Before the pandemic, I ran a Reddit forum that brought people together for local happy hours. It became a great outlet for an in-person social life: you could get out, get to know people nearby, and have a familiar group to spend time with. I enjoyed being the person who helped make that happen.
Getting people together became harder after the pandemic. Friends moved away, had kids, or settled into different routines, and organizing a night out took more effort. I still wanted that camaraderie, but having people to invite didn’t necessarily mean we could get something on the calendar.
I’m in my late 30s and live in Old Town. About a year ago, I joined Choros, a local membership community that helps guys build friendships through small-group activities. Since then, I’ve been to close to 50 hangouts, and it’s given me a regular group of guys to do things with around Alexandria and beyond.
I host board game nights and help host a monthly happy hour at the Commodore in Old Town. I’ve done escape rooms on King Street, trivia, food festivals in Del Ray, movie discussions, and Dungeons & Dragons (which can be especially tricky to get going as an adult with a busy schedule). Having that variety means I can find something that fits my mood and schedule, and there are usually familiar faces when I get there.
One of my favorite things, though, is getting on my bike, picking a destination, and making a day of it. Through Choros, I’ve found a consistent crew to ride with almost every month. That’s the kind of thing I wanted more of: people who enjoy the same stuff and make time to get out and do it together.
I still like hosting and bringing people together. What makes Choros useful is having a community to draw from, so every plan doesn’t depend on the same few friends being available. Other guys suggest and host things too, which gives me plenty of opportunities to join something without organizing it myself.
Over time, seeing the same guys at different activities builds familiarity. You have conversations to pick back up and another reason to make plans together. That’s how it’s become a circle of friends for me.
If you’re in Alexandria, check out Choros and come to one of our monthly happy hours at the Commodore. I’d be happy to meet a few more neighbors, whether you’re into board games, bike rides, or just getting out for a drink. There’s plenty happening here, along with activities throughout the rest of the D.C. area.
The Alexandria School Board at its meeting on Aug. 27, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
Ahead of the next General Assembly session in January, Alexandria City Public Schools officials have some new and recurring priorities for state legislators on their minds.
Tonight (Thursday), the Alexandria City School Board will be asked to approve the legislative priorities for 2027. The item is on the board’s consent calendar for its 6 p.m. meeting.
Fall colors on N. Pitt Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On November 5, 1925, a local survey indicated that the City of Alexandria had 2,016 telephone and telegraph poles. The tall wooden poles were increasing becoming an eyesore and hazard in the downtown area, as seen in this view of the Alexandria Armory on South Royal Street, taken about that time.” [Historic Alexandria]
School Board Meets Tonight — On the School Board’s agenda is the Capital Improvement Program proposal, an update on the inclement weather decision-making process and update on English learner program. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. [ACPS School Board]
Winter Shelter Opens for the Season — “The Winter Shelter is available nightly, regardless of the weather, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., beginning Sunday, November 1 through Thursday, April 15. It is located at 2355-B Mill Rd (left side of front entrance, next to the fence) and is open to both single adults and families. In addition to the Winter Shelter, the City also offers warming centers at libraries and recreation centers across the city to provide relief from the cold for community members who may not have access to a warm shelter during the day. [Alexandria DCHS]
Planning Commission Meeting Is Tonight — The Planning Commission will discuss items of interest like a proposal for Bishop Ireton High School’s athletic facilities, a change to a residential and office project in Carlyle, and new state requirements for off-street parking and the Faith in Housing legislation. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 in Council Chambers at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center [City of Alexandria]
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Approaches — “Tired of the noise, fumes, and hassle of gas-powered leaf blowers? The City’s gas-powered leaf blower ban takes effect November 17, Now’s the time to switch to quieter, cleaner and healthier alternatives – learn more at alexandriava.gov/go/8064.” [Alexandria T&ES/Bluesky]
Rep. Beyer Responds to Midterm Election Results — “The American people have had enough. Their anger and disgust rose yesterday in a historic tsunami that swept Republicans from power, including many who few expected to face serious competition. People want a Congress that will listen to them, work for them, and fix their problems, rather than catering to the insane whims of a mad king. Democrats will answer that call, with a majority that fights for American values and the good of all Americans.” [Rep. Don Beyer press release]
Registrar Lauds Polls Workers in Busy Election Year — “Alexandria voters went to the polls Feb. 10, April 21 and Aug. 4 before Tuesday’s general election. Democrats also picked nominees for both special elections in three firehouse primaries, which the party, not the elections office, runs.” [Alexandria Brief]
Neighboring County Sees Strong Election Turnout — “Approximately 55.5% or 457,072 of the county’s 824,165 registered voters cast a ballot in the Nov. 3 election, per unofficial results from the Fairfax County Office of Elections. Nearly half of the ballots (46% or 212,237 votes) were cast in person prior to Election Day or returned by mail or drop box by the time polls closed at 7 p.m. In comparison, the 2022 general election concluded with a 55.1% turnout or 407,013 ballots cast, including 138,310 or close to 34% of them through early voting or by mail.” [FFXnow]
