Alexandria Living Magazine - November/December 2023

ALEXANDRIA COFFEE SHOPS

ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM November/December 2023

$4.95

VISITING AUSTIN

MOUNT VERNON HOLIDAY MEALS

ALEXANDRIANS RECALL THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFTS

Babs Beckwith

210 Duke Street $4,885,000

525 North Saint Asaph Street $2,850,000

LD SO

LD SO

LD SO

SO

LD

The Face of Old Town Real Estate

214 South Lee Street $1,998,000

524 South Pitt Street $1,950,000

If you are thinking of selling your home, call Babs and put her expertise to work for you!

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

Mark Woods Ad

205 S. Union Street

|

Alexandria, VA

|

www.markswoods.com

703.838.9788

Introducing Benchmark

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

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

Discover a new standard of senior living.

Independent Living • Assisted Living • Mind & Memory Care

BenchmarkAtAlexandria.com

Scan to learn more.

Visit our Welcome Center or call 571.701.1199.

3462 Berkeley Street | Alexandria Assisted living licensure pending.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION

CONTENTS

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS The holiday season is the best time of the year in Alexandria!

Don't miss a thing.

15 FOOD AND DINING Alexandrians love their coffee.

If you're in a rut and want to try something new, local writer Kelly Lewis checks out some of the city's coziest coffee shops.

21 FOOD AND DINING PHOTO BY EVAN MICHIO FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

8

Local writer Glenda Booth shows us how the Washingtons and the Masons celebrated and entertained during the holidays.

26 HOLIDAYS When it comes time to prepare for the holidays, it's all about carrying on family traditions and ... creating new ones.

30 HOLIDAYS Want to give someone something they'll always remember? Take a tip from some Alexandrians who tell us about their favorite gifts received over the years.

36 SEASONS

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

15

Will we see any big snowfalls in Alexandria this winter? We take a look at the Old Farmers Almanac predictions, our area's biggest past snowfalls and some beautiful photos of Alexandria in snow by photographer Chris Militizer.

44 AROUND TOWN A look at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation's work on Alexandria's waterfront, at the McIlhenny Seaport Center the star of our cover this issue!

47 THE LAST WORD We catch up with Elizabeth Todd who is celebrating 20 years as owner of the beloved Old Town boutique, The Shoe Hive.

36 November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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FEATURES

18 HISTORY Gas lights are a signature of Old Town Alexandria. Tim Rose takes a look at the history of the Alexandria Gas Light Company.

PHOTO BY TIM ROSE

39 TRAVEL If you've never been to Austin, there's lots of adventures that await — bluebonnets blooming in the spring, bats flying at dusk and a visit to our 36th president's ranch.

PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

ON THE COVER Photo of Alexandria Seaport Foundation boathouse on the Alexandria Waterfront.

SOCIALIZE WITH US facebook.com/alexandrialivingmag

PHOTO BY CHRIS BRIDNER

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

@alexlivingmag

@alexandrialivingmag

Reimagining your home with Wendy Santantonio Wendy Santantonio, McEnearney Associates

If you haven’t met Wendy Santantonio yet, you may know her and her husband Alex from the instagram account @oldtownhome, where they chronicle their DIY renovation and restoration of their homes. Wendy believes your dream house isn’t built overnight, and creating a space that speaks to you takes real vision.

With ten years in real estate and 20 years of design & renovation, Wendy puts that experience to work to help her clients successfully reimagine spaces to fit their needs and style. Connect with Wendy when you are ready to buy or sell your next home.

Before

follow us @oldtownhome

Wendy Santantonio, Realtor® Tel. 703.625.8802 | WSantantonio@McEnearney.com | WendySantantonio.com | Old Town Alexandria 109 S Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Tel. 703.549.9292 Equal Housing Opportunity.

@oldtownhome

After

A Letter from Our Founders

PUBLISHER

Beth Lawton EDITOR

Mary Ann Barton ADVERTISING/EVENTS

Katherine Barton Cleo Chitester Kristen Riffle DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION

Julianne Woehrle PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Susannah Bush Alexandria Living Magazine is published six times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC ©2023. 201 N. Union St., Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314. For newsstand or distribution locations or to subscribe for home delivery, go to alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe.

CONTACT US

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

PARTNER WITH US

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

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

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

• Sponsored real estate listings.

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

• Contests, sweepstakes and giveaways.

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

PRESS RELEASES & TIPS

Send news releases and story tips to

maryann@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.

Welcome to our November/December holiday issue!

We hope, like us, you're making plans to enjoy the season ahead. Visit our Calendar of Events on Page 8 to start penciling in some of the activities coming up that make our city a top spot to enjoy the holidays.

One event we especially hope you'll attend is the Alexandria Fall Festival coming up Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Farm, presented by Alexandria Living Magazine. A big thank you to our host American Horticultural Society and presenting sponsor The Patterson Group of TTR Sotheby's International Realty. Food trucks, magic shows, pony rides and much more are on tap. See all the details and get your tickets online at: alexandriafallfestival. com. Hope to see you there!

As the temperatures cool, a cup of your favorite coffee while you're doing a little holiday shopping is a special treat. Local writer Kelly Lewis visits some of the city's coziest spots for your latte fix, starting on Page 15.

Who doesn't love the gas lights that adorn Old Town homes and shops? Tim Rose, a former veteran, and now the owner of a company that conducts history tours of Alexandria, delves into the Alexandria Gas Light Company, whose coal-shoveling plant once stood near Founders Park, on Page 18.

Figgy pudding? Cherry bounce? We find out about these holiday staples from local writer Glenda Booth, who explores how the Washingtons and the Masons entertained during the holidays, starting on Page 21.

On Page 26, we look at keeping holiday traditions alive and making new ones — from hauling out your grandmother's china for your holiday table to making ornaments from some of those photos on your phone.

What's the most memorable gift you ever received during the holidays? We talked to several Alexandrians who told us about their favorite gifts and we offer tips on getting gifts that won't end up in the back of a closet, starting on Page 30.

Our beautiful cover photo by local photographer Chris Bridner is of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation's iconic boathouse along the waterfront.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

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

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

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor

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

Local writer Susannah Moore takes a look at the mission behind the foundation, on Page 36.

Part of the fun of traveling is in the planning. If you're like us, we're already thinking about getaways for spring break. Visiting Austin, Texas you can discover endless fields of bluebonnet flowers, visit the LBJ Ranch or make a day of Hill Country antiquing. Find out why Austin is such a special place starting on Page 39.

Winter officially begins Dec. 21 and every season, we hope for a snowfall that will close schools and give kids a chance to make a snowman or do some sledding. Starting on Page 44, we check the snow predictions, look back on the biggest snowfalls and enjoy wintery scenes from a 2019 snowfall by photographer Chris Militzer.

And last but not least, join us in congratulating Elizabeth Todd as she celebrates the 20th anniversary of the opening of her Old Town boutique, The Shoe Hive, on Page 49.

Enjoy your holidays and we'll see you right back here in 2024!

Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton Founders

Our Team Meet some of the contributors to this issue.

GLENDA BOOTH Contributor

CHRIS BRIDNER Photographer

KELLY LEWIS Writer

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

Chris Bridner, who took our cover shot, is an Alexandria-based landscape, travel and adventure photographer. His work has been featured in various publications, business advertisements and tourism campaigns. While his photography has taken him all over the world, his favorite place to capture is his home in the greater Washington, D.C. area. For more of his work visit chrisbridner.pic-time.com or follow him on Instagram @cbridner.

Kelly Lewis, who wrote our coffee shop story, has a love for writing that started at a young age and grew at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, where she wrote for a campus magazine and newspaper. Originally from Rhode Island, she graduated in 2022 and has called Alexandria her home since. She loves living near the nation's capital and exploring the monuments. In her free time you can find her at the gym, babysitting, baking and exploring new restaurants.

SUSANNAH BUSH Writer

TIM ROSE Contributor

JULIANNE WOEHRLE Graphic Designer

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

Tim Rose, who lives with his wife in Old Town Alexandria, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps with over 10 years of service as an infantry officer. After the Marine Corps, he pursued a career in investment banking for several years. His love of history and passion for teaching inspired him to leave his banking job and launch Alexandria History Tours in 2023.

He now runs daily history tours throughout Old Town Alexandria.

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

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON TAKE PLACE DEC. 15 AND 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION

FALL / WINTER 2023

Calendar of Events

November Young Frankenstein

Housemates

New World Symphony – Going Home

Oct. 21-Nov. 11

Nov. 3-26

From the creators of Broadway’s recordbreaking musical comedy sensation, The Producers, comes Young Frankenstein, a monster of a hit musical based on Mel Brook’s comedic film masterpiece. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the legend of Frankenstein is the story of the bright young grandson who travels to Transylvania to complete his grandfather’s experiment. This show is scientifically proven, monstrously great entertainment.

For mature audiences, PG-13.

Have you ever had a housemate who made you laugh, drove you crazy, made you shake your head in wonder or filled your heart with love? Do your housemates have fur, feathers, scales or fins — or are they actually people? In the Housemates art exhibit, the members of Del Ray Artisans share their housemates through many creative forms: painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, ceramics, or whatever medium brings to life their pets or human housemates. Meet curator Robyn Seaton McGarry and the artists at the opening reception on Nov. 3 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Del Ray Artisans is also hosting Meet and Greet events with two volunteer rescue groups in November.

Nov. 4 | 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 | 3 p.m.

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

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

During this performance presented by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, the sweet tones of Appalachia imbue Conni Ellisor’s Concerto for Mountain Dulcimer featuring Stephen Seifert. America’s beauty and diversity inspired Czech composer Antonín Dvorák’s New World Symphony. The program opens with a surprise guest artist.

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

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

Visit alexandrialivingmagazine.com for more events this fall!

