12 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
GOING UP
GET AWAY TO THE
FLORIDA KEYS
NEW RESTAURANTS
COMING TO TOWN
Back to
School...
Learn something
new at any age!
ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
September / October 2021 $4.95
Living, Loving,
Listing Old Town
Lauren Bishop, McEnearney Associate
One of my favorite things about Old Town is
when the seasons change... and I don’t necessarily
mean just the weather. It’s the mood, culture,
and energy that comes out to greet us. It’s the
celebrations, holidays, and traditions. It’s the
community, friends, and neighbors. I love Old
Town, and love even more helping my clients
find a special place here to call home. Wherever
you are in life, your first home or third, connect
with me to talk about how I can help you with
your next move.
Lauren Bishop, Realtor® Tel. 202.361.5079 I LBishop@McEnearney.com I www.LaurenBishop.com
Old Town Alexandria 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I tel. 703.549.9292
Equal Housing Opportunity
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Check out our free online financial education resources and free financial webinars at
cofcu.org/empowerment. And, if you need help funding an education, we have solutions for that too.
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Alexandria, VA 22304
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Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
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Membership eligibility required. Membership is free and open to all residents of Virginia
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CONTENTS
8
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
There’s lots going on this fall
in and around Alexandria. Get
out and have some fun!
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH KUKLA
PHOTO BY MARY ANN BARTON PHOTO BY CHRISTY KOSNIC
26
30
18
20
24
26
30
52
FOOD & DINING
Here’s a look at the latest on
Alexandria’s restaurant scene, with
a surprising number of new eateries
opening their doors soon in our city.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Writer Rachel Kester delves
into the mystery of the Eastern
Cougar in the region.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A look at a fascinating topic that
most residents have likely never
heard about before: Alexandria’s
secret magnolia bogs.
PETS
We take a look at how man’s best
friend is trained to become a therapy
dog, service dog or facility dog.
HOME & GARDEN
Renovating a condo? Condo
owners must look at community
and space concerns among other
decorating considerations. Here’s
a look at a new and improved
kitchen, bath and home office.
TRAVEL
After being pent up the past
year thanks to the pandemic, an
unexpected 10-day girls’ trip to
the Florida Keys was heavenly.
Start planning your trip to explore
all the Keys have to offer now!
52
56
THE LAST WORD
We chat with the new owners
of the popular Grounded Coffee
Shop, located on Telegraph Road.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
3
FEATURES
38
Back to
School
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Heading back to the
classroom isn’t just for
the kids this fall. Looking
to learn a new skill?
We’ve got you covered.
45
Bigger,
Taller,
Denser
Alexandria continues to
grow, with new buildings
and developments on
the horizon. Here’s a
look at the latest.
ON THE COVER
Old Town Alexandria
streetscape
SOCIALIZE WITH US
facebook.com/alexandrialivingmag @alexlivingmag @alexandrialivingmag
PHOTO BY LAURIE COLLINS
4 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Babs Beckwith
Old Town’s Real Estate Expert
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Call Babs and put her expertise to work for you!
Babs Beckwith, Realtor ® Tel. 703.627.5421 I Babs@BabsBeckwith.com I OldTownAlexandriaLiving.com
109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I off. 703.549.9292 I Equal Housing Opportunity
PUBLISHER
Beth Lawton
A Letter
from Our Founders
EDITOR
Mary Ann Barton
ADVERTISING
Cleo Chitester
Teal Griffey
Lora Jerakis
DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION
Jessie Leiber
PUBLISHING ASSISTANT
Susannah Moore
INTERN
Tess Lundgren
Alexandria Living Magazine is published six
times per year by Alexandria Living, LLC
©2021. 201 N. Union St., Suite 110
Alexandria, VA 22314. For newsstand
or distribution locations or to
subscribe for home delivery, go to
alexandrialivingmagazine.com/subscribe.
CONTACT US
info@alexandrialivingmagazine.com or
call 571-232-1310.
PARTNER WITH US
Alexandria Living Magazine fully supports
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To learn more about how partnering
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ads@alexandrialivingmagazine.com or
call 571-232-1310.
PRESS RELEASES & TIPS
Send news releases and story tips to
maryann@alexandrialivingmagazine.com.
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
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Alexandria Living Magazine, 201 N. Union
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Subscriptions are $14.95 for one year or
6 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
$24.95 for two years.
It's time for fall in Alexandria! Whether
you're enjoying a stroll under a canopy of
autumn leaves, taking in a local fall festival
or enjoying a meal with family and friends
in the crisp autumn air at one of the City's
restaurants, a new season always feels like
a time to celebrate and start anew.
You'll want to start your look at this issue
with a perusal of some of the many events
coming up, including the Old Town Festival
of Speed & Style and the Hollin Hills House
+ Garden Tour (the magazine is a sponsor
of both and we're like you, we can't wait to
check them out!).
Even before Labor Day, you probably are
either sending kids back to school or recalling
those school days and all the excitement
that comes with it. Guess what? That feeling
doesn't need to end! There are fun and interesting
things to learn at any age, and we've
compiled quite the list of new skills you can
learn — from archery and motorcycling to
cooking and woodworking and a myriad of
other activities, starting on Page 38.
We are constantly amazed at the growth that
continues in Alexandria despite the pandemic.
In this issue, you can check out some of
the latest apartment, condo and retail developments
going up in and around Alexandria,
on Page 45. And don't forget to check out
our interactive map (scan the code on Page
45) online on our website.
Can you guess what one of the most popular
topics in the magazine and on our website
is? Dining, and even more specifically, finding
out about new restaurants opening in
Alexandria. We take a look at the surprising
growth on the restaurant scene, starting on
Page 18.
Writer Rachel Kester explores two intriguing
topics in this issue: The mystery of the
Eastern Cougar and Alexandria's secret magnolia
bogs, on pages 20 and 24, respectively.
We all know how Alexandrians feel about
their dogs — most pooches can't take a
few steps without getting a treat from a
local retailer or quenching their thirst at a
Beth Lawton, publisher, and Mary Ann Barton, editor
PHOTO BY MATT MENDELSOHN, TAKEN AT VIRTUE FEED & GRAIN.
water bowl left outside a Mom 'n Pop shop.
Susannah Moore explores some of the dogs
that go above and beyond — serving as facility,
therapy or service dogs, on Page 26.
With many condo-dwellers in our City, we
decided to explore some of the ins and
outs that some experience when it comes
to major renovations. We get a look at the
results with kitchen, bath and home office
makeovers, on Page 30.
With colder weather on the horizon, now
may be the time to plan an escape to a
warmer climate. You can't do better than a
visit to the Florida Keys. Come along with us
on a 10-day girlfriends' getaway, on Page 52.
One thing that Alexandrians take pretty
seriously — their coffee shops. One of our
favorites is Grounded Coffee Shop. Meet the
new owners in The Last Word.
With this issue, we are celebrating our third
year in print. The years are flying by! Thank
you — all of our advertisers, subscribers,
contributors and others in the community
who have helped us along the way.
Enjoy your fall, and we'll see you back here
in November!
Mary Ann Barton and Beth Lawton
Founders
Our Team
Meet some of the contributors to this issue.
LAURIE COLLINS
Photographer
RODNEY FISHER
Photographer
RACHEL KESTER
Contributor
Even if the name Laurie Collins doesn't
ring a bell, chances are you know the D.C.
native by her social media nom de plume
DCcitygirl on Instagram, where 136,000
followers check in on her amazing photography
of the area, including Alexandria. She
captured one of Old Town's iconic historic
streets for this issue's cover photo.
Rodney is an Alexandria resident who can
always be found at a local Fairfax County
park, most often at Huntley Meadows.
He has had a satisfying career as a health
care and education policy adviser in and
outside of Congress. Originally from Texas,
he discovered Old Town Alexandria on
a visit during the Christmas holidays. He
was so taken with its beauty, elegance
and history that he decided that this
was where he wanted to live...forever.
Rachel is a freelance writer from
Chesterfield, Virginia whose work covers
topics ranging from environment to travel.
She also reviews books, art and other
creative pursuits, often with a socio-environmental
focus. She enjoys exploring
Alexandria’s historic parks and browsing
the lively Old Town Farmers’ Market.
PHOTO BY SHANNON FINNEY
CHRISTY KOSNIC
Photographer
Christy is an interiors photographer in
the greater northern Virginia area. Her
love of architecture started young. At
5, she was drawing floor plans with her
home-builder grandfather. By the age of
7, she was seriously addicted to This Old
House. Architectural photography stems
naturally from Christy’s inherent love of the
spaces we live, work and play. In collaboration
with design professionals, Christy
seeks to capture the stories of those
spaces and the visions of the designers.
SUSANNAH MOORE
Contributor
Susannah has happily called Alexandria
home since 2015. She graduated from the
College of Charleston and has worked in
the political and legal fields and is excited
for the opportunity to rekindle her interest
in writing. For fun, she enjoys running
along the Potomac with her husband
or spending time with her rescue cat,
Cinnamon, and golden retriever, Kai.
STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG
Photographer
Art has always been a huge part of Stacy's
life. She has had her eye behind the camera
for as long as she can remember. She's
been shooting professionally for more
than 15 years and specializes in architecture
and interior design photography.
Her work has been featured in numerous
local and national publications, including
Architectural Digest, House Beautiful,
Vogue, and HGTV. Stacy currently lives in
the DC Metro area, where she grew up,
with her husband, two kids and three dogs.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
7
EVENT KEY
Arts
Food & Dining
Family-Friendly
Film
Historic/Educational
Literature
Live Music
Nightlife
Pet-Friendly
Recreation & Outdoor
Shopping
Theater
Workshop
Be sure to check out some of the fall events taking place at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. PHOTO BY RODNEY FISHER
FALL 2021
Calendar of Events
September
Yoga on the Magnolia Terrace
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Through Oct. 30
Join Carlyle House’s yoga instructor every
Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. or
Saturday at 10 a.m. for an hour-long
Vinyasa Flow yoga on the Carlyle House
Magnolia Terrace. Bring water, a towel
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLYLE HOUSE
and a yoga mat and wear comfortable
yoga-wear. Classes may be cancelled due to
extreme weather. Class is $10 per class or
$40 for a five-class pass.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Stigma Art Exhibit
Sept. 3-25
Stigma affects many different people
in many different ways, including those
with mental health disorders, HIV,
homelessness, disabilities and more.
Stigma can encourage bullies, racists,
sexists and systemic exclusion. The STIGMA
art exhibit features artwork that shines a
light on stigma — how it feels, how it can
affect and/or disrupt lives and how it can be
overcome.
Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.,
delrayartisans.org
The Old Town Festival of Speed
and Style
Sept. 5 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
highlights all the things that make Old Town
unique — history, architecture, great food,
8 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
fabulous people, art, style and energy.
The festival kicks off Saturday, Sept. 4 with
the King Street High Octane Ball, sponsored
by Alexandria Living Magazine and others
from 7:30-9:30 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 5,
view dozens of exotic cars on display along
the lower three blocks of King Street. At
the same time enjoy a presentation of
live music and fashion provided by more
than 40 local merchants with the Old
Town Boutique District. The festival is
free to attend All proceeds benefit USO
Washington-Baltimore and ALIVE!
SEP
10-19
Lower three blocks of King Street,
festivalspeedstylealex.com
Blood and Strikes: American Labor
in the 20th Century
Sept. 5 | 2 p.m.
From deadly mine explosions to wartime
strikes, the history of the 20th century
American labor movement is full of violence
and controversy. This Labor Day weekend,
learn about the struggle for workers’ rights
at the home of one of its most powerful
spokesmen, John L. Lewis. Face masks are
recommended. The tour is limited to 10
participants. Tickets must be purchased in
advance and are $10 per person.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Creations and Libations
Sept. 5 | 2-8 p.m.
Support local artists and enjoy local
libations as artists take over The Garden
ALX for a pop-up. Featuring the work of
10-plus local artists setup throughout the
event space, workshop and patio, as well as
local craft beer and cider.