Republicans Respond to Election Results — “Following Democratic gains in Virginia and across Northern Virginia’s suburbs, Republican voters are questioning the party’s direction, its leadership, and whether it still reflects their values … Some described the outcome as a warning sign that the party needs to change, while others emphasized the need for unity and a renewed focus on governing.” [WUSA9]
Alexandria Woman Arrested at Fairfax City Hotel — “A person who reported the incident told officers that a woman holding an infant was acting disorderly after being observed driving a vehicle to the hotel, police said. Officers determined that Davis was under the influence of alcohol, according to the police report. During the investigation, Davis allegedly struck a police officer.” [Patch]
Dominion, NextEra Respond to Demands in Merger Case — “Chief among the recommendations that the petitioners rejected were the suggestions to freeze rates for three years, to keep the current staffing for 10 years, and to only implement separating finances and resources, otherwise known as ring-fencing, in specific ‘trigger events.’ The companies also rejected the suggestion that if the combined companies would downsize their current Virginia offices they would need SCC approval. The two companies did accept several recommendations that ranged from allowing Dominion to be the entity to determine how it will meet load growth demand.” [Virginia Mercury]
Longtime Rector at Old Town Church to Retire — “On Sunday, Rev. Oran Warder – the second longest serving rector in the 217-year history of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Old Town – preached his last sermon. His final services are scheduled for Nov. 22.” [Alexandria Times]
New Legal Notice — Applicant seeks authority to provide irregular-route passenger and non-emergency Medicaid transportation; written protests are due by November 20, 2026. [Public Notices]
It’s Thursday — Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain from 7–10am and highs near 75. South winds 9–11 mph may gust up to 21 mph. Tonight stays mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of rain after midnight, lows around 60, and winds becoming calm. [NWS]
Want more local news? Check out our newest sister site, WSHnow, with the latest from across the region.
Old Town Strength Studio for 50+ Opens 5 Spots in Members-Only Year-End Challenge Revolutionary Fitness, the strength and longevity training studio for people over 50 at 215… [Announcement]
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on Thursday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market Nov 14: Free, Open Air Flea & Vintage Market with 70+ Vendors, "Best in VA!" [Event]
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Nov 15: Northern Virginia Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) cordially invites you to attend… [Event]
Sips & Shells: Holiday Oyster Shell Workshop at Hank’s Oyster Bar Nov 17: Gather your girlfriends for a creative night out in Old Town Alexandria! [Event]
Washington Spirit Alum Meet & Greet + The Amazing Race Watch Party Nov 18: Meet Washington Spirit alum Joanna Lohman, then stick around to cheer on Joanna and Ali Krieger as they compete on The Amazing Race! [Event]
Today: Alexandria saw a high of 75° at 1:30 p.m. (13° above normal), a low of 55° at 1:45 a.m. and no rain.
Tonight: A slight chance of rain after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: A chance of rain before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 8 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
The photo above is from the City of Alexandria’s marina webcam.
Northern Virginia Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) cordially invites you to attend and support our upcoming World Day of Remembrance (WDoR) for Road Traffic Victims.
World Day of Remembrance is an annual event where we honor those whose lives were prematurely ended after being struck by a person driving. This year is particularly painful and sad as we think about the recent death of a 13-year-old Frost middle school student who was struck and killed by a person driving a truck on Pickett Road. We will also honor the nearly 30 other people (as of today’s date) who have been killed on Northern Virginia streets while, walking, biking, or rolling since last year’s day of remembrance.
ARHA interim CEO Roy Priest speaks at a resident meeting at Charles Houston Recreation Center, Sept. 24, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
After one year of rebuilding Alexandria’s public housing authority following a leadership overhaul, Mayor Alyia Gaskins says much work remains.
In a recent two-hour work session, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority‘s new leadership told City Council that rent ledgers are now correct, resident maintenance issues are being handled, and that their year-over-year budget will get approved in December.
Red Barn Mercantile during the holiday season (via Red Barn Mercantile)
Old Town retailer Red Barn Mercantile is wasting no time getting ready for the holiday season.
Red Barn Mercantile (1117 King Street) will host its 18th annual Holiday Unveiling from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 5) along with owner Amy Rutherford’s other stores, Penny Post (1201 King Street) and Pippin Toy Co. (1310 King Street).
The Alexandria City Council (staff photo by James Cullum)
The Alexandria City Council will start its annual budget deliberations with a retreat in the West End on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Council will meet with city departments and get a revenue forecast, expenditure overview and other preliminary budget gap information. Alexandria City Public Schools, for instance, takes up nearly 30% of the city’s budget and faces a $17 million budget gap and is working toward a collective bargaining agreement the School Board wants approved before the next fiscal year starts on July 1, 2027.
The Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
Unofficial election results on Tuesday (Nov. 3) showed a majority of voters approved three Virginia constitutional amendments, and Alexandria’s percentages exceeded the state margins for all three.
Alexandria’s median apartment rents declined just under 1% year over year in October and remain about 5% off the city’s all-time high, according to new data.
The city’s median apartment rental rates were $2,005 for one-bedroom units, $2,643 for two bedrooms and $2,189 overall, according to figures reported Oct. 28 by Apartment List.