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Your Style is Unique I'VE GOT YOU COVERED

Examples of Janet Price Homes’ Recent Contracts

BELLE HAVEN ON THE GREEN

BELLE HAVEN

BELLE HAVEN*

BELLE HAVEN

BELLE HAVEN

FORDS LANDING

HOLLIN HALL

STRATFORD LANDING*

BELLE HAVEN ON THE GREEN

BELLE HAVEN

BELLE HAVEN ON THE GREEN

FORDS LANDING*

*Represented the Buyer

Janet Caterson Price Alexandria Real Estate Specialist | NVAR Lifetime Top Producer 703.622.5984 | janet@janetpricehomes.com | janetpricehomes.com 109 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Equal Housing Opportunity

Alexandria Fall Festival Nov. 5 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Alexandria Living Magazine is proud to bring back the Alexandria Fall Festival at River Farm. Attendees can enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, pony rides, magic shows, face painting, lawn games, family portrait sessions (must be booked in advance) and a beer/cider garden for adults! Find out more and order tickets through the event website.

The American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., alexandriafallfestival.com

Painted Pendant Jewelry Workshop Nov. 5 | 2-4 p.m.

Get a head start on your holiday gift giving!

Join artist Kellie Sansone as she takes you through painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of abstract art that you will then use to create a matching pendant and earring set.

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., www.madeinalx. com

Flamenco Fiesta – a Night of Guitar and Dance

the event website for the latest information on the festival and featured films.

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

AMC Hoffman Center 22, 206 Hoffman St. alexfilmfest.com

Immerse yourself in the passionate rhythm and feel the fiery essence of Flamenco!

From the intricate melodies of vocals and captivating guitar duets to the electrifying synergy between the guitar and the dancer, the night will pulse with the heartbeat of solea, alegrias, and bulerias rhythms.

Come and join Classical Movements for an unforgettable evening of music and dance.

Tickets range from $25-$45.

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

Alexandria Film Festival Nov. 10-12 The 17th annual Alexandria Film Festival will be a mostly in-person event with screenings of high-quality short and feature-length films, art presentations and filmmaker panel discussions. The Festival highlights the talents of local, national, and international filmmakers. Showcase tickets are $15 and an all-festival pass is $80. Visit

Holiday Watercolor Card Workshop Nov. 11 | 2-4 p.m.

Create beautiful, watercolor cards!

Select up to four cards with pre-drawn designs and create your own watercolor masterpiece in this class with local artist Alexandra Schmeling. You will leave with up to four cards and envelopes ready to send to spread winter cheer! As a bonus, you will also take home a set of watercolor paints so you can keep the creativity flowing even after the workshop. Sign up in advance at the Made in ALX store or website.

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., madeinalx.com

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run Nov. 17-Jan. 1 | 5-10 p.m.

Enjoy food, shopping, photo opportunities and lots of holiday lights at the Ice & Lights Winter Village! The village will open Nov. 17

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOV

18

PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER

Concerts at The Birchmere Check out some of the performances scheduled for November and December at The Birchmere. Check The Birchmere’s website for a full concert list and tickets.

The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary.

NOV. 2 Gaelic Storm NOV. 7 Damien Escobar NOV. 8 Boney James: Detour NOV. 10 Sheila E NOV. 11 Charles Esten NOV. 12 Jonathan Butler NOV. 14 Keiko Matsui NOV. 16 Rufus Wainwright NOV. 17, 18 Paula Poundstone NOV. 28, 29 Musiq Soulchild DEC. 5 Rosanne Cash DEC. 7 An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine DEC. 8, 9 Chris Botti DEC. 11 Girl Named Tom: One More Christmas Tour DEC. 14, 15 Carbon Leaf DEC. 20 A John Waters Christmas DEC. 23 A Very Maysa Christmas DEC. 31 New Year’s Eve with The Seldom Scene & The Porch Delights The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., birchmere.com

Photo by Chris Bridner for Visit Alexandria

and ice skating will begin Dec. 1. Ice skating reservations must be made ahead online for one-hour time slots. Group rates are available. For more information and tickets, visit the event website.

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

City of Alexandria Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 18 | 6-8 p.m.

Ring in the city’s official start to the holiday season in Market Square with the lighting of the 40-foot tree adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy appearances from Alexandria’s Town Crier and Santa himself.

Market Square, 301 King St., alexandriava.gov/ Calendar

Alexandria Choral Society’s Snow Globe Series Bundle up and bring a blanket or chair to join Pro Coro Alexandria, Alexandria Choral Society’s chamber ensemble, for one or all these festive celebrations of winter in Alexandria! The Snow Globe Series is a collection of outdoor, pop-up style performances around Alexandria in November and December, featuring winter and holiday themed repertoire.

• Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St. • Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. • Dec. 2 at 6:30pm at William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. Performances are free, but donations are appreciated. alexandriachoralsociety.org

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Can the Bird 5K Nov. 23 | 8 a.m.

The Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce presents their annual Thanksgiving Day 5K. The race will begin and end in the Walmart parking lot in Kingstowne (5885 Kingstowne Blvd.).

All ages can enjoy a run, jog or stroll around Kingstowne Center and the scenic Kingstowne Lake. Runners are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable items to donate to the Koinonia Foundation.

Registrants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt and digital coupons, and top winners will receive a medal. mountvernonspringfield.com/can-the-bird-5k

Alexandria Turkey Trot Nov. 23 | 9 a.m.

Alexandria’s 48th 5-mile Turkey Trot is the D.C. area’s premier Thanksgiving road race, presented by the D.C. Road Runners Club and the Del Ray Business Association. This is a “pancake flat” course in Del Ray that is family and dog friendly. Register until 8:30 a.m., 30 minutes before the race begins.

Bring canned or non-perishable food items to donate to the Alive! food program.

For more information and to register, visit alexandriaturkeytrot.com.

Mount Vernon by Candlelight Nov. 24 and 25, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9 and 17 Join costumed Mount Vernon staff for a 45-minute candlelit guided tour and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia. Listen to music and caroling, participate in 18th century dancing, visit the slave quarters and meet Aladdin the Christmas camel. Afterwards, enjoy cider

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

52nd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

DEC

2

Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.

Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and was named after Scotsman John Alexander, who owned the land that became Alexandria. Today, the city continues celebrating its heritage with the iconic Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe and drum bands from around the region, as well as terriers, hounds and more.

Learn more at visitalexandria.com/holidays/scottishwalk.

Scottish Walk Parade, PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT ALEXANDRIA

and cookies at the Education Center Lobby.

Shop for holiday gifts at The Shops at Mount Vernon which will be open until 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $20 for youth (members) and $38 for adults and $30 for youth (non-members).

also includes food trucks, craft brews, entertainment and the chance to win prizes, too! This event is organized and features numerous artists from Made in ALX, a collective of Alexandria-based artists, creators and makers.

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

Port City Brewing Co., 3950 Wheeler Ave., madeinalx.com

Plaid Friday

Del Ray Artisans’ 28th Annual Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market

Nov. 24 Alexandria’s holiday season kicks off with Plaid Friday: Alexandria’s small business version of Black Friday. Peruse dozens of shops touting one-of-a-kind deals on designer and coveted merchandise, including home décor, chic fashion, gourmet food, classic toys and gifts for pets.

Learn more at visitalexandria.com/holidays/blackfriday-alexandria.

Small Business Saturday Nov. 25 Keep the support for local businesses going by shopping at dozens of independent shops and boutiques throughout Alexandria. Enjoy special discounts and free treats at stores.

Learn more at oldtownbusiness.org.

Made in ALX Holiday Crafts Market Nov. 25 | Noon-5 p.m.

Join more than 30 local artisans and crafters for the annual Made in ALX Holiday Crafts Market at Port City Brewing Co. The market features all sorts of locally-made, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list. This kid-friendly and pet-friendly event

Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23 Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join the Del Ray Artisans for their 28th annual Holiday Market. Different artists are featured each weekend. The Market 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!

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

Holiday Tours of Pope-Leighey House Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 | 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House during special evening tours and see the home decorated for a mid-century holiday. Tours will be held at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Space is limited so advance registration is recommended.

Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy., woodlawnpopeleighey.org

A Christmas Carol Dec. 2-16 Alexandria’s favorite yuletide tradition returns! From the first “bah humbug” to the final “wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters – Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family; the Fezziwigs; the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come; and, of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge – as they transport us to Victorian England and remind everyone of the meaning of Christmas.

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

Sharing in the Delight of the Season Dec. 4-31 The very nature of art is to share.

Something created presented to others who might appreciate. The holiday season simply underscores this most human interchange. Gifting, whether an ornament or a whimsical sculpture, a functional pasta bowl or a mug, is a sacred transaction, a one-of-a-kind joy. Objects worthy of gifting are central to the Scope Gallery’s December exhibit. Scope will share in the season by making a donation from all sales to a food bank. Featuring the Kiln Club.

Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., torpedofactory.org

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show Dec. 9 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Start your holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Old Town

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Christmas Illuminations at Mount Vernon Dec. 15 and 16 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season with sparkling fireworks overlooking the Potomac River.

Enjoy a tour of the Mount Vernon mansion, lights, a winter market and encampment, food and drinks, shopping, music and of course fireworks! Prices are: Members: • Adult with Mansion Tour: $50, No Tour: $48 • Youth with Mansion Tour: $28, No Tour: $26 General Public: • Adult with Mansion Tour: $60, No Tour: $58 • Youth with Mansion Tour: $38, No Tour: $36 PHOTO BY E. MICHIO FOR VISIT ALEXANDRIA

23rd Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights

Dec. 17 | 3 p.m.

Old Town Alexandria’s historic waterfront will shine for the 22nd Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, as more than 50 brightly-lit boats cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline. This year’s event is sponsored

by Amazon. Enjoy dockside festivities starting at 2 p.m. in Waterfront Park including a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company and much more.

Old Town Alexandria Waterfront, visitalexandria.com/holidays/boat-parade

John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., chiceventsdc.com

Colonial Holiday Evening at Carlyle House Dec. 9 | 4-7p.m.

Experience an evening during the holiday season with the Carlyle’s. Learn about how the holidays were observed very differently during the 18th century than we celebrate today. Tours offered on the first floor during this event. No registration required.

Live Miniature Custom Painting Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pre-order a miniature 2x2 or 3x5-inch painting by artist Kellie Sansone, then join her during your designated time slot to watch her paint your piece! These paintings are the perfect gift, whether for a loved one or for yourself! You can choose to have the artist paint a miniature portrait of a person or pet, a house portrait or local landmark, or an object like a still life, favorite food and more. Timeslots run for 45 minutes and you will leave with your completed painting.

