Elevate Your Property’s Sale with Jillian Hogan Homes Schedule a time to chat!

109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 McEnearney.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

of Russia’s most revered composers including Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and Glinka performed by four of today’s most promising young musicians. Tickets range from $25-$45.

The Rectory on Princess Street, 711 Princess St., classicalmovements.com/secretgardenconcerts

such as horticulture, historic landscapes and sustainability. Register online at www. fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

A list of lectures can be found at friendsofgreenspring.org

Feb. 3-4

Feb. 1-15

Sundays in January and February | 1:302:30 p.m. $12 advance registration, $14 for outof-county. Join friends of Green Spring Gardens for this popular annual series of virtual and in-person presentations by authors, garden designers, scientists and other garden enthusiasts on the cutting edge of horticulture who present on topics

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., delrayartisans.org

Alexandria Warehouse Sale

Cherry Challenge

Harry Allen Winter Lecture Series

and artists. Other tactile programs will be held such as a Card-Making Party and a Flowers Everywhere Workshop.

Every year, in the spirit of the famous cherry tree myth, Alexandria celebrates George Washington’s historic presence in his hometown by inviting restaurants to create and serve one or more menu items that feature cherries. Categories are beverage, appetizer, entrée and dessert. Restaurant patrons then vote on the winners. Find out more at washingtonbirthday.com/cherry-challenge

Visible Touch: A Look at Texture at Del Ray Artisans Gallery Feb. 2-24 This exhibit will explore different textures in art. An opening reception will be held Feb. 2 from 7 -9 p.m. to meet the curators

Old Town Business Association presents the Alexandria Warehouse Sale, an opportunity to score deep discounts on post-season clothing, accessories and home decor from Alexandria businesses.

More details will be available at oldtownbusiness. org.

African American Emancipation in an Occupied City Feb. 3 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hear from editor Audrey Davis and the authors of “African American Emancipation in an Occupied City,” which tells the story of formerly enslaved and self-emancipated people in a newly occupied city during the Civil War. They sought refuge in Alexandria, coming with only hopes and dreams for

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

National Symphony Orchestra at Mount Vernon Feb. 6 | 7-9 p.m.

March 12 | 7-9 p.m.

April 9 | 7-9 p.m.

Learn about the history of Mount Vernon before enjoying intimate chamber music performed by members of the National Symphony Orchestra. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and are followed at 8 p.m. by a reception of champagne and chocolates with the musicians.

Tickets are $68 per concert or tickets can be purchased for all three concerts for $128 for members of Mount Vernon or $153 for the general public. Concerts will be held at the Ford Orientation Center.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Ford Evening Book Talk: The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley Feb. 8 | 7-8 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN SPRING GARDENS

life as free people. They came seeking freedom, but many did not live long in it.

Those who survived used their labor for the cause of freedom. A book signing will follow after the authors’ presentations. This event is free but attendees must pre-register.

Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., shop.alexandria.gov

Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Maestro Feb. 3 | 3 p.m.

When the orchestra is ready to begin their concert and suddenly discover the Maestro is nowhere to be found, they begin to panic. Thankfully, the world’s greatest detective is available and agrees to take the case. All the musicians are suspects and thus Sherlock Holmes must investigate each of the instrument families to deduce who is behind this mystery. "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Maestro" features classical and modern orchestral favorites while teaching the audience about the different instrument families of the orchestra. Will Sherlock be able to solve the mystery of who kidnapped the Maestro? This Concert is suitable for ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome!

Washington Gardener Seed Exchange Feb. 3 | 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Washington Gardener Magazine is cohosting the annual seed exchange at Green Spring Gardens with lectures, a face-to-face seed swap and more. Bring your extra seeds to swap and leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends and expert planting advice. $15 for Friends of Green Spring members and Washington Gardener subscribers; $20 for guests.

Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Ayreheart - A Celtic Savory Soiree Feb. 4 | 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy a concert by the band Ayreheart while dining on a multi-course Celtic dinner and wine pairings. As winter’s chill lingers, picture yourself amid the comforting embrace of Celtic melodies. This February, Ayreheart beckons with a blend of age-old Celtic Renaissance tunes and contemporary marvels. Tickets are $195.

The Rectory on Princess Street, 711 Princess St., classicalmovements.com/secretgardenconcerts

George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. alexsym.org

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

Hear from Professor David Waldstreicher, author of “The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poet’s Journey Through American Slavery and Independence. The book is the most deeply researched biography of the poet whose extraordinary poetry set African American literature at the heart of the American Revolution. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions and have their books signed. Admission is free. The lecture will be held at the George Washington Presidential Library.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org

Floral Design Workshop - Valentine’s Arrangement Feb. 10 | 1-2:30 p.m.

Create an eye-catching Valentine's Daythemed arrangement with Green Spring Gardens horticulturist Parker Jennings. Mix balance, scale, proportion and contrast to create a Valentine’s Day décor to keep or give away to a loved one. Please register for the program and $35 supply fee. $42 per person.

Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring

Mozart Requiem & Copland - Do Not Go Gentle Feb. 10 | 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 | 3 p.m.

Mozart’s final work has touched the souls of generations of music lovers. Aaron Copland’s ballet "Appalachian Spring" helped bring about a truly American musical style of beauty and simplicity.

Saturday concert attendees are invited to the pre-concert talk with Maestro Ross at 6:30 p.m. in the Terrace section.

Saturday: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Dr. Sunday: George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. alexsym.org

"Annie" Feb. 10-March 2 Leapin’ Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Based on the popular comic strip, "Annie" has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The down-on-her-luck orphan fights her way out of the Depression and

into the heart of Daddy Warbucks while singing about her “Hard Knock Life” and her eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., thelittletheatre.com

Washington Revels Jubilee Voices Concert Feb. 18 Join Washington Revels Jubilee Voices for an exploration of the Gullah-Geechee culture and life in St. Simons Island, Georgia. This multimedia program, "Wade in the Water," was developed in partnership with Mercer University. It blends songs and stories of the Gullah Geechee community and features six student films that capture the history, lives and spirit of these proud people, whose numbers are dwindling due to several factors, including increasing development. The event is free, but space is limited.

Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., shop.alexandria.gov

George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade Feb. 19, 1-3 p.m.

Celebrate the birth of our first president at the annual George Washington Birthday Parade. Community organizations and businesses, vehicles, dogs, elected officials and marching bands will fill the streets of Old Town. This year marks the 275th year of Alexandria's founding. The theme this year is George Washington: Alexandria's Original Living Legend. Keep an eye out for other George Washington birthday-related events at washingtonbirthday.com.

Washington’s Birthday Celebration Feb. 19 and 22 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is free at Mount Vernon for President’s Day and George Washington's birthday. The number of tickets available is limited and will be distributed on-site upon arrival. Mansion tours are timed and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to receive the earliest tour times.

