Alexandria Living Magazine - November/December 2021

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ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM November / December 2021

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hether you’re in the market for a new car to make the rounds, Need to spruce up your home before all your guests come to town, Or, to buy the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season, We’ve got the cash so you can get everything you wish, no matter the reason.

MARKET SQUARE HOLIDAY TREE | PHOTO BY SAM KITTNER FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

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CONTENTS

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17

22

US ROUTE 1 WALL OF AVIATION MARKER | PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON PHOTO COURTESY OF SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Membership eligibility required. Membership is free and open to all residents of Virginia and their immediate family members. For complete details visit cofcu.org/membership.

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MADE IN ALX GIFT GUIDE Go local! Find gifts made by local artisans for everyone on your "nice" list.

OLD TOWN BOUTIQUE DISTRICT GIFT GUIDE

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PETS

27

DINING

29

LOCAL HISTORY

33

HOME & GARDEN

48

TRAVEL

52

THE LAST WORD

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4875 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 (800) 424-3334

There’s lots going on this holiday season in and around Alexandria.

Get out and have some fun!

Shop your favorite local boutiques for sassy and sophisticated gifts for the holidays.

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to see how we can ey! you a ton of mon

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Getting your pet ready for their holiday card close-up?

Be sure to read this to get that picture-perfect photo.

The story behind this popular flamenco music at Cedar Knoll restaurant.

Believe it or not: The Richmond Highway area was once home to not one, but two airports.

Just in time for the holidays, a kitchen makeover in the Seminary Hill area.

Discover a winter wonderland at West Virginia's Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, gives us some great holiday gift ideas for the book-lover.

48 November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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FEATURES

37 Mom ’n Pop Coffee Roasters Meet the Alexandria DIYers who roast their own coffee beans.

42

Babs Beckwith

Alexandria’s Rock ’n Roll Legends

DAVE GROHL, PHOTO COURTESY OF HARPERCOLLINS

ON THE COVER Alexandria’s George Washington Masonic National Memorial, lit up for the holidays.

PHOTO BY GEOFF LIVINGSTON

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

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LD SO

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JIM MORRISON'S HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK PHOTO, PHOTO BY ALEXANDRIA LIVING

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Some of rock’s biggest names once called Alexandria home.

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The Face of Old Town Real Estate

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

Our Team

A Letter from Our Founders

PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton

Meet some of the contributors to this issue.

EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton ADVERTISING

Cleo Chitester Teal Griffey Lora Jerakis DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

Jessie Leiber PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Moore Alexandria Living Magazine is published six times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC ©2021. 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.

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

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Welcome to our holiday issue! Like many of you, everyone at the magazine will soon be preparing for Thanksgiving and the holidays — preparing to see family and friends, getting ready to do a lot of cooking (and tasting!) in the kitchen and looking for just the right holiday gifts.

Most residents and visitors know what a magical place Alexandria is during the holidays and this year promises to be no different. You might want your first stop in this issue to be the calendar of events. It’s full of holiday happenings — from Scottish Walk Weekend to Mount Vernon by Candlelight and everything in between, like 5Ks, concerts, plays, lectures, shopping and much more.

We like to keep it local in Alexandria and you can’t get more local than doing your holiday shopping at Made in ALX, a consortium of more than three dozen local artisans who you’ll find at area farmers’ markets and, after Nov. 1, at the Made in ALX holiday pop-up shop at 1 Wales Alley, next door to Virtue Feed & Grain, near the waterfront. Read all about it and get some great gift ideas starting on page 17.

You can’t take two steps in Alexandria without stopping to pet a friendly pooch. If you're looking to feature your pampered pet in a holiday photo this season, we’ve got some tips before that close-up, starting on page 24.

One of our favorite restaurants, Cedar Knoll, which sits on a historic site with views of the Potomac, really knows how to create some ambience to match its delightful menus.

Writer Glenda Booth gets the story behind the enchanting flamenco music often played at the restaurant, on page 27.

Not too far from Cedar Knoll’s location, there were once not one but two airports in our midst. Writer Rachel Kester delves into the interesting history of Hybla Valley Airport and Beacon Field, beginning on page 29.

On page 33, we take a look at an Alexandria family’s kitchen makeover that really opened up their space, just in time for the busy holiday baking season. Many call this the “heart of the home” and we couldn’t agree more, especially this time of year!

Like everyone else around the world, Alexandrians like their coffee. Writer Susannah Moore found some folks who really,

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor

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

really like their coffee. So much so, they are roasting their own beans. Find out about these coffee lovers and how you might sample their roasts, starting on page 37.

One of the draws to Alexandria is its history, mainly beginning with George Washington and company. But it also has a fascinating past as a place where some of rock ’n roll’s heavy hitters once called home, from Jim Morrison of The Doors, John Phillips and Cass Elliott of The Mamas & the Papas to Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame. Read all about it, beginning on page 42.

Looking for that quintessential snow-skiing vacation? Look no further than Snowshoe, in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It’s a bit of a hike, a five-hour drive, but we have some closer options as well, starting on page 48.

Last but certainly not least Old Town Books owner Ally Kirkpatrick gives readers some great book suggestions for the book-lover on your holiday list, in The Last Word, on page 52.

This holiday season we want to give a special thanks to our readers and our advertisers, who inspire us and help keep our magazine and website humming: Thank you! We hope you enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and we’ll see you right back here in January!

Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton Founders

GLENDA BOOTH Contributor

RACHEL KESTER Contributor

GEOFF LIVINGSTON Cover Photographer

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.

She earned a bachelor’s at Longwood College and a master’s at the University of Virginia. A gardener, outdoors woman and lifelong learner, she lives in Fairfax County and is the mother of two grown sons.

Rachel is a freelance writer from Chesterfield, Virginia whose work covers topics ranging from environment to travel.

She also reviews books, art and other creative pursuits, often with a socio-environmental focus. She enjoys exploring Alexandria’s historic parks and browsing the lively Old Town Farmers’ Market.

SUSANNAH MOORE Contributor

STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG Photographer

KAI Office Pup

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 with her husband or spending time with her rescue cat, Cinnamon, and golden retriever, Kai.

Art has always been a huge part of Stacy's life. She has had her eye behind the camera for as long as she can remember. She's been shooting professionally for more than 15 years and specializes in architecture and interior design photography.

Her work has been featured in numerous local and national publications, including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Vogue, and HGTV. Stacy currently lives in the DC Metro area, where she grew up, with her husband, two kids and three dogs.

Kai was born in May 2021 in West Point, Virginia. While he is still very much a puppy, he is already demonstrating what a good boy he is. Kai's favorite activities include eating (everything), snuggling and playing with his best friend, a miniature dachshund, and his feline sister. You can find Kai making friends at Westgrove dog park or getting lots of attention when he walks around Old Town. Kai looks forward to experiencing all the dog friendly places and activities Alexandria has to offer.

Geoff is an award-winning photographer and author specializing in photojournalism and landscape photography. But really he likes to take pictures every day, and is happiest behind the lens. You can learn more about Geoff’s photography at geofflivingston.com.

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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EVE N T K EY Arts Food & Dining Family-Friendly Film Historic/Educational Literature Live Music Nightlife Pet-Friendly Recreation & Outdoor Shopping Theater Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is slated for Dec. 4. | PHOTO BY EVAN MICHIO FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Workshop

FALL 2021

Calendar of Events November Election Day Nov. 2 | 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

General Election for Virginia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Delegates. In the City of Alexandria the Mayor, City Council and School Board are also on the ballot. To find your polling station and the most up to date information visit alexandriava.gov/Elections if you live in the City of Alexandria or fairfaxcounty.gov/ elections if you live in Fairfax County.

Concerts at The Birchmere Music Hall

NOV. 3 – Chicks with Hits: Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogguss

Check out some of the performances scheduled for November and December 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.

NOV. 22 – Jake Shimabukuro “Christmas In

The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., birchmere.com

NOV. 5, 6 – Stephanie Mills

NOV. 19, 20, 21 – Paula Poundstone

Hawaii”

NOV. 27 – Chris Isaak Holiday Tour DEC. 3, 4 – An Evening with Chris Botti DEC. 16, 17 – Carbon Leaf DEC. 26 – Maysa Holiday Show

Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, some of the events listed here may move online, be postponed or be canceled. Keep an eye on alexandrialivingmagazine.com for an updated events calendar or check in with event organizers before heading out!

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Groovy Movies

NOV

Nov. 5-28

7

Come see art inspired by the movies — from American Film Institute (AFI) classics to cult films including “Abbott & Costello Meets Frankenstein,” “Barbarella,” “Yellow Submarine” and “Zorba the Greek.”

The Groovy Movies art exhibit at Del Ray Artisans features two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual art in the gallery space.

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

Becoming George Washington: The 2021 George Washington Symposium

I N T H I S S E A S O N O F G R AT I T U D E ,

I am Grateful for You.

Nov. 5-6 Take an enlightening look at the personal interests and exploits of George Washington prior to the American Revolution and examine the broader world of the British Empire in North America in the mid-18th century. During the symposium, attendees will hear from Mount Vernon staff and leading historians, tour the mansion and view historic documents and objects. Admission is $225 for the general public and $200 for members and donors.

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

Pacers in Old Town debuted a “For Every Run” mural on the side of its King Street building in September.

PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON

Licensed in VA | 703.622.5984 | JanetPriceHomes.com 109 S. PITT ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 | 703.549.9292 | MCENEARNEY.COM | EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

The Parkway Classic Nov. 7: 5k, 7:30 a.m. | 10-mile, 8 a.m. | Kids‘ Dash, 10:30 a.m.

This scenic race runs along the George Washington Memorial Parkway from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Old Town Alexandria. Runners can choose from a 5K, 10 mile or “kid’s dash” course. Visit the race website for the most up-to-date information. parkwayclassic.com

Homegrown: American Stories in Music and Film

current health and safety protocols and all attendees must be fully vaccinated.

Nov. 6 | 6 p.m.

Saturday: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E. Campus Dr.

Nov. 7 | 3 p.m.

In partnership with the Alexandria Film

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

D I S C O V E R

Festival, the Alexandria Symphony

History of Tea Nov. 6 | 2 p.m.

Learn about the history of tea, one of the world’s most popular drinks, and taste teas that were popular throughout different periods of American history. Space is limited and tickets must be reserved in advance. Tickets are $20 per person.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

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American Stories in Music and Film.”