Sign up in advance through Made in ALX’s website.

Made in ALX, 533 Montgomery St., madeinalx.com

$12/adult; $4/children (ages 6-12) Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St., novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

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Celebrate the Season - Holiday with a Twist Dec. 16 | 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 2 | 5:30 p.m.

Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square. Over 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing their products, from arts and crafts to jewelry and baked goods, to body and hair care, just in time for the holidays!

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

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Enjoy this celebration of the season with traditional fare mixed with jazz baritone Joshua Banbury and Alexandria resident and world whistling champion Chris Ullman!

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

Water Skiing Santa Dec. 24 | 1 p.m.

Keep an eye out for Santa enjoying some fun waterskiing along Alexandria’s waterfront before a long night of delivering gifts to good boys and girls. You don’t want to miss this beloved and festive Alexandria tradition! facebook.com/Waterskiing.Santa

First Night Alexandria Dec. 31 The largest family-friendly, budget-friendly New Year’s Eve event in the region returns for its 29th year. A community celebration of the arts, First Night Alexandria rings in the new year with music, comedy, dance and a fireworks show. firstnightalexandria.org

r viewing ($80), fo s wish, s e s s a p al er All-festiv ilms as pass hold .com. f s y e f n m t as ma at alexfil looking le b a il a v lso are a tival is a nd other s e F m il rs a The F teer ushe nteer for volun (sign up to volu e). e it assistanc e festival’s webs h t h g u thro

Normal - Bright and industrious 14-year old Lucie does her best to juggle school, a part-time job and trying to write a novel while taking care of her dad, who has multiple sclerosis. When a social worker tries to intervene, Lucie and her dad concoct an elaborate scheme to make social services believe they are a perfectly normal family. (Drama) Art Thief – After stealing a painting from a local museum, a passionate but untalented artist is thrust into the midst of an even bigger theft. The film was inspired by the 1990 robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

(Thriller)

Pass the popcorn!

The Alexandria Film Fest kicks off Friday, Nov. 10, presenting a full weekend of dramas, comedies, thrillers, documentaries and more.

“We have a very strong program planned for this year’s festival, with several international films we’re really excited about, and we expect many filmmakers to accompany their films,” noted Dara Sanders, festival chair.

More than 50 films will screen at several locations in Alexandria, including the Charles Beatley Library (Nov. 10), The Lyceum (Nov. 11 and 12) and the AMC Hoffman Center (Nov. 11 and 12).

The Alexandria Film Fest is in its 17th year and features films from creators here in Alexandria and across the world. Here are a few of this year’s highlights:

Lousy Carter – Variously labeled as a deadbeat by his ex, a failure by his mother and a shell of himself by his best friend, Lousy Carter, a professor of English literature, suffers a moody reality that gets worse through a bad

medical diagnosis. The film’s lead is David Krumholz who starred as Bernard the elf in The Santa Claus movies. (Comedy)

By My Side — By My Side tells a story of journey and return, of veterans and their families rescued by their service dogs from the pitfalls of PTSD to a promising sense of hope and restoration.

(Documentary) Two Lives in Pittsburgh — A blue-collar Pittsburgher struggles to open his heart and mind as his child explores their gender identity amid his mother’s final days.

(Documentary) The “Salute to Service Members” Showcase will be offered free of charge to active and retired service members in honor of Veteran’s Day, which is Nov. 11.

More information is available through the festival website at alexfilmfest.com.

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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ECONOMY

17th annual

Celebrating independents for 17 years!

Live Programming Nov 10–12, 2023 Friday

Beatley Library

Saturday and Sunday

AMC Hoffman Theatre The Lyceum

alexfilmfest

@alexandriafilmfestival

DINING

The Buzz on Coffee in Alexandria STORY AND PHOTOS BY KELLY LEWIS

There's no better time to explore a new Alexandria coffee shop than the cool, crisp days of autumn. It’s time to venture beyond your local Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, and try a local independently owned coffee shop. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite coffee shops. All you have to do is visit and show the shops some love!

Abyssinia Market & Coffee House 720 Jefferson St. No website, but look them up on Facebook Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Abyssinia Market & Coffee House opened in 2016 and brings Ethiopian coffee to Alexandria. Try the Mocha or Nitro Cappuccino, the best-selling coffee drinks.

We tried the Mocha, which was served hot in a to-go cup filled to the brim. It had a creamy texture and nice flavor. Not a coffee drinker? That’s OK! Try a fruit smoothie or an Ethiopian tea, a black tea from Ethiopia with cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Abyssinia also offers delicious pastries as well as egg and cheese sandwiches.

CAFE DU SOLEIL

The inside is small with minimal seating and small tables. On a Saturday morning visit, it was quiet, with no background music and vacant tables. Abyssinia seems like a grab-and-go place for customers. However, the space is optimal for socializing with great natural lighting and eye-catching art displayed. There is plenty of street parking available and a parking garage in the rear. A cute chalkboard sign and yellow bench outside is the perfect setting to take an Instagram-worthy photo and share.

Café du Soleil 215 S Union St. cafedusoleilva.com Open Monday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

ABYSINNIA MARKET & COFFEE HOUSE

Cafe du Soleil translates to "Cafe of Sun" in French, as they strive to be a bright spot in every customer’s day. Opened in 2020, the family-owned and Frenchinspired coffee shop serves organic coffee, as well as tea, juice, smoothies, pastries, fresh crepes and salads. The inside has a cozy, old-time feel with wooden floors and brick walls. There is plenty of seating inside, mostly tables and a few

couches. This is a great place to bring your laptop as the background music is soft and chill, and the wifi network and password are displayed at the counter.

It can also be a great place to stop in mid-walk or bike ride as it is located just two blocks from King Street, near the water and has a free, self-serve water station. Drink specials during our visit included a Sweet and Salty Latte (with vanilla and salted caramel), Coco Blanche Mocha (with white chocolate and coconut), Blossom Cappucino (with vanilla and lavender), and Wild Lemonade, a raspberry hibiscus tea with syrup and freshly squeezed lemons.

Cameron Cafe 4911 Brenman Park Dr. cameroncafe.com Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

“Caffeinate. Congregate. Celebrate,” is this coffee shop’s slogan. Opened in 2010, Cameron Cafe has been serving coffee, pastries, sandwiches, wine and beer for 13 years. Located in the West End's Cameron Station, a community with townhomes, single-family homes and

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DINING

condominiums, it’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee and take a stroll through the scenic neighborhood and park. There is plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.

Cameron Cafe serves coffee from Caffe Amouri roasted in Vienna, Virginia. The signature coffee is a French roast called "Badlands" with flavors of almond, dark chocolate and citrus.

drinks include Pumpkin Pie Latte, Caramel Apple Butter Latte, Pumpkin Chair Frappe, Iced Irish Cream Latte and Pumpkin Chai Latte.

espresso, cinnamon and caramel syrups, and milk) and the Great White Pumpkin (with espresso, Ghiradelli white chocolate, pumpkin syrup and milk). Both drinks can be made decaffeinated and are available steamed or iced. Grounded Coffee Shop has cards at the front counter that can be stamped each time you order a coffee drink and after 10 purchases, you can redeem for a free cup. Bonus: Kid-friendly with wooden high chairs, uncrustables, juice boxes and yogurt smoothies.

Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee

A NUTELLA CROISSANT AT GROUNDED COFFEE Grounded Coffee Shop

CORTADO CAFÉ Cortado Café 4543 Duke St. cortadocafeva.com Open Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Located in the Shoppes of Foxchase, Cortado Café is a great place to grab a coffee or bite to eat before or after running errands at Harris Teeter or Walgreens.

Opened in 2021, Cortado Café has a modern feel to it with indoor seating, good lighting and outdoor seating with umbrellas. The Moroccan owners love a good cup of nous nous (half milk and half coffee). Be sure to try the Moroccan Mint Tea, a savory traditional Moroccan tea made with fresh mint leaves and gunpowder green tea. Current seasonal

6919 Telegraph Road groundedcoffeeshop.com Open Mondays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the kind of coffee shop where one could easily spend a couple of hours.

Grounded features an extensive selection of croissants, lattes, espressos, sandwiches, a cozy vintage French decor, and plenty of seating inside and outside. Order at the counter and find a seat at one of the many tables, hightops or cozy leather couches. If you are looking to get some work done, this is a great place to do so, with a few tables located near outlets, and wifi displayed at the counter. The music and background noise of people talking are average, so bring noise-cancelling headphones if you need to concentrate.

Be sure to check out the “take a book, leave a book” mini library and the shelf of classic board games in the rear. Or sit by the window and admire the beautiful mural of the Eiffel tower and France.

Opened in 2008, owners Carla and Sebastien aim to create an inviting place for those who want to enjoy a slice of France in the middle of Alexandria. They pride themselves on serving fair trade organic coffee and tea, as well as baking fresh at the shop. The current drink specials are the Autumn Spice Latte (with

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631 King St. lilyschocolatecoffee.com/alexandria-va Open Sunday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee opened to much fanfare in Alexandria earlier this year. The original location in Vienna, Virginia, which is still open, has a dedicated following, and it’s easy to understand why! Owners Saifalden and Lily Alobaidis came to the United States from Iraq in 2009, moved to McLean in 206 and opened their Vienna coffee shop in 2020. In addition to amazing coffee from a Georgetown roastery, the shop serves up lokma, a Middle Eastern dessert made of leavened, deepfried dough. Other desserts include chocolate mousse cake, strawberry mousse, tiramisu and more. The Alexandria shop offers a variety of seating, including half booths and cozy tables.

Misha’s Coffee Two locations: 917 King St. and 6 Prince St. mishascoffee.com The King Street location is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Prince Street location is open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Did someone say Nutella latte?! Yes, that's right, one of Misha’s most popular drinks includes Misha's daily blend coffee, milk, and actual Nutella, served hot or iced.

This delicious drink and mouth-watering pastries are worth the trip to King Street.

We recommend walking, as limited street parking is available. Entering Misha's Coffeehouse, you are greeted with the

DINING

aroma of coffee and a big round display of coffee beans in large glass jars from all over the world.