The Garden Alexandria, 5380 Eisenhower Ave., Suite
C, thegarden.net
American Smallsword
Symposium 2021
Sept. 11-12 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The American Smallsword Symposium
is in its sixth year and exists to bring
together instructors, scholars, current and
prospective students and other parties
interested in the study and practice of small
swords and related subjects. Along with
fostering a general interest, the goal is to
bring about a recurring event along the
lines of the annual Smallsword Symposium
held in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Old Town Cocktail Week 2021
Sept. 10-19
Old Town Business presents Old Town Cocktail Week: A Celebration of the
Local Cocktail Community. Throughout the week, there will be a collection
of seminars and tastings alongside in-store specials at local boutiques.
Everything will be ticketed (managed by each store with funds raised going
directly to each store).
Various locations in Old Town, oldtownbusiness.org/old-town-cocktail
Prohibition in Alexandria
Walking Tour
Sept. 11, Oct. 16 | 10 a.m.
Discover the forgotten stories of teetotalers
and bootleggers on this walking tour of
Prohibition-era Alexandria. Learn about
the dramatic campaign to ban alcohol in
Virginia which threatened a long tradition
of local alcohol production and sale. The
tour begins at the Lee-Fendall House, home
to the Downham family, who were once
one of the city’s most prominent liquor
dealers. Face masks are recommended.
The tour is limited to 10 participants and
lasts approximately an hour-and-a-half.
Walking tours take place rain or shine
so wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and
are $15 per person.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
August Wilson’s 'Fences'
Sept. 11-25 | various times
The Little Theatre of Alexandria will present
this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, which
also won the Tony Award for Best Play. It
is set in the segregated 1950s, where Troy
Maxson, a former Negro League baseball
star, is scraping by as a sanitation worker.
"Fences" explores the walls we build
around ourselves and our loved ones, while
also illuminating one family’s struggles in a
racist society.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St.,
thelittletheatre.com
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
9
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER
SEP
18-19
Concerts at The Birchmere
Music Hall
Check out some of the performances
scheduled for September and October at
The Birchmere. Check The Birchmere’s
website for the latest information and a full
concert list. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices vary.
SEPT. 1, 2
Jeffrey Osborne
SEPT. 5
The Marshall Tucker Band
SEPT. 8
Blue Oyster Cult
SEPT. 11
Madeleine Peyroux
SEPT. 14
Suzanne Vega
SEPT. 16
Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2021
SEPT. 20
Amy Grant
SEPT. 23, 24
The High Kings
SEPT. 27
Christopher Cross
OCT. 1
Preacher Lawson
OCT. 4, 5
Toad the Wet Sprocket
OCT. 13, 14
Damien Escobar
OCT. 18, 19
Boney James
OCT. 22, 23
The Whispers
OCT. 25
Gordon Lightfoot
The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
birchmere.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON
8th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl
Sept. 11, 18, 25 | 2-6 p.m.
Port City is excited to once again host
the 8th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl. The
crawls will be held in Old Town Alexandria
on three different dates. Each day will
feature four restaurants and/or pubs,
an exciting selection of ales and lagers, a
commemorative pint glass and shirt and
some small surprises along the way. Their
goal is to keep the annual tradition going
in 2021, creating a more personalized and
hands-on experience, with hopes of having
a larger pub crawl back in July 2022. Port
City will work closely with their participating
partners to ensure safety is the top priority.
Tickets are required and space is limited so
be sure to secure your spot.
Various locations, portcitybrewing.com
Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War
Walking Tour of Alexandria
Sept. 18 | 9 a.m.
This walking tour shares the stories of
soldiers, citizens and self-liberated African
Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers
the military occupation, the conversion
of public and private buildings into
hospitals and emancipation. Face masks
are recommended. The tour is limited to
10 participants and lasts approximately an
hour-and-a-half. Walking tours take place
rain or shine so wear appropriate shoes
and clothing. Tickets must be purchased in
advance and are $15 per person.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Colonial Market & Fair
Sept. 18-19 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Step back in time at Mount Vernon’s
Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and
wares made by colonial artisans. The event
is free after paying for admission.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
19th Annual Alexandria Old Town
Art Festival
Sept. 18-19 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The 19th Annual Alexandria Old Town Art
Festival is heading back to John Carlyle
Square in 2021. All artwork is juried,
which provides a higher level of quality,
diversity and creativity of art on display,
exemplifying the gifted artists in regions
from all over the country. Admission is free.
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St.,
artfestival.com/cities/Alexandria
Smithsonian Museum Day
Sept. 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Museum Day is an annual celebration
hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. The
Lee-Fendall House Museum will join
thousands of other museums and cultural
institutions across the country to provide
free entry to anyone presenting a Museum
Day ticket. Register for your ticket at
smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/
museum/lee-fendall-house-museumgarden/
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
10 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
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S H O P L O C A L , S H O P S M A L L
M A D E I N A L X . C O M
G i f t s f o r a l l a g e s a n d a l l i n t e r e s t s
f r o m A l e x a n d r i a ' s i n d e p e n d e n t m a k e r s .
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
11
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SEP
25
‘Warm & Cozy’ Pop-Up Shop at
Lost Boy Cider
Sept. 19 | 1-6 p.m.
Lost Boy Cider is hosting some of
Alexandria’s best makers, creators
and artists for a one-day pop-up shop
in partnership with Made in ALX, a
partnership of local crafters. The popup
shop will feature candles, blankets,
honey for tea and dozens of other items
to get you ready for the cold weather —
whenever it arrives!
Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Dr., lostboycider.com
and madeinalx.com
Carlyle House Yoga Mala
(Sun Salutations)
Sept. 25 | 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Hollin Hills House + Garden Tour
Sept. 25 | noon-6 p.m.
The Civic Association of Hollin Hills welcomes all to the largest mid-century
modern home and garden tour on the East Coast. Hollin Hills is an awardwinning
mid-century modern neighborhood in Alexandria. This self-guided
walking tour will showcase stunning examples of mid-century modern
architecture, landscaping and interior design throughout this unique
neighborhood listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National
Register of Historic Places. Registration will start at 10 a.m. at Hollin Meadows
Elementary School (2310 Nordok Place). Tickets are $50 for regular and $80
for VIP.
Hollin Hills, hollinhillsmodern.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLIN HILLS HOUSE + GARDEN TOUR
Celebrate the equinox on your yoga mat
with a mala. Sign up for one hour or more.
Bring a towel, mat and water. You will need
to sign a waiver for each hour you attend.
Registration is required as space is limited.
Price is $15 per class.
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
National Wine and Food Festival
Sept. 25-26 | noon-6 p.m.
Join in the excitement of the 12th Annual
National Wine and Food Festival, bringing
together world-renowned chefs, artisanal
craftsmen and culinary pioneers with
thousands of Metro DC foodies. General
admission tickets are $39 and VIP tickets
are $89 on Saturday and $59 on Sunday.
National Harbor, Md., 802 National Harbor Blvd.,
nationalharbor.uncorkthefun.com
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day
Celebration
Sept. 18 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Alexandria’s Irish
heritage organization, the
Ballyshaners, is excited
to host a “halfway to St.
Patrick’s Day celebration”
featuring vendors, food, beer and the best
Irish music and dancers in town. Festivities
will take place rain or shine.
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., ballyshaners.org
First Annual Hollin Meadows
Swim & Tennis Club Gala
Sept. 18 | 5 p.m.
Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club
is excited to host an evening of music,
beverages, food and silent and live auctions
to benefit the building of a new pool, tennis
courts and grounds to create summer
memories for generations to come. Tickets
are $75 in advance/$100 at the door
and are encouraged to be purchased in
advance. This is an outdoor event, rain date
will be Sept. 25. The gala is open to the full
community (no membership required).
Hollin Meadows Swim & Tennis Club, 2500
Woodlawn Trail, hollinmeadows.org
Life Guard Society Fall Gala at
Mount Vernon
Sept. 25 | 6 p.m.
Join Mount Vernon Saturday, Sept. 25,
for a gala evening in support of the
restoration of the bedchamber of George
and Martha Washington. The evening will
feature cocktails on the East Lawn of the
Mansion overlooking the Potomac River,
and a black-tie seated dinner on the Estate
grounds. In addition, there will be afterhour
tours of the Mansion with a Mount
Vernon curator leading attendees through
a viewing of some personal objects owned
by the Washingtons that are not normally
on display.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
12 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Burgundy Farm Country Day School, we believe children learn best in an
At
creative, and nurturing environment that engages the whole child.
inclusive,
us for an upcoming Open House to learn more!
Join
by visiting: burgundyfarm.org/admission/open-house
Register
7 0 0 B u r g u n d y R o a d
3
l e x a n d r i a , V A 2 2 3 0 3
A
Finding All
Opportunities in a
Changing Market
JILLIAN KECK HOGAN
REAL ESTA TE GROUP
Licensed in VA, DC & MD
703.951.7655 I JillianKeckHogan.com
109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.549.9292
Equal Housing Opportunity
D I S C O V E R
U R G U N D Y
B
An independent JK through 8th Grade school
b u r g u n d y f a r m . o r g
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
13
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sips & Secrets: A Speakeasy Night
Sept. 25 | 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
This annual fundraising party celebrates
Lee-Fendall House’s Prohibition-era
history, when the house was home to one
of Alexandria’s liquor wholesalers (and
possible bootleggers). Highlights include
dancing to live jazz music, a costume
contest, 1920s-style cocktails and more.
The event will raise funds for the repair of
the museum’s 220-year-old brick garden
wall as well as support the museum’s
ongoing work in historic preservation,
education and community engagement. A
private VIP pre-reception will precede the
main event. Tickets are limited.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
OCT
2
George Washington Patriot Run
Sept. 26
Join Mount Vernon and patriotic
participants around the country for a
10-miler and 5K. The racecourse will
include both lanes of a five-mile stretch of
the George Washington Parkway from the
George Washington Parkway Circle to W.
Boulevard Drive. After the race, the Finish
Festival will offer music, food and beverage
concessions and a free beer for each
runner. This race is in-person, with a virtual
option for participants who are outside of
the area.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Expanding the Common Ground:
Voices of the Global Majority
Art Exhibit
Oct. 1-30
The Expanding the Common Ground:
Voices of the Global Majority art exhibit
explores what makes us one, seeks the
common ground among us and examines
what it means to heal the divides. Local
artists and high school students present
artworks examining all facets of diversity
and celebrating unity.
Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave.,
delrayartisans.org
Homeschool Day – Archives
Oct. 1 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Lee-Fendall House Museum welcomes
homeschoolers for Homeschool Day.
The theme this fall, in honor of American
Archives Month, will focus on archives and
how people learn about history through
documents. Tours of the house will be
offered every hour starting at 10 a.m.
with the last tour starting at 3 p.m., with
a limited number of people per session.
Advance registration for a specific tour time
is required. Face masks are recommended.
Admission prices are: Adults (18 and older)
$3, students (3-17) $5 and children under
age 3 are admitted free of charge.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
PHOTO BY CHRIS MILITZER
Art on the Avenue
Oct. 2 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
One of the region’s top multicultural arts festivals will return to an in-person
event for its 26th year. Held each fall on Mount Vernon Avenue between
Hume and Bellefonte avenues, Art on the Avenue strives to reflect the
diversity of the Del Ray community through the artists and their work. This
year’s event will feature more than 300 local and regional artists. Live music,
international food, children’s activities and a pie-baking contest to benefit a
local non-profit round out the day’s activities.
Mount Vernon Ave., artontheavenue.org
Archaeology Family Day
Oct. 2 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Discover how archaeology uncovers the
past through family-friendly activities
at Mount Vernon. Sensory-friendly
accommodations will be made between
9-11 a.m. for visitors who need a quieter
experience. The activity is included with the
price of admission.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
14 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Spirits of Carlyle House
Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29 | 6-8:30 p.m.
Carlyle House’s long and diverse history
is full of truths, myths and rumors that
makes it one of the most-visited places
on Alexandria’s ghost tours. Come and
experience a uniquely haunting tour of the
house and grounds by candlelight, perhaps
encounter the departed spirits of notable
residents and neighbors and hear their
tales of sadness and triumph. Reservations
are required; tickets are $10 and are
available on the website. Tours are on the
half hour.