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HOME AND GARDEN

2023 Alexandria Fall Fest ALL PHOTOS BY ANDREW WHITE

Fun was had by all at this year's Alexandria Fall Festival presented by Alexandria Living Magazine and The Patterson Group at River Farm.

Sunny skies greeted all who attended the second annual Alexandria Fall Festival Sunday, Nov. 5, presented by Alexandria Living Magazine and The Patterson Group.

lawn games, a petting zoo, pony rides, face-painting, caricatures and magic shows.

Many thanks to our activity sponsors: • Alto • Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group • Burke & Herbert Bank

The event attracted more than 2,000 festival-goers of all ages on a 70-degree day on the grounds of the American Horticultural Society headquarters with views of the Potomac River. Fall decor included pumpkins, gourds and bales of straw courtesy of Nalls Produce. Mums, scarecrows and festive fall flowers in Mason jars rounded out the fall decor.

• Capital Remodeling

Patrons enjoyed food and beverages from Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, Rocklands Barbecue and Grilling Co., Big Boy Tacos, DC Slices, What the Chef, A.M. Kettle, The Little Well, F.T. Valley Farm at Mont Medi, Taste of Asia, Milaap Chai and Rolling Sloane's. Port City Brewing Company and Lost Boy Cider were also on hand.

• Ting

• Clique Sitter • Fairfax Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery First Impression Orthodontics • Get Fit Studio • Mini U Storage • Nalls Produce, Inc. • Renewal by Andersen • Thrivent • Two Birds Daycare • Child Care and West End Village Thanks to everyone who attended, as well as our sponsors, vendors and the staff of the American Horticultural Society.

Hope to see you next year!

Children of all ages enjoyed a number of free activities including bounce houses,

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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FOOD & DINING

The Golden Age of Grocery Shopping

Deliveries, discounts and discoveries at Alexandria’s food emporiums.

BY MARY ANN BARTON

While these days most talk about grocery stores is about higher prices, the options for Alexandria shoppers are dizzyingly delightful with choices galore, from online shopping and organic produce to meat markets and gourmet boutiques.

Sipping a latte while checking out the massive selections of cheese, wine and organic produce at your local grocery store?

That was unheard of in my mother’s grocery-shopping days at the now-defunct Red Owl grocery store in Minnesota, where I used to hang on the back of the cart as we glided down the aisles.

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Back then, my mother liked to use clipped coupons and S&H Green Stamps, an early retail loyalty program, to shrink the grocery bill. To her, it was something of a game to see how much she could save, feeding a family of six. Even after Green Stamps went away, she still loved using coupons.

How much have grocery prices gone up recently? Across the board, groceries rose 3.7 percent from September 2022 to September 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experts say the price of beef, bread and milk will stay volatile

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

through 2024 but overall food inflation should slow.

Beginning last year, the Virginia grocery tax decreased to 1 percent. That's $1.50 saved for every $100 spent. The local 1 percent tax on groceries brings in an estimated $4.5 million to the City.

The grocery store landscape in Alexandria is ever-changing, with the pandemic forcing many to try grocery delivery for the first time and continuing the practice due to convenience.

FOOD & DINING

When it comes to delivery, there are plenty of options. Instacart will deliver from Wegmans, Costco, Aldi, Safeway and more. Harris Teeter offers free delivery of groceries with a minimum order of $35 or more if you’re a member of their HT Plus program which is $59 a year (you can try it out for free for 30 days). Giant offers delivery through Peapod. In November, Amazon opened regular delivery up to non-Prime members and plans to expand delivery service to its 500-plus Whole Foods stores next, according to Supermarket News.

Changes to Alexandria grocery store landscape

Around town, the Safeway at 3526 King St. saw a big change — closing in 2013 and getting demolished to make way for a brand-new store that saw a grand opening in 2014.

That was the same year that The Fresh Market took the place of Giant (or as some called it, “Little Giant,” as it was one of the smaller stores, at 21,000 square feet in the grocery store chain), at Bradlee Shopping Center. The “Little Giant” had had its home at Bradlee since 1954.

Shoppers can join a loyalty program at The Fresh Market (and get a free slice of cake on their birthday). The store also offers a variety of prepared meals for four for $25.

Also in 2013, Magruder’s closed at Seminary Plaza in Alexandria, making way for an Aldi’s grocery store. Magruder’s was a D.C.-area store chain that began in 1875. A Chevy Chase store that still bears the name is still in operation.

Aldi’s offers low prices and shoppers say to visit on Wednesdays, after shelves have been freshly restocked and Sundays, when Aldi offers “hot deals.” What you won’t find at Aldi’s? A pharmacy, bakery or deli. Yelp reviewers rave about Aldi’s meat prices and selections of chocolates. What they don’t like: Produce selection.

Former Giant store at Bradlee Shopping Center.

Not too far from Seminary Plaza, you’ll

PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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Mom's Organic Market in Alexandria.

find another Aldi, at 4580 Duke St., former home of the popular Mango Mike’s restaurant (followed by the Anderson family’s Tres Hermanas Mexican restaurant). The building was demolished in 2016 to make way for Aldi’s.

One of the newest entries in the grocery store landscape in Alexandria is the new

81,000-square foot Wegmans that opened in 2022 in Carlyle Crossing. Like the renovated Safeway on King Street, the store is located on the second floor. Most of us likely have one grocery store we depend on for staples and another one or two for specialty items. Wegmans has appeared on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" multiple times.

We talked to Alexandria resident (and our close friend), Nan Ryant, about her grocery habits. An excellent cook who loves to entertain (earning her the moniker as the “Martha Stewart” of her West End neighborhood), she finds that she usually cooks at home about four out of seven days a week. She and husband Ches dine out about once a week.

Her favorite grocery store leans toward Trader Joe’s. The popular chain store got its beginnings in 1967 in Pasadena, Calif. and is named for founder Joe Coulombe.

The company was sold in the 1970s to Theodore Albrecht, Sr., the co-founder of Aldi, and is now owned by his family.

There is currently no business relationship between the two companies.

Albrecht Sr. died in 2010.

Trader Joe's gets high marks from avid home-chef Nan Ryant of Alexandria.

PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

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“At Trader Joe’s, it’s the culture, the friendliness and the prices,” that make it Ryant's number one grocery destination, Ryant said. No surprise there. A survey out last month shows that Trader Joe’s is ranked #1 in retail customer service among grocery stores, according to a report by Forbes and HundredX. It’s ranked #5 among all retailers.

FOOD & DINING

Here’s how other grocery stores in our area fared, among a list of top 300 grocery and non-grocery retailers: Publix #7; Wegmans #24; Fresh Market #123; Whole Foods #133 and Harris Teeter #173.

Another plus? “Trader Joe’s is very consumer-friendly,” Ryant shared. If a customer is dissatisfied with a product, returns are possible with just about every product, no receipt necessary, no questions asked.

