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Visit Alexandria launched a new advertising campaign last week focusing on attracting Black visitors. Using federal funding from the  American Rescue Plan Act, Visit Alexandria hired D.C.-based Creative Theory Agency to develop the “Drop-in” campaign with help from business owners and leaders around the city.

“We’re thrilled to roll out this major new campaign to build on our last 8 years of painting a more complete and inclusive picture of Alexandria,” said Visit Alexandria President & CEO Patricia Washington. “Our destination is more ready than ever for this campaign given the City of Alexandria’s investment and development of new Black history experiences through the Office of Historic Alexandria, citywide priority around race and social equity, as well as newly-opened businesses and the transformation of our waterfront.”


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City leaders mark 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks — “A solemn gathering in Waterfront Park to remember those lost and commemorate the selfless service of so many during and after the attacks of September 11th. Honored to have @RepDonBeyer and the leaders of @AlexVASheriff @AlexandriaVAPD & @AlexandriaVAFD with us.” [Twitter]

Old Town’s ‘Art On The Avenue’ festival needs hundreds of volunteers — “As an entirely volunteer-run event, Art on the Avenue seeks over 200 volunteers to help with pre-event set up, business set up, monitoring the food court, handing out posters, and more before and throughout the day. Each volunteer may sign up for a specific position and shift time. The average shift is between 2 and 3 hours; there is no limit to how many hours one can volunteer.” [Zebra]


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What an interesting week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.

World champion sprinter Noah Lyles brought home his bronze medal from the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday. In a frank, TED Talk-like speech at Alexandria City High School, Lyles talked about the importance of mental health as he struggled to perform at the games.


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A 30-year-old Alexandria man is being held without bond after allegedly committing sexual battery on a woman  and following other women in the Landmark area on Thursday night.

Police responded to the 300 block of S. Reynolds Street at around 5:45 p.m. to investigate a report of a disorderly person, according to a release.


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Gun used in murder belonged to suspect’s bondsman — “The homicide of Alexandria resident Karla Dominguez last summer sparked widespread uproar because her alleged murderer, Ibrahim Bouaichi, had been released on bond in April despite having been indicted for allegedly raping and assaulting Dominguez in October 2019. Now, new information reveals that the bondsman who posted bail for Bouaichi knew him beforehand and that both the vehicle and weapon Bouaichi used to commit the murder belonged to the bondsman, Man Nguyen.” [Alex Times]

Twenty years later, residents recall the September 11 attacks — “Two residents had been on the plane that hit the Pentagon and many more residents had friends and other people from their lives who had been killed or impacted by the attacks on New York City and the Pentagon and the crash in Pennsylvania. On Friday, Sept. 14, the city held a candlelight vigil at Market Square, with residents filling the area in front of city hall and overflowing onto King, Cameron and Fairfax streets.” [Alex Times]


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Alexandria Police say that a string of robberies from 7-Eleven convenience stores in the city and in Fairfax County are connected.

The most recent incident occurred just before midnight on August 19 at the 7-Eleven at 1025 W. Glebe Road. The clerk told police that the male suspect was buying a Black & Mild cigar. He handed over cash, but when the register opened he pushed the clerk away, “lunged” over the counter and stole about $30 in cash, police said in a search warrant.


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Alexandria is experiencing mural mania, as three new murals have been painted in Old Town. It’s more than just a splash of color on the walls, too.

Pacers Running at 1301 King Street is celebrating their 30th anniversary on October 7 with the official unveiling of their mural. Designed by D.C. artist Katherine Campagna, the mural reads the Pacers logo, “FOR EVERY RUN” in italics, as if the letters are running down the street.


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The 17-month-old black labrador retriever mix is truly a gentle dog, and is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Chubbs’ favorite pastime is Fetch,” said Gina Hardter, a spokesperson with the AWLA. “He’s a bigger guy but you wouldn’t know it when you see him race after a tennis ball, and, unlike some pups…he actually knows how to bring it back too!”


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Alexandria celebrating PARK(ing) Day — “On Sep 17, the City will celebrate PARK(ing) Day, a worldwide event promoting public green space in urban areas by temporarily reclaiming several on-street parking spaces, transforming them into imaginative park spaces, or ‘parklets.’” [Twitter]

Old Town Cocktail Week starts September 10 — “Old Town Cocktail Week is September 10-19! Sip creative cocktails and join themed events, seminars and celebrations.” [Twitter]


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The pressure was on. After a COVID-delay of more than a year, Alexandria sprinter Noah Lyles was finally racing against the top runners in the world at the Tokyo Olympics. The gun fired, and 19.74 seconds later he was the winner of the bronze medal.

Lyles returned to his alma mater, Alexandria City High School, on Tuesday (September 7) to talk about his unexpectedly long journey to the Olympics. In a frank, TED Talk-like speech, he talked about the importance of mental health, and described talking about being depressed with his therapist.


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