The most popular coffee beans are Route 66, Caravan and Mishas Daily Blend. The Route 66 is a French roast blend with brisk aroma, medium body, mild acidity, and notes of Apricot. The Caravan is a medium roast, with a sweet aroma, pronounced body and mild acidity. Misha's Daily Blend is a medium roast with a crisp aroma, exceptional body, thick Creama and a sweet finish, medium acidity. Along with coffee, you will find plenty of seating where you can sit, sip and eat, while jazz plays in the background St. Elmo's Coffee Pub Del Ray: 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.; Old Town North: 529 Montgomery St.; Fairlington: 1536 Kenwood Ave. Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

We love all three locations but have a special affection for the original iconic location in Del Ray, on "The Avenue," which got off the ground in 1996. It's a great place to while away a few hours with friends with your favorite coffee beverage or vino — heaters keep the patio warm during chilly days. We love the window at the Fairlington location where walkers and dog-walkers can pick up their beverage and pastry on the go.

Swing's Coffee 501 E Monroe Ave. swingscoffee.com/locations/alexandria Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Visit Swing’s Coffee bar in Del Ray to see how they roast their beans and try some coffee. This location, which opened in 2013, is where the company roasts all beans to be sold at their two brick-andmortar stores in DC and local grocery stores. The Del Ray location features single-origin, pour-over coffee and espresso, signature cold-brewed iced and nitro coffee on tap. The space is wide open and airy, with an industrial look.

New Shops on the Horizon

If you're looking to learn more about the coffee-brewing process, sign up for their public cupping classes held every third Friday of the month at 10 a.m. In the cupping demo, you'll learn about where coffee comes from, the roasting process and experience a unique coffee tasting that is equal parts educational and fun.

The people behind the venture — Marsha and Jeff Banks-Harold — also own PIES Fitness Yoga.

Marsha's son runs Daydreamers Oasis, a CBD shop at 1322 Prince St., according to the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership.

The coffee shop is planning to serve up CBD-infused baked goods in collaboration with [TKBUD & BAKERY].

Turkish Coffee Lady 1001 King St. turkishcoffeelady.com Open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Located in the heart of Old Town, Gizem Şalcıgil White, a Turkish-American entrepreneur, founded Turkish Coffee Lady in 2017 to bridge cultures one coffee at a time. Using the finest grind of beans, the coffee-making process involves boiling with sugar. The coffee is unfiltered and served in a small cup similar to espresso.

You can spend quite a bit of time here trying a few cups, as Turkish coffee has much less caffeine than the average cup.

Along with an array of specialty coffee blends, the shop sells tea and other Turkish delights.

Connect & Sip Café will be opening at 1320 Prince St. in Old Town. The free-standing, former one-story office building will be able to seat about 40 people inside and another 12 on the outside rear patio. The family-owned coffee shop plans to serve up coffee, tea, smoothies, juices and light bites when it opens later this year.

To the east, Bloom Tea is planning to open at 425 S. Washington St. in Old Town. Bloom tea will offer boba tea, but it will also be offering Vietnamese-style coffee in addition to other offerings. Vietnamese-style coffee is most commonly a sweet, rich drink made with sweetened, condensed milk and strong coffee.

The owners have not announced an opening date yet.

Just northeast of Bloom Tea, The Greenery by TLC hosted its soft opening in October near the intersection of Henry and Queen Streets. The venue is a venture of TLC Design, a sustainable landscape design company.

2024 Alexandria Coffee Guide

COFFEE BEANS AT MISHA'S COFFEEHOUSE AND ROASTER

If you’re looking for a guide to all the coffee shops in Alexandria, local resident Damon Swisher has published a guide to all of them. Visit coffeealexandria.com or follow @coffeealexandria on Instagram.

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HISTORY

Light from the Darkness! The Rise and Fall of Alexandria Gas Light Company Alexandria’s gas lights have been shining in the city since 1851 STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIM ROSE

Only brave souls ventured into Alexandria’s streets after sunset. The 21st century evening hustle and bustle of King Street was non-existent in 1850.

When the sun went down, shops closed, and traffic ceased. There was activity in the taverns, but most patrons stayed for the night as taverns provided not only food and drink but also lodging. It was not that crime was exorbitantly high or that people were afraid of Alexandria’s many ghost stories, which tourists still flock to hear. The issue was much simpler: It was too dark. No one could see.

But, by the mid-1800s, Alexandria was literally about to come out of the dark ages. Alexandria was on the frontier of a revolution in illumination. On March 22, 1850, the Virginia General Assembly authorized the creation of the Alexandria

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Gas Light Company. Alexandria City Council then passed legislation to formally incorporate the company in December 1850.

Like many public infrastructure projects, controversy erupted over sources of payment and who was awarded contracts for the development. Initial resistance was due in part to a proposed bond offering that would pay for the construction costs. Opponents of the bond offering pushed back and voiced their opposition. However, after a community forum was held at the Lyceum, the issue was put to a vote.

Despite the cries of opponents, on March 19, 1851, Alexandria citizens voted overwhelmingly in favor of the project.

A company called Trenton Improvement Company won the contract to install the

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

pipes and fixtures that would pump gas into the city. Meanwhile, construction of an industrial gas works plant began on April 2, 1851. The construction moved quickly. By the fall of 1851, the gas works facility was completed. The Alexandria Gazette reported that the “light was brilliant and pure.” The Gazette further explained: The gas was turned into the pipes yesterday afternoon, and was to have been introduced last night into many of the houses of our citizens who have prepared their residences and stores for its reception and use.

The initial gas works plant was located at Oronoco and Lee (then Water) Streets.

In 1854, the gas works expanded another block to Oronoco and Union Street. This spot was near the location

HISTORY

We saw a bench of five retorts cleared of coke and recharged, and the skill with which the coal was thrown in astonished us, every shovel full went directly into the narrow door, though thrown a considerable distance. The boys thought they would not like to be gas makers when they saw how the flames of the escaping gas rushed out as the men closed and fluted them. The fiery furnace into which Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrew young men thrown could not have been much hotter and we were afraid that some of the men would get burned, but they seemed as much used to it as if they had been salamanders.

Coal was mined in western Maryland and transported down the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal and then down the Alexandria Canal to reach the city.

Bituminous coal was the primary raw material used to create the gas. This was done through a process known as coal gasification. The coal was pressurized and mixed with steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas was incredibly toxic and could kill people if it leaked without anyone knowing it.

of Alexandria’s first tobacco inspection warehouse, which had been officially established in 1732. Over a century later, the tobacco economy was no longer powering Alexandria’s commercial activity. The landscape had changed substantially. By 1851, Alexandria looked more like an urban industrial city with heaps of coal stacked along the city’s waterfront.

Ten years after the St. Johns Academy field trip, the Alexandria Gas Light Company reached the zenith of its prosperity. By December 31, 1888, it recorded 815 customers in the city and was showing some signs of slipping. The Alexandria Gazette reported the state of the company as follows: There are 815 gas consumers against 823 last year; 12 yearly consumers, and 176 street lamps. The officers of the gas works have put in 34 new services (in new houses) renewed 36, put up 2 new street lamps and laid 1008 feet of 3-inch main pipe. The 12 yearly consumers consist of engine houses, Infirmary, Peabody building, court rooms, Mayor's office, town clock and all offices in the

To power Alexandria’s coal-fired gas plants, laborers worked all day shoveling coal into massive furnaces where it began the process of gasification. It was grueling work in conditions that would make the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have a panic attack. In fact, this was over a century before OSHA was created in 1970. The hard conditions and exposure to toxins caused many of the laborers to die young. On November 19, 1879, the Alexandria Gazette reports a field trip that students from St. Johns Military Academy took to the gas works. A partial description of what was seen reads as follows:

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HISTORY

market building and the market below.

The year 1889 was the beginning of the end for the Alexandria Gas Light Company. It was an inauspicious start when a disgruntled employee attempted to set the company on fire in March. In June 1889, Alexandria city officials took a trip to see the Schuyler Corporation's electric light display. The electricity demonstration showed city officials a bright vision of the future. They wasted no time in approving a contract with the Schuyler Corporation to bring electricity to Alexandria. At least one company, Robert Portner’s Bottling Company (previously the Mount Vernon Cotton Factory), was successfully operating with electric power. Despite initial hurdles with the Schuyler Corporation, electricity came to Alexandria later that year. On September 16, 1889, the Gazette wrote: ELECTRIC LIGHTS. Forty eight of the sixty street electric lights have been swung, and the superintendent of the Schuyler company, in this city, Mr. Gutherie, says they will be lighted to-night. It is said that

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the wire for the other lights will soon be strung and the remaining lamps will be put up.

With the arrival of electric power, the next three decades saw the Alexandria Gas Light Company’s light literally fade.

In fact, customers frequently complained about poor quality. The company also suffered from a scarcity of coal. By July 7, 1920, the Alexandria Gazette wrote that the city was losing $19,000 a year in gas sold to consumers. Additionally, the Gazette reported that a proposed rate increase had been rejected due to the poor quality of the gas.

The culmination of these setbacks led to the sale of Alexandria Gas Light Company to Seaboard Investment Trust Co. of Massachusetts for $750,000 on September 26, 1930. On July 26, 1939, the Washington D.C. Utility Commission approved a request from Washington Gas to acquire the struggling company.

After nearly nine decades of service, Washington Gas purchased the Alexandria Gas Light Company.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Even though Alexandria's gas light business is gone, gas lights still exist in the city's landscape. They can be seen outside many commercial and residential properties. In fact, the gas is still provided by Washington Gas. However, the gas source is no longer bituminous coal. There are no more field trips to the old gas works to see men shoveling stacks of coal into furnaces. The location of the old gas works is now comprised of row homes and is near Founders Park with volleyball nets and flower gardens.

Nevertheless, Alexandria's residents and visitors love the gas lamps. They remain an object of fascination amidst a sea of electricity. There is something quaint yet inspiring about the gas lights. Gas lights were the bridge to the modern era.

They are a reminder of how Alexandria citizens literally worked toward a brighter future.

The author is the founder of Alexandria History Tours. alexandriahistorytours.com

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HISTORY

A bedroom closet figured prominently in holiday meal planning at Gunston Hall and Mount Vernon in the 18th century. Ann and Sarah Mason and Martha Washington, managers of their households, kept their spices in a caddy tucked away in a bedroom closet. Because the Masons and Washingtons imported spices from abroad and viewed them as very valuable, a bedroom closet was the best place for safekeeping.