Blow Those Horns: Music for Horn Quartet

The concert incorporates music from

Nov. 9 | 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Orchestra (ASO) presents “Homegrown:

the Americana tradition with original

Still’s “Manhattan Skyline.” The program

French horns from the National Symphony Orchestra will delight audiences with performances of beloved staples of chamber repertoire in unexpected arrangements.

culminates with Modest Mussorgsky’s

The Rectory on Princess Street, 711 Princess St.,

“Pictures at an Exhibition.” ASO will follow

classicalmovements.com/about-us/the-rectory

film shorts, including Aaron Copland’s “Our Town” and “John Henry,” Charles T. Griffes’ “Clouds” and William Grant

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

B U R G U N D Y

An independent JK through 8th Grade school At Burgundy Farm Country Day School, we believe children learn best in an

inclusive, creative, and nurturing environment that e ng ag e s th e w h ole child .

Join us for an upcoming Open House to learn more!

Register by visiting: burgundyfarm.org/admission/open-house 3700 Burgundy Road Alexandria, VA 22303 burgundyfarm.org November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

STARTING PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA PARKS

NOV

26 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Can the Bird 5K Nov. 25 | 8 a.m.

Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce presents their first Thanksgiving Day 5K. The race starts at the Walmart in Kingstowne and loops around Kingstowne Lake. Runners are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable items to donate to a local food bank. mountvernonleechamber.org

Nov. 19-Jan. 2 | 5:30-10 p.m.

Enjoy food, shopping, photo ops and lots of holiday lights at the Winter Village. Ice skating reservations must be made ahead online for one-hour time slots. Ice & Lights will have a few extra safety precautions this year, including social distancing and sanitation. Visit the event website for tickets.

Cameron Run, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., novaparks.com/ events/ice-lights PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLIN HILLS HOUSE + GARDEN TOUR

Holiday Shopping | PHOTO BY K .SUMMERER FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria Shop Small Week Nov. 26-Dec. 2 Experience Alexandria’s biggest shopping week of the year, Alexandria Shop Small Week. Kicking off with Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s Small Business Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Alexandria Shop Small Week is an opportunity to show your support for the D.C. region’s largest destination for independent boutiques with seven days of deals and promotions.

Various locations, visitalexandria.com/holidays/shop-small-week

Under the Same Roof: Enslaved and Free Workers at Lee-Fendall Nov. 20 | 2 p.m.

Learn about the enslaved and free African Americans who lived and worked at LeeFendall House as domestic servants, both before and after the Civil War. Hear the stories of how they built and shaped the house over the course of its history. For your safety and for those around you, face masks will be required. The tour is limited to 10 participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person or free for members of Lee-Fendall House.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Alexandria Film Festival Nov. 11-25 This year, the 15th-annual Alexandria Film Festival is being planned as a hybrid event that will include both virtual and in-person screenings and panel discussions. Visit the event website for the latest information on the festival and films. alexfilmfest.com

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Alexandria Turkey Trot Nov. 25 | 9 a.m.

Alexandria’s 46th Annual 5 Miler Turkey Trot is the D.C. area’s premier Thanksgiving road race, presented by the DC Road Runners Club and the Del Ray Business Association. This is a “pancake flat” course in Del Ray. Register up until 8:30 a.m., 30 minutes before the race begins. Bring canned or non-perishable food items to donate to Alive! Food Program. For more information and to register, visit alexandriaturkeytrot.com.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11 and 19 Join costumed Mount Vernon staff for a candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia, followed by live music, cider and cookies in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center Lobby. Tickets are $26

for adults and $18 for youth (members) and $36 for adult and $28 for youth (non-members).

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

Stories in the Architecture Nov. 27 | 2 p.m.

Explore the history of the Lee-Fendall House through its architecture and visit parts of the house that are not regularly open to the public. See how changes in style and home technology have left their mark on the home, from when it was built in 1785 through its continued use as a home in the 20th century. The tour is limited to 10 participants. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person or free for members of Lee-Fendall House.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

December Del Ray Artisans’ 26th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 Fridays 6-9 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join the Del Ray Artisans for their 26th annual Holiday Market. Different artists are featured each weekend. The market

STARTING

NOV

26

offers unique handmade fine arts and fine crafts from local artists presenting a variety of media, including fiber/textiles, glass, jewelry, mixed media, mosaics, painting, paper crafting, photography, pottery/ceramics, sculpture, watercolor, wood turning and more! Look for 2022 wall calendars featuring artworks by Del Ray Artisans members, which will be available for purchase. Artists are donating a percentage of their sales to help support Del Ray Artisans’ mission to promote art for the benefit of artists and the community.

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

A Christmas Carol Dec. 3-18 | various times The Little Theatre of Alexandria rings in the holiday season with a return of “A Christmas Carol,” the classic by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly Victorian humbug, travels with ghostly guides through Christmas past, present and future to find the true meaning of the holidays. Complete with special effects, Victorian carols and Tiny Tim. “A Christmas Carol” is a must for the entire family!

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

Holiday Family Day at Mount Vernon Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Discover how the holiday season was commemorated in the 18th century through family-friendly activities. Enjoy take-home crafts and a holiday passport to explore the estate. Sensory-friendly accommodations for guests who desire a quieter visit are also available, between 9-11 a.m. The program is included with the cost of admission.

Discovering Alexandria Architecture Tour

Carlyle House at 45: “Hidden House Reemerges” Open House

Nov. 13, Dec. 18 | 10-11:30 a.m.

Nov. 21 | noon-4 p.m.

Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join Carlyle House staff for a tour of Alexandria, as we explore the various architectural styles that adorn the city streets and make it one of the best places to live and work. Reservations are required as space is limited. All COVID procedures will be in place during this tour.

Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5hour guided tour. The tour will be held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.

With the destruction of the Mansion House Hotel in the 1970s and an extensive restoration by NOVA Parks, Carlyle House reemerged into Alexandria’s line of sight as one of the grandest buildings in Old Town.

Carlyle House staff invites you to explore the exhibit “Hidden House Reemerges” for the throwback admission of $1. During your self-guided experience, learn about some of the early museum history, see photographs of the restoration and admire some of the objects found by the restoration team.

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

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

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

Alexandria’s Waterfront, visitalexandria.com/ holidays/boat-parade

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Alexandria Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 4 | 5:30 p.m.

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront shines at sundown as dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. Visitors can enjoy dockside festivities and food vendors starting in the afternoon at 2 p.m.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight starts Nov. 26. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Candlelight Tours

DEC

Dec. 4, 11, 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

3-4

Drummers and bagpipe players march in parade.

PHOTO BY MATT CHENET FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

Celebrate the holiday season with evening candlelight tours of the Lee-Fendall House decked out in Victorian splendor. An antique toy exhibit will also be on view.

Tours are offered on the half-hour, from 5:30 p.m., ending at 7:30 p.m. Space is limited to no more than 10 people at a time and advance reservations are required.

Face masks and social distancing will be in place throughout the tour. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 5-17).

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Dec. 3

Experience the wonder of the season by visiting the Lee-Fendall House for a family-friendly Victorian Christmas. Enjoy traditional décor, music, seasonal crafts, a visit with Santa, a toy exhibit and more.

Timed tickets on the hour are available through advance registration. The museum will follow all current health requirements, including face masks and social distancing.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children (ages 2-12). Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.

Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.

VISIT ALEXANDRIA

The Scottish Walk Weekend Dec. 3 and 4 The Campagna Center presents the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade. The lineup of festivities includes the Taste of Scotland, The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, the Heather and Greens Sale and the Holiday Home Tours, all celebrating the rich Scottish heritage of Old Town Alexandria. Proceeds will benefit The Campagna Center programs that serve more than 2,000 children and families daily in Alexandria. Multiple sponsorship opportunities available.

See more information at campagnacenter.org/scottishwalkweekend.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

A Victorian Christmas Dec. 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

Right: Scottish Walk | PHOTO BY R. KENNEDY FOR

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

Taste of Scotland This festive event features a Scotch-tasting menu, including a variety of Scotches direct from Scotland distilleries, Scottish ale sampling, as well as beer, wine and food.

Above: Massed Band at Scottish Christmas Walk Parade | PHOTO BY E. PALLORINA FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

holidays during the 18th century. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out last-minute holiday deals in the Museum Shop. Tours offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered. Tickets can be bought on the Carlyle House website and are $10/adult and $3/children (ages 6-12).

Enjoy marching units filled with the magnificent tartans of Scottish clans, the stirring sound of Scottish bagpipes and drums, Scottish dancers, reenactment groups, Scottie dogs, dignitaries, classic cars, Santa Claus and much more. The parade begins at St. Asaph and Wolfe streets and concludes at Market Square with a massed band concert. The parade will take place rain or shine.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Civil War Christmas at Carlyle House Dec. 17, 18 | 5-8 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE-FENDALL HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDEN

Holiday Kissing Ball Workshops Heather and Greens Sale

Dec. 5, 12 | 2 p.m.

Purchase a variety of wreaths, garlands and fresh heather bundles to decorate your home or office for the holiday season.

Check the Campagna Center website for pre-order information.

Learn the history behind using greenery to decorate homes for the holidays, then craft your own boxwood kissing ball using fresh cuttings from the Lee-Fendall garden.

Workshops will be held outdoors, so dress appropriately. Registration must be completed in advance; $25 per person and includes all materials needed to make your own boxwood kissing ball.

The Campagna Center, 418 S. Washington St., campagnacenter.org

Holiday Home Tours Dec. 4 Explore Alexandria’s history and take advantage of a rare opportunity to stroll through some of Old Town’s most splendid homes decked out for the holidays by acclaimed interior designers and local florists.

Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org

Colonial Holiday Nights at Carlyle House Dec. 10, 11 | 5-8 p.m.

Experience the holiday season with Carlyle House focusing on how the Carlyles and their enslaved workers observed the

Discover how Christmas was celebrated when the Green family lived at Carlyle House and the Mansion House Hotel was being used as a Civil War hospital. Stay tuned for updates about live music. Be sure to check out last-minute deals in the Museum Shop. Tours offered of the first floor with timed entry on the hour and half hour. Space is limited and reservations are required. All participants including those under the age of 5 must be registered.

Tickets can be bought on the Carlyle House website and are $10/adult and $3/children (ages 6-13).

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

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON

an enchanted evening of Christmas Illuminations. Begin with a tour of the Mansion to learn about holiday celebrations during Washington’s time with live 18th-century music (5:30-8:15 p.m.).

