Four restaurants in the Alexandria area have been named among the region’s best for 2026 by Northern Virginia Magazine, though only two are located in the city proper.
While the city’s dining scene was completely left out of the magazine’s ranked top 10, which were unveiled last Friday (Oct. 16), it received a bit more love in the full list of Northern Virginia’s 50 Best Restaurants released at noon today (Wednesday).
The United States Maritime Foundation is poised to take over operation of the Tall Ship Providence and its floating pier at Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria next month, allowing waterfront tours and educational programming to resume.
Marion Smith, president of the foundation, told ALXnow that his organization will officially sign paperwork taking over responsibility for the pier and ship in early November.
One private-elevator residence remains, with special low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs available.
By Brett Rice
Only four residences remain at Brooks Estate, a collection of 13 luxury townhomes in Old Town Alexandria, just two-and-a-half blocks from King Street–Old Town Metro. The homes are complete and available for immediate purchase—and only one remaining residence includes a private elevator.
For buyers considering a move, the builder is offering special incentives, including low-interest-rate financing and builder-paid closing costs, subject to eligibility and offer terms. It is an opportunity to purchase a fully appointed new home with a two-car garage, a rooftop terrace and the convenience of Old Town living.
Brooks Estate’s remaining residences range from approximately 2,600 to 2,900 square feet across four spacious levels. Each is designed for four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with home-office and open-loft options that accommodate different ways of living. Pricing now starts at $2,197,500, with all existing upgrades and options included in the listed price.
At Brooks Estate, luxury comes standard. Buyers can see the finishes, experience the spaces and understand what is included before making their decision.
The remaining collection includes The Kendall at 109 N West Street, offered at $2,197,500; The Claire at 107 N West Street, offered at $2,400,000; The Masonic View at 1330 Cameron Street, offered at $2,435,000; and The Henry at 121 N West Street, offered at $2,735,000.
The Henry is the final available residence with a private elevator and also features a rear yard. The Claire serves as the furnished model home and is itself available for purchase.
All four homes include two-car garages and private rooftop terraces—features that bring everyday convenience and outdoor space to a historic urban setting. Buyers can explore the floor plans and finishes at BrooksEstateOT.com or arrange a personal walkthrough with Brett Rice of RE/MAX Executives.
Brooks Estate blends modern comfort with architectural details that complement Old Town Alexandria. Graceful arches connect living spaces, while crown moldings, custom millwork and carefully selected materials give the interiors a distinctive character.
Custom cabinetry, polished quartz surfaces and professional-series Thermador appliances create chef-inspired kitchens made for quiet mornings and lively gatherings. Custom-built rift- and quarter-sawn white oak range hoods and island surrounds add warmth and craftsmanship.
The hardwood flooring, supplied and installed by Arlandria Floors in Del Ray, is 5-inch-wide European white oak, sanded and finished on site. Nine- and ten-foot ceilings and generous windows enhance the sense of light and space.
Spa-inspired baths feature tiled walk-in showers, soaking tubs in select bathrooms and Wi-Fi-controlled heated floors in the primary bath.
Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the homes, including Wi-Fi-connected Lutron Caséta lighting controls, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth entry locks and high-efficiency HVAC systems with temperature sensors and smart thermostats.
The two-car garages are spray-foam insulated and temperature controlled, with custom-painted floors, EV charging readiness and Wi-Fi-controlled garage door openers with cameras.
A 24-year-old D.C. man faces felony theft and attempted malicious wounding charges after allegedly breaking into and stealing multiple vehicles in residential parking lots in Alexandria’s West End.
In one case, he allegedly unleashed pepper spray at a vehicle owner.
A new Ted’s Bulletin location is under construction in the Carlyle neighborhood.
The all-day breakfast spot is shooting to open next month at 2471 Mandeville Lane, according to a Facebook post.
It's that time again – The November 14 Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market!
Saturday, November 14
9am-2pm
More details have been released regarding a 21-year-old Alexandria man held without bond after a stabbing in the city’s Arlandria neighborhood.