This winter, the Mason family’s estate at Gunston Hall and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate will feature extensive holiday displays and events, bringing 18th-century holiday foods and traditions to life for visitors.

At Gunston Hall, a Goose and Figgy Pudding In the English tradition of the day, the Masons’ dinner table featured a goose

they had fattened up and raised on the plantation. George Mason, who was a leader in the American Revolutionary War, and his family enjoyed vegetables preserved from the garden and some that had overwintered, like collard greens, onions, carrots and potatoes. These were prepared by enslaved people, cooking in a fireplace. The Masons and guests also dined on dried fruit, like cherries, apples and peaches preserved from their fall harvest. They likely preserved what they could in a root cellar.

A special holiday treat was Christmas pudding, also called figgy pudding or plum pudding. The pudding, called a “cream,” was not what Americans think of as today’s custard-like pudding. It was a batter full of nuts and dried fruits, tied in a bag and boiled. Then, on the plate, they covered it with brandy sauce and set it on fire.

Lacey Villiva, Gunston Hall’s education manager, says that diners may have washed down their meal with wassail or a toddy, a mixture of rum, sugar, water and nutmeg. George’s son John noted in his recollections that they drank toddys all year. Hard apple cider was also a favorite beverage, probably made from apples grown on the plantation.

GUNSTON HALL DINING ROOM; PHOTO COURTESY OF GUNSTON HALL

Holiday Happenings Gunston Hall Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Tide, 18th-century games, live music, crafts, decorative greenery and celebrations and an exhibit on how the last private owner, Louise Hertel and her family, celebrated in the 1920s. Exhibits will explore what the holidays meant for many people, including the enslaved, indentured, wealthy and poor. Visit gunstonhall.org for more information.

Mount Vernon Holiday food will be displayed in the mansion from Nov. 14 to Jan. 10, 2024. In addition, visit Aladdin the camel, take candlelight tours and learn about fifing and chocolate. Visit mountvernon. org for more information.

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HISTORY

The Masons also imported sugar from the Caribbean islands, wines from Spain and Portugal, and later, after George and son John went to France, wines and brandy from Bordeaux. They may have picked up their imported goods, including teas and spices, like nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cloves and allspice, at Alexandria’s port.

Mount Vernon’s 'Excellent Table' George Washington’s family had many elaborate holiday dishes at his Mount Vernon Estate, also thanks to the enslaved people who labored there in bondage.

On Washington’s hospitality, English visitor Nicholas Cresswell wrote in 1777, “He keeps an excellent table.”

One attention-getter is the “Yorkshire Christmas-Pye,” a meaty dish consisting of five deboned birds – a pigeon, partridge, chicken and goose stuffed inside a turkey, seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cloves and baked inside a crust called a “coffin” for five hours in a brick oven. The recipe, from Hannah Glasse’s cookbook, The Art of Cookery, called for a bushel of flour.

Another show-stopper was the white hedgehog cake, a confection of almond paste, eggs, cream, sugar and butter molded in an oblong shape like the animal. It had currant “eyes” and slivered, blanched almond “bristles.”

An eye-catching dessert pyramid on a tiered glass, London-made serving dish showed off brightly colored jellies. Cooks concocted the colors using gelatin from calves’ feet and fish, and added nutmeg, mace, sugar and fruit flavors. The red color came from cochineal (tiny bugs); green, from spinach juice; and yellow, from saffron.

Diners could be declared king or queen for the day if by chance they happened

upon a dried bean inside the 12th night or great cake. This culinary creation, topped by molded sugar swans, probably had 40 eggs, four pounds of butter and sugar and five pounds of flour and fruit. It was baked for two hours and then doused with wine and brandy. They also served a pudding, a dark brown cake wrapped in a cloth and steamed for five hours, probably the predecessor of today’s fruit cake.

The Washingtons typically raised 200 hogs a year so meals also included ham smoked and cured near the kitchen, plus oysters from the Potomac River and vegetables and fruits from their gardens.

George’s meticulous records show that he placed orders with English merchants for things like almonds, refined sugar and exotic spices. Mount Vernon guides snicker that when George married Martha, the former bachelor changed his shopping habits and ceased ordering pickles from abroad. Another holiday factoid: During their first Christmas as a married couple, Martha was very sick with measles.

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HISTORY

George purchased up to 50 pounds of chocolate bricks each year, some used for hot chocolate, made with ground cocoa, spices, hot water and a little sugar, then frothed.

Beverages included cider, peach and apple brandy and ale, produced on the plantation, as well as wine from France and Germany. They got a year-round liquid “boost” from cherry bounce, a mixture of sour cherry juice, brandy, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and sugar.

time. “Archeological evidence suggests they may have brewed persimmon beer for the holidays. Also, archeological evidence suggests a mix of Christian, Muslim and traditional African practices among the enslaved people,” reports Julie Almacy, director of public affairs.

While the holidays were festive for people like the Masons and Washingtons and their ilk, they were likely not so festive for those who made the celebrations possible for free.

A Celebratory Time The Masons and Washingtons were Christians, pillars of the still-standing Pohick Church, which some call “the Mother Church of Northern Virginia,” the first established north of the Occoquan River. Christmas for 18th-century plantation white people, which included indentured servants, lasted 12 days, from Dec. 24, the birthday of Jesus, to Jan. 6, the Epiphany.

They had gatherings, including balls, card parties, fox hunts and other festivities.

For the Washingtons, the twelfth night doubled as a wedding anniversary fete since the two wed on Jan. 6, 1759.

Colonial celebrants likely went from plantation to plantation. Homes were decorated minimally by today’s standards with sprigs of greenery on mantels and windows.

Enabled by Enslaved People At Gunston Hall, enslaved people prepared the meals, cooked on a hearth and no doubt did “double duty” during holidays. Gunston Hall officials have no records of what the enslaved African Americans may have celebrated or how.

George and Martha Washington’s “excellent table” was produced by many of their 317 enslaved people on the Washingtons' five farms, 88 at the Mansion House Farm in 1799. Cooks typically rose at 4 a.m. and finished at 8 p.m.

Mount Vernon’s records show that the enslaved people who did not work in the mansion got four days off for Christmas and celebrated with games and family

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

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November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive

BY MARY ANN BARTON

Growing up in Minnesota, at Christmastime, we hung our hand-knit stockings on the mantle of the fireplace and wrote letters to Santa in front of a crackling fire. A friend of my mother's made our Christmas stockings with our names and the year we were born knit into the top border. I still remember reaching into my stocking on Christmas mornings, pulling out surprises from Santa.

Today, I still have my stocking and we hang my daughter's Christmas stocking on the fireplace mantel with her name embroidered on it, a gift from her godparents from years ago.

With the holidays nearing, many of us are preparing to pull out these keepsakes from boxes and crates stowed away in closets, attics and basements. Handmade ornaments, holiday decorations, passeddown recipes, fancy crystal and china, seasonal tablecloths and napkins from years gone by are all part of making our homes a magical place during the holidays. And there's always room each year to add new traditions as well.

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Here's a look at some passed-down holiday traditions and ones you can start this season.

Holiday table settings

When it comes to hosting a holiday gathering, setting a table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, it's extra special when you pull out items passed down through the generations to decorate your home and table, whether it's a sit-down dinner or a buffet.

That might be china from your mother or grandmother or dinnerware that you received as a gift or purchased on your own; sterling silver passed down from generation to generation. If you don't have china or sterling silver or you've got a crowd coming and need to add to your collection, there are plenty of local boutiques (like Reunions in Alexandria and Urban Redeux in Mount Vernon), estate sales (try Four Sales, Ltd., or estatessales.net to find nearby sales), Facebook Marketplace, Replacements. com and more where you can score special finds.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

If your china pattern doesn't quite say "holiday," you can dress it up with holidaythemed charger plates, placemats, napkins, napkin rings, runners or tablecloths in your color theme.

If you have a very large crowd, consider having a fun children's table set up in the kitchen or set up a table in the living

JANET BERTIN room. If the kids are really young, you'll

Decorating Alexandria for more than 25 years

have to designate a teen or two to help oversee them. A holiday activity before or after dinner might be a good idea, such as volunteering at a local charity (check volunteeralexandria.org), using butcher paper as a tablecloth, for drawing; holding a "pumpkin hunt" before dinner; making a paper chain for a Christmas tree, making a popcorn and cranberry garland.

Holiday entertaining

For holiday centerpieces, you can stop in at one of Alexandria's many Mom 'n Pop flower shops (but don't wait until the last minute) and talk to the florist about creating a special centerpiece with autumn colors; you can also try your hand at creating a floral arrangement yourself using flowers from the grocery store or from a hobby shop like Michael's using silk flowers. Pro tip: Keep your centerpiece low enough so that your guests don't have to peer around it to see each other.

If flowers aren't your thing, figurines like a ceramic turkey are easy to find in Alexandria boutiques. Surround them with candles and pumpkins and squash you can find at the grocery store or farmers market stands. I inherited two brass quail from my mother that work alone or with a flower arrangement and candles.

If you're worried about leaving candles burning, be sure to look into the faux flickering candles you can purchase that are batteryoperated

(Lightlicandles.com look very realistic and can be put on a timer). They look best behind textured or wavy glass hurricane lamps you can choose for your specific holiday (amber for Thanksgiving, for example).

You can even scavenge around outdoors for table decor — pine cones and mini pumpkins can make a nice centerpiece but some crafters say to be sure to wash them, let them air dry and then bake them in the oven at 250 for two hours to kill any pests or mold.

When entertaining during the holidays, if you have a large crowd and a dining room table you're worried might suffer from spills, you can cover your table with a tablecloth (and for extra protection a table pad). Otherwise, placemats and runners are the way to go in festive colors that compliment your china.

While decorating with blue, silver and gold are the traditional colors when planning for Hanukkah holidays (Hanukkah is celebrated from Dec. 7 to Dec. 15 this year), you can color outside the lines a bit with greenery. Blue and white glass globes in a beautiful bowl is one way to celebrate the holiday, as well as placing the traditional Menorah candelabrum in a window. A star of David is another traditional decoration.