OCT
30
Carlyle House Historic Park, 121 N. Fairfax St.,
novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Oct. 8-10 | 6-9 p.m.
Bring a blanket and relax while you enjoy
unlimited samples of Virginia wines on
the grounds of Mount Vernon after hours.
Attendees will also have the chance to meet
George Washington. Ticket prices are:
Friday: $49 members, $59 general public
Saturday: $53 members, $63 general public
Sunday: $43 members, $53 general public
VIP tables are also available.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Beyond the Battlefield: A Civil War
Walking Tour of Alexandria
Oct. 9, 23 | 9 a.m.
This walking tour shares the stories of
soldiers, citizens and self-liberated African
Americans in Civil War Alexandria. It covers
the military occupation, the conversion of
public and private buildings into hospitals
and emancipation. The tour is limited to
10 participants and lasts approximately an
hour-and-a-half. Walking tours take place
rain or shine so wear appropriate shoes
and clothing. Tickets must be purchased in
advance and are $15 per person.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Wait Until Dark
Oct. 16-Nov. 6 | various times
Set against the socially turbulent 1960s, this
play by Frederick Knott follows the story of
Suzy, a blind woman who, while left alone
in her apartment, becomes embroiled with
a group of con men hatching an elaborate
PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON
scam. As the tension mounts, Suzy must
fend for herself, but the phone line is cut
and the house is plunged into darkness.
Can Suzy outwit her murderous visitors?
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St.,
thelittletheatre.com
Fall Harvest Festival
Oct. 23-24 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with
18th-century activities and demonstrations
at the farm at Mount Vernon. Beer making,
fish packing, spinning, textile-dying, cooking
and more will be featured. Cost is included
with the price of admission.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Grief & Ghost Tours
Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30 |7 p.m., 7:30 p.m.,
8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with a look at
Victorian mourning traditions coupled with
stories of tragic deaths and mysterious
occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House.
Customs such as draping the mirrors
after a death, funeral practices, hair
mementos, mourning clothing and séances
will be explored. These tours offer a rare
opportunity to see the house after dark.
Tickets are $15 per person. Tour groups
will be limited to 10 participants and tickets
must be purchased in advance. Face masks
are recommended.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Fall Frolic
Oct. 30 | 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m.,
2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Enjoy some seasonal family fun in the
garden of the Lee-Fendall House during
Fall Frolic. Put on your Halloween costumes
and enjoy activities designed for children
ages 3-12. Activities include a “ghost” hunt,
crafts and a costume parade. Timed tickets
must be purchased in advance.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614
Oronoco St., leefendallhouse.org
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Oct. 30 | 2-6 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century
entertainment and activities. Guests receive
a take-home craft and a bag of candy.
Tickets for adults are $17 for members or
$25 for the general public. Tickets for youth
are $9 for members or $15 for general
public.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount
Vernon Memorial Hwy., mountvernon.org
Keep an eye out for the annual
doggy-trick-or-treating in Old Town
hosted by The Dog Park store at
705 King St. and trick-or-treat for
the little ones hosted by Old Town
Boutique District.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com 15
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fast Cars,
Hot Fashion
SEP
5
The Festival of Speed & Style is
returning to Alexandria on Sunday,
Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The car-and-fashion-show will take over
several blocks of King Street and Market
Square, featuring rare and unusual cars in
addition to fashion.
The event started in 2019 under the
guidance of Sonoma Cellar owner Rick
Myllenbeck. The event went into neutral in
2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event will include an eclectic mix of
Grand Touring sports cars from the 1950s
through the 1980s. Also included: “Exotic,
unique, rare and unusual modern-day
automobiles that draw people's attention
because they are wicked cool and
are rarely seen in public,” according to
event organizers.
The Festival of Speed & Style will raise money
for two charities: ALIVE! and the USO of
Metro Washington.
The USO is a volunteer organization that
focuses on keeping military members connected
to the people and places they love. In
addition, the USO hosts social and educational
events throughout the Washington
and Baltimore metro areas.
ALIVE! is an Alexandria organization that
focuses on helping those in need in the City
of Alexandria by providing food and a variety
of services to individuals and families.
For more information about the festival, visit
festivalspeedstylealex.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLD TOWN FESTIVAL OF SPEED & STYLE
16 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
We chose Melissa to list our beloved home of
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Our ability to fully rely on Melissa during a
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Melissa continually proved herself to be our
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m: 703.627.0074
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melissa.shelby@compass.com
melissasellsvirginia.com
Melissa.Sells.Virginia
MelissaSellsVirginia
Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources
deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland.
1004 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703.229.8935
PHOTO COURTESY OF TACO BAMBA
Alexandria's Growing
Restaurant Scene
BY ALEXANDRIA LIVING MAGAZINE STAFF
Alexandria’s restaurant
community has changed over
the past few months. We
saw some openings, some
closings and more interesting
movements in the industry.
Here’s a look!
What’s Buzzing at Bradlee?
After Atlantis closed its doors in
January, after 40 years in business
at Bradlee Shopping Center, it didn’t
take long for a new business to take
interest in the spot. Signs popped up
stating “Have you heard the latest
buzzzzz? New neighborhood diner,
COMING SOON!”
Beeliner Diner is the new restaurant.
It will be run by a local company, but
the owners are not ready to release
details. For details, keep an eye on
alexandrialivingmagazine.com this fall.
Taco Bamba Coming Home
Alexandria residents are about to
have another option for Taco Tuesday.
Taco Bamba Taqueria is opening in
Alexandria’s West End later this year,
the company announced. The restaurant
will open its seventh location in
the Landmark neighborhood at 6259
Little River Turnpike. Chef Victor Albisu
reportedly worked in his mother’s Latin
market in the Landmark neighborhood
when he was growing up, so this
opening is a homecoming of sorts for
him. Taco Bamba will open in the fall or
winter, according to the company.
District Bagel Shop
Opening in Old Town
Call your friends and neighbors — and
your mother — and let them know that
Call Your Mother is expanding to Old
Town. The owners of 128 and 130 N.
Pitt St. confirmed the popular Districtbased
bagel shop will be moving into
1,800 square feet on the ground floor
of the building. The building has been
vacant since Helen Olivia Flowers
relocated to Del Ray two years ago. The
bagel shop, which also sells coffee and
sweets, describes itself as a “Jew-ish”
deli and is the creation of chef Daniela
Moreira and Andrew Dana, along with
partner Jeff Zients. They started out at
farmers’ markets before opening their
first location in DC’s Park View neighborhood
in 2018.
18 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
FOOD & DIINING
Historic Building Now
Home to Frozen Custard
This summer, a walk-up frozen
custard stand opened in
The Ice House building at 200
Commerce St. Goodies Frozen
Custard & Treats serves up
carry-out frozen custard, coffee
and baked goods. Goodies
is known for Wisconsin-style
frozen custard and treats like
the “donutwich” (an apple cider
donut stuffed with vanilla
frozen custard and topped
with caramel), sundaes,
shakes and floats.
Goodies started as a food
truck, self-described as
“Washington D.C.’s first
and only ‘Vintage Mobile
Eatery’ paying homage to the
Rock & Roll era.” The food
truck is available for events
(including weddings).
The Ice House was originally
the property of Mutual Ice Co.,
Alexandria’s largest ice distributor.
At just 300 square feet
inside, the building stored ice
before home refrigeration was
widely available. The Mutual
Ice Co. was founded in 1900
on the Potomac River waterfront,
selling ice to residents
and servicing rail cars along
the Potomac Yard rail line.
More Pizza? Yes, Please
Emmy Squared opened its doors this
summer at 124 King St., in the heart of
Old Town Alexandria, near the waterfront.
The restaurant features high
ceilings, brick walls, seating at tables,
booths and a bar and a friendly
and attentive staff. The menu includes
pizza, salads, appetizers and more.
Standouts included the Crispy Chicken
Crunchers appetizer and the Pepperoni
Pizza. The delicious pizzas come in thick
square slabs on wire racks.
In addition a new &pizza is opening
in Kingstowne (next to a new Chopt
Creative Salads venue), and another
&pizza in the Eisenhower East neighborhood
is in the works.
Jollibee to Open First Northern
VA Restaurant
The Filipino chicken restaurant
Jollibee is bringing its signature
Chickenjoy to Alexandria. Jollibee
will open in Lincolnia at the intersection
of Beauregard Street and Little
River Turnpike.
The building was previously occupied
by Boston Market. Jollibee has about
40 restaurants in the United States —
primarily in California — and more than
1,300 restaurants worldwide.
“Jollibee is best known for Chickenjoy,
which is delicately hand-breaded to
be crispylicious on the outside, with
a secret marinade making it juicylicious
on the inside. Every day, our
customers revel in the joy of our fan
favorites which include our sweetstyle
Jolly Spaghetti and scrumptious
Peach Mango Pie made with real
Philippine mangoes,” according to the
company’s website.
“Parallel to our mission to spread the
joy of eating across the globe, we are
all about family. As we expand, we
continue to forge partnerships with
local community organizations to be a
catalyst that spreads joy and the family
values we espouse wherever we go.”
The only other Jollibee restaurant in
Virginia is in Virginia Beach.
Bob & Edith’s Expanding to
Old Town
You can never have enough diners,
and we were excited to hear Bob &
Edith’s will open an Alexandria location.
Coming to 1743 King St., it will take
over the spot where Ernie’s Original
Crab House, which closed in April,
was located.
Elo’s Italian Opens Pop Up
The owners of Live Oak in Del Ray
opened Elo’s Italian Pop-Up over the
summer, serving up Italian favorites
from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday on their patio and for pickup.
Chadwicks Adds Outdoor Dining
The Alexandria City Council approved
Chadwicks’ plan this summer for a
new outdoor dining area, which the
restaurant is hoping to open soon.
The outdoor seating for 70 guests was
expected to be located at the front of
the restaurant, at 203 Strand St., and
on the side, partially in Gilpin Alley.
Chadwicks plans to include quiet outdoor
speakers to provide background
music in the outdoor dining areas.
What’s Next?
Hank & Mitzi’s, located at 600
Montgomery St., closed its
doors. “Opening a restaurant in the
middle of a global pandemic was not
without challenges and even with dedicated
staff and loyal customers we find
ourselves needing to pause, regroup,
and determine the best way to move
forward in this space,” the restaurant
said in a statement.
In addition, Rosemarino D’Italia closed
its doors in Del Ray, in part due to the
pandemic. The restaurant’s Dupont
neighborhood location in the District
continues operations.
Be sure to check our website
for the latest dining updates!
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
19
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mystery of the Eastern
Cougar in Alexandria
BY RACHEL KESTER
In 2014, a potential Eastern
Cougar sighting close to
Riverside Elementary School
on Old Mount Vernon Road
went viral. School authorities
canceled outdoor recess out
of an abundance of caution.
Almost instantly, the county
set up cameras to confirm if
this fabled animal was back to
reclaim its territory.
Even though many believe this creature
to be rare, most are surprised to
learn that they were once common
to the area. Before their extinction,
Eastern Cougars lived in countless
areas near the community, such as
the Shenandoah, Blue Ridge and the
Allegheny Mountains. While these are
hours away, cougars can walk great
distances and they easily made the
long journey to Fairfax County’s forested
borders.
However, as early settlers began to
spread through the region, it proved
to be the beginning of the end of
the Eastern Cougar. Their consistent
presence led them to be perceived as
a menacing predator that would prowl
around at night in search of cattle and
people. Consequently, bounties were
provided by local governments to incentivize
hunters.
Eastern Cougar kits. PHOTO BY DAVID SCHINDLE FOR THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Despite the broad belief that the hunts
would make the community safer, it
ended up being counter-intuitive, as
suggested by Rick Hopkins, president
of The Cougar Fund: “You don’t make
people or cattle safer by killing cougars.
If you hunt them too much, you
increase the number of sub-adult males
who tend to cause the most trouble so
conflict will go up.”
But why did the cougar disappear from
Alexandria?