Visit with Sutlers that produce 18th century wares and crafts, available for purchase at the 18th century Winter Market.

Enjoy the atmospheric setting of an 18th century winter encampment, the working Blacksmith Shop, Christmas carolers, and Aladdin the Camel. Finally, hear season’s greetings by General Washington on the Mansion’s piazza, and watch stunning holiday fireworks over the Potomac River.

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

Home for the Holidays Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 | 3 p.m.

Put on your jingle bells! The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) brings audiences holiday favorites from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” interspersed with selections from Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” and excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah.” Enjoy the work of dancers from BalletNova, sing along with holiday carols and prepare for some surprises. ASO will follow current health and safety protocols and all attendees must be fully vaccinated.

Friday: Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E Campus Dr.

Dec. 17, 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Join Mount Vernon for a family-friendly celebration of the holiday season with

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

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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GIFT GUIDE

The Local-est Gifts Shop small, shop local.

It’s not just a catch phrase. Shopping from locally owned small businesses really does keep money here in Alexandria and makes for a stronger community.

This year, Made in ALX is opening a holiday pop-up retail shop in Old Town, giving you a chance to shop from Alexandria’s very smallest businesses.

Most Made in ALX partners are one- or two-person ventures, and many of these businesses are a “side hustle” by people who are keeping their day jobs — for now.

Save the Date!

Hate dealing with gift wrap — or don’t have time to do it?

Made in ALX is offering free gift wrapping services from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 for all your presents — even the ones you didn’t buy locally.

We will be collecting donations and food to benefit ALIVE!

Made in ALX’s goal is to make it easy for people to find and purchase locally crafted goods while supporting Alexandria’s creative community.

Check out the gift ideas on the following pages!

All of them are available from MadeinALX.com, or you can stop by the retail store when it opens in early November at 1 Wales Alley (see map below).

Check Out the Made in ALX Pop-Up Shop

Opening Nov. 5!

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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GIFT GUIDE

GIFT GUIDE

Organic Cookbook

Honey With beehives in the Bruegger family’s backyard in Alexandria’s West End, this is about as local as your honey can get! The Alexandria Honey Co. offers raw, local honey — great for people with allergies — as well as beeswax candles and gift sets. Bottles start at $8.

Coffee and Accessories Lunar Calendars These popular lunar calendars by Martina McDonough’s Narwhal Design Ink are both fun and practical, and they come in a variety of designs from the classic calendar (pictured here) to sealife or gemstone/astrology themes. Order online before they run out at MadeinALX.com. $29

For the caffeine aficionado in your life, Made in ALX has multiple options. Locallyroasted small batch coffee from both Whinks and Project Buna are available through MadeinALX.com. Plus, check out the pop-up shop or website for coffee accessories, such as espresso tampers and coffee scoops by Maritza Maxwell of Hatch are available. Maritza also makes wine openers and stoppers, ice cream scoops, keychains and more with unique acrylic handles.

Spices and Hot Sauce Up your flavor game this winter with offerings from Eddie Gonzales’s Apothecary Spices and Dexter Bradshaw’s Bradshaw Sauce Co. Apothecary Spices offers a variety of spice mixes for meats, vegetables and even popcorn (pictured). Bradshaw Sauce Co. has a growing list of hot sauces, including the popular Honey Bourbon. Both are available online at madeinalx.com.

Prices vary.

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Soy-Based Scented Candles From warm winter scents to those that remind you of your last tropical vacation, candles are one of the most popular items from Made in ALX. With several candle artists creating soy-based scented candles locally, you’ll want to stock up. Made in ALX has candles from Bashford & Pitt, C&A Soy Candles, Potomac Candle Co., Isle & Wild, ISO Candles and Smiles + Light. Prices vary.

Smells are free when you stop by the Made in ALX popup shop this month.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Mysteries And then there were four. Local author John Adam Wasowicz released his fourth Mo Katz mystery book earlier this year.

All four books are set here in Alexandria, and Wasowicz is a longtime resident. Curl up with a good book (or four) this winter! $22

You’ll most likely find Del Ray’s Organic Garden Girl Kim Cataldo Thompson in her garden or in her kitchen, creating some of the amazing recipes she’s included in her cookbook, “Amen to the Garden.” $35

Polymer Clay Earrings Custom Denim Jackets In addition to paintings, stationery and jewelry, local designer Julianne Woehrle can make your custom-painted denim jacket really stand out. Collaborate with Julianne on your new jacket this winter! And they’re machine washable, even after they’re painted. Prices vary.

Caylea Barrone makes some of the most unique, lightweight, durable polymer clay earrings we’ve seen. From seasonal items to classic pieces you can wear year-round, these are sure to draw compliments.

Caylea makes necklaces, too.

Prices start around $20.

Pens and More Jennifer Noda creates a variety of gorgeous pens from reclaimed wood or magazines, plus pen stands, magazine rings, ring dishes and more.

Magazine items can be customized. Pens (like the reclaimed wood pen pictured) start at $60 and a perfect gift for the person who still values the hand-written thank you note.

Soaps and Scrubs Bianca Del Cid started White Lily Shoppe as a one-woman operation during the pandemic, seeing the need for thoughtful and mindful gifting. With high-quality ingredients and recyclable, plastic-free packaging, her soaps, bath bombs and other items are designed to make you feel good.

Textiles Showcasing a local healthcare worker’s creative side, Marbury Lane features high-quality throw pillows made from upcycled materials — even the thread! From pillows to headbands, Marbury Lane takes upcycling to a new level! Prices vary.

Artful Jewelry Diana Papazian creates interesting pieces from silver, copper, pearl and other mediums. She also happens to be an award-winning painter. Pictured: The Unearthed Necklace in Copper and Pearl is $65.

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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GIFT GUIDE

For Art Lovers

For Your Pets

From Matchbooks to Notecards Hat Sets Dogs get cold in the winter, too!

In addition to these matching dog and human hand-knit hat sets, artist Anya Thacker makes matching dog and human scarf sets, mask sets and a variety of notecards, journals and more. The hat set pictured is $80. Other prices vary.

Collars and More Founded by Jenna Gotch, Passionately Pets connects humans and their pets while supporting pet rescues in the community. Passionately Pets’ original petthemed merchandise includes shirts, gifts and other items perfect for your pet and the people they love, like this LOVE-themed collar. Prices vary.

For the Pet-Lover

On the (Paws)Go!

For the health-conscious pet parent, T3 is made with all natural and organic human-grade ingredients, providing pet owners with quality ingredients for their pet’s health and well-being. $30.

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PawsGo, run by Karen Johnson, has a wide variety of shirts, pet items and things for the pet-friendly home. These large, durable and fun 22314 tote bags (other ZIP codes are also available) are perfect for your next trip to the pet store or to the dog park.

Tote bag: $15, prices for other items vary.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Laurel Prucha Moran’s DMV custom restaurant matchbook prints are still available to order, but you should also take a look at her original oil and watercolor paintings, notecards created from her paintings (pictured here) and more. Prices vary.

Animal Art

Home Portraits Whether you know someone moving or want to capture the longtime family home, artist Kyra Ketch paints detailed watercolor portraits of homes near and far. Order yours through MadeinALX.com and explore some of her other work, too. Home portraits are $95 framed.

Wine and Waterdroplets Artist Kellie Sansone regularly hosts painting classes at outlets throughout the city, including at the Woodlawn Press Winery. You can also take home some of her original work (or a print), including Waterdroplets, pictured here. Prices vary.

Kids Corner Pawfectly Delicious

Teddy’s Tumeric Tamer

GIFT GUIDE

Pawfectly Delicious is a small nonprofit organization whose mission is “to provide young adults with disabilities the opportunity to engage in meaningful work and job training in an inclusive environment that celebrates their varying talents and connects them with the community.” Your dogs will love these all-natural treats that smell like gingerbread cookies! Prices range from $5 to $12.

Crochet Creations Meagan Alley has always loved crochet and is spreading the love with amigurumi (a Japanese term for small crocheted toys). From caterpillars to “Baby Yoda,” plus crochet plants and more, these will bring joy to your desk or your children’s bedroom. Look for Meagan’s Bayou Self Creations at MadeinALX.com. Prices vary, starting around $18.

Custom Watercolor Pet Portraits Commission a watercolor portrait of your pet by watercolor artist Alexandra Schmeling. This kit comes with instructions on how to send a photo to the artist of your dog, cat, rabbit, horse or any other pet for the artist to paint! Portraits are offered in three sizes and the kit makes an easy and thoughtful gift. Starts at $49.

Cosmic Crayons From Franconia-area resident Danielle Kell, Cosmic Crayon Co. creates fun, high-quality crayons in a variety of shapes. Choose from a solar system crayon set, unicorns, flowers, and dozens of other options. Or, order a custom crayon set to create a name or special word as a gift. Prices range from $8 to $35.

Michelle Wee’s Blue Lark Designs celebrates new beginnings, connections with the natural world and each other, and creating art that delights. Take a look at Michelle’s birds, turtles and other animals to add some whimsy and fun to your art collections. Prints start at $18.

Bears and Blankets These hand-crafted, customizable teddy bears and other animals from Bonny McMahon of Garden Home are sure to become treasured friends. Bonny also creates handmade dolls, soft blankets, bags and much more. (Kids and adults will both find gifts from Garden Home!)

Prices vary.

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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SPONSORED

5 14 11

The Old Town Boutique District’s holiday cheer is near!

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The Elf Patrol will be giving out gift cards to people with shopping bags from any OTBD store beginning Small Biz Saturday, Nov. 27 and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 11.

Plus, you could win $100 from the Plaid Patrol, which will be out on Plaid Friday, Nov. 26, and Scottish Walk Saturday, Dec. 4. On both days, use #plaidpatrol on social media for a chance to win $100 to an OTBD business of your choice! Then, head into December with the first-ever OTBD holiday week, kicking off Sunday, Dec 5. Look out for tastings, trunk shows, doorbuster deals, and spend the holidays in the most magical place on earth!

