Hundreds gathered to see the group of Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” as they passed through Alexandria today (Monday).
Joined onstage by city officials, the group’s leader, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, gave an address outside Christ Church, touching on themes of mindfulness and reflection in today’s heavily digital — and often divided — world.
Registration starts next week for more than 50 summer camps and programs hosted by Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
This year’s camp offerings range from sports programs to culinary education, crafting, performing arts and academics. City residents can begin to register for summer 2026 programs at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, Feb. 18, with non-resident registration opening two days later.
Steeped in history yet thoughtfully reimagined for modern living, this exceptional detached residence, originally built in the 1880s, seamlessly blends timeless architecture with sophisticated luxury. Following an extensive renovation and expansion completed between 2022 and 2025, every detail has been meticulously curated to honor the home’s historic character while introducing today’s finest finishes and amenities. Spanning nearly 3,200 finished square feet, the home offers four to five spacious bedrooms, three full and one half baths, and beautifully proportioned living spaces with soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and an abundance of natural light.
The striking rear addition is defined by a dramatic wall of rare floor-to-ceiling black Marvin windows and doors, creating a stunning architectural statement while seamlessly connecting the interior living spaces to the private rear courtyard. The expanded kitchen and family room serve as the heart of the home, thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The chef’s kitchen showcases custom inset cabinetry, Honed Danby marble countertops and full-height backsplash, herringbone hardwood flooring, high-end hardware and fixtures, and a premium suite of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, including a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher, built-in espresso/coffee maker, and wine refrigerator.
Election Day is just around the corner in Alexandria. Here’s what to know about Tuesday’s special elections for State Senate and the House of Delegates.
Ballots tomorrow will include races for Virginia’s 39th District in the State Senate and 5th District in the House of Delegates. The following candidates are running.
Mayor Alyia Gaksins endorsed Alexandria City Council candidate Roberto Gomez at his campaign kickoff in Landmark yesterday (Sunday).
About 50 people attended the event, which was the third Democratic campaign kickoff so far in the Feb. 21 firehouse primary. Five Democratic candidates are competing for the seat left by outgoing City Councilman R. Kirk McPike, whose resignation goes into effect today as he runs for Virginia’s 5th House District in tomorrow’s special election.
Shifting Waters Leadership Institute (SWLI) is bringing a new kind of leadership experience to Old Town Alexandria and DMV area this fall. On November 19 and 20, 2026, the organization will host its inaugural November Leadership Incubator Weekend at COWO & Crèche, a two-day, application-based program built for leaders who are ready to do more than perform their roles well. They are ready to be formed.
The incubator is led by Grace Adofoli, Founder and CEO of SWLI, a leadership development practitioner, executive coach, and 2026 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honoree who has worked across leaders in more than thirty countries over the past decade. Her background spans global public health, disaster relief, and community development, including field work in the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Cambodia, alongside service with AmeriCorps and in underserved communities across the United States. She holds an ACC credential through the International Coaching Federation and degrees in public health and social work from the University of Michigan.
A new dive bar concept is coming to Del Ray’s pop-up bar at the end of this month.
Fresh from its Christmas-themed concept Joy on the Avenue, owner Bill Blackburn and the Homegrown Restaurant Group are in the midst of outfitting the company’s seasonal pop-up bar. An exact date for the opening hasn’t been set, but Blackburn told ALXnow the plan is to open by the end of February.
New potential measles exposures in Northern Virginia were confirmed last week, following several cases in the region so far this year.
A preschool-age child and an out-of-state resident with measles recently traveled in Reagan National Airport and a Yellow Line Metro train, in addition to visiting a medical facility in Haymarket. Dates, times and exact locations of the potential exposure sites are listed below, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
An Alexandria City School Board member has proposed starting discussions to bring back traditional snow days, after school buildings were closed for more than a week in the aftermath of last month’s winter storm.
Board member Ryan Reyna called for a discussion on potentially building snow days back into the calendar and examining flexibility of winter break start and end dates for the 2028-2029 calendar during the School Board’s Feb. 5 meeting.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On February 9, 1862, Rev. K.J. Stewart of St. Paul’s Church was arrested by Union troops for omitting a prayer for President Abraham Lincoln during services. Within a couple months, St. Paul’s was converted into use as a Union hospital.” [Historic Alexandria]
Walk for Peace Happening Today — “The Walk for Peace is expected to enter Alexandria on the morning of Monday, Feb. 9 and will proceed northbound along George Washington Parkway. Intermittent lane closures along George Washington Parkway is expected, and traffic will be impacted. Expect delays, alter travel plans, and have an alternate route planned. This information is subject to change.” [APD]
Alexandria will recognize a group of Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile journey to D.C. on Monday as they near the end of their months-long “Walk for Peace.”
The group of monks, who began their pilgrimage on Oct. 26, 2025, at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas, are expected to pass through Old Town on Monday and interact with passersby at Christ Church (118 N. Washington Street) around noon.