Didn’t the nearby forests and mountains
provide enough room?
What is often forgotten is that during
the start of the 20th-century these now
lush wildernesses, like Shenandoah
National Park, weren’t always forests
but sprawling farms. As Edward Clark,
founder of The Wildlife Center of
Virginia, explained, “The advancement
of European colonists in these areas
turned their forests into pastures, pushing
the cougars westward.”
In an attempt to mitigate these disappearances,
the Eastern Cougar Recovery
Plan was developed. This 1982 project
did not succeed despite its best efforts,
and today, the effects of the cougar’s
absence are clear. For instance, you
might notice a recent influx of whitetail
deer in Northern Virginia — and while
intriguing, these creatures can wreak
havoc on farms and be road dangers.
The cougar diet managed the deer
population which kept their numbers
under control. Without them, the deer
population continues to increase, leading
to serious issues not only for their
own herds, but for humans, too.
While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
officially classifies the Eastern Cougar
as extinct, that doesn’t mean there’s not
a hidden colony somewhere, including
perhaps near Alexandria. This belief
is still a cause for debate as experts
vary in their opinions, although most
lean toward the extinction side of
the argument.
20 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
THE LOCAL
LENDER
Puma. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Clark, for instance, declares that the
Eastern Cougar is gone and never coming
back, largely because it doesn’t coexist
well with humans. Hopkins agrees on
this point but doesn’t necessarily concur
with Clark on the complete absence of
the cougar from the area.
“A population is a somewhat self-sustaining
and breeding region,” he says.
“Cougars move great distances and
we’ve seen South Dakota cougars move
as far as Oklahoma.” Their thoughts
might differ but one thing’s clear:
Cougars need adequate space and privacy
if they’re to thrive.
There’s a slight possibility that against
all odds cougars have discovered a
well-hidden spot along the East Coast to
prosper. Because of its scope and terrain,
it can be difficult for even modern
explorers to track cougars. This could
provide hope that somewhere concealed
in its landscape there’s a small population
still unknown.
New research has also shown that
Western Cougars (basically cougars that
live in the West) are slowly moving back
East. While this doesn’t necessarily mean
a rebound, it could lead to nearby mountains
and forests seeing occasional cougars
once more. But, with development
booming along the Eastern Seaboard,
chances are slim. Cougars need space
and it would be hard for them to travel
in these areas without running into
sections where they could be killed or
spooked away.
So what about those mysterious cougar
sightings in Alexandria? More than
likely, they’re just bobcats passing
through. But cougar enthusiasts, don’t
despair. There’s still a sliver of a chance
that these encounters are much more
significant and could be an outlier of a
close-by population.
The next time you venture around the
city or glance out your window during
the evening, that quick flash of fur
you see out of the corner of your eye
might not be a figment of your imagination,
but rather a unique glance at
Alexandria’s past and perhaps its
secretive present.
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Alexandria, Virginia
Mortgage Banker
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22 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
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September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
23
Alexandria’s
Secret
Magnolia Bogs
PHOTOS BY ROD H. SIMMONS
BY RACHEL KESTER
After grabbing their journals
and magnifying glasses on their
way out, early 20th-century
conservationists would hop
on the newly installed electric
trolleys around Alexandria to
visit a recent magical discovery
— magnolia bogs.
Once they arrived at their destination,
the researchers would quickly walk
through the bustling area to enter a tiny
secluded portion that, to the untrained
eye, looked like nothing more than a
muddy swamp.
After stepping inside, the loudness of the
city dissolved and the scientists found
themselves engulfed in an otherworldly
atmosphere that mimicked a Costa
Rican rainforest. The grounds were dim,
but the light gaps peeking through the
treetops provided just enough space
for sunbeams to reach through so they
could study its habitat.
Spanning no more than 1 acre in size,
early residents originally called these
natural wonders “magnolia swamps”
after the plentiful Sweetbay magnolias
growing around them. It was the
early 1900s when biologist Waldo Lee
McAtee gave them their official name
of magnolia bogs. McAtee was one of
the first to document these areas and
spent years trekking through the region
to write about their history, condition
and location.
But, over time, the grandeur of the
Alexandria bogs faded and they became
only a memory as development increased.
Today, one of the last of these,
the Beatley Bog, is fighting to survive.
Despite their rich history and importance
in the local ecosystem, many in the
area are still unaware of the existence of
these unique micro-ecosystems.
Fundamentally, the acidic bogs are a
testament of the Ice Age with most of
their topography and plants reflecting
this period. In fact, they’re some of the
rarest in the world because they thrive
exclusively within the East Coast’s Fall
Zone. Thanks to this setup, they have a
distinctive filtering system that strains
large quantities of rainwater that come
from upland terraces. As the water flows
along the clay terraces, they remove any
sand and gravel away before it falls into
the bogs.
Today, the main force behind preserving
magnolia bogs is Rod Simmons,
Alexandria’s Natural Resource Manager
and Plant Ecologist, who has spent more
than 30 years investigating them. In spite
of his decades of research, Simmons
is still amazed at the new discoveries.
Some of his most notable experiences
24 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
have been uncovering species that have never been
recorded or were thought to have disappeared
forever. He also fondly remembers coming across
century-old artifacts left behind by early magnolia
bog explorers.
Simmons explains that Alexandria has had a significant
loss of magnolia bogs simply due to human development
as well as mismanagement. Throughout
the 1900s, there were countless scattered around
the city. While the first surveyors didn’t give them
a specific name, they would track their location.
Because of this, we know there were bogs near
Hunting Creek, Hume Spring in Four Mile Run Valley,
Taylor Run, Lake Barcroft and Turkeycock Run, to
name a few. Scientists would hike through these
mostly now-vanished spots and collect rare flora like
Virginia bunchflower, nodding ladies’ tresses, white
fringed orchids and swamp sunflowers.
Simmons also describes magnolia bogs as biodiversity
hotspots that provide a habitat for a myriad
of rare dragonflies, damselflies, crustaceans and
birds. This makes them a favorite hideout for yellow-crowned
night herons, rusty blackbirds and little
wood satyrs.
In spite of their remarkable ecosystem, magnolia
bogs are unfortunately fragile environments
because anything that disrupts their hydrologic
supply (like pipe installations) harms their existence.
Besides this, invasive plants (especially poison ivy)
threaten their rare flora. Magnolia bogs are resilient
but any intrusions take their toll.
What is the main culprit behind the extinction
of magnolia bogs? In most cases, ignorance. The
National Park Service oversees one site at Oxon
Run, but despite an investment of over $29 million
two decades ago to protect it from the Metro, it is
still struggling to flourish.
Besides this, man-made adjustments of the tidal
plains have often redirected water resulting in
erosion and sediment deposition. Stormwater runs
have also proven to be troublesome. While magnolia
bogs are primarily filled by rainwater from nearby
springs, toxic pollutants on roads and landscapes
will get washed away and eventually drain into
them. As Simmons points out, “The water we have
isn’t created, just renewed. We don’t get more of it.”
Magnolia bogs might seem insignificant but they’re
a critical piece of Alexandria’s culture and environment.
As with so much of our local heritage, what
we have is unique and irreplaceable and these
strange, uncelebrated tiny swamps just might be
one of the jewels in that crown.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
25
PETS
Calming
Canines
BY SUSANNAH MOORE
Therapy dogs, service dogs,
facility dogs: We recently delved
into the important distinctions
between these calming canines
and found out about a couple of
them serving right here in the
Alexandria area.
If you’ve spent time at ALX Community’s
coworking offices along the waterfront
in Old Town Alexandria, you may have
noticed a lively, reddish-brown Vizsla
hanging out with his owner, Elizabeth
Kukla. The pup, Dieter, is more than
just a beloved pet, he also works with
Kukla as a therapy dog. He offers a
monthly “De-stress with Dieter” event at
the office.
Therapy dogs are not breed-based but
behaviorally based, which means that
temperament is most important when
determining if a dog would make a good
therapy dog. That being said, some
breeds lend themselves better to the
job than others because they have been
bred to enjoy human interaction.
“If you specifically want to get a dog
to do therapy dog work, I would pay
attention to what breeds are in your dog
because purebred dogs and mixes of
purebred dogs are going to have traits of
what they were bred to do, and different
breeds of dogs have different tendencies
and habits,” explained Kukla.
Dieter. PHOTO BY SARAH MARCELLA
Vizslas like Dieter are bird-hunting
dogs but are also known for being very
friendly and people-pleasers. Kukla was
inspired to train her dog to be a therapy
dog after her sister did therapy dog work
in Alexandria with her Golden Retriever.
One of Kukla’s main motivations to
train Dieter was to visit people in
nursing homes, which was her favorite
place to take him prior to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people in nursing homes ... a
lot of times they will have to give up
any pets that they have. The Alliance of
Therapy Dogs — their slogan is ‘Sharing
Smiles and Joy’ — and I think the most
true place I’ve seen that is at a nursing
home,” said Kukla.
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs
(therapydogs.com) is one of two national
organizations that can certify a dog as a
therapy dog. The second is Pet Partners
(petpartners.org). Kukla said both do
great work, but she decided to go with
the Alliance of Therapy Dogs because
they have less dietary and other restrictions
on their therapy dogs.
Kukla encourages owners interested
in doing therapy dog work with their
dog to start training them as young as
possible. Puppies should get exposed to
all kinds of people, places, objects and
situations and should be taught basic
obedience skills.
She recommends getting the AKC Canine
Good Citizen program and test which
is a good baseline. While training is not
necessarily required, it helps a lot with
passing the test to become a therapy
dog, which includes testing on practical
skills and three site visits. Once a dog
passes the therapy dog test, dogs are required
to do therapy work at least every
three months, submit yearly vet records
and a renewal form.
Kukla says that Dieter knows when
it’s time to be in work mode. He has a
special collar that he only wears when
26 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Dieter and Elizabeth Kukla his owner winning awards at various competitions. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH KUKLA
What about emotional
support animals (ESA)?
Emotional support animals do not
require any training and simply
require a doctor’s or therapist’s
note. They provide comfort and
support to owners struggling with
a physical or mental health issue.
ESAs used to be allowed on airline
flights but recently many airlines
have banned ESAs in the cabin
including Alaska Airlines, American
Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier
Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest
Airlines, and United Airlines.
he’s doing therapy work. “When he sees
that and you take him into a facility he
is much more calm…it’s like something
switches in his brain,” she said.
You don’t have to be a dog owner to
contact one of the therapy dog organizations.
If you are simply looking for a
therapy dog to visit your school, nursing
home or other place, you can reach out
to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and they
will connect you with a local therapy dog
and handler.
Therapy dogs vs. service or
facility dogs
Therapy dogs should not be confused
with service dogs or facility dogs (which
are a type of service dog) who perform
an important service for an individual
owner or are assigned to a specific
professional health care, visitation or
educational setting.
These dogs undergo intensive training
from birth and are often bred specifically
for that purpose. In fact, therapy dog
handlers can lose certification for misrepresenting
their dogs as service dogs.
It is also a class 4 misdemeanor according
to Virginia law.
Two-year-old Labrador/Golden Retriever
mix Rylynn recently joined the Fairfax
County Department of Family Services
as a facility dog. Specifically, she works
with children and families going through
sexual abuse investigations. Rylynn
was bred and trained by the non-profit
organization Canine Companions ® which
provides service dogs, hearing dogs,
facility dogs, skilled companions and
assistance dogs for veterans at no cost
to the recipient.
Rylynn and other Canine Companions ®
dogs are always Labrador Retrievers,
Golden Retrievers or a mix of the two
and are bred by the organization in
California. At 8 weeks old, the puppies
are sent to live with volunteers who raise
the puppies until they are approximately
a year-and-a-half old.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
27
PETS
Sam Carrico and Rylynn. PHOTO COURTESY OF CANINE COMPANIONS ®
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
FAMILY SERVICES
Then, the dogs attend a six-month-long
professional training program at one
of the organization’s six centers located
across the country. There, the dogs
learn 40 commands and are taught to
pull wheelchairs, open and close doors,
retrieve items and other essential skills.