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Classic Windsor Wool Picnic Blanket Just arrived from London… meet “The Classic Winsor”, the new wool luxury blanket by Heating & Plumbing. It’s not just picnic perfect — all those Old Town moms and dads can strap them on the baby strollers. 100% wool with 100% polyester backing. Of course, don’t forget the matching champagne carrier too. BUY IT: Boxwood, 128 South Royal Street, 703-537-8996, boxwoodoldtown.com

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Holiday Pillow Whether you’re naughty or nice, this cheeky needlepoint will make the season bright. BUY IT: Mint Collective, 101 S St Asaph St, (571) 3125443, @shopmintcollective on IG

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DIY Holiday Ornament Kits Make your own wood slice ornaments at home! Kit includes everything to make 6 wood slice ornaments, multiple themes to choose from. BUY IT: AR Workshop Alexandria, 11212 King Street., 703-566-0177, arworkshop.com/ alexandria

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SKEEM

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

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The classic mini purse to let them sparkle!

BUY IT: 529 Kids Consign, 122 S Royal St, (703) 567-4518, 529kidsconsign.com 6

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Kevin Murphy Holiday Gift Sets Give the gift of luxury hair this holiday season!

Gift yourself or someone special these beautifully packaged gift sets by Kevin Murphy.

Fine hair, dry hair or somewhere in between, we have the perfect gift set for you and yours.

Bonus: The styling product in the set is free!

BUY IT: Salon deZEN, 118 N Fayette St., (703) 549-1400, salondezen.com

Luna Candle by Skeem

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The Luna Candle by Skeem is the perfect candle lovers gift. This statement candle is made from handblown glass and is filled with a soy wax blend. The outside is clear and the inside is a suspended white sphere that illuminates when lit. BUY IT: The Shoe Hive, 127 S Fairfax St., 703548-7105, theshoehive.com

Teas for the Holiday Season Teas the Season! Gift this wonderful collection of the teas of the holiday season. Gift Box Includes: Earl Grey Creme Tea, Hazelnut Cookie Tea, Berry Bouquet Herbal Tea, Cinnamon Plum Herbal Tea, Mystic Dragon, Granulated Honey, Peppermint Leaf, Cinnamon Sugar, Amber Rock Sugar, and a Mesh Scissor Infuser.

BUY IT: The Spice & Tea Exchange, 320 King St., 571.312.8505, spiceandtea.com/Alexandria

Signed Copies of New & Notable Books Old Town Books stocks hundreds of signed first editions! These limited edition books hit their front tables every Tuesday morning. Stop by the shop or browse signed copies online, like this signed copy of the latest from Pulitzer Prize winning author Anthony Doerr. Your favorite bookworm will thank you. BUY IT: Old Town Books, 130 South Royal Street, 703-647-9749, oldtownbooks.com

Little Girls’ Holiday Handbags

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Loeffler Randall Goldy Tall Boot in Forest Tall shaft boot with high heel in forest green croc-embossed leather. Padded footbed with gold stamped logo. Almond toe, pulls on. 3.5 inch heel. BUY IT: Bishop Boutique, 815B King Street, (571) 312-0042, bishopboutique.com 10

The Night Before Christmas Pajamas Don’t be caught without adorable pjs the night before Christmas! This set comes in sizes for baby up to 10 “big kids” and depicts classic images from the famous ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem. Also available in pink and navy. BUY IT: Monday’s Child, 218 N Lee St., 703548-3505, mondayschildclassics.com

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Woollery is a cozy slip-on clog for frigid days and nights that you can enjoy wearing all day and all night long. Greige is an exclusive Comfort One Shoes color. BUY IT: Comfort One Shoes, 200 & 201 King St., (571) 257-7510 & (703) 566-9172, comfortoneshoes.com

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Aiyana Skincare Bundles Pamper that special someone in your life with specially curated skincare bundles. The #AiyanaEssentials is a great set for anyone in need of a complete new routine. The #AiyanaWinter bundle has products for more mature skin; perfect for mom! Visit the website to order. Gift cards also available for online purchase. BUY IT: Aiyana Atelier, 112 S Fayette Street, 571-312-5658, aiyanaatelier.com

Taos Woollery Greige

Beech Boxer Brief by Stance

Give the gift of maximum comfort! These briefs are crafted with a fine cotton blend and intuitive stitching with mid-level cushioning for maximum comfort and wearability. BUY IT: The Shoe Hive, 127 S Fairfax St., 703-548-7105, theshoehive.com

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Studio Barre Society Membership Our membership perks include, but not limited to: * Unlimited in-studio AND virtual classes * Boutique discounts * A stronger body AND more confidence * Being a part of a community who uplifts and inspires every single day * Life long friends BUY IT: Studio Barre Alexandria, 610 N Fayette St., 571-970-3305, alexandria.studiobarre.com

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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PETS

Holiday Holiday Greetings Greetings from the

An increasing number of holiday greetings include photos of all members of the family — including the four-legged, furry ones.

Getting the Shot Taking Great Holiday Photos of Your Pet

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Unfortunately, most dogs and cats don’t look at the camera and smile on cue. So how do you take good photos of your pet for your holiday cards?

Here are a few tips: Give your pet some time before your photo session to get comfortable around the camera or phone you’ll be using for photos. Let your pet sniff it, hear it “click” and get accustomed to being near it.

Whether you’re using your Nikon or your iPhone to take your photo, try to use natural light and avoid using a flash. Dawn and dusk on sunny days are considered

Furry Family Members

“the golden hour” by photographers, when natural light has golden hues and is not too bright.

Find a simple, natural background for the photo and zoom in (or get in close) for your photo. Messy or busy backgrounds can be distracting.

Don’t be afraid to pull out the treats, squeaky toys or anything else to help your pet focus or look in a certain direction on command.

Expect to take a lot of photos — and expect to delete most of them — especially if you’re including kids in the pictures. Getting everyone (including the kids) to “sit” and “stay” might be a challenge, so schedule your photo shoot when the kids and dog are awake and aren't hungry for their next meal (but not too energetic).

Embrace the outtakes. (Consider using one “nice” photo and one “silly” photo.)

Sometimes, the photos that truly capture your pet’s weird personality are the best ones to use if you want your holiday cards to make people smile!

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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DINING

Modern, Refined Senior Residences— Coming Soon.

Reimagine the Possibilities for Independent and Assisted Living.

Debuting in 2022, The Landing is a refined contemporary community for seniors with possibilities just as breathtaking as the views. Here, in one of the D.C. area’s most desirable neighborhoods, Independent Living and Assisted Living go beyond what you ever expected: world-class dining options; a spa, salon, and fitness center; enriching activities and outings.

The Landing: senior living, redefined.

Ricardo Marlow and Jose Oretea perform at Cedar Knoll Restaurant, 9030 Lucia Lane. | PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

To learn more, please contact us at 571-577-6011.

LIVENS CEDAR KNOLL DINNERS

BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

landingalexandria.com 2620 Main Line Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia 22301 | 571-577-6011 INDEPENDENT LIVING

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ASSISTED LIVING

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When Ricardo Marlow’s flamenco music fills the evening air, diners’ minds and spirits drift off to Spain from Cedar Knoll Restaurant’s outdoor patio under the pergola. Marlow, a professional flamenco guitarist and singer, performs at the restaurant several times a week, both solo and with other artists.

A Washington, D.C., native, he says that in growing up with parents who were classical guitarists, “Spanish guitars were always lying around the house.” His father, John E. Marlow, studied with renowned classical guitarist Andres Segovia in Spain. When Ricardo heard Spanish guitar music, “the flamenco genre really resonated,” he said in a recent interview. Marlow usually plays a musical style called rumba at Cedar Knoll.

MEMORY CARE

A SILVERSTONE/WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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DINING

LOCAL HISTORY

At the restaurant, Marlow is joined at

The Airport Lost in Alexandria’s History Books

times by Yiyi, who has roots in Seville and plays a cajon, a wooden box with two to three guitar strings inside, designed to rattle like a snare drum.

Another rumba performer, Jose Oretea, also sings and plays alongside Marlow some evenings.

Groveton resident Laura Jernigan goes to

BY RACHEL KESTER

the restaurant several times a month. “I go because it’s perfection,” she says, “sitting at bucolic Cedar Knoll overlooking the sunsets on the Potomac River and PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

listening to live, world-class flamenco music. There’s no other place like it.” And she adds, “their Spanish wine is delicious and so is the food.”

Marlow was born in 1975, grew up in Washington, D.C., and studied music industry merchandising at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

After graduating in 1997, he returned to Washington and accompanied flamenco dancers. He studied with American University flamenco guitar teacher Sophocles Papas, and since 1999 has gone to Spain annually (except for 2020) where he studied with Gerardo Nuñez.

He is married to a flamenco dancer and has three children ages 8 to 18, who so far, are not performing flamenco.

Noting that he also has “learned on the job,” he plays flamenco guitar and sings all over the Washington area. For 16 years, he performed at Alexandria’s former Las Tapas restaurant on King Street, what Marlow calls “a former flamenco hub.” The restaurant is now closed.

Among many venues, he has played at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California, and with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Strathmore in Rockville and at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.

His heroes are Gerardo Nuñez, his teacher, and the celebrated Spanish flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía who died in 2014.

Flamenco Flamenco is a prominent Spanish music art form that traditionally involves guitar playing, singing and dancing. The music has roots in the Andalusian Roma area of southern Spain. The Andalusian capital, Seville, is considered to be the music’s natural capital.

Flamenco music has many song forms, and when performing, musicians choose a song form. For some flamenco songs, the lyrics are somber, about topics like death and despair. Others are lighter or gay, with themes, for example, of love and the countryside. Some are fast.

Some are slow. Traditional flamenco performances involve a single guitarist and a dancer in traditional Spanish costume who uses intricate arm and body movements, hand claps, heel stamps and castanets. (Cedar Knoll does not feature dancers.)

The flamenco guitar has six strings like other guitars, but the strings’ spacing is wider than on other guitars so the artist can get his or her fingers in between them. The strumming, called rasgueado, is percussion-like and the instrument has a plastic-like guard on its surface to protect it from the strumming motions.

Every American with their own plane? Strangely enough, this was a widespread belief during most of the 1920s and '30s — a motive which, at the time, led to the creation of Alexandria’s prestigious and unique Hybla Valley Airport.

Built in 1924 by Elvin Robertson, the airport was first called the Alexandria Airport and mainly built as a way to profit from the public’s sudden love affair with flying — particularly after Charles Lindbergh’s extraordinary New York City to Paris flight.

Robertson planned for the business to be a sightseeing attraction where light aircraft would offer tourists bird’s-eye view tours of the area and the Potomac River while also amusing them with jaw-dropping air shows.