For people celebrating Kwanzaa (held Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 this year), an annual celebration of African-American culture, traditional African cloths are used to decorate a table for a holiday meal.

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

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

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November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HOLIDAY

that resembles our pet parakeet, Perky, who flew the coop one year.

You can also hold an ornament party and create ornaments at home using plain glass balls and craft paint.

Of course you'll have to decide between a real tree — we always got ours at Greenstreet Gardens (and before that, at Applehouse and Garden Center at the same location before it changed hands), before we switched to a faux tree. Getting the tree into the house was always easy, but getting it out was another story!

If you plan to make cutting down a Christmas tree part of your holiday traditions, there are plenty of Christmas tree farms west of Alexandria including Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm, Moose Apple Christmas Tree Farm and Milltown Creek Tree Farms.

Family recipes

no sticking and easy cleanup.

For many, it's just not the holidays unless they make — insert your family recipe here. In my family, every Christmas Eve meant we were having my mother's homemade lasagna before we headed to midnight mass. Every Christmas I make Russian Tea Cakes which are also called Mexican Wedding Cookies. It's a simple recipe and you can add chopped walnuts or pecans. At Thanksgiving, we use my mother's recipe for dressing (don't call it stuffing!).

On Christmas Eve, you can leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.

Holiday ornaments

Some of our favorite ornaments are the ones that my daughter made in grade-school as well as one that feature photos (send your photos to Shutterfly or Snapfish), birthdates, college football teams or are made to look just like a favorite cat or dog. We even have one

At my brother-in-law's during the holidays, we knew we were always in for a treat because a cranberry-orange relish was always on the menu.

A fun activity if you have young children or grandchildren is making Christmas cookies together. You'll need cookie cutters (I've found the simpler the better — stars or circles -- you can even use a small glass if you don't have cookie cutters), icing and sprinkles. The simpler you keep it the better. I've found that white icing and multi-colored sprinkles work best as well as red and green sugar.

Parchment paper makes for easy baking,

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Happy Holidays!

SPONSORED

The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle The Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, located in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are two National Historic Landmark sites celebrating the legacy of Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930), American archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramicist, and scholar. Both sites are operated by the Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS). Today, they are Smithsonian affiliates and two of Bucks County’s premier cultural attractions.

The Mercer Museum features both local and national seasonal exhibitions as well as a core museum collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools. This permanent collection offers visitors a unique window into pre-Industrial America through sixty different crafts and trades, and is one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of American material culture. The museum also includes a research library that is a center for local history related to the county and the surrounding region, with its roots dating back to the founding of the Bucks County Historical Society in 1880.

forty-four rooms, over two hundred windows, and eighteen fireplaces.

Fonthill Castle’s interior walls, floors, and ceilings also showcase Mercer’s renowned, hand crafted ceramic tiles designed at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement.

While visiting the castles, guests also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding region of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which offers a scenic countryside, history, the arts, downtown charm, miles of vineyards, gourmet dining, small town villages, awardwinning accommodations, and more.

Bucks County is ideally located 25 miles

from Philadelphia and 150 miles from Washington, D.C. The Mercer Museum is located at 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901. Fonthill Castle is located at 525 East Court Street in Doylestown, PA, 18901.

The Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle are open Tuesdays – Sundays from 10a.m. – 5p.m.

For up-to-date ticket and schedule information, please visit mercermuseum.org.

Fonthill Castle was built between 1908 and 1912, and was the home to Henry Chapman Mercer. Mercer built Fonthill Castle as his home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and print.

The castle serves as an early example of reinforced concrete and features

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HOLIDAY The best Chri seei s ng o ur so tmas gif almo t I’ve n Patr s ev ick r mon t two ye etur er receiv ars. ths. n ed … from Y T o Chri depl is not so stma u can’t p he best o met g u s yme i f , t t wa Mot trad a pri hing nt f s he e tha ce o tha n the being ab rom Ira t to b r’s Day q. W t could b e l e love e ab tc. P t o e pu e ha hug le to atric betw d no rcha and k ma see een sed. t k him b de it a i s een s my Rath this up to parent toge s er o Chri Pola a n n m a d s f e ter n ther as a , it was nd. – tmas t h w e i t i r chi hab o , but Anne fami t s ee ld eaut n Tucc iful L . After m ing him ly in illo, P o such l o for 2 uck is uis V awfe as 2 uitto sing bir ctly thda Delic he is cu n ba ys, rren g. I’d ious One year, my mom made family recipe scrapbooks for all tly o gla n ro tatio dly of my cousins and my brother and me. She took the time to n in hand craft each page of each individual book with pictures from each of our childhoods, along with memorable family recipes. I still use the cookbook on a regular basis, especially One of the best gifts I ever received during the holiday season when I make her famous chocolate was a music thing — like an iPod — chip cookies and poppyseed cake. When my mom passed that my husband gave me. He downaway 10 years ago, the recipe book became even more loaded tons of songs that I loved and meaningful to me as a way to honor her and connect with her. charged it, so I could listen to music Now, as a mother myself, I will be able to share it with my own right away. It was really thoughtful. daughter as she learns the family recipes alongside me.

– Bonny McMahon, Garden Home – Ashley Vietri, Fire in Hand Jewelry “The best present for me is a weekend at a local hotel by myself for a little mom-cation. I essentially do nothing but sleep, get takeout, and read or binge on shows and movies. There is nothing better than not having to worry about taking care of anyone or anything, even if for a day or two.”

– Diana Papazian, Papazian Designs

The Best Presents

It's the thought that counts... right?

BY BETH LAWTON

We’ve all — at some point in our lives — gotten a gift that just didn’t hit the mark. From jewelry we’ll never wear to things we’ll never use, there’s probably something you received that’s been relegated to the back of a closet.

To help you give better gifts this year, we talked to a few Alexandria residents about the best gifts they’ve ever received from a loved one. None of these were particularly expensive, but it was the thoughtfulness of the presents that made them stand out.

While a black Lamborghini Veneno roadster wrapped in a giant red bow might be an amazing present, sometimes the best things really do come in small(er) packages. And sometimes, it’s just showing up.

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Many memories come to mind, but my greatest impression was as a 9-year-old girl, when I was given a vibrant opal in a gold ring setting from my father. Mature in statement, but a simple, modern presentation. Extravagant for a 9 year old for sure. It's a beautiful piece I still wear. It reminds me of a vulnerable moment in time when my parents had swiftly separated, their divorce imminent, and my biggest fear was not knowing if Santa knew where I was or if I would wake up to any gifts under the tree. It's traumatic for a child any time their world is turned upside down and they don't know what will happen next, but then add in the emotions of the holiday.

So, that ring from my dad on that Christmas was a beacon of hope I didn't know I needed — then or now. Santa had found me and relayed the message that everything was going to be alright.

— Amy Jackson, Vice Mayor

Since we have been married (17 years), my husband has bought an artist-made calendar from a place that is special to us. Since 2006, a calendar from a Lanai-based artist named Mike Carroll has been my stocking stuffer. Why? Because the island of Lanai is special to us — it is where my husband proposed to me. Every year, I love receiving this tiny, thoughtful gift that I place on my office desk. The unique and hand painted works of art are beautiful and warms my heart. I considered it "a best gift" because it is a thoughtful traditional thing that continues to bond us together and takes us back to where it all began.

– Maurisa Potts, Spotted MP

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

HOLIDAY

Experiential Giving

In the past decade or so, there’s been a significant increase in giving experiences instead of physical gifts. Here are a few local ideas for gifts of things to do.

(To give a person something to open, print out a gift certificate and wrap up the envelope or pair it with a small and inexpensive-but-meaningful item, like their favorite candy or candle.)

In the cold, dark days of January, your loved ones may appreciate something to look forward to doing. Consider these: • Tickets to a play or concert.

• A movie pass (like the AMC Stubs program)

• A gift certificate for an arts workshop at AR Workshop or Made in ALX • Private or group lessons in a sport they love (or used to love) — horseback riding, archery or golf.

• A spa day at Balian Springs or another local wellness spa.

a gift card that matches. If you can’t find the right gift card, a VISA or American Express gift card will do, but put it in a fun, decorated holiday envelope with a personal note explaining what it’s for and why!

The Flip Side: Giving

• A Virginia State Parks annual pass.

• Splurge: Cruise tickets, an allinclusive vacation or that longawaited trip to Europe.

The same guidelines apply when giving these gifts — think about what your recipient really enjoys doing or what they’ve said they would like to do and get

While a gift can be fun, giving gifts is good for your mental health. The emotional connection created by giving a gift can contribute to a person's overall happiness.

Michael Norton, Ph.D., a professor at Harvard Business School, has studied this, and his research shows that spending money to make other people happy can lead to more contentment

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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HOLIDAY

long-term than spending money on oneself.

• Is there something your loved ones really enjoy eating or drinking?

Other, unrelated research has shown that giving makes people feel good because the brain responds to giving by releasing dopamine and endorphins.

Thinking about your recipient's interests, needs and wants early in the shopping season will help guide your Internet research or your purchases in local shops. You can also ask your loved one’s best friend, spouse, coworkers or kids for ideas. Questions to ask them:

We rounded up a few tips to help ensure your friends and family are as excited about their gift as you are to give it.

Ask Questions

• Have they mentioned needing anything?

On one of these quiet, rainy fall evenings, sit down and think:

• Have they seen something in a store that caught their eye?

• What does your sibling enjoy doing?

• Do they have a favorite restaurant or a new hobby?

• What do your parents need to be more comfortable as they age?

• What new interests do your kids have that you want to encourage them to pursue?

Or, you can ask the person you're buying for directly! This may kill the surprise element, but at least you know you’re giving them what they want.

Four Presents Some families follow the “four presents” formula — getting only one gift in each category per child:

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Something they want

Something they need

Something to wear

Something to read

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

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SPONSORED

Building Community and Trust: The Story Behind Clique Sitter Your Local Babysitting Solution In today's fast-paced world, finding a trustworthy babysitter can be a daunting task for parents. Enter Reid Varner and Mark Shiffer, two fathers who share a deep appreciation for community and a desire to provide a reliable solution for parents in need. Their brainchild, Clique Sitter, is more than just a babysitting app; it's a testament to the power of local connections, privacy, and safety, all while supporting local businesses.