After the six-month training, the dogs
attend a two-week long team training,
where they are observed and matched
with their recipients; the recipients
then learn how to work with their dogs.
Rylynn was matched with Samantha
“Sam” Carrico, LCSW, who works with
the Fairfax County Department of
Family Services.
“So we got matched on the second or
third day,” she said. “They had us all
sit down on the floor with the dog bed
and had different dogs rotate through.
Rylynn is the calmest dog I have ever
met and I think they just knew because
of her personality she would be
perfect for child protective services,”
Carrico explained.
Rylynn has already sat in on an interview
with a child victim and Carrico said that
she automatically knew to go over to the
child and get petted and then sat under
the child’s chair. “You can definitely see
the anxiety subside,” Carrico said.
“I think even just petting the dog…the
dog is a great ice breaker to make the
child comfortable. We can talk about the
dog, what does the dog like to do? What
do you like to do? Do you have pets?
Especially for children that are young or
are reluctant to talk, it is a great way to
bond with them and get them talking.”
Rylynn will work with children through
the lifetime of their case and be there
for interviews and court appearances
to support the child through what can
often be a very traumatic experience.
Rylynn and Carrico will have to undergo
continual training at various intervals
— six months, one year and then every
three years — to keep up their skills and
maintain certification.
Canine Companions ® maintains ownership
of the dogs for as long as they
are working, but Rylynn gets to live with
Carrico as a pet when she isn’t working
and enjoys swimming, walking and playing
in her backyard.
She can’t go to dog parks because she
wouldn’t know how to interact with
aggressive dogs and the dogs are not
necessarily vaccinated. Sometimes, she
gets to have play dates with another
facility dog, Virgil, who works at the
SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center of
Fairfax County.
Facility dogs like Rylynn usually work until
they are 8-10 years old, depending on
their health. When Canine Companions ®
decides that it’s time for Rylynn to retire,
Carrico can decide to keep her as a pet
or return her to Canine Companions ® .
Carrico emphatically confirmed that she
definitely plans to keep Rylynn when
that time comes!
28 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
205 S. Union Street | Alexandria, VA | 703.838.9788
www.markswoods.com
HOME & GARDEN
Before
Modern &
Functional
Condo owners have space, community concerns
when remodeling.
BY BETH LAWTON
With an eye toward
functionality and modern
design, Case Architects &
Remodelers recently worked
with the owners of a condo in
Carlyle Towers in Alexandria to
bring new life to a bathroom
and kitchen.
Unlike a single-family home, renovating
a condo can be a bit more restrictive.
“The biggest design challenge is not
being able to move certain things, such
as plumbing or ductwork or sprinklers,
as sometimes they are shared by multiple
units,” said Elena Eskandari, who
worked with April Case Underwood on
the project.
“That is why we try to keep things like
sinks and toilets in the same location,”
she noted. Both women are directors of
project development at Case Architects
& Remodelers.
In addition, they said, many condo
buildings have restrictions about work
hours (especially when the work can be
noisy), use of the freight elevator and
security. To compensate, Eskandari said
her company builds in some extra time
for projects in condo buildings.
The Kitchen
Unable to move plumbing around,
Eskandari and Underwood lucked
out with the sink already being under
the window — the preferred location,
they said. They were able to move other
elements, though, including the refrigerator
and ovens, to create more counter
space around the cooktop and sink. The
kitchen was just 105 square feet, which
meant storage and functionality were
both highly important.
Going for a more contemporary look,
the cabinet finish is a thermally fused
laminate with low-profile pulls on the
30 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
ALL PHOTOS BY STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG
upper cabinets. The hardware on the
lower cabinets and drawers was inspired
by the black tempered glass that was
used as the peninsula top and backsplash.
(Those materials were black
lucite and chrome by Hickory Hardware.)
Black stainless appliances from
KitchenAid pulled the design together.
Unlike the common black appliance
finish, black stainless showcases the
stainless texture. (A bonus is that black
stainless appliances show fewer fingerprints
and smudges than the more
common gray stainless appliances.)
To add storage, Eskandari and
Underwood installed a pullout cabinet
with storage next to the refrigerator that
served as functional “filler” between the
ovens and fridge. This allowed the refrigerator
door to open fully.
A new floor tile brought the look of the
new kitchen together. “We managed
to find a floor tile that matches the
rest of the condo perfectly,” Eskandari
noted. “We removed old brown tile that
previously split the kitchen in the middle
(a result of the previous remodel). Now
the flooring is seamless throughout the
space, which makes everything look
more cohesive.”
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
31
HOME & GARDEN
The Bathroom
The bathroom footprint didn’t
change much from the original, but
Underwood and Eskandari removed
walls and found space to make the
bathroom feel larger.
With space at a premium and aiming
for a clean, modern design, Eskandari
and Underwood removed a wall
between the toilet and the vanities,
which opened space to install larger
vanities with more storage.
Before
32 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
We love the homes we
do - everything from highly
traditional to rock star!
They also removed a solid wall that was separating the shower
and the tub and replaced it with a glass panel. By happy luck,
they also found a space behind the shower, allowing them to
add a bench without taking space from the shower.
Modern design elements also made the bathroom feel bigger.
“The floating vanities are popular, and not only in a modern
setting,” Eskandari said. “They allow the eye to travel all
around the room, creating an illusion of a larger space.”
Call us and let us help
you love your home!
SERVING ALEXANDRIA
FOR 25 YEARS
703-299-0633
janetbertin@decoratingden.com
janetbertin.decoratingden.com
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
33
SPONSORED
Venue Alexandria
Adds Modern Flair
to the Timeless
Charm of Old
Town Alexandria
A new collection of condominiums
and townhomes in Old Town
North — plus a new home for
renowned MetroStage theater.
Few places in the DC metro area
have the allure and historic charm
of Old Town, Alexandria and even
fewer can provide the striking
design and central location that
homeowners demand. Only Venue
has it all.
Located along the banks of the Potomac
River, Venue sits at the heart of Old Town
North. Located just blocks from historic
Old Town and the shops and dining of
King Street and adjacent to the Mt. Vernon
Trail allowing for easy access to one the
region’s most famed trails.
It’s a rare opportunity for an ideal Old
Town lifestyle with a modern flourish
— and people are taking notice. With
Phase I completely sold out, Venue is now
releasing its second phase of homes to
those looking to experience the best Old
Town has to offer.
Venue's unique selection of homes is
what has made the community so alluring
for many. Regardless of household size,
there is a well-designed home available
— either within the main condominium
tower, The Residences at Venue, or within
the surrounding townhomes, The Towns
at Venue.
The awe-inspiring 13-story high rise is
home to 119 condominium residences.
Available homes range from 1- to
3-bedrooms and up to 2,300 square feet
of bright, open spaces featuring floorto-ceiling
windows and refined finishes.
Residences in the tower are available from
the $500s to $2.7 million.
Also included at The Residences at Venue
is a portfolio of on-site amenities. The
rooftop sky lounge is a spacious outdoor
terrace, furnished with fireplaces and
seating to take in the 360-degree views
from above, including a sweeping vista
of the Potomac River. Other amenities
include bike storage and a dog wash.
Flanking the main tower are 41 newly
constructed townhomes. A select few of
these spacious homes come complete
with an in-home elevator and up to 4 bedrooms
and 5 baths, ranging from 2,300 to
nearly 4,000 square feet. All townhomes
include a 2-car garage and private rooftop
terrace. Townhomes at Venue start from
$1.4 million.
Upon completion, Venue will also be the
new home of MetroStage, a revered local
theater company with three decades of
history in Old Town North. Best known
for their innovative productions, this
critically-acclaimed group will be bringing
its talents to Venue. Here MetroStage will
deliver original productions and adapt
celebrated favorites. With both floor and
gallery seating available, the intimate
space can offer seating for an audience of
120 people each night.
Over 70% of the homes at Venue have
been sold and construction is underway at
the future location: 925 N. Fairfax Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314. Interested buyers can
get a glimpse of what awaits in the model
unit, available for viewing by appointment at
the sales center located at 314 Montgomery
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The sales
team can be reached at 703.214.6655 or via
VenueAlexandria.com.
34 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
HOME & GARDEN
A Better
Home Office
BY BETH LAWTON
Spending so much time at
home in the past 18 months has
forced a lot of homeowners to
reevaluate their space. Among
them: Sarah Mazzochi.
“Once the pandemic hit and we were
working from home full time, I wanted it
to be a better work-from-home space,”
said Mazzochi, who owns a small,
one-bedroom condo in Del Ray.
“So that meant things like adding an
accent wall to be something more
interesting to look at during Zoom calls,
and cutting into my kitchen’s drywall to
make more shelving, which makes cooking
from home much easier,” she said.
Working with designer Basma Masood,
owner of Basma Interiors, Mazzochi
renovated her small condo to add color
and functionality.
“We’ve all been inside homes that feel
either cramped or too vacant. I didn’t
want that. With small spaces, to make
them really livable, everything must be
‘just-so.’”
Mazzochi has been working from
home since March 2020 and has only
gone into the office a handful of days
in the past 18 months. Teleworking
may be the norm for her and her
co-workers, she said, even once we’re
“back to normal.”
What’s the best thing about
this renovation?
Mazzochi: That everything is
multipurpose and is there to bring joy
to the eye. That was really important
to me, since it’s been my sole visual
landscape for the last 18 months – I
have to like looking at it and being there.
For example, my dining room table is
also my home office, which meant my
dining room chairs needed to be pretty
but comfortable at the same time.
PHOTOS BY CHRISTY KOSNIC AT @CHRISTYKOSNICINTERIORS
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
35
SPONSORED
Before
The Decorating Conversation
I’m Jan Bertin and welcome to
The Decorating Conversation. I
decided on that as the title to my
column because that’s precisely
what I hope to engage in with you:
A conversation. And the subject,
your home, has lots of different
dimensions: The things that
make it special to you and what
you’d like to change to make it
more beautiful or comfortable or
functional. And, yes, even what
you absolutely can’t stand about it
and has to go now!
For some of you, the conversations we’ll
be having in this space about issues that
matter to you might be your first time
talking (albeit indirectly) with a decorator.
Over my 25 years working here in Old
Town and before that in the New York City
suburbs, I’ve learned that we decorators
can be seen as intimidating. Or as too expensive
or snooty or overly fussy types. I
hope to show you that such isn’t the case.
My philosophy is that you set the tone
with your likes, dislikes, needs, sentimental
attachments and budgets. My
job becomes to lend my experience, my
expertise and my guidance to your efforts.
Those are some of the elements that
make any relationship work and interior
decorating is no exception.
As we decide on the scope and options
for your project, the elephant enters
the room. What’s all this going to cost?
Experience has taught me that this is the
biggest obstacle that keeps people from
getting in touch with an interior decorator.
Experience has also proven that it is the
easiest to overcome.
Yes, we’d all love to have the finest of
everything. And no, we all eventually give
in to reality. Where I enter the equation
is in presenting my clients options that
work within a realistic framework. Just as
you wouldn’t expect to walk into a dealer
showroom with $10,000 and drive out
with a Rolls-Royce, you can’t realistically
expect Amazon pricing when working with
a decorator. But working with a decorator
most certainly doesn’t imply you’re going
to be paying Rolls-Royce prices.
Here’s how the balance is struck. We
do the legwork of sorting through the
thousands of options available to you
for fabrics, paint, wallpaper, furnishings,
flooring and carpeting, contractors of all
36 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
SPONSORED
Before
descriptions and suppliers of everything
from lighting to plumbing.
And all of it is done based on
the budget we arrived at initially.
In the end, all of that legwork,
combined with the collective experience
and varied but complementary
visions my colleagues
and I bring to an engagement,
begin to describe the principal
ways we as full service decorators
add value to the effort.
The project photos you see here
brought all of the elements I
described into play. Working
with – and adding to – customer
vision. Working within budgets
that make sense. Handling
the logistical elements that
can derail a project. Providing
the hand-holding and psychic
support that always are needed
at some point in a project. In a
nutshell, that’s what we do and I
have only begun to describe how
we do it.
Now, let’s get on to the fun part.