The store's crew members also go above and beyond to help customers sample new products. “They’ll open something and let you try it,” Ryant said. The store recently started giving out free samples after putting the practice on hold during the pandemic. There are no sales or loyalty programs.

The senior discount is not valid on gas, pharmacy or gift cards, Many grocery loyalty programs are tied into points you can earn and use at the gas pump. At Harris Teeter, you can get up to $1 off at BP gas stations with your fuel points.

Grocery-Buying Statistics Amount spent per grocery trip: $155

Her only pet peeve at that particular Harris Teeter? The large grocery carts don’t go down the escalator. You’ll have to take the elevator.

Time spent shopping: 44 minutes

She enjoys the parking there (it’s all underground, great during the winter months). The store is also very spacious and still has that “new” feel after opening in 2021.

Most popular day to shop: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Happy shopping!

No. of trips per month: 8

Grocery deliveries: 16 percent Source: driveresearch.com 2023

Free samples

Another Nan Ryant favorite? Mom’s Organic Market. “Mom’s has free coffee and tea and free samples,” she said.

Mom’s also hands out free 16-ounce waters with straws for customers.

Mom’s also allows returns, with receipts.

At Mom’s, Ryant recommends the bread and goat cheese, particularly a goat cheese featuring cranberry and cinnamon she purchased after sampling it at the store. Organic bulk spices and two-pound bags of spinach are also draws.

Prices are also a factor. Mom’s Organic Market “beats all” at sales, Ryan noted.

You can find the store’s sales flyers online, on its website.Ryant’s third favorite grocery store is Harris Teeter, particularly the one located at King and Beauregard streets.

Harris Teeter is a good place to shop for the 5 percent “Club 60” senior discount on Thursdays, she said. You must be 60 years old to participate and be sure to tell your checkout clerk, if they don’t ask.

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CAPTAIN GREGORY'S; PHOTO BY MISHA ENRIQUEZ FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Bagels and Brews

BY BETH LAWTON

The Alexandria area is set to welcome several new restaurants and bars in 2024. Here’s what we’re looking forward to trying!

Atlas Brew Works Atlas Brew Works plans to open in the spring of 2024 in Alexandria's Carlyle Crossing neighborhood. The venue is still under construction at 2429 Mandeville Lane, just north of the AMC Hoffman 22. The brewery and tap room will offer food from Andy’s Pizza, which currently has an operation in Old Town. The 6,000 square-foot space will include the brewery, a tap room and a kitchen, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Benny Diforza's Pizza Giant pizza-by-the-slice is coming to Del Ray. Benny's has signed a lease at 1504B Mt. Vernon Ave., the former home of Sicilian Pizza. Benny's is known for 28-inch pizzas and the Benny's Challenge, where one person tries to eat an entire 28-inch pizza in record time. (Current record: 28 minutes.) Benny's has not yet announced an opening date.

Bloom Tea Bloom Tea is planning to open at 425 S. Washington St. in Old Town. Bloom Tea will offer boba tea and Vietnamese-style coffee in addition to other offerings. The owners have not yet announced an opening date.

Call Your Mother Call Your Mother Deli will be opening at 1300 King St. in Old Town this winter. (The location previously housed Pines of Florence, an Italian restaurant, which closed in 2020 and reopened in Arlington.) According to the deli’s permit, “Call Your Mother Deli will operate as a small deli primarily selling bagels and coffee drinks along with a number of other menu items and branded merchandise.”

Cooper Mill At the end of Duke Street near the Potomac River, Murray Bonitt of Bonitt Builders is teaming

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up with Alexandria restaurateur Noe Landini to preserve and repurpose one of the last remaining waterfront warehouses in Old Town. The market/ tavern/event space concept called Cooper Mill will be located at 10 Duke St. Cooper Mill will have a market at the back of the building, a casual tavern on the first floor and a private event space on the second floor.

Founding Farmers Founding Farmers will open in the new development at Oakville Triangle, between Del Ray and Potomac Yard. A specific opening date is not yet available, as the new neighborhood is still under construction. Oakville Triangle will be anchored by a new Inova Healthplex with residences and retail in the surrounding blocks.

The restaurant will serve food made from scratch.

The extensive menu will include breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner items from bacon dates to ahi tuna. Founding Farmers boasts, "We bake our own bread, grind our own beef in-house, churn our own ice cream, and distill our own booze."

MacMillan Spirit House The team behind the MacMillan Whisky Room in Fairfax City will be opening a spirits bar in Old Town North, at 500 Montgomery St. Opening in early 2024, the new 100-seat restaurant and bar will feature a spirit, cocktail and fine wine program, as well as a full menu of American food with indoor and outdoor seating.

FOOD & DINING

Pitango Gelato A new gelato shop — with baked goods and espresso drinks — will open in Old Town this spring. Pitango Gelato will open at 115 S. Union St., in a renovated building that has had a ground-floor vacancy for years.

Pitango Gelato has locations in Maryland and the District, and its first Virginia location is in Reston.

Pupatella Neopolitan Pizza restaurant Pupatella has filed paperwork to open a location at 700 Slaters Lane. The location previously housed Sam's Custom Cleaners. The popular pizza restaurant first opened in Arlington in 2010 after serving pizza out of food carts at Metro stations. Enzo Algarme and his wife, Anastasiya Laufenberg, founded the restaurant. Each Pupatella restaurant bakes its pizza in a wood-fired pizza oven. The restaurant has locations in North Arlington, South Arlington, Dupont Circle, Reston, Mosaic in Fairfax, Springfield, Leesburg and Richmond.

There are also several national or regional chains that are moving into Northern Virginia in the coming months. While we can’t pinpoint Alexandria locations for these yet, you may see them at some point this year.

CHICKEN SAL AD CHICK

H&H BAGELS

The fast casual chicken salad-focused restaurant has signed agreements to open eight locations in Arlington and Fairfax County over the next few years. Chicken Salad Chick has more than 250 locations nationwide, mostly concentrated in the Southeast. Virginia locations include Richmond, Hampton, Norfolk, Christiansburg and Roanoke.

The New York City bagel spot H&H will open 10 restaurants in D.C. and Virginia in the next few years. One of those locations may be in Alexandria. The bagel bakery plans to par-bake its bagels in Queens, New York, and ship them frozen to Virginia where they will be completed. H&H Bagels started in Manhattan in 1972.

CRIMSON COWARD

MARCO'S PIZZA

Nashville-style hot chicken chain Crimson Coward plans to open more locations in Northern Virginia this year. The chain started in Southern California and has eight locations nationwide — so far. The owner plans more than 200 locations by 2027, including about two dozen in Northern Virginia. The closest one to Alexandria (so far) is in Woodbridge.

In addition to Virginia and California, Crimson Coward has restaurants in Texas and Michigan.