University of Dayton (Ohio) Prof. Janet Bednarek, an aviation historian, noted this growing fascination: “It’s evidence of what historian Joseph Corn called the ‘Wing Gospel.’ Americans were embracing this new technology and their enthusiasm for it had no bounds.” But, while many people fantasized about being pilots, the majority were content with watching others fly the machines.

Alexandrian Louis Pecaro heard Marlow and Yiyi for the first time in mid-September on the restaurant’s patio. “They are incredibly skilled and also lively,” he offered. “They are just right for getting caught up in the warm Latin music.”

Cedar Knoll Restaurant first opened in 2015. It has four dining rooms, three indoor fireplaces and views of the Potomac River. It is located on the west side of the south portion of George Washington Memorial Parkway at its intersection with Lucia Lane, seven miles south of Alexandria. The restaurant’s original building was a log cabin from the early 1800s. The land was once part of River Farm, one of George Washington’s five farms.

The flamenco musicians perform several nights a week, now on the outdoor patio but in cooler weather, inside. Restaurant specials include Spanish wine dinners several times a month. The restaurant’s chefs are Andrew Holden and Charles Blevins.

Cedar Knoll: www.cedarknollva.com, 9030 Lucia Lane, Alexandria, 22308; telephone, (703) 780-3665. Reservations recommended. Learn more about Marlow here: www.eliteguitaristflamenco.com/authors/ ricardo-marlow.

The above photos are details of the Wall of Aviation located at the corner of Richmond Highway and Larson Lane in the Hybla Valley area. | PHOTOS BY BETH LAWTON

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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THE LOCAL LENDER

LOCAL HISTORY

In 1929, Hybla Valley Airport became the first airport granted a permit in the Commonwealth — and yet while slowly building an impressive resume, it still faced major competition because across the region, countless private airfields were popping up.

One of these, Beacon Field, was only a few minutes away in what is now Groveton.

Furthermore, all these airports were seeking to be designated the official D.C. Metro airport. “In the 1930s, a lot of people were surprised that D.C. still didn’t have a proper airport — only small private ones,” Bednarek explains.

In the same decade, and thanks to its unique climatology, the Zeppelin Company considered the Alexandria airfield to be a potential transatlantic base for its airships. But, just when it seemed the plan would go through, the idea was ultimately disregarded as local government officials believed the project would be too big and expensive to accomplish.

Beacon Field

Although Alexandrians might not have seen Zeppelins floating overhead, it wasn’t uncommon to see other blimps doing so — usually naval training vessels from the nearby Anacostia Base, which were housed at Hybla Valley Airport in its heyday.

As World War II rolled around, the U.S. Navy was given the airport by owner Elvin Robertson for training purposes. It was here that naval pilots underwent fierce tests to ensure they had the skills necessary to aid the Allies in the global conflict.

When the war finally ended, the facilities were handed back and the airport continued its operations under the guidance of new owners, the Ashburn family.

The Ashburns also had big dreams for this small airport, and with their supervision, it steadily grew over the years. By 1954, it spanned more than 179 acres and housed numerous Piper Cubs, Monocoupes and Luscombes. It also hosted a respected flying school and a high-end terminal restaurant, where patrons could watch air shows as they dined. The Congressional Flying Club also met here, and U.S. Representatives would often be seen learning how to fly over the Metro area.

Beacon Field Airport Historic Marker

But perhaps what might be most intriguing are the somewhat overlooked events that occurred at Hybla Valley Airport. In 1951, the Civil Air Patrol used it as a starting point for a major emergency blood delivery flight to Easton, Maryland. Two years later, Aldine Glass (one of the first parachute rescue nurses in the country) used the land to perfect her jumps before taking off to do relief work. Those present at the time might also have seen Bob Ashburn, the owner, zooming over D.C. in his Cessna Bobcat, as he pursued his hobby of aerial photography.

The early 20th-century dream of owning personal planes might not have fully come to fruition, but the magic of aviation continues to inspire generations — something that fulfills the long-lost Hybla Valley Airport’s mission.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

Beacon Field was established in 1929 when property owner W.F.P. Reid installed a pilot's navigation aid on the property. That navigation aid, an unlit tower, was called a "beacon tower" and commonly used in the early days of aviation. By the late 1930s, the Ashburn Flying Service was training hundreds of pilots for military service at Beacon Field. The airport closed during World War II for safety reasons, but after the war, the Civil Aeronautics Administration Region One Safety Office moved its headquarters to Beacon Field. Before the airport ended operations in 1959, veterans of both World War II and the Korean conflict trained at the Lehman/Reid flying school there, and many became commercial pilots.

See the Beacon Field and Hybla Valley Airport locations for yourself!

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Although a lively place during its prime, the high profile of Hybla Valley Airport was not to endure. Its popularity began to wane as a developmental boom hit the area in the mid-1950s.

The airport did everything it could to survive as the suburbs closed in, but it was eventually sold to a developer and officially closed in 1956. Today, the former airfield is now where Hybla Valley Elementary School and surrounding neighborhoods rest.

While this legendary destination may no longer exist, its spirit lives on each day in small ways. For instance, you might come across a historical marker near Route 1 and Fordson Road highlighting this significant land. If you look even closer, you might also notice that the neighborhood roads built on the former airport are named after various aspects of the aviation industry, like Piper, Lockheed and Stinson.

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Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season!

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A - Beacon Field Airport Marker 6790 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA

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Decorating Conversation

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HOME & GARDEN

WITH

JANET BERTIN

The

How to Add Personality and Coziness to Your Home Just as we’re getting accustomed to being out and about again, autumn is telling us it’s time to head back indoors. Thanksgiving and the holiday season are around the corner, and that means it’s time to take a good look at the rooms where we'll be gathering to celebrate.

During our forced time indoors, one of two things may have happened to the rooms we use most. Our dens and living rooms and dining rooms have either taken on a hard-edged look that's more office than homey, or they have been allowed to turn into catch-all, undefined spaces that more resemble a college dorm. Neither leaves the impression we'd like, but both can easily be corrected.

By refreshing (or introducing) colors and textures, the overall feel of any room can be tailored to your taste. More importantly, those touches — whether subtle or dramatic — add warmth and allow us to bring a sense of our own personalities back into our décor after a stretch when the pendulum had swung decidedly toward pared-down looks.

How do we manage that?

Think about softening up the edges. Picture new pillows, throws, rugs, upholstery, curtains; think about the prints on the wall, think about bringing a bit more of “you” into the overall look.

Turning up the cozy factor in a renovated bedroom, living room, or entertaining space can be as easy as adding blankets and some throw pillows into the mix. They make anyone who enters want to instantly throttle down and unwind. Choose plush, soft blankets for the best effect and throw pillows that don't simply fade unnoticed into the background. And here’s a tip: prints are making a big, big comeback!

Heart Home of the

Think, too, about adding an area rug to hardwood floors to create warmth and depth in the room. Remember that texture instantly makes any room warmer and cozier.

Take a look at your lighting fixtures. Do they scream office-supply store? Don’t be afraid to try new looks that can change the entire feel of a room and imperceptibly direct attention to the focal points in each space. Seek out unique lighting fixtures that complement the space. No time or budget for that? As an alternative, simply, switch out bright LED bulbs with incandescent or dimmable light bulbs that are easier on the eyes. Keep in mind that mixing lamps, candles, or other ambient lights creates an extra comfy feel.

While wide-open windows are great during the day for adding energy and life to a room, keep in mind that light entering from outdoors needs to be controlled and that can be accomplished in ways that are as practical as they are attractive. Give your windows some TLC by adding privacy and finding curtains that drape all the way to the floor. You can easily open these up to let light in during the day and close them when it’s time to settle down and unwind. Beyond that, the flowing look of a well-made window treatment lends an unmistakable air of polish to a room.

Add some personality! The personality part of the equation can be the most fun.

“Introduce” yourself with the small touches that make a space yours. If you have a book collection you’re proud of, find a place to display your favorites. A traveler?

Find photos, maps, artifacts or old travel posters that can be framed. Ditto for hobbies and pastimes.

Done properly, cozying up your space doesn't mean you’ve got to undertake a complete top-to-bottom redesign. Keep the steps simple, but by all means keep the steps coordinated. Change simply for the sake of change never, ever works.

Think about the looks you like. Capture images from shelter sites and publications and keep your radar open for new touches large or small that might work for you.

And if you think you need some help in that sometimes confusing but always fascinating process, please get in touch with us. As much as I enjoy passing along these insights, I equally enjoy hearing from and engaging with you. That's why this is called The Decorating Conversation.

By all means get in touch. I look forward to JANET BERTIN hearing from you.

Decorating Alexandria for more than 25 years

BEFORE

We love the homes we do highly traditional with a flash of glam to rock star with notes of classic, and everything in between!

The kitchen is the heart of most people’s homes. But for the Whitman family, the kitchen in their Seminary Hill area home wasn’t doing its job of bringing the family together very well.

Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com/homeCall us and we can help love your home too! and-garden to see more photosyou online.

To start your next interior design project contact Janet Bertin at 703-299-0633 or janetbertin.decoratingden.com.

Janet Bertin, Allied ASID 703-299-0633 janetbertin@decoratingden.com janetbertin.decoratingden.com

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HOME & GARDEN

JANET BERTIN Finishes and Materials The custom cabinets have a vintage aged oak finish, and the main cabinets are finished in SherwinWilliams Shoji White.

The Whitmans’ daughters love to bake, and the family wanted a kitchen where they could all cook together and then gather with friends and family to eat those freshly baked treats.

The counters are silestone pulsar quartz.

This wasn’t the family’s first effort at home renovations, but the homeowners said it was definitely the smoothest process they’ve gone through.

They worked with Unique Kitchens & Baths (UK&B) to get the look and functionality that would work for their family.

The backsplashes come from the Lauren Liess Potters Collection.

The appliances are made by Wolf (stove), Subzero (refridgerator).

The lighting and hardware came from Vintage Brass on Etsy.

The stools came from West Elm.

Decorating Alexandria for more than 25 years

“We have worked with a number of contractors on a variety of projects in our home. The partnership of UK&B and Carr Michael Construction is the best experience we have had as homeowners,” the Whitmans said.

We love the homes we do highly traditional with a flash of glam to rock star with notes of classic, and everything in between!

“Tanya’s vision and understanding of blending functional and entertaining spaces made the design and our renovation a success. The real magic is having a true turn-key project where UK&B drives the project performance and detail management.”