Please tell me what’s been on
your decorating radar. In upcoming
pieces, we’ll be dealing with
the universal subject of creating
more storage spaces into existing
rooms; how to make rooms
multifunctional spaces, and we’ll
give you a look ahead into what
you can expect to see next year
after I return from the furniture
market in North Carolina
this fall.
But that’s just what’s on my
mind. I’m more eager to
learn what’s on your mind, so
please get in touch with me at
janetbertin@decoratingden.com
with your questions and observations
and I’ll cover them here.
Thanks for reading and I’ll talk
to you soon.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
37
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUR LA TABLE
38 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Back
to School
Learn Something New, at Any Age
Alexandria resident Renee Hendly always
had a passion for cooking, but it wasn’t
until her husband, Scott, passed away that
she truly embraced it.
With the encouragement of her adult children, Hendly
enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education in New
York City. While working part time remotely (her day
job is in research), Hendly learned everything from
knife skills to how to create health-adaptive dishes
and more.
“It has been an amazing experience. When the alarm
goes off, I am so eager to go and see my friends — and
we’re all learning together. It’s really a positive environment.”
The experience has been rewarding and healing
for her, she said.
Hendly is completing an externship at Daniel Boulud’s
flagship restaurant, Daniel, in New York City. Neighbors
have been drooling over her Facebook posts the past
several months, eager for her to return to Alexandria
and start her second career.
“I would like to go into the culinary business — and
what I’d like to do in Alexandria, in particular, is a
restaurant that has an outdoor patio, really good food,
pretty food, alternative food and wine,” she said. “Just a
place where people want to come in and hang out.”
Moving to New York or going back to school may not
be in the cards for everyone, but there are a lot of
benefits to learning new things, even if it’s picking up a
new hobby or taking a single class.
Reading, learning and picking up new activities is good
for your health. A Harvard Business Review piece
noted that reading can reduce stress levels, and both
mental and physical activity can help delay symptoms
of cognitive decline. Learning new skills as we age is
associated with improved memory, as well.
Learning is also good for you socially, writes author
John Coleman, who has written extensively on passion
and purpose. “I’ve noticed in my own interactions
that those who dedicate themselves to learning and
who exhibit curiosity are almost always happier and
more socially and professionally engaging than those
who don’t.”
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
39
Cake Decorating
Looking to up your game when it comes
to birthday parties and other celebrations?
Learn to decorate cakes like a
pro at Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies in
Fairfax, which features cake-decorating
classes from Cake Decorating 101 to an
Open Sugar Peony Class. 10927 Main St.,
Fairfax; 703-352-1471; franscakeandcandy.com.
Cooking
Sur la Table offers in-store classes at its
Pentagon Row store. Each class is 2 to
2.5 hours and you’ll work in groups of
four. Beginning in September, here’s a
small “taste” of classes that are coming
up: Flavors of the Greek Isles, Savoring
Vietnamese, Homestyle Fried Chicken
and Parisian Steakhouse. Sign up fast,
classes fill up quickly. 1101 S. Joyce St., B-20;
703-414-3580; surlatable.com/cooking-classes/
in-store-cooking-classes.
Looking for something a little more
intimate? You can book private classes
or small group classes with your friends
through Judy Harris Cooking School
in the Fort Hunt neighborhood. judy@
judyharris.com; judyharris.com.
BY MARY ANN BARTON
}
Kids aren’t the only ones
who are going back to
school this fall. There
are countless classes out
there just waiting for
you. Always wanted to
ride a Harley? How about
knit a sweater? Or fly
on a trapeze? If you’ve
thought about it, chances
are, there’s someone out
there who will teach you
the ropes. We recently
went in search of classes
that anyone can try this
fall. School’s in session!
Archery
You may have taken up the bow and arrow as
a kid at summer camp, but have you touched it
since? The NOVA Fencing and Archery Club in
Falls Church is the closest option for Alexandria
residents offering introductory classes, private
lessons and competitions. 3501 Carlin Springs Road,
Falls Church; 703-999-8077; novafencingclub.com.
Fairfax County Parks & Rec also is also offering
an archery class at Burke Lake Park this fall.
Beekeeping
The movement to save our pollinators, from
bees to butterflies, is strong in Northern Virginia.
If you love honey and gardening and you have a
little bit of space (or know someone who does),
beekeeping may be right for you. It’s a real commitment,
but the beekeepers behind Alexandria
Honey Co. tell us it’s worth it. The Northern
Virginia Beekeepers Association offers low-cost
classes about everything from hive health to
equipment. nvba@novabees.org; novabees.org
Creating Art
Unleash your inner artist with a class
at Alexandria’s Art League. They have
a class (both virtual and in-person)
for every genre – from sculpture and
painting to jewelry-making, drawing
and photography. 305 Madison St.;
703-683-2323; theartleague.org.
40 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
You may also consider Del Ray Artisans
for a variety of creative classes and
workshops for all ages both in-person
and online. 2705 Mt. Vernon Ave.; 703-838-4827;
delrayartisans.org.
Dancing
A small studio on Dove Street has
become home to multiple dance companies
here in Alexandria, including
the Local Motion Project, AVA Dance
Company and The Lion’s Den.
Founded by a former professional dancer,
Alexandria’s AVA Dance Company offers
dance classes for adults from jazz to
hip hop. Lessons are available for dancers
of all levels and backgrounds. 2377 S.
Dove St., avadanceco.com.
The Lion’s Den offers classes in unique
disciplines such as jookin’ and belly
dancing. thelionsdendmv@gmail.com;
lauren-devera.com/thelionsden.
The Local Motion Project offers a variety
of adult and youth classes. For adults,
this includes dance, somatic movement,
aerial hammock and a variety of workshops.
703-299-0017; localmotionproject.org.
Fencing
Did the Summer Olympics get you
dreaming of your own gold medal?
The Virginia Academy of Fencing offers
classes for all levels at its Springfield
campus. VAF’s Olympic Sport fencing
program includes group classes and
private lessons in foil, sabre and epee.
703-321-4922; vafinc.com.
(NOVA Fencing and Archery Club,
mentioned above under Archery, is
another option!)
Floral Arranging
You say you love beautiful flowers but
your arrangements are just so-so? Time
to sign up for a floral design workshop
from Alexandria florist Helen Olivia.
You sign up for the class, your flowers
are delivered to you (or you can pick
them up the day of class); and you can
follow along live on Instagram. 1519
Leslie Ave. 703-548-2848; helenoliviaflowers.com/
workshop-landing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOFT LANDING STABLES
Flying an Airplane
Located at Potomac Airfield in Fort
Washington, Maryland, GT Aviation
flight school offers classes for those
who want to get their pilot’s certificate.
The school offers both a monthly plan
or hourly rates. The airfield is just a
20-minute drive from Alexandria, across
the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. 10300
Glen Way, Friendly, Md. 301-248-1711
Email: info@gt-aviation.com; gt-aviation.com.
Flying on a Trapeze
So, you went to the circus when you
were a kid and you always wanted
to fly through the air? At the Trapeze
School, first-time students are outfitted
with a safety belt and practice their
“take off” on the ground. Students
are connected to safety lines at every
step of the way — from their first step
on the ladder until they roll off the
safety net below. Standard lessons last
two hours and involve 10 students.
Sessions are available for all levels. 520
Tingey St. SE, DC; 202-479-6861; washingtondc.
trapezeschool.com; dcoffice@trapezeschool.com
Foreign Languages
For so many of us, learning a foreign
language was little more than a high
school or college requirement — something
we got through and promptly
forgot. In our increasingly multicultural
world, maybe it’s time to get back into
learning a foreign language. From
American Sign Language and Arabic to
German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish,
Northern Virginia Community College
has classes to help. 5000 Dawes Ave.
(Alexandria campus); nvcc.edu
Horseback Riding
Owned by Bonnie Erbé, Soft Landing
Stables in Accokeek, Maryland, is just
over the river from Alexandria and has
been in business for 15 years. They
offer horseback riding lessons mainly
to adults, depending on which horses
are available for riding. 207 Farmington Road
West, Accokeek, Md. 703-944-9456
Adults can also take lessons at Meadow
Wood Stables in the Gunston Cove area
and in Rock Creek Park in Washington,
D.C. Go online for more information
about these programs.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com 41
Diving is for you. Blue Octopus Scuba
offers Discover Scuba sessions in a
local heated, indoor pool. While not
a scuba certification course, Discover
Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction
to what it takes to explore
the underwater world. 4154 Duke St.
703-461-3483; blueoctopusscuba.com/courses
Looking to ride the waves instead of
diving under them? For surfing classes,
you’ll have to travel a bit. The best
offerings within a short distance are
in Virginia Beach. Start at visitvirginiabeach.com
to find a wide variety of
options for all skill levels.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FIBRE SPACE
Knitting
Fibre Space in Old Town Alexandria
offers several beginner knitting classes
each month. Three 1.5-hour classes
are $75 (and you’ll walk away with a
scarf you made yourself!). You can shop
in-person or online for yarn and knitting
needles if you don’t already have those
items on hand. Fibre Space also offers
classes in crochet and more. 1319 Prince St.
703-664-0344; fibrespace.com
Motorcycle Riding
Harley Davidson offers a New Rider
Motorcycle Course in Manassas and
Fairfax, no experience needed, according
to Chris Taylor, a spokesman
for the Manassas dealership. “A good
place to start is someone who can ride
a bicycle for balance,” he said. There
is one instructor for six people in each
class, which consists of book-learning
and on-site riding on dealer-provided
motorcycles on empty school and shopping
mall parking lots. Classes attract all
ages — from age 16 to retired couples
in their 70s. “For some, it’s a check off
their bucket list,” Taylor said. Classes are
$429; bikes start at about $9,500 and go
all the way up to $50,000. patriodhd.com/
learn-to-ride; bullrunhd.com/riding-academy.
Piano Playing
(or Another Instrument)
If you haven’t played piano since you
were a kid (or maybe not even then),
Li-An Chen Piano Studios might be your
ticket to learning how to play the piano.
One student, now 50, notes that her
husband gave her piano lessons for her
birthday and she was playing in a recital
in less than three months. 4654 Kirkland
Place (703) 835-2729; li-anchen.com
Playing in a Rock Band
Fulfill your teen dreams of rocking out
by joining the School of Rock Music
Camp for Adults, for anyone over
age 18. Students of every skill level
learn how to take the stage and work
toward a real performance played in
front of a live audience. 3260 Duke St.
(571) 376-7625; locations.schoolofrock.com/
alexandria/music-camps.
Scuba Diving
Have you always wondered what it’s
like to breathe underwater? If you
want to try scuba diving, but aren’t
quite ready to take the plunge into a
certification course, Discover Scuba
Sewing
Tired of spending so much money to
get your pants hemmed? Want to create
your own dresses? Stitch Sew Shop in
Old Town Alexandria offers group and
private lessons, from how to thread
a needle to using a sewing machine.
1219 King St.; stitchsewshop.com.
42 42 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is the newest Olympic
sport and something a lot of us tried as
teens. As long as you have pads for your
knees and elbows — and a good helmet
— you can be the coolest adult on your
block. Royalty Skateboard School, part
of the GoSkate network, offers private
and group lessons for all ages, including
at the Duke Street Skate Park in
Alexandria. They can also teach you to
skateboard in the privacy of your own
driveway. royaltyskateboarding.com.
Wine 101 (Oenology)
If you want to expand your wine vocabulary
beyond “red or white,” you might
consider signing up for the Introduction
to Wine Basics course offered by Capital
Wine School. Check out their many
classes for beginners here: capitalwineschool.com/which-course-is-right-forme/#beginner.
5207 Wisconsin Ave., NW, DC.;
(202) 792-5020; info@capitalwineschool.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Woodworking
Woodcraft in Springfield offers
woodworking classes for all
skill levels in everything from
woodturning and hand tools to
router techniques, woodworking
fundamentals and sharpening.
Check out classes offered
here: woodcraft.com/stores/
washington-dc-area/classes. 5248 Port
Royal Road, Springfield; 703-912-6727.