Marco’s Pizza is continuing its Northern Virginia expansion, with multiple new stores opening in 2024. Already in Fairfax Station, Fairfax City and Sterling (and coming soon to Herndon), Marco’s Pizza serves up pizzas, pizza bowls, subs and salads.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

To Sleep, Perchance…

BY BETH LAWTON ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIANNE WOEHRLE

Here are five of the most common reasons we aren’t sleeping well these days and some solutions to getting better, more effective shut-eye.

Stress and Sleeplessness: A Vicious Cycle

The D.C. metro area is fast-paced, and a lot of people in this region have jobs that require long hours, difficult decisions or short deadlines — and sometimes all three.

It’s 2:37 a.m. and I’m awake. Again.

Stress makes it hard for our brains to “turn off” and relax enough to sleep effectively. On a biological level, stress increases cortisol, which also makes it harder to sleep. What’s worse – not only can stress cause insomnia, but insomnia can also cause you to feel more stressed, leading to a vicious, sleepless cycle.

I went to bed at a reasonable hour (around 10:30 p.m.) and I fell asleep quickly. Now I’m awake.

If I fall asleep right now, I can get another 3 hours and 53 minutes. … 52 minutes. … 51.

Sleep — along with food, water and air — are necessary for humans to survive. Unfortunately, for many in our area, it’s hard to get a good, solid night of it. Being tired can affect everything from our overall mood to our brain function, reaction times in our cars and even our long-term health.

Survey results released by U.S. News & World Report's 360 Reviews in October show that nearly half of U.S. adults (43%) experienced insomnia in 2023. About one in five U.S. adults (21%) surveyed say they “rarely or never wake up feeling well-rested.”

Residents in the Washington, D.C. area are no exception. The same survey revealed that the District is the seventh-worst place to get a good night’s sleep in the United States.

“Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies,” according to

Experts say that a few things can help significantly: • Set a standard bedtime for yourself that would allow you to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Most phones allow you to set a special bedtime reminder alarm (mine plays the first few lines of a lullaby).

• Put down the screens at least an hour before you want to sleep. This will allow your body to produce melatonin, which is a natural hormone your body uses to fall asleep.

• Don’t use your bed for work during the day (or at night)! While it’s easy when working from home to sit on your bed, associating your bed with the stress of work can affect your sleep at night.

• Ensure your environment is right for sleeping. Keep your bedroom cool and dark.

• Consider meditating. Intentional breathing exercises and calm thoughts can help your body and mind relax. If you need guidance, download an app like Calm or Headspace.

Dr. Michael Twery, a sleep expert at the National Institutes of

Turning Off Your Brain at 2:37 a.m.

Health. “It affects growth and stress hormones, our immune

From personal experience, what gets me back to sleep depends in part on what’s keeping me up — and you might have to experiment with this, too. Here are five tips:

system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health.”

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What’s the solution? Winning the lottery and leaving that highstress job would be nice, but the chances of that happening are low.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS

1. If you can’t fall asleep again within about 20 minutes because you’re uncomfortable, it’s ok to get up and move. Maybe the couch or a different bed will feel better.

2. If your to-do list is cycling through your head, grab a notebook and write things down. It may not seem so daunting when it’s on paper and you may worry about it less.

3. Solve the problem. If you’re really hungry, eat something easy to digest and low in sugar. If you’re cold, get another blanket.

4. Avoid checking your email. A screen will re-engage your mind and may keep you up longer than if you had avoided it.

5. Go back to what helped you fall asleep earlier, such as meditation or relaxing rituals.

If I’m being honest, though, there are times when I’ve just given up on sleeping and opened my laptop to get some work done.

Thank goodness for “schedule send” on Gmail, because my coworkers aren’t fans of emails I have sent in the wee hours.

Alcohol and Caffeine

For those who wake up feeling tired or struggle to get moving in the morning, a few shots of caffeine seem to make the world a little brighter.

But consuming too much caffeine, or consuming it late in the day, can disrupt your sleep cycle. Caffeine has a half-life of about six hours (depending on your metabolism), so a late-afternoon latte can keep you up at night.

My Dog's Name Is Coffee — He Keeps Me Up All Night

From the cat jumping on the bed to the dog barking at a raccoon outside, sometimes we wake up because of our furriest family members.

There are ways to help your pet sleep better, which may help you sleep better, too.

• Your pet should be tired at the end of the day, and you can help by making sure they are getting enough exercise during the day and attention in the evening.

• Take the dog out for one last bahroom break before bed.

• Give your pet a soft, warm and safe place to sleep every night.

A favorite stuffed animal or a blanket that smells like their favorite person can help.

• Try to reduce noise triggers. If your house has a section that is quieter (perhaps away from the street) or has fewer windows, that can help your pet feel safe and relaxed at night.

Some people swear by a nightcap to help them fall asleep faster at night. But alcohol can hurt your sleep cycle hours later. “You pay for it in the second half of the night,” Dr. Jennifer Martin, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, told The New York Times earlier this year. Alcohol is “initially sedating, but as it’s metabolized, it’s very activating.”

That means the glass of wine you threw down at 9 p.m. is what could be waking you up hours before sunrise.

Should your dog be in bed with you? Some studies suggest that having your animal with you in bed can reduce your anxiety and help you sleep better. However, this really depends on your specific animal and their personal sleep habits. (For example, my dog, Pepper, is not a good sleep companion. She’s a slightly overweight dog who likes to sleep on top of or right up against a person, which can make it hard to get comfortable. She also snores rather loudly.)

A friend's cat, Mabel, used to wander the house at night, knocking over items from the top of dressers, and jumping up and down off of beds all night. Her new bedtime ritual? A snack before bed, carrying her to the guest room where her litter box

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

is located and a relaxing brushing before the lights go out and the door is closed.

What's That Noise?

It could be helicopters overhead, cars with modified mufflers racing on the Beltway… or your partner snoring. It’s possible to adapt over time to noise. I got so used to sleeping in an apartment in downtown Chicago with the noise of city nightlife in my 20s, that I had a hard time sleeping when I moved to a very quiet neighborhood in suburban Kansas.

But some noise does need to be filtered out to allow you to sleep. The best ways to do that depend on the type of noise you’re hearing and what you’re comfortable wearing or doing.

There are hundreds of earplugs designed for sleeping on the market, and you may have to test a few pairs out before finding one that’s comfortable for you.

Using a fan or a dedicated noise machine or noise app on your phone can also help drown out some ambient noise. You may have to experiment with different sound frequencies to find the one that works for you. White noise can drown out most sound, but so-called green noise and brown noise have lower frequencies and may be better for sleeping, according to some studies.

What if you’re the one snoring? It’s quite possible that instead of your partner (or dog), it’s your own snoring waking you up at night. This may be from the sound itself, or it may be from disruptions in your breathing patterns. This is the time to call a doctor. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, which can be serious. A sleep study can help you learn why you’re snoring (or what else is causing you to wake up), and a doctor can come up with solutions from mouth guards to machines.

Blankets and Mattresses

If you listen to the radio or the local television news in the morning, you probably hear or see a lot of mattress commercials. They often run when you’re feeling the most tired, in an effort to convince you that a new mattress or pillow will solve all of your sleep problems.