The project was much more than just a refresh. Both the refrigerator and stove moved from their earlier locations. “Opening the kitchen to the dining room gave the kitchen — and its occupants — more space to move and breathe,” said Tanya SmithShiflett, owner of Unique Kitchens & Baths.

“The best compliment is when friends and family are blown away by the beauty and comfort of the space. The best feeling is a completed renovation which feels like a sound investment in your home and for our family’s lifestyle,” the Whitmans said.

Call us and we can help you love your home too!

BEFORE

Janet Bertin, Allied ASID 703-299-0633 janetbertin@decoratingden.com janetbertin.decoratingden.com

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Alexandria Micro-Roasters Talk Beans, Brews and Batches

BY SUSANNAH MOORE

Coffee is one of the world’s oldest and most popular beverages. Alexandria’s love affair with this caffeinated drink is obvious by the dozens of cafés and coffee shops located all over the city, with more opening every year.

205 S. Union Street

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Alexandria, VA

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703.838.9788

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coffee beans from a bunch of different importers or collectives and blind taste them. Based on their favorites, they decide which coffee to buy in bulk and figure out the best way to roast it before selling it.

The Hinkles tend to prefer lighter, brighter roasts with more floral and fruity notes but they do offer darker, warmer coffees with caramel and chocolate notes. Their personal favorite coffee that they sell is the Honduran. They have a direct trade relationship with the farmer, Tony Castro, and the coffee is naturally processed which means the fruit is separated from the coffee seed by the sun instead of being blasted with water.

This allows the fruit more time to soak into the seed which gives this coffee it’s fruity notes.

Michael’s top advice for anyone interested in roasting their own coffee is to start by roasting cheaper beans and make sure to always roast in a well ventilated room to avoid breathing in the smoke which can cause lung damage.

Michael and Kayle Hinckle

A

few Alexandrians are taking their passion for coffee to the next level and roasting their own beans and selling them in small batches. We caught up with three of these microroasters to find out how they got started and what they want people to know about the art behind a good cup of joe.

It Started with a Whirley Pop Virginia natives Kayla and Michael Hinkle both enjoyed coffee before they met, but developed a stronger interest in the drink while students at James Madison University and discovered specialty coffee.

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Curiosity is what got Michael interested in roasting his own beans.

“I was curious about how coffee went from this fruit on this plant in areas of the world that I have never been to, how it made the journey from that point all the way to your cup,” he explained. He picked up a whirley pop stovetop popcorn maker at a thrift shop and used it to try his hand at roasting and admittedly burned his first few batches.

The Hinkles fell in love with roasting and learned as much about coffee as they could. They visited small coffee

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shops and roasters while living overseas and traveling.

The Hinkles connected with other coffee roasters via social media and developed in-person relationships with roasters and coffee farmers. They graduated to a more professional coffee roasting machine that they purchased from a coffee roaster in Richmond and continued to roast for themselves and for friends and family.

It was this love for coffee that inspired the couple to consider sharing their roasts with a larger audience. “We got excited about the idea of introducing

more people to what we love about it, and that’s kind of what drew us into roasting as a business,” said Kayla.

They launched Whink’s Coffee in July 2020. The name is a combination of both of their last names and fits with the business’ retro-inspired branding. The couple still roast the beans in their home in an even larger industrial roaster, and operate the business in addition to working their 9-5 jobs.

The education piece is one of the most exciting part of the business for the Hinkles. “Our goal is to show people what we’ve learned about coffee

brewing, about coffee roasting, about the coffee supply chain, about specialty coffee, third wave coffee. That has been a really exciting piece for us, is to say, ok we started as coffee enthusiasts and we want to recruit as many coffee enthusiasts as we can,” explained Michael. They offer brew guides on their website which offer tips and tricks for getting the best out of your coffee beans.

Whink’s offers a rotating menu of small batch coffee roasts. The Hinkles select their batches through a process known in the coffee industry as “cupping” where they roast and brew samples of

“If people are looking to buy green beans and don’t know where to go, they can reach out to us, we can sell them some of ours if they want some, happy to do that. It’s just a fun process,” said Michael.

“Like us and like most people, you are drinking coffee every day. So if you’re going to drink coffee every day, I think it’s a great idea to learn more about it, to know where you’re getting your coffee from and to think harder about what it is that you’re consuming on a daily bases,” Kayla added.

Whink’s coffee is available on their website (whinkscoffeeroasters.com) or through Made in ALX (madeinalx.com).

They also offer a subscription service for coffee drinkers who want to eliminate the dreaded I’m-out-of-coffee mornings. The Hinkles are also excited to be collaborating with Manassas-based KO Distillers on a Bourbon-barrel aged Guatemalan coffee.

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The idea was inspired by their coffee club on the ship and the desire to bring people along on their coffee journey in a similar way. “Being from the military, we are used to units that like to do things together, that like to have custom things that represent their team. Which is a natural instinct for humans no matter where they are,” said Madrid.

Brazeal and Madrid are also working on a limited release barrel-rested coffee called the Treachery of Coffee. Brazeal expounded on what makes this release distinct from other barrel-rested coffees.

“Often times it’s a kitchy type marketplace where they kind of bash you over the head with this boozy flavored coffee. We wanted to approach it a little differently…with a little bit of nuance and a little bit of artfulness.” A lot of thought goes into paring different coffees with different flavors. Right now they are experimenting mixing a Vietnamese coffee with a maple syrup barrel.

Dark and Delicious For Dani Deemer and Anthony Utz, “we believe nothing is spookier than a day without coffee.” The married couple started their small batch coffee roasting business, Gothee Coffee, earlier this year. Utz handles the roasting for the business. Deemer, who is an artist, handles the retail and marketing.

Utz first started roasting his own coffee five years ago. He was drawn by the ability to make coffee exactly the way he wanted it. Like the Hinkles, he started out using a popcorn maker but eventually purchased a small, commercial grade roaster. The couple gave their roasts out as favors at their wedding.

“I don’t play favorites when it comes to location I’m buying coffee from, or from light coffee to dark coffee, I like it all, I roast everything. So I take whatever is seasonal,” explained Utz. Because of this, the roasts they offer rotate regularly.

Utz’s roasting and Deemer’s creative eye combine to make a product that

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Donny Brazeal and Mike Madrid

Ships and Sips Mike Madrid and Donny Brazeal met while serving on a U.S. Navy destroyer.

Brazeal grew up in the Pacific Northwest which has an established coffee culture.

Madrid was exposed to specialty coffee at Ceremony Coffee Roasters while attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and while visiting coffee shops with his wife during their travels. However, neither of them had a true appreciation for the drink before their time on the ship.

is uniquely giftable. “His goal is to bring, quality coffee to people, and my goal is to bring a beautiful product to people,” said Deemer when asked what their vision is for the businesses.

Gothee Coffee is personal and a labor of love for the couple. They support women-owned cooperatives and small, sustainable coffee farming. All of their packaging is compostable and a portion of proceeds supports animal rescue. “We try to put all of our causes into the business,” Deemer shared.

Gothee Coffee can be found at pop-up markets which are posted on the businesses Instagram account (@gotheecofee) and retail site (gothee.square.site). The couple hopes to get a regular vendor spot at a local market in the new year and share their “dark bean magic” with a wider audience.

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The branding has a gothic aesthetic with roasts with names like Bat Vibes, Black Habit, Moon Beans and Coffeine. “I love all things Goth and spooky but there’s not a lot of opportunity to express that in the 9-to-5 world. So this is a place where I could do the Goth thing, dress up like a Goth on the weekends. We have a market display that is creepy but it’s family friendly. It’s just a lot of fun to put that together and express that part,” explained Deemer.

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“It was at 4 in the morning, I was coming off of mid watch and I was tired and had to be up for the rest of the day. I was on the bridge and somebody had this wonderful smelling coffee, and I tried it and it was wonderful and I, from that moment, decided that I needed to learn more about coffee,” Brazeal explained.

He started a coffee buying club with 20-30 sailors including Madrid. Each member bought a bag of coffee from a list of top coffee roasters to share with other members.

After their tour on the ship ended, Brazeal and Madrid reconnected when they were both stationed in the DC area and living in Alexandria. They met for

coffee to discuss how to start their own coffee business and spent the next six months researching and making connections before launching Project Buna in 2019. Buna is the English translation for the Amharic word for coffee. Brazeal and Madrid chose it as a nod to the drink’s ancient roots in Ethiopia, while looking ahead to the future of coffee around the world.

Project Buna offers a seasonal menu of coffees which customers can order on their website. Developing as an e-commerce business as opposed to operating a physical location came in handy when the pandemic hit. “We were already optimized around this idea of how can we help people drink really high quality coffee at home. We were doing one-toone education with customers and some multimedia content to teach people how to grind coffee and brew coffee at home,” explained Madrid.

The navy relocated Brazeal to Norfolk in April, but this hasn’t held back the business as it continues to expand.

Project Buna partners with local roasters in the DMV area and Norfolk to craft their coffees. In addition to finding Project Buna coffee on their website (projectbuna.com) or Made in ALX (madeinalx.com), you can taste their coffee at Elizabeth’s Counter (804 N Henry St.) or mixed into a new rum-based cocktail called “King, Thieves, and Pirates” at Captain Gregory’s speakeasy, which is located at the same address. They are looking into potentially opening a coffee lab in Alexandria where people can experience the crowd crafted coffee experience in-person and learn more about this timeless and universal beverage.

They also offer a unique, team-building experience for customers called “crowd crafted coffee” which allows any group of people to choose and create their own special coffee that represents them, from country of origin to packaging.

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ALEXANDRIA’S

ROCK ’N ROLL

LEGENDS

by Mary Ann Barton

Alexandria's rich history as a place that shaped the nation and where George and Martha Washington and Robert E. Lee once lived is well known. But some might not know that much about the history of rock 'n roll in Alexandria, a place some of the groundbreaking giants of the genre have called home.

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You know the day destroys the night Night divides the day Tried to run Tried to hide Break on through to the other side Break on through to the other side Break on through to the other side, yeah — LYRICS TO “BREAK ON THROUGH,” BY JIM MORRISON

Jim Morrison & The Doors The lyrics from “Break on Through,” the opening track to The Doors debut album, were written by Jim Morrison, the group’s lead singer who lived in Alexandria as a teenager, from 1959 to 1961. The rock band released that first single in 1967 and would go on to see more than 100 million of their records sold worldwide.