Welding
There are plenty of opportunities
to pick up a torch and create
masterpieces of metal. Start at
The Garden, operated by Building
Momentum in Alexandria’s West
End, offers private and small
group welding classes that focus
on a group or individual challenge
to solve and build. The Garden
also offers “Wine & Welding”
couples events. 5380 Eisenhower Ave.,
Suite C, thegarden.net/training.
Where Adults Can Learn
When’s the last time you sat down with the course
catalogue from Northern Virginia Community
College? Or flipped through the Parks & Rec
guides from Fairfax County Parks Authority or
the City of Alexandria? Here are just a few of the
classes being offered this fall that caught our eye…
Northern Virginia Community College
Automotive Engineering & Mechanics; Ceramics;
Film Production; Interior Design; Photography;
Public Speaking
Fairfax County Parks & Rec
Dance (including Ballroom, Hula, Country &
Western and Swing); Golf; Guitar; Ice Skating;
Martial Arts, including Indonesian Kung Fu;
Pickleball; Swimming
Alexandria Parks & Rec
AquaSpin; Fencing; Hula Hoop; Pickleball;
Roller Skating
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
43
WHY RIDE
So you can
find the perfect
date night spot.
We’re increasing bus
frequency, improving
connections and
going fare-free!
Discover the New
DASH Network at
dashbus.com/newnetwork.
44 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
BIGGER,
TALLER,
DENSER
Cranes above Duke Street. PHOTO BY BETH LAWTON
Across Alexandria and Southeast Fairfax County, construction
companies are working to build new apartment and condo
buildings and retail developments. Some projects that were
planned as office buildings are turning residential, as the
coronavirus pandemic upended the way many people work.
Here are just a few of the biggest developments underway
and upcoming in our region, and those that have drawn the
most interest from our readers.
At alexandrialivingmagazine.com/development, our
interactive map now has more than 70 development projects
noted with descriptions. Check out the online map to see
what’s going up in your neighborhood!
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
45
DEVELOPMENT KEY
1. Landmark Mall
6. Potomac Yard
MAP BY JESSIE LEIBER
2
2. Upland Park
7. GenOn Plan
3. Seminary Road
Afforable Housing
4. Mount Vernon
Village Center
5. Arlandia Afforable
Housing
8. The Heritage
9. Wegmans
10. Huntington
11. South Alex
12. Grovetown
3
1
46 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
4
5
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com 47
Potomac Yard Virginia Tech Campus (map #6) Residences at North Hill (map #13)
1 Landmark Mall
After more than 15 years of planning,
replanning and replanning again,
there’s real hope that Landmark Mall
will be demolished. In late December
2020, the City of Alexandria and
Inova Hospital announced that Inova
Alexandria will build a new hospital
and trauma center on the site of the
former Landmark Mall. Other parts of
the Landmark property will be used
for residential and retail development,
parks and civic uses, including
a new fire station. The hospital could
open in 2028. Other construction will
start and could open sooner. The
“old” Inova Hospital in Alexandria’s
Seminary Hill neighborhood will be
sold to a residential developer.
3 Seminary Road Affordable
Housing
The Alexandria Housing Development
Corp. is planning to build 40 residential
units and 15 townhome-style
homes. The project will be built just
east of the fire station and Francis
Hammond Middle School and could
provide an opportunity for lower-income
residents to get on the property
ladder through a special ownership
program. One of the current
properties on that block is owned
by Sheltered Homes of Alexandria
(which operates a group home for
intellectually or developmentally
disabled clients), and some of the new
units would be transferred to SHA.
Construction could be completed
in 2024.
5
6
2 Upland Park
Developer Hekemian is moving
forward on building a new residential
neighborhood and park on land
occupied by a number of small single-family
homes in Alexandria’s West
End near the intersection of North
Beauregard Street and Seminary
Road. Just one-tenth of a mile down
the road, Monday Properties is developing
a residential complex at 2000
N. Beauregard St. that will include 300
residential units. It replaces an office
building. The company also owns
buildings at 1500, 1600 and 1800 N.
Beauregard St. that may be redeveloped
at a later date.
4
Mount Vernon Village
Center
Mid-Atlantic Realty Partners is seeking
to redevelop a shopping center in the
2800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue
— near Mom's Organic Market —
into a mix of retail and multifamily
residences in a project dubbed Mount
Vernon Village Center. The site is currently
home to a shopping center and
supporting parking lot that contains
MOM’s Organic Market and several
other stores. The proposal calls for
the demolition of the existing buildings
and the construction of 23,332
square of ground floor retail including
a spot for a grocery store and 593
residential units.
Arlandria Affordable
Housing
The Alexandria Housing Development
Corp. is working toward building
hundreds of new affordable housing
units at the intersection of Mount
Vernon Avenue and West Glebe Road.
AHDC has signed a letter of intent
with the owner of 221 West Glebe
Road and 3610-3612 Mt. Vernon Ave.
3700 Mt. Vernon Ave., a city-owned
property, is also involved. These
properties include Sherwin Williams
(formerly Safeway) and El Cuscatleco
restaurant. Construction could be
completed in 2024. The number of
apartments is projected at more
than 450.
Potomac Yard
Work continues on the $1 billion
Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and
surrounding residential, retail and
office developments at Potomac Yard.
Developer JBG Smith started construction
in January on the massive
redevelopment project on the 20-acre
site. The movie theater was torn
down earlier this year to make room
for new buildings.
48 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
South Alex (map #9) Wegmans (map #10)
7 GenOn Plant
9 Wegmans
11
8
Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP),
based out of the Chicago suburb of
Northbrook, Illinois, announced the
purchase of the old Potomac River
Generating Station (PRGS), a 20-acre
site at 1400 N. Royal St. in North Old
Town.The site was purchased from
Potomac Electric Power Company
(Pepco), which will retain a small
portion of the site in order to run
an electrical substation. The project
could include housing, commercial
office, dining and retail, and public
open space along the Potomac River.
Hilco does not expect to break ground
on any buildings until at least 2023
and full development could take 7 to
10 years.
The Heritage
Asland Capital Partners is moving
forward on plans to replace the
current garden-style apartments (The
Heritage) near Wilkes Street Park with
a much larger mixed-income community,
including affordable housing.
The project has been through
much back-and-forth with the Board
of Architectural Review, which has
requested numerous changes to
the size, scope and design of the
project. The number of apartments
in the project has been reduced and
the plans call for 750 housing units
in the project. The project has been
approved by city council and current
residents could start to be relocated
as early November 2021.
10
The most anticipated grocery store
opening in years is coming to the
Carlyle neighborhood. A Wegmans
grocery store is under construction
now as part of a larger, mixed-use
project on a 5-acre site, according to
developer StoneBridge Associates.
The grocery store has signed a lease
for the 84,000-square foot store at
Carlyle Crossing, just north of the
popular AMC movie theater. Expect
several hundred residential units in
multiple new apartment buildings, a
dog park and additional retail, too.
Wegmans is expected to be completed
in 2022.
Huntington
Huntington could be nearly unrecognizable
in some spots in the next
decade, as plans call for the redevelopment
of the Huntington Club and
several new high-rise apartment and
condo buildings. One proposal in
the neighborhood calls for building
1,400-1,500 residential units and
360,000 sq. ft. of office or retail in the
area surrounding the Metro station
between North Kings Highway and
Huntington Avenue.
12
South Alex
Combined Properties was making
significant progress on the new South
Alex residential and retail development
when a five-alarm fire in 2019
caused $48 million in damage and
significantly pushed back the project
timeline. Originally set for completion
this year, the developer does not
yet have a completion date for the
project, but describes South Alex as
“a vibrant mix of distinctive shops and
residences in an art-inspired setting
of bright community spaces.”
Groveton
Between Belle Haven and Hybla
Valley, several developers are working
on multiple different projects, primarily
along Richmond Highway. In anticipation
of Bus Rapid Transit in the
coming years, Fairfield Residential,
Pennrose and other developers are
bringing new apartments, condos and
townhomes to the area. In addition,
Fairfax County officials are considering
building a new fire station with
an adjacent emergency shelter that
has drawn both support and criticism
from neighbors.
See the interactive map at
alexandrialivingmagazine.com/
development for details
about each project.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
49
SPONSORED
Alexandria’s Old Town North neighborhood, the area’s best kept secret, is brimming with life as it becomes a cultural hub
for recreation and the arts. Nestled along the waterfront, this vibrant community is undergoing rapid transformation to
become the city’s first official Arts District, designed to encourage enlightened engagement for both artists and residents.
The most exciting addition to the neighborhood is Muse—a stunning boutique condominium community that offers
residents premium access to the Alexandria waterfront and Old Town North’s growing restaurant and retail scene.
With construction well on its way, the 73 luxury residences are scheduled to deliver in late 2021, with prices starting in
the $800,000’s.
Each of the 29 unique floor plans, ranging in size from
920 to 2,000 square feet, feature an open-concept design
and distinctive finishes.
These well-appointed residences are built with 9 to
19 ft. ceilings and a wall of functional windows, giving
homeowners exclusive panoramic views of the Potomac
River and historic Old Town. Spacious balconies easily
accommodate patio furniture so residents can enjoy
spending time outdoors while admiring the beautiful
landscape below.
Inside you’ll find 7.5-inch-wide engineered oak flooring, custom designer lighting, large bedrooms, spacious closets and
full-sized laundry and powder rooms. Kitchens feature expansive quartz countertops, state-of-the-art Bosch® appliances
and handmade Snaidero® cabinets imported from Italy.
Spa-like owner’s bathrooms, adorned with a neutral color palette, include stunning vanities with LED light mirrors and
quartz countertops and high-end Waterworks ® fixtures. Select floorplans include stand up showers with spa benches,
Kohler® tubs, Calacatta porcelain tile floors, and decorative accent tiles.
50 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Residents at Muse will enjoy a variety of
amenities including a penthouse lounge
with an outdoor terrace that offers
expansive water views. The top floor will
also include an indoor-outdoor fitness
center, complete with a dedicated space
for yoga and personal training sessions.
A 24-hour concierge and building
attendant will offer white glove service,
ensuring every request is accommodated
with a smile. Additional amenities
include a fully equipped pet spa, package
room, private storage, resident parking
and more.
Muse will be comprised of two distinct buildings with glass, brick and panel facades, connected by an enclosed bridge that
sits above an outdoor “Arts Walk”, which will feature open space seating, a sculpture garden, and space for art on display.
The building’s first floor will be home to The Art League and house art studios and galleries, providing space and equipment
for a medley of artisans and craftspeople, both professional and aspiring. These spaces will host private classes, art
exhibits and special events open to the neighborhood.
With the Mt. Vernon Trail just steps away, residents have direct access to a number of parks and trails along the waterfront
to engage in recreational activities like running, biking and relaxing by the water to watch the sailboats float across
the river.
Sales have officially begun at Muse and
over 30% of the building units have
already sold.
Interested home-buyers can schedule a
private appointment at the Muse sales
gallery where they can explore the different
floor plans on a touchscreen display,
choose their unit on the 3D building
model, view an array of interior finishes
and get a sneak peek of the amazing
waterfront views that Muse will offer.
Don’t miss the unique opportunity
to own a beautiful condominium on
the waterfront in Old Town North
and be among the first to call the
Alexandria Art District home. To learn
more and to schedule your visit, visit
www.museoldtown.com.
(Muse Condominium is being developed by Carr Companies and was designed by Bethesda-based SK&I Architecture.
Interior design is by Akseizer Design Group of Alexandria)
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
51
Girls Escape
to the Conch Republic
The ocean views are beautiful from a Sebago catamaran sunset sail in Key West.
STORY & PHOTOS BY MARY ANN BARTON
When my friend Nan told me
she was heading down to
Marathon in the Florida Keys
for 10 days but her husband
couldn’t get away, I jumped at
an invitation to take his place.
Add Nan's sister, Sandi, and we
were ready to head to Florida
for a girls’ getaway.