In recently-released court documents, the Alexandria Police Department says that Jelzon Garcia Gonzales admitted to doing a “dumb thing” by stabbing a man early Sept. 15 outside a convenience store in the city’s Arlandria neighborhood.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On October 21, 1669, Sir William Berkeley, colonial governor of Virginia, bestowed a 6000-acre land patent in the northern reaches of the colony to a Welsh sea captain named Robert Howson. … Eighty years later, a portion of that land would be formally established as the town of Alexandria, at a location just south of the tobacco inspection station operated by Hugh West since 1732.” [Historic Alexandria]
Guide to Halloween in Alexandria — “Spooky season is in full swing, and Alexandria’s calendar is packed — from Halloween bar crawls on King Street and a floating pumpkin patch to a goat social in Del Ray and Edgar Allan Poe himself (sort of) at The Lyceum. Here are some of the most fun events coming up around town.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
‘Hallow-Screen’ for STIs — “From October 26–30, Alexandria Health Department’s Teen Wellness Center clinics will offer free, confidential sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing to all Alexandria teens. In Alexandria, there are two Teen Wellness Center clinics located at Alexandria City High School’s King Street and Minnie Howard campuses, respectively.” [City of Alexandria]
Local Advisory Bodies Need Applicants — “Alexandria residents interested in helping shape city policies and programs have until Oct. 30 to apply for approximately 80 vacancies on city boards, commissions and committees. The Alexandria City Council is seeking applicants for positions on 32 advisory bodies covering issues including transportation, housing affordability, public safety, historic preservation and community services.” [Patch]
Trunk-or-Treat Next Week — “The Alexandria Police Department (APD), along with its public safety partners, invites residents and families to celebrate Halloween at the Public Safety Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Alexandria Police Headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Avenue.” [City of Alexandria]
Childcare Affordability in Virginia — “Closing Virginia’s child care affordability gap would require up to $4.5 billion annually over the next decade, according to the Virginia Department of Education — an investment that, under one scenario, would also raise annual pay for 43,000 educators by an average of $17,000.” [Virginia Mercury]
It’s Wednesday — Sunny with a high near 65 and a north wind of 8 to 10 mph. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 46 and a northwest wind around 6 mph. [NWS]
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Good Tuesday evening, Alexandria. Here’s a look back at today’s most-read stories and a look ahead to tomorrow.
Everything else we published today, Oct 20, 2026.
Alexandria Fitness Studio for People Over 50 Closes Fall Into Fitness Program in 11 Days
Revolutionary Fitness, the semi-private strength and longevity studio at 215 N. Payne St. in… [Announcement]
Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Murder Mystery Night at Cherry on Top
Oct 22: Murder Mystery Night at Cherry on Top [Event]
🎭 Halloween Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary
Oct 24: Join the Auxiliary Improv for a night of Halloween-themed comedy in Old Town, Alexandria VA! [Event]
CatRad Halloween Eve!
Oct 30: Join us for our second annual CatRad Halloween Eve! A night of ghoulish fun, spooky treats… [Event]
Imperium Open House: Discover a Smarter Way to Get Stronger
Nov 1: Explore a different approach to strength training at Imperium’s free open house in Old Town Alexandria. [Event]
Dialogue for Democracy
Nov 3: Dialogue for Democracy invites high school students from across the DMV to George Mason University. [Event]
Submit events, announcements, or home listings to ALXnow.
Today: Alexandria saw a high of 72° at 1:45 p.m. (4° above normal), a low of 46° at 5:50 a.m., no rain and a peak gust of 17 mph.
Tonight: Clear, with a low around 49. North wind around 7 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
The photo above is from the City of Alexandria’s marina webcam.
Thanks for reading!
The Alexandria City Council has approved a plan to convert a vacant lot and a one-story barbershop in the Parker-Gray Historic District into five four-story townhomes.
Despite a 6-0 approval from the Planning Commission, Council deferred the plan last month to have more discussions with the property owner about keeping neighborhood-serving commercial businesses on the site. A representative of the property owner told Council that the most interested buyers were townhome developers.
A 33-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly robbing a West End grocery store with an air gun.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, the manager of the Safeway at 299 S. Van Dorn Street reported that two men walked into the store and waited at the customer service counter, where cigarettes are sold. The manager said that one of the men seemed drunk and displayed a firearm, assaulted him, and then stole a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of beer from the store, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit.