James Douglas Morrison and his family made their home in Alexandria’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, on Woodland Terrace. He attended George Washington High School (now a middle school, at 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.) for part of his sophomore year and all of his junior and senior years. The family, his mom Clara and dad Steve, and his younger siblings Andrew and Anne, moved to Alexandria because of Steve's career as a rear admiral in the Navy.

Andrew Morrison has said that his brother Jim was an avid reader, collecting more than 1,000 books in his basement bedroom with many of them later donated to a local library.

Morrison’s senior year English teacher noted that “Jim read as much and probably more than any student in class, but everything he read was so offbeat I had another teacher (who was going to the Library of Congress) check to see if the books Jim was reporting on actually existed,” according to the book “No One Gets Out of Here Alive,” by Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman.

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Left: A mural at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub features Jim Morrison of The Doors, who graduated from high school in Alexandria.

Below: Morrison’s yearbook photo from George Washington High School in Alexandria.

The Mamas & The Papas Another image you’ll see in a mural at St. Elmo’s is that of John Phillips. The leader of the 1960s folk rock group, The Mamas & the Papas, was also a George Washington High School alum, Class of 1953. Standing at least 6’4“ tall, Phillips was one of the taller members of the high school basketball team.

He lived on E. Oxford Avenue in Del Ray and after high school, he and his wife, high-school sweetheart Susie Adams, moved to Potomac Avenue in the Belle Haven area south of the City. He became a founding member of The Journeymen, a folk group in which he sang with yet another George Washington High alum, Philip Blondheim (who later changed his name to Scott McKenzie because, reportedly, it was easier to pronounce).

Their cover of “500 Miles“ was just one of their hits.

Morrison was really somewhat shy and more of a poet.

Morrison’s sister Anne, who now lives in California, told CBS in a recent interview that her brother considered himself first and foremost a writer. A book of his poems and more, “The Collected Works of Jim Morrison: Poetry, Journals, Transcripts and Lyrics,“ was published this year as well as a six-hour audio book with narration provided by Anne and Jim Morrison's nephews.

The teacher went on to say, “I suspected he was making them up, as they were English books on 16th- and 17th-century demonology. I’d never heard of them, but they existed, and I'm convinced from the paper he wrote that he read them, and the Library of Congress would've been the only source.”

Just a few years after high school (where Morrison, ever the rebel, skipped the graduation ceremony), he met his fellow band members while living in Los Angeles where he attended UCLA’s film school. It was reportedly Morrison who came up with the band’s name, taking it from author Aldous Huxley’s “The Doors of Perception.”

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Six years after graduating high school, with the band’s “Light My Fire“ number one on the Billboard chart, Morrison returned to Alexandria to perform.

The Doors played Aug. 18, 1967, before an audience of about 4,000 at the Alexandria Roller Rink Arena, 805 N. Saint Asaph St. (now the site of a Sheraton Suites). By all accounts, he delivered a raucous performance.

Despite his dramatic presence on stage, his bandmate, drummer John Densmore, one of two band members (the other is guitarist Robby Krieger) who are still alive, recalled earlier this year on Hawaii Public Radio/“All Things Considered,“ that

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

This is also the year The Doors’ “L.A. Woman“ will mark its 50th anniversary and a box-set edition is expected to be released in December. The original album was released in April 1971, the final studio album Morrison made with the band before he died at age 27 on July 3, 1971 of heart failure in Paris, where he is buried. Morrison, along with the rest of The Doors, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

A mural at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood pays tribute to the famous singer.

To read more about Morrison’s time in Alexandria, read author Mark Opsasnick’s “The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia.“

Every other day, every other day Every other day, every other day of the week is fine, yeah But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes But whenever Monday comes, you can find me cryin' all of the time — LYRICS TO “MONDAY, MONDAY,” BY JOHN PHILLIPS

After the group broke up in 1968, Elliott went on to enjoy a singing career on her own, but passed away at age 32 in her sleep on July 29, 1974 in London, after performing there.

Like Morrison, Phillips was a wordsmith, penning not only hits for The Mamas & the Papas, but also writing “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),“

sung by McKenzie. The song was written to promote the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, held in Monterey, Calif., which Phillips helped organize. He died at age 65 of heart failure in 2001.

The Mamas & the Papas were inducted into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame as well, in 1998.

After Scott McKenzie got married, the band began to fall apart and Phillips later founded, with Michelle Phillips, The Mamas & The Papas, releasing their first single, “California Dreamin’“ to great success in 1966. Other hits by the group penned by Phillips included “Monday, Monday“ (which won a Grammy) and “I Saw Her Again.“ In all, the group enjoyed seven top 10 singles.

Coincidentally, another member of The Mamas & The Papas, Cass Elliott, also attended George Washington High School.

In school, fellow students knew her as “Cass.“ Her full name was Ellen Naomi Cohen and she later changed her last name to Elliott, reportedly in memory of a friend who had died.

Her family lived in an apartment building on Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria before moving to Baltimore, where she graduated from high school. Her dad, Philip, ran a lunch wagon business and her mom, Bess, was a nurse.

An image of The Mamas & the Papas founder John Phillips (next to Janis Joplin) is featured at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub in Alexandria.

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More Musicians with ‘Note’-able Alexandria Ties

If everything could ever be this real forever If anything could ever be this good again The only thing I'll ever ask of you You've got to promise not to stop when I say when She sang — LYRICS TO “EVERLONG,” BY DAVE GROHL

Grohl talked about the making of the album in Alexandria with British rock magazine kerrang.com: “It was the most relaxed and simple and perfect recording session I’ve ever been to in my life.”

“It was everything you would want making an album to be. It was springtime in Virginia, all the windows were open, there was beer and BBQs and we would record all night and sleep until noon, listen to what we’d done the night before, and maybe re-record it.”

“When I listen to that record, I honestly think it’s my favorite Foo Fighters record....It’s such a relaxed, honest, organic and real album. And it was a really good experience for all of us.”

Dave Grohl, photo courtesy of HarperCollins

Dave Grohl: Nirvana and Foo Fighters Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters founder Dave Grohl is a legend in these parts, with a reputation for being an all-around nice guy, according to anyone who has bumped into him either during his days growing up in the area (Springfield) or his forays around Northern Virginia including Alexandria.

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Grohl’s brushes with Alexandria include his stint as a student at Bishop Ireton High School (he ended up leaving for Annandale High School, but dropped out to go on a concert tour to Europe), sightings at local restaurants and the making of Foo Fighters’ “There Is Nothing Left to Lose” album at a home where he lived in Alexandria on Nicholson Lane, according to Visit Alexandria. (The house is located about a half-mile from Jim Morrison’s old family home.)

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Founded in 1994, the Foo Fighters have racked up 11 Grammys which includes the most wins by any band in the Best Rock Album category. Grohl is a twotime inductee to the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame — in 2014 as part of Nirvana and at press time, on Oct. 30 this year, with the Foo Fighters.

In addition to the Foo Fighters induction into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame, Grohl is also publishing his autobiography, “Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” this fall and planned to visit D.C. in October to talk about the book before an audience of ticket-holders at Lincoln Theatre.

He said he decided to write the book while in lock-down during the COVID-19 pandemic, his publisher noted in publicity for the book: “Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable

opportunities (“It’s a piece of cake! Just do 4 hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!”) I have decided to write these stories just as I have always done, in my own hand. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I’ve recorded and can’t wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child.

This certainly doesn’t mean that I’m quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it’s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as a young musician.

From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement.”

There seems to be something about Alexandria that inspires and nourishes the creative spirit. Is there another poet rock musician in our midst? Let’s hope so.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Stewart Copeland

Born in 1958 in Princeton, N.J., Mary Chapin Carpenter spent part of her life in a four-bedroom home on East Bellefonte Avenue in Del Ray. The popular singer has performed over the years to sold-out shows at The Birchmere in Alexandria.

Carpenter’s 1992 album Come On Come On included seven country singles that made the charts and went quadruple platinum in the United States.

Stewart Armstrong Copeland was born July 16, 1952 and was ranked the 10th best drummer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2016. While he is best known for his work as drummer of English rock band The Police, fronted by Sting, Copeland has also composed music for films and video games, and has written music for ballet and opera performances. Copeland was the youngest of four children, and his father was a “founding member” of the CIA. Just a few months after he was born, Copeland moved abroad with his family.

Kiely Williams Kiely Alexis Williams was born in 1986 in Alexandria. Her mother died when Kiely was less than a year old. Kiely is a singer and actress who got her start when her older sister Michelle pulled together the band 3WL and acted as its manager for several years.

Kiely was also a founding member of The Cheetah Girls, where she found significant success on the music charts and on the big screen.

Kali Uchis Karly-Marina Loaiza, now known professionally and Kali Uchis, was born in 1994 in Alexandria. The Grammywinning singer and songwriter was a member of a jazz band before she graduated from T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School) in 2012. In addition to her 2021 Grammy for Best Dance Recording, Uchis won Latin Pop Album of the Year at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Scythian Danylo (Dan) Fedoryka, his brother, Alexander (Alex), and their roommate Josef (Joey) Crosby put together the band Scythian in the basement of a house on Russell Road near Del Ray. Larissa Fedoryka, who is Dan and Alex’s sister, has also been a member of the high-energy Celtic roots band that frequently hosted house parties in Old Town and Del Ray — and even played on the steps of the Torpedo Factory.

Now, the band tours worldwide and hosts the Appaloosa Roots Music Festival every fall. “We can truly say that our band’s heart lies [in Alexandria]. There isn’t a time that I go back to Old Town where I don’t think back with fondness on those early days,” Dan told Alexandria Living Magazine in 2019.

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TRAVEL

“That’s something that skiers are always talking about, the 1,500 feet of vertical — it is the most of any ski area south of New England, it’s a really big draw for people,” Cassell said. He and his kids enjoy skiing the black diamond trails several times a week during the ski season. Maps show skiers the beginner, intermediate and expert trails.

If someone in your family or group doesn’t know how to ski or hasn't been on skis in awhile, the resort offers lessons and there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.

“We’ve got the full kind of village experience with nightlife, restaurants and shopping,” Cassell said.

The resort spa features multiple treatments and there are off-road tours, snow mobile tours and a snow-tubing park.