Connected by 42 bridges just south of
Miami, the Keys are the largest coral
reef chain in the country, ending at
Key West, the southernmost point in
the continental United States. While
the Keys are a great place to visit if
you’re into a tropical laidback lifestyle,
you’ll also find water sports, fishing, art
galleries, history, architecture, great
food, marine life, shopping and more.
The Florida Keys have always been
somewhat independent. In 1982, Key
West momentarily seceded from the
United States in response to the border
patrol stopping cars to purportedly
search for illegal drugs or illegal aliens,
resulting in a 17-mile traffic backup.
Although the secession was temporary,
the state of mind was not and you'll see
the Conch Republic flag flying proudly.
With that independent lifestyle in mind
as the backdrop for our getaway, we
flew into Fort Lauderdale on a two-hour,
40-minute flight on Southwest Airlines
out of Reagan National and rented a car
for the three-hour drive down U.S. 1 to
The Reach Key West hotel features murals and other
artwork by local artists.
Marathon. We stopped for tacos and
margaritas at Senor Frijoles in Key Largo
and made Marathon our home base.
Key West is about an hour’s drive south.
After a trip to a local grocery store, we
settled into our hotel in Marathon (more
about that below). It’s hard to squeeze
in everything we did in 10 days here, but
here’s a look at some of the activities,
dining and accommodations we experienced
that you can also try.
52 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Things to Do
Conch Tour Train
303 Front St., Key West
An injured sea turtle swims at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.
This 75-minute tour is the perfect way to
find out all there is to know about Key West
— the fascinating history about everything
from the free-roaming roosters you'll hear
crowing everywhere you go to the Harry
S. Truman Little White House and Ernest
Hemingway's home.
Dolphin Research Center
58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key
See dolphins up close; founded as a
nonprofit corporation in 1984, the goal is
to ensure the dolphins have a home and
establish a unique education and research
facility. Research is conducted on behavioral
engagement.
Kayaking Eco Tour at Lazy
Dog Adventures
5114 Overseas Highway, Key West
Guests enjoy live music on a Sebago sunset sail in Key West.
A great spot to explore the mangroves and
see manatees. Be sure to wear a swimsuit,
water shoes, a hat, a sun shirt and plenty of
sunscreen.
Sebago Land's End Sunset Sail
205 Elizabeth St., Key West
The beautiful sunsets in the Keys are an
event, whether it's in Key West at Mallory
Square or elsewhere. There are several
sunset sails and Sebago's, aboard a 70-foot
catamaran, does not disappoint with live
music and refreshments. Buy a ticket at the
waterfront.
Turtle Hospital
2396 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
Guides at Lazy Dog Adventures take kayakers out to see mangroves and manatees in Key West.
Sea turtles that are injured, many hit by
speed boats, are brought to the hospital for
rescue and rehabilitation. Some undergo
surgery, which we watched during a tour
from behind a glass partition in a program
supported by visitor fees. In addition to
a talk about sea turtles, you'll also get a
chance to see and feed some of the recovering
turtles.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
53
Dining
Barnacle Barney's Tiki Bar
The Hammocks Marathon Resort
1688 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Hidden away at The Hammocks
Marathon Resort, be sure to try the
Key Lime Colada, a frozen concoction
created after two Key Lime pies were
smooshed in transit to the bar. Mary Jo,
the manager, created the drink that is
now the most popular on the menu.
Chef Michael's
81671 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
The best-tasting meal during our trip
was at this popular upscale spot on
Islamorada, where you must make a reservation.
Be sure to try the Hogfish, "the
fish" of the Keys, and the carrot cake.
First Flight Island
Restaurant & Brewery
301 Whitehead St., Key West
The fresh seafood was out of this world
and beautifully presented at this lovely
venue with outdoor seating under Key
West's signature Banyan trees. The historic
spot served as the birthplace of Pan
American World Airways.
Four Marlins
The Reach Key West
1435 Simonton St., Key West
This lively oceanfront restaurant with
indoor and outdoor seating is open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner, including
a happy hour and Sunday brunch. The
restaurant's name was inspired by the
four marlins caught by author and Key
West resident Ernest Hemingway on
his boat the Pilar, named for one of
his wives.
Il Postino
Isla Bella Beach Resort
1 Knights Key Blvd., Mile Marker 47,
Marathon
This restaurant beat out all others
when it comes to its ambiance next to
the water with twinkling lights, a sandy
beach and friendly service. We wanted
to return for happy hour and live music
during our trip but ran out of time.
Patrons of First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery
in Key West dine under native Banyan trees.
Kermit's Cafe Kitchen
200 Elizabeth St., Key West
For the past 30 years, Kermit Carpenter
has been in the business of all things
key lime including of course key lime
pie. Hands-down, Kermit serves the
best key lime pie in the Keys. Find a seat
by the koi pond and enjoy! Next door
is Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe.
Keep your eyes peeled for Kermit himself
— he's dressed in Key Lime green
from head to toe.
Lighthouse Grill
Faro Blanco Resort
1994 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
The best dessert during our trip was
served here — not key lime pie, but
chocolate-covered pistachio ice cream
that is not on the menu, but was recommended
by our waiter.
This delectable lobster dish is on the menu at First Flight in
Key West.
Robbie's Marina
77522 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada
The main attraction at this sprawling
restaurant and bar, the Hungry Tarpon,
is feeding the tarpon from the dock.
Even though there is a sign not to feed
the pelicans, they elbow their way onto
the docks to the delight of the young at
heart. Great brunch spot.
54 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
Accommodations
Guests at The Reach Key West enjoy swimming at
the pool and beachfront amenities.
The Reach Key West
1435 Simonton St., Key West
We stayed two nights at The Reach Key West, part of
Hilton's Curio Collection, right on the ocean. Its name
is inspired by a nautical term — "sailing on a reach,"
which are ideal sailing conditions. This romantic resort
reflects Key West in its whimsical artwork by local
artists. Lifelike statues on the property prompt calls at
least three times a week to the front desk. A life-size
chessboard, bocce pit, pool and beach round out the
stunning property. Barefoot Billy's offers jet ski, kayak
and stand-up paddle board rentals and sunset cruises.
An overseas gazebo at The Reach is often used for
weddings. The Reach guests are welcome to visit sister
property Casa Marina, next door.
The Hammocks at Marathon Resort
1688 Overseas Hwy., Marathon
The Hammocks at Marathon Resort is located on the
Gulf side of the Intercoastal Highway and part of the
Bluegreen Vacation club. Our condo included two bedrooms,
two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area and
living room as well as a balcony overlooking the pool, a
marina and Barnacle Barney's tiki bar. The sunset views
from the balcony were breathtaking.
The views are breathtaking from the balcony of the
Hammocks at Marathon Resort. PHOTO BY NAN RYANT
If You Go
Be sure to check out keywestattractions.org
and keywestvaccationpass.com, which
offers a savings pass of up to $850.
September / October 2021 • alexandrialivingmagazine.com
55
THE LAST WORD
PHOTO BY MARTIN ZAMORA
FAVORITE CUISINE:
Mediterranean (Sébastien)
Peruvian (Carla)
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS:
Southern France and Lima, Peru
FAVORITE MOVIES:
Mafia movies (Sébastien)
"Amélie" (Carla)
FAVORITE TV SHOW:
"Seinfeld"
HOBBIES:
Fishing (Sébastien)
Going to the beach (Carla)
Carla Zamora and
Sébastien Rondier
FAVORITE SPOT IN ALEXANDRIA:
Fontaine Caffe and Creperie
(119 S. Royal St.)
DRINK OF CHOICE:
Wine, especially from Bordeaux
Owners, Grounded Coffee Shop
INTERVIEW BY SUSANNAH MOORE
The chances of a chef from
France and a dentist from Peru
meeting, falling in love and
operating a café together might
seem unlikely. Then again,
when living in an area as diverse
and international as the DMV,
perhaps not, because that’s
exactly what happened to Carla
Zamora and Sébastien Rondier.
The couple met while hanging
out with friends at Boqueria on
M Street in D.C. in 2015. Three
years later, they were married
in Peru and now live in Old
Town Alexandria with their two
Westies, Fred and Sophia.
Rondier began training to be a chef
at the age of 16 in his native southwest
France. Since then, he has worked in a
number of widely acclaimed kitchens,
including Michelin three-star restaurants in
Paris, Monte Carlo, New York City, Puerto
Rico and in D.C. at The St. Regis. Most recently,
he was the executive chef at Brabo,
located at 1600 King St. in Old Town.
Between Rondier’s long hours as an executive
chef and Zamora working full time
as a dentist, the couple were looking for a
change in pace. “Our lives were really busy,
so after we got married, we wanted to find
something that could allow me to help him
in a way so that we could spend more time
together,” explained Zamora.
They began the process of looking for a
coffee shop they could purchase, and were
excited when the opportunity arose to own
Grounded Coffee Shop, located at 6919
Telegraph Road. The café was started by
Candy and Wilfred Briffa 12 years ago and
was already well established in the community.
Zamora was familiar with the café and
its customers through her work as a dentist
in the area.
Since taking over the café in September,
Rondier and Zamora have slowly been putting
their own touch on the place, while still
trying to respect the café’s important place
in the surrounding community.
“People were scared, people don't like
change; even though the concept stayed
the same, some people were [hesitant],”
said Rondier. A year later, they feel like they
have become established and that the consistent
quality and customer service keep
people coming back.
French antiques and memorabilia from
Rondier’s career as a chef fill the cozy and
welcoming space. They sell 12 to 15 different
croissants on any given day and have
filled out the menu to feature Rondier’s talents.
Zamora helps out when she can, while
still practicing dentistry three days a week.
Future short-term and long-term plans
for the café include renovating the front
counter area, bringing back live music on
Sundays, expanding the menu to include
a brunch menu, serving wine and beer
and possibly opening a second location in
another part of Alexandria. For now, the
couple is having fun and enjoying time
together while creating a happy space for
their customers and their employees.
56 alexandrialivingmagazine.com • September / October 2021
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© Copyright 2021 Dylan. Renderings, building elevations, depictions of amenities, drawings and floor plans of the condominium and units are for marketing/illustrative purposes only and are
not part of the basis of the contract between Seller (i.e., the Declarant) and Purchasers. They do not necessarily reflect actual dimensions and configurations. Features, finishes, and prices are
subject to change without notice. Certain features are available in select units and are subject to change. The specifications, room dimensions, and features shown in the unit floor plan are
approximate and are for marketing/illustrative purposes only. Square footage totals and room dimensions provided may not be relied upon as definitive, are subject to modifications without
notice, and may differ from the actual square footage and dimensions delivered. Actual layout, room dimensions, window sizes and locations, and steps to grade may vary and are subject
to modifications without notice. The units, as constructed, may differ somewhat from the floor plan. The actual dimensions of condominium units will be as described in the condominium
declaration and as shown on the Condominium Plats and Plans, recorded or to be recorded among the Land Records for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. References to ‘FORTIS’ and/or ‘The
Fortis Companies’ refer to The Fortis Companies LLC. The Fortis Companies LLC’s development affiliates build homes in Virginia and across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Individual
projects are developed by FORTIS-affiliated partners and/or entities, and all representations regarding the development, construction, or sale of any project or property refers to those affiliates.
Dylan is being developed and sold by 2551 Main Line LLC, the “Declarant” of the condominium project. No representations regarding the development, construction or sale of any portion
of the Dylan community is made by The Fortis Companies LLC or any FORTIS affiliate except 2551 Main Line LLC. Sales of Units in the Dylan Condominium shall be managed by The
Mayhood Company, agent for 2551 Main Line LLC. Buyers should carefully review their purchase and sales agreement
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201 N. Union St., Suite 110
Alexandria, VA 22314
ALEXANDRIALIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
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McEnearney Associates (Old Town)
$157M
Compass (king Street)
$102M
Long & Foster (Old Town)
$77M
Keller Williams (Old Town)
$63M
Weichert (Old Town)
$62M
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$60M
Compass (Lee Street)
$50M
Coldwell Banker (Old Town)
Data obtained from Bright MLS for all residential sales settled in Alexandria City for January 1-June 30, 2021.
Sales data is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
830 Herbert Springs Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 | $2,953,000
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