A lumpy mattress or uncomfortable pillow can certainly affect your sleep. Knowing what to buy can be daunting, but it will start with choosing innerspring, foam or adjustable air. Check this guide from Consumer Reports for more on the types of mattresses and who they’re good for before you go shopping: www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/mattresses/ buying-guide.

If you sleep with a partner, consider a split mattress that allows you and your partner to choose your own firmness and features. If you can agree on a mattress, consider one that allows one person to roll over without the other person feeling the movement — usually a foam or hybrid version.

On social media, the Swedish (sometimes called Scandanavian) Sleep Method has gained a bit of attention this year. This is where you and your partner sleep under separate blankets, allowing each person to better control their own temperature preferences. This also reduces the chances that one partner will wake up the other by rolling over or “stealing” the covers. (My husband and I started doing this in 2023 and it does help!)

The best room temperature for sleep is about 65 degrees, according to the Sleep Foundation. Most doctors recommend 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit for the most comfortable sleep.

What about melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone your body produces naturally, typically in response to darkness, and it helps prepare your body for sleep, among other bodily functions. Taking a melatonin supplement (1 to 3 mg. about two hours before bedtime) can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep, according to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “Do not use melatonin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disorder, a seizure disorder or depression,” the school’s website warns.

Can I take a nap?

Sometimes nothing feels better than a nap on a Sunday afternoon.

However, it’s possible that napping too long can affect your sleep at night. To avoid this, try to keep your naps to just 20 minutes of sleeping and try to avoid napping after 3 p.m., according to the Mayo Clinic.

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A Fresh Start for Your Home — Declutter and Organize

BY LINDA HARVEY

When you look around your home do you feel a bit overwhelmed and weighed down by clutter, feeling frustrated when you can’t find something you need?

It’s a new year and the perfect time for a fresh start for your home. An opportunity to reevaluate all your stuff taking up space and causing unneeded stress.

We’ve turned to three experts on the best ways to declutter and better organize your rooms and spaces. They promise that you and your family will feel lighter, happier and more calm in your surroundings.

Paula Beck of NowSized, Chinamelum Lavender Menakaya of Lavender Organizes, and Laine Hardman of Tidy Up are all professional organizers in the Alexandria area. With years of experience helping clients tackle clutter, they know what works and what doesn’t, and each has tips that will make the process easier.

Where to Start?

It’s understandable to feel confused about where to start. All three of these professional organizers find it’s more productive to start in one particular room or space rather than to focus on a category like clothes or books spread throughout your entire home.

Choose one place or room that causes the most stress. Determine your home’s “pain areas” as Beck calls them. It’s when you enter a room or see a space that makes your stress levels rise or you get that nagging sensation. By focusing your efforts on one space in your home that causes such emotions, you’ll get an immediate sense of relief and accomplishment when it’s finished. It’s just the boost you need to keep decluttering.

Don’t make it too complicated, says Menakaya. Choose one room at a time, and move on to the next room after that, and so on. If you’re decluttering for a move, your first room should be one that

could be a staging area for boxes, such as a garage or basement.

Start small so you complete the job. When you start small, you can see it through to the end and get the satisfaction of a job well done — even if it’s a drawer or a shelf.

“A good goal is to start in the place where you can make the most difference, so when you run out of steam, you’ve still made an impact that you can see,” says Hardman. Such as focusing on spices in the kitchen or pots and pans.

Beck finds that even mini tasks scheduled for 30 minutes each on your calendar can have an impact if done regularly. If the entryway is your pain area, then go through coats, gloves, hats in the closet.

Organizing a small space like a book shelf or a junk drawer can feel satisfying since you can finish it and not be disheartened.

After you find success with these small

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HOME & GARDEN

chunks of time and get more comfortable decluttering, move on to larger chunks of time for bigger projects, recommends Beck.

second guess yourself and not purge stuff that really needs to go.

Focus on one category at a time in that space. Once you choose the room or space, pick one category to sort through first. Then move on to the next category in that room, and keep narrowing down your categories, but stick to one at a time, says Menkaya.

Now that you’ve selected your space, it’s time to sort through your items and decide what you want to do with them.

If you’re in the bedroom, sort through clothes first, then shoes and then purses, for example. By focusing on one category, you’ll make better decisions on what you want to keep, donate or toss, says Hardman. She recommends not going over three hours on any project since "decision fatigue" can start to set in. You’ll

Decluttering and Organizing 101

First, have a plan in place for items you don’t keep. It’s important to know how you’ll get these items — donations, trash, recycling, consignment — out of your home as easily and quickly as possible, says Beck. Have space in your car for donations or recycling for local drop-off centers, schedule a curbside donation service to come to your home or alert your neighborhood listserv. (See sidebar for suggestions.)

Give yourself a deadline of 24 to 48 hours for this to happen, but the project is not complete until your tossed and donated items are gone, says Menakaya. Those bags and boxes are still invading your space and your energy.

Unfortunately, consigning items like china dinnerware or crystal glasses takes more time and effort for not much profit in return. Plus, consignors can be very selective with items, and if it’s clothes, then you need to time it for that particular season.

(Or find out if a consignor is looking for clothing for the next season.)

Pull everything out and sort by category.

Examine all the items in that space and give yourself enough time to sort through each category. With closets, it can take one hour to pull everything out, one hour to sort, and one hour to put stuff away, points out Hardman. She also suggests using black trash bags for items you’re tossing and white bags for donation items.

For items that belong in that room, make piles by category to sort through. For a playroom, you’d sort by toy types, such as dolls, Legos, trucks, etc.

As you go through each category, determine what’s torn, stained, out-dated, broken, you have multiples of or have not used or worn in the last year.

Do you have any “aspirational clutter” as Beck calls it — the items you bought for a certain hobby or sport you never ended up doing? It’s probably time for them to go!

For items that belong in another room, create a pile near the door with sticky notes indicating which room, says Hardman. For memorabilia (i.e., special occasions, letters, trophies, ticket stubs), you may want to put in a labeled storage container in the basement or attic so it doesn’t infringe on your living space.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVENDER ORGANIZES

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Put away items you want to keep and find a better way to organize. If an item already has a practical home then put it

HOME & GARDEN

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF NOWSIZED

back there. If not, ask yourself where you would look for it, how do you use the item or how often do you use it.

For example, when you start to put items back in the kitchen, think about how you cook and what placement makes sense when you’re preparing meals. Winter gear doesn't have to be as accessible in the warmer weather, so store it out of the way until needed. Keep first aid ointments and Band-Aids in one container where you’re most likely going to need it, whether it’s the kitchen, downstairs bathroom or mudroom depending on how your family lives.

Everyone has their own idea of what an uncluttered home looks like — either streamlined and bare compared to decorative storage bins and baskets scattered around, explains Beck. Do you want items out and visually seen in your space or do you want them tucked away unseen?