The resort is the largest employer in Pocahontas County. With Airbnb transforming the affordable housing situation for long-term rentals for employees, the resort offers its employees low-cost housing ($350 per month with all utilities included) and is building more affordable housing. “It’s a big step in the right direction,” Cassell said. “There are certain roles like lift attendees — we could hire 150 and still not be enough! For the winter time, we always will hire as many as we can get.”

Get Ready for Winter Ski Season

BY MARY ANN BARTON

Located in Pocahontas County, W.Va., Snowshoe Mountain Resort is a five-hour drive from Alexandria and, at 11,000 acres, one of the largest ski areas in the region. It sits at the second-highest peak in the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia, 4,848 feet above sea level.

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Where to Stay

All photos courtesy of Snowshoe Mountain Resort

The resort is set to open the day before Thanksgiving this year for the 2021-2022 ski season and will continue to operate for skiing through the end of March. The resort usually opens with about 15 of its 60 trails ready to go, building up as the season progresses.

Skiers have been making their way to the area since 1974.

About 20 years ago, it “was a bare-bones ski area, not really a ski resort,” said Shawn Cassell, the resort's public relations manager. “It was just a handful of small buildings. Die-hard skiers would come up and sleep in sleeping bags. It’s turned into a destination resort, the kind you think of that are out West, like Deer Valley or Steamboat Springs.”

One of the reasons that the resort is a popular ski destination is its mile-and-a-half black diamond and double black diamond trails (the most challenging), which include a 1,500-foot vertical descent, in its Western Territory.

The 30-room Corduroy Inn & Lodge, a ski-in, skiout boutique hotel, recently built a new addition, Cassell noted. It offers three on-site restaurants — Appalachia Kitchen, Tuque’s Bar and Grill and The PIzza Slice. Rooms offer fireplaces, mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. (corduroyinn.com) If you’re looking for something economical, plan to stay at The Inn at Snowshoe, located at the base of the mountain. Amenities include a gym and a free shuttle to the top of the mountain. (snowshoemtn.com) Got a large crowd? The Brigham Collection is a group of rental properties that offers townhomes and houses that sleep up to 28 people. (snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/lodging/ brigham-collection) The Soaring Eagle Lodge is located next to the Soaring Eagle Express Lift and South Mountain area of the basin. The lodge rooms include full kitchens, gas fireplaces and balconies. On-site amenities include a restaurant, fitness room, hot tubs and covered parking. (snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/ lodging/soaring-eagle-lodge)

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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TRAVEL

SKI TRIP TIPS

Downhill Fun

TRAVEL

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Within Driving Distance

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Grocery shopping: If you plan on doing a lot

of your own cooking, bring your groceries from home or stop off at a grocery store on the way to Snowshoe or you'll be paying high prices and not have a lot to choose from. "We're pretty remote," Cassell said. Lewisburg is a good stop on the way, about an hour and a half from the resort.

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Free shuttle: Once you arrive, you can park

your car and take the free shuttle to get around the village. "You can stay for a week and not move your car," Cassell said.

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Season pass: Buying a season pass is a good

option. It gets you discounts on lodging, food and more. You can drive up on a day's notice when the weather is good.

Ski lessons: New to skiing? Cassell noted that

Dining Dining choices in the area include Old Spruce Brewing Company, Cheat Mountain Pizza, The Junction Restaurant (which was remodeled this summer), The Boathouse, Arbuckle's Cabin and The Sugar Shack.

The resort posts a daily snow report each morning at 7 on its website snowshoemtn.com.

The resort sees about 150 inches of natural snow each season and has man-made snow-making equipment at the ready. “We have invested $4 million to $5 million into snow-making systems in the past few years, the best you’ll find anywhere,” Cassell said. “We figured it out one day, the snow-making team has been here since the ’80s; they have almost 300 years of collective experience.”

The crew pumps water out of a lake and blasts air and water out of a snow gun. “It’s the same thing as Mother Nature,” he said.

“But there’s nothing like the real thing.”

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

"some people look frustrated" when they come in from the slopes, and don't look like they're having fun. "By the end of a lesson, they will have the foundational skills to go out there and get better."

Lift tickets: Make sure you buy lift tickets or

passes in advance. The price for Snowshoe Unlimited season passes for adults and young adults is $499; there is a $50 discount for children ages 5-12; seniors age 70 and older, college students and military adults. Children ages 4 and younger season pass is $49. If you were a season pass holder last year, you should qualify for a $50 discount. The Silver Creek area season pass is $239 for all ages.

Avoid lines: If you really want to avoid lines,

plan your trip for the middle of the week — Monday to Thursday (and especially Tuesday and Wednesday) are the slowest days of the week. "It's pretty quiet," Cassell said. "We very rarely see a lift line."

Are you looking to hit the slopes a little bit closer to home? Then bundle up and check out these options that are within a four-hour drive of Alexandria: MARYL AND 1

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Blue Knob Resort

1424 Overland Pass Claysburg, Pa., 16625  3 hours blueknob.com

Elk Mountain Ski Resort

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Hidden Valley Resort

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Jack Frost/Big Boulder

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Liberty Mountain Resort

78 Country Club Trail Carroll Valley, Pa. 17320  1 hour, 30 minutes libertymountainresort.com

Whitetail Resort

13805 Blairs Valley Road Mercersburg, Pa. 17236  2 hours skiwhitetail.com

Bryce Resort

1982 Fairway Dr. Mt. Jackson, Va. 22842  2 hours bryceresort.com 14

Omni Homestead Ski Slopes 7696 Sam Snead Hwy. Hot Springs, Va. 24445  3 hours, 45 minutes omnihotels.com/hotels/ homestead-virginia/thingsto-do/resort-activities/ winter-activities

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Massanutten Resort

1822 Resort Dr. McGaheysville, Va. 22840  2 hours, 30 minutes massresort.com

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Dr. Seven Springs, Pa. 15622  3 hours, 30 minutes 7springs.com 12

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Roundtop Mountain Resort 925 Roundtop Road Lewisberry, Pa. 15557  2 hours, 10 minutes skiroundtop.com

357 Big Boulder Dr. Lake Harmony, Pa. 18624  3 hours, 50 minutes jfbb.com

VIRGINIA

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr. Farmington, Pa. 15437  3 hours, 10 minutes nemacolin.com

One Craighead Drive Hidden Valley, Pa. 15502  3 hours, 10 minutes hiddenvalleyresort.com 6

Montage Mountain Resorts

1000 Montage Mountain Road Scranton, Pa. 18507  4 hours montagemountainresorts.com

344 Elk Mountain Road Union Dale, Pa. 18470  4 hours, 40 minutes elkskier.com

P E N N S Y LVA N I A 2

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193 Resort Dr. Tannersville, Pa. 18372  4 hours, 10 minutes camelbackresort.com

Wisp Resort

296 Marsh Hill Road McHenry, Md. 21541  3 hours wispresort.com

Camelback Resort

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Wintergreen Resort

Route 664 Wintergreen, Va. 22958  3 hours wintergreenresort.com

November / December 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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THE LAST WORD

W H AT A R E Y O U R E A D I N G ?

I’m reading a bunch of books that will come out in 2022, for our book clubs and events, so that’s a fun part of my job. I'm currently reading To Paradise

by Hanya Yanagihara. It comes out in January, but is available for pre-order, which helps us gauge interest in a book and stock enough copies, so we greatly appreciate them!

W H AT A R E S O M E PA R T I C U L A R LY G I F TA B L E B O O K S AVA I L A B L E N O W ?

Hello Neighbor.

Say hello to Alexandria’s newest neighborhood Credit Union branch.

For giftable picks out now, our whole team recommends The Sentence, the latest from Pulitzer Prize-winning author (and independent bookstore owner) Louise Erdrich. The Sentence is out Nov. 9 and will appeal to lovers of literary fiction. It's also our December book club pick!

Ally Kirkpatrick Owner, Old Town Books

I also recommend Jocelyn Nicole Johnson's debut story collection, My Monticello, for fans of contemporary literary fiction and short stories. Johnson is a Virginia-based author on the rise, and the collection is already slated for a television series adaptation.

For nonfiction readers I'd suggest a signed copy of the new Mary Roach, Fuzz, which is about "when nature breaks the law."

In Roach's signature style, it explores the intersection of people and wildnerness and the mishaps that can ensue.

INTERVIEW BY BETH LAWTON

While many people associate reading with summer at the beach or pool, the publishing industry flips into high gear in the fall and winter with new releases.

We talked to Ally Kirkpatrick, founder and owner of Old Town Books, about curling up with a good read when the weather gets cold and finding the perfect book to give as a gift.

Old Town Books was founded in late 2018 on South Union Street. During the pandemic, the bookstore moved to 130 S. Royal St. — a larger, brighter space. As a small independent bookstore, Kirkpatrick said that the bookstore has been blessed with a huge amount of support from local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the pandemic isn’t over, and Kirkpatrick is strongly encouraging local book-lovers to shop early, pre-order books that are

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coming out soon, and be flexible in their holiday reading choices.

Choosing a book for someone else this holiday season? “I always ask who they’re buying for,” Kirkpatrick said. “Are they a hardcore reader, or are they just getting back into reading?” Age, interests and other factors also come into play.

For gifts for hardcore readers, head to the tables in the front of Old Town Books to pick up the newest releases.

If you aren’t sure whether someone has already read a book, consider getting a signed copy. “It feels special and that makes it more giftable,” Kirkpatrick said.

Another option is to purchase a book you personally love as a gift. Or, choose a gift book, but add a few things to the package, like a greeting card, a bookmark, a pen or an ornament — all of which you can pick up at the bookstore.

For children, Kirkpatrick suggests getting a classic book that the whole family can gather around. Reading a book out loud

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2021

can bring families together on cold winter evenings.

Kirkpatrick has a personal preference for physical books, she said, particularly for gifts. “I think that people read differently when they read a physical book,” she said.

“Physical books also bring people together in a way that ebooks and audiobooks may not do. When you go to a place for book club or a place to get a gift, it’s about the physical experience.”

Of course, a lot of readers do love ebooks, and Old Town Books offers books through Kobo, a platform-agnostic ebook supplier. You can also gift an audiobook subscription to Old Town Books through LibroFM. For physical books, Kirkpatrick strongly recommends pre-ordering books when you know there’s a book coming out that you want to read or gift to be sure you can curl up with that book as soon as it’s available.”

Bowman Branch Braddock Station STABILITY. SECURITY. SERVICE. since 1935

1310 Braddock Place | Alexandria, VA 22314 across from Braddock Metro • garage parking & validation available

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