A Tale of Two Fathers

Reid and Mark, both fathers themselves, found their way to the charming city of Alexandria on different paths but shared a common sentiment when they arrived - a profound sense of community. Reid, a software engineer with two young boys, made the move to Alexandria with his family during the pandemic in the fall of 2020. Mark, an AI tech executive with a 9-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son, had already settled in Alexandria in 2017. Their lives intersected in this vibrant city, driven by a shared appreciation for the warm bonds they forged with their neighbors.

Privacy and Safety First

One of the cornerstones of Clique Sitter is privacy. The founders are adamant that your information is never shared or sold to third parties. Your data is protected, and your trust is respected.

When it comes to your child's safety, Clique Sitter goes the extra mile.

Babysitters on the platform are vetted by the people you trust most - your own friends and neighbors.

Supporting Local Businesses

Building Trusted Connections

Clique Sitter isn't just about connecting parents with babysitters; it's also about supporting the local community. As a local business itself, Clique Sitter understands the importance of nurturing the businesses that make Alexandria unique. By using their platform, you're not only finding a reliable babysitter but also contributing to the growth of your local economy.

Clique Sitter is not your average babysitting app. It's a platform that leverages the power of your trusted

Unlike many tech platforms today, Clique Sitter isn't out to monetize its users and

It was these connections that made them realize the true beauty of Alexandria and inspired them to create something that would strengthen this sense of community. That's when the idea for Clique Sitter was born.

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social networks to help you find, schedule, and share babysitters within your community. It's about tapping into the bonds you've already established with friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

their data. It's a means to connect with friends and the community genuinely.

It's about building relationships and trust, not exploiting them for profit.

Join the Community at the Alexandria Fall Festival

More exciting news for Alexandria residents! Clique Sitter is launching its app this November and is proud to be a sponsor of the Alexandria Fall Festival Sunday, Nov. 5 at River Farm. The festival promises fun for the whole family, and you won't want to miss the chance to meet the founders and learn more about their innovative babysitting solution.

Visit their booth to discover how Clique Sitter can help you strengthen your community bonds while ensuring your child's safety.

In a world where technology often separates us, Clique Sitter is a refreshing reminder that it can also bring us closer together. Reid and Mark’s app is not just about babysitters; it's about creating a community where trust, privacy, and safety reign supreme. As Alexandria welcomes this local gem, it's an invitation for parents to embrace a new era of babysitting—one that prioritizes connections and community above all else.

Learn more at cliquesitter.com

Fall Fest An An Alexandria Alexandria Living Living event event presented presented by

by The The Patterson Patterson Group Group

Thank Thank You You to to Our Our Activity Activity Sponsors Sponsors Alto Alto || Atlantic Atlantic Bay Bay Mortgage Mortgage Group Group || Fairfax Fairfax Oral Oral and and Maxillofacial Maxillofacial Surgery Surgery Clique Sitter | Burke & Herbert Bank | First Impression Orthodontics Clique Sitter | Burke & Herbert Bank | First Impression Orthodontics Get Get Fit Fit Studio Studio || Renewal Renewal by

by Andersen Andersen || TING TING Internet Internet || West West End End Village Village

TICKETS: TICKETS: ALEXANDRIAFALLFESTIVAL.COM ALEXANDRIAFALLFESTIVAL.COM November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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COMMUNITY

Alexandria Seaport Foundation Building boats and futures along the city’s waterfront

BY SUSANNAH BUSH PHOTOS BY TODD RUOPP

A lot has changed along Alexandria’s waterfront in recent years. With the relocation of the Old Dominion Boat Club, the construction of Waterfront Park, the arrival of the Tall Ship Providence and the creation of restaurants like Barca Pier and Wine Bar, the waterfront has transformed from industrial warehouses to the hub of Alexandria’s social life.

Darrel B. knows firsthand the power of

Despite the change, there is one modest structure that has been a fixture of the waterfront for over 30 years. The McIlHenny Seaport Center was built in 1992 by the Alexandria Seaport Foundation as part of its shift in mission from honoring the City’s maritime history to serving at-risk youth through an apprenticeship program. The program teaches struggling young people between 18-23 how to build boats while developing life skills.

where he quickly developed a love for

the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s apprenticeship program. Through a combination of environmental circumstances growing up as a young black man and poor choices, Darrel ended up in the juvenile justice system.

His parole officer introduced him to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation woodworking and boatbuilding. He also learned positive relational and communication skills. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 2022 with a degree in Sociology.

“We serve youth who have few options to learn vital skills in an environment that focuses on who they can be in the future, rather than on what mistakes they may have made in the past,” explained Deb Roepke, interim executive director.

“The Seaport Apprentice Program provides a safe, enriching, and structured place for Apprentices to heal, learn and grow into healthy and productive community members,” she said.

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

He works as an Employment Development Specialist with a goal of working with at-risk youth and teaching them they can overcome any obstacles and with hard work they can be whatever they want to be. Darrel currently serves on the Alexandria Seaport Foundation Board of Directors.

Madeline may have come to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation for a job and the chance to earn her GED, but left with so much more.

“The biggest difference I see in myself now is that I’m confident and responsible," she said.

COMMUNITY

There are a variety of ways the community can help the Seaport Foundation serve struggling young people and provide them the opportunity for brighter futures. The cost to serve each apprentice is $75,000 which includes an hourly stipend for apprentices to teach them. Financial donations are always appreciated as are legacy gifts. The foundation also welcomes volunteers to contribute their unique talents to the program.

"When I came to Seaport, I was timid, and I needed a little more motivation.

I knew I wanted to turn my life around.

My instructors motivated me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. They taught me that it’s okay to be nervous, but I need to push through to gain new skills and see new opportunities,” she explained.

Construction is currently on track to begin in 2024 and will take 12-18 months to complete. Board member Harald Mangold is project manager, and local architect Chris Cowie and Brian Fletcher of Delta Marine Construction have been instrumental in providing their pro bono expertise on the complex plan to build a floating workshop on the Potomac River.

Now Madeline is studying architecture at Northern Virginia Community College and works restoring and rewiring boats at a local marina with excitement for all the possibilities her future could bring.

It is essential that the new building is located along the waterfront, explained Roepke. “Our unique place on the Alexandria Waterfront is critical to the Apprentices' success. The beauty and calm of the water provide a healing space that many of our Apprentices have never experienced.”

The Seaport Foundation apprentice program is currently able to serve 12-18 students a year but is limited by space constraints. The foundation would like to be able to serve even more youth like Darrel and Madeline by building a second, larger building on the water next to the existing building.

The foundation is also looking to partner with a variety of businesses to educate Apprentices on work opportunities they can pursue after completing the program. “We take Apprentices on job site tours, have them perform job shadowing in areas where they have interest, and potentially place Apprentices in externships where they can work at a business for a few weeks to see if it’s the type of work they want to pursue long-term,” said Roepke. A sign-up for businesses interested in participating will be available soon on the website.

As the foundation continues to expand, the appearance of the Alexandria waterfront will change and so will the lives of the Apprentices the foundation will serve.

Learn more at alexandriaseaport.org.

The foundation has dubbed the project the Campaign for Seaport 2 and has already raised 83 percent of their $1.3 million goal. The campaign will go public in January at which time the foundation will give an update on the status and ask the community to help raise the remaining funds.

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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MODERN RE TIREM ENT meets historic beauty

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Discover how you can get on the list when you call 202-991-3244.

Community Address 1112 First St. | Alexandria, VA 22314 Independent Living Lifestyle WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

Leasing Office 277 S. Washington St. Ste. 210 Alexandria, VA 22134

BLUEBONNETS AT LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

Visiting Austin: Bats, Bluebonnets & LBJ

BY MARY ANN BARTON

Named after Stephen F. Austin, "the father of Texas," the capital city of Austin has several reasons to visit for a longweekend getaway — from its blossoming bluebonnet fields and bat-watching at dusk to its legendary Tex-Mex and BBQ, LBJ Library and Ranch as well as antique shopping in nearby Round Top and Waco.

Austin was officially incorporated in 1840 with fewer than 1,000 residents. Today, it’s the fourth-largest city in Texas with a population of more than 2 million people. The city is home to many tech companies, and it is also known for its lively music and arts scenes.

Direct flights are available on Southwest Airlines from DCA. Here, we've rounded up some fun and interesting activities in and near Austin sure to please every taste.

LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, 2313 Red River St., at the University of Texas, Austin, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last visitor admitted at 4 p.m.). Visitors usually take about two hours to see all the highlights of President Lyndon Johnson's time in office from 1963 to 1969 as our 36th president.

The LBJ Ranch, run by the National Park Service, is about an hour's drive west of Austin. Visitors have public access

to the ranch, Texas White House, LBJ’s birthplace, Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ home and the ranch show barn. Be sure to stop first at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site for a map and a free driving permit. Gates close at 4:30 p.m. daily and grounds close at 5 p.m. daily. As you drive in, don't be surprised by a number of Hereford cattle (descended from the original herd) roaming the property.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Botanic Garden of Texas, 4801 La Crosse Ave. The state botanical garden and arboretum features more than 900 species of native Texas plants in both

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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TRAVEL

garden and natural settings and is home to a breadth of educational programs and events.

Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Dr. Year-round swimming is available at this 3-acre pool fed by warm springs keeping the water temperature at an average temperature of 70 degrees. Locals pay $5 for entry and out-of-towners pay $9. Ticket prices vary depending on your age. You can purchase a ticket at a kiosk near the pool. It's a natural pool so you may see algae and fish.

Bluebonnet Fields: Taking family photos in nearby bluebonnet fields is a Texas tradition. Bluebonnets, the official state flower of Texas, typically bloom from March to May, with early April usually the best time to see them. Like our cherry blossoms, you have to keep an eye on the weather to catch them at their peak.

Top spots for viewing include Lady Bird Wildflower Center, Old Settlers Park in Georgetown and St. Edward's University.

Watching Bats at Congress Bridge: To view the largest urban bat colony (1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats) in the world, visit between the middle of March and late October, with best viewing in late July from the bridge just after sunset.