Don’t buy additional storage containers until the space is completely finished. This is one tip all three professional organizers emphasized. Many people rush out and buy pretty baskets or bins, which only adds up to more stuff you don’t need or end up being the wrong size.

Before shopping, determine the amount of items you plan to keep, then measure the space, double check what you already own — and only then should you go out and buy new containers (with a tape measure).

When purchasing containers, decide if you want clear plastic ones to see what’s inside or decorative baskets or bins, says Hardman. It’s a personal choice, she explains, so know what will work best for you to stay organized. To save money and confusion, consider buying the same type of containers for consistency and the ability to reuse in another space, advises

Menakaya.

Even though Hardman shops for good deals at T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Target, you might find only one matching basket or bin rather than the three you need. Menakaya loves the quality and simple designs found at West Elm, World Market and Crate & Barrel. Beck finds The Container Store a fantastic resource since they stock so many options.

Another personal choice is whether to use labels, but they remove the guesswork on where to put things, which might encourage your family to comply, says Beck.

Come up with a plan to reduce paper clutter. Now is the time to go paperless or electronic for many things, such as bills or even kids’ artwork. Get rid of that clunky metal file cabinet and purchase a small portable file system that you can easily carry around, says Menakaya.

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HOME & GARDEN

To keep paper from coming into your home in the first place, have a handy recycle bin nearby to go through the mail.

Shred sensitive paperwork you don’t need — if it’s a large amount you can hire a mobile shredding company or take batches to stores such as Staples or United Parcel Service. For the paperwork you need to keep, sort by category and color coordinate in your portable file system — bills in a pink file, medical in a purple one, school in yellow, pets in orange, etc.

The Benefits for You

Living in a decluttered and organized home provides many benefits, some practical and others for your own well-being.

Save money since you won’t buy what you already own. You’ll spend less money not buying multiple items since you can check an organized pantry or closet before heading to the store, explains Hardman.

Getting into this habit can turn you into a more conscious buyer, thinking before you purchase an item and limiting what you buy. You also could earn some money by selling items on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Feel less stress overall when everything has a home. Your family is less harried as they go about their day since they spend less time looking for items and know where to put things. Menakaya has found having an organized home brings families together since they argue less over clutter and feel calm in their surroundings. She refers to this as “Happier Home, Happier Life.”

Boost your energy and focus. You’re no longer surrounded by things in limbo that compete for your energy and your attention, says Beck. She likes this quote

by Barbara Hemphill that “Clutter is postponed decisions.” With the visual noise of clutter gone, you’ll focus more and embrace the calm confidence of being organized.

Maintain Your Organized Home

You don’t want to return to a cycle of clutter, so take the time to prevent this from happening or to keep it to a minimum.

Life changes and your home needs to reflect your life today. It’s important to remember that your stuff will change as your life changes, whether you’re a young

Beck, owner of NowSized, sees many clients with busy careers and lives so showing them how to set up an organizing system for their life right now is the core of her business.

NowSized.com

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When Hardman first started Tidy Up, many of her clients were mothers with young children and rooms cluttered with toys. Just having someone working side by side gave these moms the relief they needed. @tidyuplaine; tidyupnow.com

couple, empty nesters, retirees or a family with small children or teenagers. Stay on top of purging items you no longer need and don’t feel compelled to hold on to things. Retirees shouldn’t burden their grown children with all their stuff — rather hold on to the stories behind these items and share those memories with your family.

Be ruthless with what’s allowed in your home. Beck strongly encourages you to ask yourself, “What is this for? Is it helpful?

Do I need it?” Hardman shares one simple rule with clients, “one in, one out.” If you have five black sweaters and want to buy another one, then one goes out.

Menakaya goes a bit further with her “buy one item, then three items must go.” And it doesn’t matter what three items go — walk around your home and find them.

Mark your calendar and declutter as you transition to new seasons. That means decluttering at least four times a year — winter, spring, summer, fall. It’ll keep you on task to purge seasonal items, such as winter boots or jackets your kids have outgrown or holiday decor you no longer want. Menakaya also suggests adding small tasks such as “drop off shoes” or

Menakaya of Lavender Organizes believes her services are an investment in her clients’ mental health and in the upkeep of their homes. She also tries to emphasize the fun in organizing and with her signature color. @lavenderorganizes; lavenderorganizes.com

JANET BERTIN “shred paper” to your calendar each week to help you stay accountable and create a routine. Plus have an accessible bin or two in your home for items you want to donate so it’s all in one place for easy drop-off or pickup.

Some Favorites

Come up with a functional plan that works for your family. Be realistic about what will work for them. Can they handle a detailed system with labeled bins or a general system with more flexibility in where things are stored? Think individual cubbies or one large basket for shoes.

Do they mind taking more time to put something away but less time to find OR taking less time to put away but more time to find?

• Salvation Army (satruck.org)

Call in the Experts

If you feel too overwhelmed with your home’s clutter or perhaps you don’t have the time to declutter, then you might want to consider expert help. Professional organizers can provide encouragement, hands-on assistance, accountability and even maintenance programs.

Donations Consider local charitable organizations that align with your interests. Check websites for specific needs, locations, and if they provide curbside pickup.

• Vietnam Vets (pickupplease.org) • ALIVE (alive-inc.org) • ReStore for Habitat for Humanity (habitatdcnova. org) — building supplies, home furnishings, appliances • GreenDrop (gogreeddrop.com) — partners with American Red Cross • UpCycle (upcyclecrc.org)— notepads, wrapping paper, arts and crafts, etc.

• Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (alexandriaanimals. org) — crates, blankets, towels

An organizer can evaluate your space, go over its needs and uses, and create a vision for this space. They can help you make decisions while sorting, find places to rehome items, and even purchase storage containers for you. Plus they’ll take away all the donated and tossed items so your home is completely organized when they leave.

Recycling CDs, DVDs, Electronics

An added bonus when working with a professional is their relationships with other experts, such as estate sale vendors, auction houses, junk removal services, digitizers, book buyers, mobile shredders and even an expert on military regalia, according to Beck.

Books BookBliss Online (bookblissonline. com) — will come to your home

Hardman, Beck and Menakaya understand that their clients are letting them into their homes and trusting them in their personal space. They’re there to help and not judge, and try to make their clients feel comfortable.

Decorating Alexandria for more than 25 years

• Alexandria Library (alexlibraryva.org)

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Consigner Furniture, household goods Evolution Home (evolution-home. com) Buy Nothing Group Join the local Facebook group to give stuff away for free so others can reuse your items.

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January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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Two New Veterinary Services Opening in 2024

BY BETH LAWTON

Dogs and cats in Alexandria will have two new options for their medical care, as PetMedic Urgent Care and Small Door Vet both open in 2024 in Alexandria.

Signs are up at 515 King Street for a new urgent care clinic for pets.

For pet owners, PetMedic provides same-day appointments for a variety of issues from digestive issues to injuries. allergies, ear infections and more. The company accepts pet insurance.

The company has urgent care clinics for cats and dogs in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island — and one in Tysons, Virginia.

The facility in Tysons is open 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. "Our flexible scheduling allows you to make a same-day online appointment after-hours, on the weekend or during select holidays. No matter when you come in, you can expect exceptional care from our warm, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff," according to the company.

Learn more at petmedicurgentcare.com.

Also in Old Town, a new, membership-based veterinary service will be opening.

Small Door Veterinary members pay $169 per year per pet to access a free exam, same or next-day appointment, 24/7 telemedicine and more.

Josh Guttman, co-founder and CEO of Small Door, is a native of the D.C. metro area.

Small Door has 5 locations in New York, two Massachusetts, and three in Washington, D.C. The company is opening practices in McLean, Virginia and Bethesda, Maryland, as well.

The Alexandria location will be at 277 S. Washington St., the Atrium, in the space formerly occupied by EagleBank.

The company is dedicated to making veterinary appointments convenient, stress-free for people and their pets, and focuses on transparency and effective communication.

Learn more at smalldoorvet.com.

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HOME AND GARDEN

How to Avoid Being a 'Foster Failure'

BY BETH LAWTON The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Vola Lawson Animal Shelter is spacious, light-filled and humming with caring humans. But for some animals, it’s a stressful place to spend time.

For those dogs, cats and small mammals, living in a foster home can give them the safe and comfortable environment they need to heal from medical care or grow up a bit before going to their forever home.

Sometimes, fosters are with families for just a weekend, but sometimes care can last for weeks or months.

Alexandria resident Bonny McMahon routinely fosters some of the AWLA’s most vulnerable animals, including newborn kittens, who sometimes arrive in her Rose Hill home with their mom.

“I foster because every animal deserves a life of security, warmth, nutrition and love — just as we all do,” McMahon said.

Sadly, sometimes those kittens get sick and don’t survive, even with the best care from veterinarians. “That is heartbreaking, but I take comfort in knowing I was able to provide love and comfort in the time that they were with me,” McMahon said.

On the flip side: “The best part of fostering

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

PETS

information and feedback, and otherwise assist the foster family with caring for the animal.

How do you avoid being a "foster failure"? (i.e. How do you avoid keeping the dog or cat for yourself?)

We don’t consider adopting a foster animal a failure! There is nothing negative or wrong about providing a home to an animal in need. However, we do understand that everyone has limited room in their home and life for additional animals, so often when a foster adopts an animal, that may limit or eliminate their ability to foster future animals. is every moment watching the little ones grow and thrive,” she said.

The AWLA and several other rescue organizations are constantly looking for foster homes for animals in need. If this is something you’re considering in the new year, we posed a few questions to the AWLA's Erin Shackelford to help you get started.

What qualities or amenities should the family have?

This can vary widely, but more than anything, the foster family should have a little extra love to give! From there, things like patience and understanding can go a long way in accepting a foster animal into your home, especially if that animal is facing a medical or behavioral issue.

Here at the AWLA, we are always searching for foster homes that have the ability to foster large dogs and dogs that need to be in a single-pet household.

What does AWLA provide to foster families?

We provide families with all required supplies (including things like crates, litter, food, toys, and more) for their foster animal. We also provide all medical care needed for the animal while they are in the foster home. Our foster team also is available to answer questions, provide

It’s important to remember when you begin fostering animals that the goal is "goodbye." It is your goal to help prepare that animal for a happy, healthy life with a new family. While it can be sad to see them go, we promise the good feelings you get from helping them on their journey is well worth it!

For more information on fostering for the AWLA, visit alexandriaanimals.org/ fostering.

A spare bedroom, laundry room or bathroom can also be handy if you have existing pets and the foster animal needs to be kept separate to avoid the spread of germs. Access to transportation is also important because foster animals often need to return to the shelter for medication or veterinary appointments.

Because there are a wide range of foster opportunities (kittens, cats, dogs, puppies, rabbits and more), each foster animal will have unique needs. Our foster team works with interested families to find animals that will work for their lifestyle and living situation.

PHOTO BY LEXIE

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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Four Presidents Found Respite in Virginia

Thomas Jefferson designed Poplar Forest as a retreat from busy Monticello.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POPLAR FOREST

BY GLENDA BOOTH

President Joe Biden likens the 132room White House to a “gilded cage.”

Michelle Obama called it “a really nice prison.” Harry Truman saw it as “the great white jail.” While 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has its history and grandeur, most U.S. presidents have had private retreats for escaping the Washington pressure cooker and especially the city’s sultry summers.

Virginia was the choice of four presidents: Herbert Hoover, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Thomas Jefferson.

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Herbert and Lou Hoover relax on the porch at Rapidan Camp, Shenandoah National Park in Madison County, Va. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Teddy Roosevelt was skewered by cartoonist Clifford Kennedy Berryman in 1906. The cartoon shows the president heading to his retreat with his "teddy bear."

The Hoovers, Rapidan Camp Herbert Hoover specified three requirements for his getaway spot: At least 2,500 feet in elevation for cooler weather; within 100 miles of Washington, to get back in an emergency and excellent fishing. He and wife Lou directed the Marines to build a 13-building complex called Rapidan Camp on 165 acres in today’s Shenandoah National Park. This was a place “where no bells ring or callers jar one’s thoughts,” he said.

Hoover’s design put every building within earshot of a babbling stream to “reduce our egotism, soothe our troubles and shame our wickedness,” he wrote. An avid angler, he delighted

in casting for trout amid the rocky terrain and hemlocks, pines, oaks, poplars, mountain laurels and trilliums.

Being there was calming, Hoover’s doctor, Dr. Joel Boone, wrote: “The president could recuperate from fatigue faster than anybody I have ever known . . . He had tremendous power of relaxation once he surrendered himself to taking periods to relax and rest mentally and physically.”

Not only did he surrender to the woodsy surroundings, he hosted dignitaries, including British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, with whom he negotiated the 1930 London

Naval Treaty while sitting on a log.

Local “dignitaries” showed up too. In 1931, an 11-year-old boy emerged from the woods with “a possum for the president’s birthday.”

Today, three unpretentious cabins remain connected by paths and stone bridges. The chocolate-colored Brown House (so named jokingly to contrast with the White House), is a one-story, wood-frame, gable-roofed pine cabin restored to its 1929 appearance inside and out. It has some original furnishings, like Lou’s desk and wardrobe. Both Herbert and Lou were geologists, so they “decorated” with rocks, shells, crystals and fresh hemlock.

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HISTORY

The Roosevelts, Pine Knot Theodore Roosevelt grew up in mansions and owned one, Sagamore Hill, on New York’s Long Island, but to decompress, he and Edith chose a modest cottage named Pine Knot nestled in 90 acres of dense Albemarle County woods. From 1905 to 1908, it offered “rest and repairs,” Edith said.

his son, Kermit, in 1905, “It is really a perfectly delightful little place; the nicest little place of the kind you can imagine.”