THE "BATINI" AT THE DRISKILL HOTEL. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

Cap off your evening with a drink at Yeti's flagship store's patio bar, Barrr, at 220 S. Congress Ave., at their headquarters store near the bridge or at The Driskill, where you can try The Batini. The cocktail is made with Tito's Handmade Vodka,

BOMBSHELL BETTY SHOP IN ROUND TOP. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

house-made hibiscus and ginger juice, agave and sweet and sour.

Antique Shopping in Round Top: About an hour east of Austin is Round Top, a destination for home decor aficionados (Chip and Joanna Gaines, Ralph Lauren and Pottery Barn). Many consider it the country's best antique shopping, where you can shop along 11 miles of scenic Texas byways. The big antique fairs, a 50-year tradition, in 2024 take place Jan. 18-21 and March 16-30. The Marburger Farm Antique Show takes place March 26 – 30. You don't have to wait for a special antiques weekend, though — shopping is active year-round.

Magnolia in Waco: Located about an hour-and-a-half north of Austin, home improvement fans can make a day of visiting Chip and Joanna Gaines' store, Magnolia Market, and breakfast or lunch at Magnolia Table restaurant.

There's plenty more to see related to the program. Visit wacoheartoftexas. com for more information. All Magnolia properties are closed on Sundays.You can even stay at one of the Magnolia properties. For more info, visit https:// magnolia.com/visit/stay/.

TRAVEL

• Joann's Fine Foods, 1224 S. Congress Ave.: This is a great weekend brunch or anytime spot (try the build-yourown breakfast tacos) located in the charmingly retro Austin Motel, in business since 1938. Brunch is served Fridays-Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Franklin Barbecue, 900 11th St.: People start lining up in the morning for what Texas Monthly calls "the best barbecue in the known universe." The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until it sells out at about 2 or 3 p.m.

• Snow's BBQ in Lexington: You really don't have to drive 50 miles away from Austin to get good barbecue but if you want to try the #1 ranked joint according to Southern Living Magazine, this is the place. It's located at 516 Main St., in Lexington, Texas, about 50 miles east of Austin and you have to grab a plate starting at 8 a.m., only on Saturdays.

Where to Stay

A HEREFORD SNOOZES IN THE BARN AT THE LBJ RANCH. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON Dining in Austin

There are many great Tex-Mex and BBQ joints, as well as sophisticated dining options in Austin. Here are some of our faves: • Jeffrey's, 1204 W. Lynn St.: Located in West Austin's Clarksville neighborhood, Jeffrey's has been a neighborhood fine-dining eatery since 1975. A sophisticated spot known for its steak offerings grilled to perfection in a woodburning oven, there are also vegetarian options. Reservations are by phone only (512) 477-5584. Valet parking is complimentary.

opened their restaurant with seating for 40 now has a mega-menu and a huge restaurant that seats 500. In the warmer months you can sit out on the patio. Great service, great food and atmosphere.

• Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, 4100 Red River St.: U.S. News & World Report ranked this the #1 hotel in Texas last year. The boutique hotel, a 10,800-square foot mansion built in 1928, sits on 10 acres in the heart of Austin. Rooms feature poster beds, rain showers and Juliette balconies.

• Lake Austin Spa Resort, 1705 S. Quinlan Park Road: Conde Nast Traveler

• El Arroyo, 1624 W. Fifth St.: This iconic institution has been "serving up Tex-Mex with a side of laughs" since 1975. The laughs come from the ever-changing sign outside its restaurant. The best Tex-Mex includes hand-squeezed margaritas and Black Angus steak tacos and much more.

• Matt's El Rancho, 2613 S. Lamar Blvd.: This historic Tex-Mex spot, in business since 1952, when Matt and wife Janie

JOANN'S FINE FOODS IS A GREAT BRUNCH SPOT. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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MIRAVAL AUSTIN RESORT & SPA; PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRAVAL

readers ranked this their #2 favorite in the country. Lakeside guest rooms, dining, indoor and outdoor fitness (including hydro-biking, sculling and kayaking) activities and spa and body treatments (choose from more than 100 treatments) are part of a stay at Lake Austin Spa Resort.

The Lady Bird Johnson suite includes a fireplace, private wildflower garden and hot tub. Guests must be age 16 or older.

• Miraval Austin Resort & Spa, 13500 FM 2769: The all-inclusive wellness resort is set on 220 acres of forest 28 miles from the airport. (There is an airport shuttle.)

Activities include horseback riding, cooking classes and golf — or enjoy the pool and hot tub. Parking, wifi and breakfast are included. Children under 18 are not allowed.

• Lakeway Resort & Spa, 101 Lakeway Dr., Lakeway: Located about 22 miles northwest of Austin, the hotel overlooks Lake Travis, and features three swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar). Restaurants and a spa are featured at the property. The LBJ Suite includes a kitchenette and balcony.

Happy travels!

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A HEREFORD GRAZES AT THE LBJ RANCH WEST OF AUSTIN. PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

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This communication is provided to you for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon by you. Loan programs may change at any time with or without notice. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a tax professional. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All loans subject to income verification, credit approval and property appraisal. Not a commitment to lend. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, L.L.C. NMLS #72043 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Located at 600 November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com Lynnhaven Parkway Suite 100 Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

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HISTORY

Will We See Snow This Winter in Alexandria?

BY BETH LAWTON PHOTOS BY CHRIS MILITZER

Although it always seems to snow in Hallmark Christmas movies, you're not likely to see the white stuff fall in Alexandria before January or February.

Snowfall the past several years has been below average in the Washington, D.C. metro area (including no snow last year), and this year may look the same, despite the presence of El Niño.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and several non-governmental organizations have released predictions for this winter. What to expect this winter depends on who you believe.

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According to NOAA, it is likely that temperatures in Northern Virginia will be higher than average this winter, and there will be more precipitation than average, too. Chances are good that the combination will translate to rain, not snow, from December through February.

So, we may see a lot of snow, or none at all.

However, other sources are calling for something different.

The Old Farmers' Almanac is expecting a cold and snowy winter across Virginia.

"Along with above-normal snow, we’ll see normal to colder-than-normal temperatures in areas that typically receive snow," according to the Almanac's website.

"El Niño is associated with aboveaverage snowfall in the Mid-Atlantic, but that is largely because it can produce feast-or-famine winters with one or two major snowstorms along the Acela corridor from Washington to New York," according to a Washington Post analysis.

Washington, D.C. had a series of snowy winters from 2013 through 2016. The last winter with significant snowfall was 2020-2021, and that was still slightly below average. Last year, the metro area got just a few traces of snow with no real accumulation.

alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

The DC metro area’s top 10 worst snowstorms #1 Jan. 27-29, 1922

28”

#2 Feb. 11-14, 1899

20.5”

#3 Feb. 18-19, 1979

18.7”

#4 Jan. 22-23, 2016

17.8”

#5 Feb. 5-6, 2010

17.8”

#6 Jan. 6-8, 1996

17.1”

#7 Feb. 15-18, 2003

16.7”

#8 Feb. 11-12, 1983

16.6”

#9 Dec. 18-19, 2009

16.4”

#10 Feb. 7, 1936

14.4”

SOURCE: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

THE LAST WORD

The Shoe Hive Owner Elizabeth Todd Celebrates 20 Years in Business

BY MARY ANN BARTON

Opening The Shoe Hive

“Well, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have a point of sale system; we wrote sales tickets up on a piece of paper and I really didn’t have a plan to actually account for inventory. It was a work in progress that was for sure. Some things were easier then. There was no Facebook or Instagram to keep up with, which can be a full-time job by itself.

Let’s talk shoes

Elizabeth Todd, owner of The Shoe Hive in Old Town Alexandria, grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio where the family was either at sporting events or hanging out at the pool. “Jumping on a train to NYC is no big deal [here] but going to NYC from Ohio was a huge deal. I went once as a kid.

That is one of my favorite parts of living here, you can be at a beach, a different city or the mountains or the water in a short car ride.”

Marriage brought her to the DC metro area. “I worked in state politics in Ohio right out of college and then I ran a direct mail firm for about 10 years - a very different occupation than retail!”

“I had traveled to smaller cities all over the states in my job and they always had these great little boutiques, especially shoe stores with smaller brands that you couldn’t find in big department stores.

That is how I have always loved to shop and I couldn’t believe we didn’t have a shoe store in Alexandria.”

“I am always in sneakers these days, like always. I really love AGL sneakers. They are the brand we have carried the longest and they were ahead of their time when it comes to fashion sneakers. When it comes to dress-up shoes, I have to say is a tie. I love the low heels by Tibi. I was just cleaning out my closet and I think I have seven pairs. I have never been much of a platform person but Rupert Sanderson does the perfect shorter platform called the Deidre. We are going to try to always have it in stock in a few colors going forward. It is expensive but worth it. You could literally go running in this shoe.”

Old Town Boutique District

I think the thing I love the most besides clothes is marketing — especially when it is collaborative. I had come from a direct mail background and so organizing a marketing co-op was something in my expertise. I actually secured the website “BoutiqueDistrict.org” right after I opened the store, and years before the organization launched. It was always my goal to try and play a part in making Old Town a unified shopping destination, not just a place that happened to have some shops. That goal has animated a lot of what we have done on marketing, from the very beginning, and I think it is a contributor to our quality of life."

Who are three people (living or dead) you would invite to dinner?

My Grandmother Butcher, Queen Elizabeth and Dolly Parton You would be surprised to learn that I ….. have never had a cavity and am a homebody.

I'm most proud of: My kids.

The last book I read is: "Atomic Habits” Every morning, I read: Can you count reading Instagram posts as reading?

The most adventurous thing I've ever done is: Bungee jumping My favorite vacation spot is: Paris My favorite meal is: Until Stomping Ground closed, it was the Veggie Hash so now I would have to say it’s anything at Girasole, a restaurant in The Plains, Virginia, owned by the Patierno family of Alexandria.

My favorite dessert is: Key Lime Pie A perfect day for me would include: Not doing much. Sitting on my couch drinking coffee and not being in a rush, taking my dogs on a long walk with my husband, watching my son play baseball or my daughter sing and then maybe dinner with friends at someone’s house. I am not much of a goto-dinner person.

November / December 2023 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com

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alexandrialivingmagazine.com • November / December 2023

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