The cottage had no electricity or indoor plumbing and Teddy’s job was to “empty the slops.” Virginia’s nature beckoned. Teddy, a swashbuckling outdoorsman who had killed bison in North Dakota’s badlands, hunted for Virginia game. In 1906, he wrote to his son Kermit, that after 13 hours in the woods, he got one turkey.

The Roosevelts relaxed on the porch and tuned into “little forest folk,” the president’s term. Teddy identified 75 bird species by their call on one day and some credit him with the last U.S. sighting of passenger pigeons in 1908, birds almost extinct then. In one of three upstairs bedrooms, flying squirrels “held high carnival at night,” Teddy wrote to his son, Archie.

The Roosevelts traveled to the hamlet of North Garden in a private rail car added to the mail train and then took a carriage or horses. They liked going there without “help” to truly unwind and had few guests. Theodore wrote

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The house was built for $127,000 in 1963 dollars. In 1964, Jackie sold the property for $225,000. Today it’s privately owned and worth millions.

Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson President Thomas Jefferson probably originated the idea of a presidential getaway when in 1806 he built Poplar Forest, on a 4,800-acre plantation near Lynchburg, to evade public scrutiny and meddlesome guests. There, he wrote, “I fixed myself comfortably.”

Today, the cottage is basically unchanged, a 1,187-square-foot pine and board-and-batten house with two chimneys and four fireplaces, all made of stone from nearby Schuyler.

Journalist Walden Fawcett wrote that it was “quite the most unpretentious habitation ever owned by a president of the United States.”

Teddy concurred and wrote, “The Tsar and Tsarina would have found it somewhat confining, since it consisted of one rough-cut, stone-chimneyed, boarded box, with two smaller boxes upstairs.” The most decorative surviving features are porcelain doorknobs. The only remaining Roosevelt furniture is a large farm table.

switchboard, a bomb shelter, stables and Secret Service workspace.

Kennedy family in Hyannis Port.

NATIONAL ARCHIVE PHOTO

The Kennedys, Wexford Camp David in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains, created by Franklin Roosevelt, was available, but Jacqueline Kennedy wanted to “get out of the governmental atmosphere,” ride horses and let daughter Caroline trot around on her pony, Leprechaun.

John and Jackie chose 39 acres of rolling Loudoun County farmland and in 1962 and 1963, built a 3,500-squarefoot home near Marshall. They named it Wexford after the Ireland county of the Kennedy family’s origins.

Jackie designed a one-level stoneand-stucco ranch-style house with seven bedrooms and five bathrooms.

They wanted “nothing elaborate,” said Pamela Turnure, the first lady’s press secretary. Jackie dubbed it “tweedy elegance” and wrote, “This house may not be perfectly proportioned — but it has everything — all the places we need to get away from each other – so husband can have meetings . . . wife paint . . . all things so much bigger houses don’t have. I think it’s brilliant!”

Jackie, Caroline, 6, and son John, 3, traveled to Wexford by limousine and helicopter. The president only visited twice in 1963 before his tragic assassination. They had a Signal Corps

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2024

He had little love for the nation’s capital. Having grown up near today’s Charlottesville, Jefferson complained to Treasury Secretary James Gallatin about Washington, “I consider it as a trying experiment for a person from the mountains to pass the two bilious months on the tide-water.”

After the presidency, Jefferson wanted to avoid the hubbub of his home, Monticello, which had a steady stream of uninvited guests, plus his daughter, Martha, her husband and 11 children.

He relished the peace of Poplar Forest and wrote in 1812, “Here I have leisure, as I have everywhere the disposition to think of my friends.”

Jefferson had studied buildings in Europe and drew especially on 16th-century, Italian architect Andrea Palladio and the concept of the Roman country villa. A self-taught architect, Jefferson built his 1,000-square-foot house into the crown of a hill and designed it to appear as one story from the front, but the dining room is actually two stories.

Restored today and reflecting his love of geometry, Poplar Forest is the first octagonal residence in the United States. Natural light ripples from tall, triple-hung windows on each of the building’s eight sides and a 16-foot skylight over the center. It has four rooms, including a cube-shaped dining room. It is one of Jefferson’s “most consummate architectural works” and “one of the most extraordinary works

HISTORY

of American architecture,” Travis C. McDonald, Jr., the home’s former director of Architectural Restoration, has said.

Whether it’s pines, 'possums or politicians, U.S. presidents have found respite in bucolic Virginia where they can clear their heads, gain perspective and restore balance to their lives.

Plan a Visit Rapidan Camp, in Shenandoah National Park, is managed by the National Park Service, https://www. nps.gov/shen. The grounds are open year round; the Brown House, from

late spring to late October. Visit www. recreation.gov.

Pine Knot, www.pineknot.org, is owned by the Edith and Theodore Roosevelt Pine Knot Foundation and open by appointment.

Poplar Forest, https://www. poplarforest.org, is owned by the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and offers guided tours daily, March 15 through Dec. 30. It is open weekends from mid-January to mid-March.

Wexford is privately owned, not open to the public.

WEXFORD PHOTO BY THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE

January / February 2024 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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ARTS

A musically-themed stormwater cover in Old Town North and an outline of its corresponding art by Dana Ann Scheurer.

Street Art — Literally

BY BETH LAWTON

Look down! New art is embedded into the sidewalks in Old Town North.

Local artists contributed to a unique "street art" project in Old Town North.

Old Town North, the neighborhood south of Potomac Yard but north of Old Town, is slowly (but surely) turning into the Arts District proposed years ago. In addition to the new street art, the district hopes to bring MetroStage back to the neighborhood (a capital campaign is ongoing at metrostage. org) and support multiple other arts organizations, as well.

The neighborhood already has a variety of art installations including sculptures and murals, but this year, Matt Long, Yoshiko Ratliff, and Dana Ann Scheurer designed a totally different type of art: stormwater

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covers that have been replaced the traditional stormwater covers on neighborhood streets.

There are now 30 artist-designed stormwater covers in Old Town North, focused on North Fairfax Street and nearby intersections. There are six designs (two by each artist), reflecting the diverse art, nature and history of the neighborhood. The Old Town North Alliance spearheaded the initiative and hosted a ceremony revealing them all in November.

The project was funded and managed by the City of Alexandria’s Public Art Program within the Office of the Arts, which is a Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • January / February 2022 2024

Activities. The project was also supported by a volunteer public art task force, which included members of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, the Old Town North Alliance, and Transportation and Environmental Services.

The stormwater covers are cast iron and "uniquely portray the vibrant, artistic culture of Old Town North," according to the OTN Alliance. Iron Age Design, based in Washington state, fabricated the stormwater covers.

Information about the other public art installations in Old Town North is available at otnarts.com.

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