Around Town

A new children’s book from an Alexandria author is rekindling the stories she told local students during virtual storytimes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Seven Days of Sophie” by Southerlyn Marino captures a week in the life of Sophie, a lovable black-and-white French bulldog. Though Marino released the book at the Made In ALX store just last month, the stories are from five years ago, when she was asked to be a virtual mystery reader for her nephews’ class at Charles Barrett Elementary School.


Around Town

Swing’s Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in the D.C. area, according to one ranking.

A new list from Eater DC lists the cafe in the top 16 coffee shops in the area, highlighting “the best drip java, pour-overs, and lattes in town.” The coffeehouse with historic local roots has two downtown D.C. shops and a flagship Del Ray roastery at 501 E. Monroe Avenue.


Sponsored
This recurring Most and Least Expensive Home feature is sponsored by Adrianna Vallario of Compass. Based in the North Ridge area of Alexandria City, Adrianna is more than just a real estate agent – she is a trusted advisor, relocation expert, and community advocate.

In October 2026, 26 detached homes sold, 50 condos sold, and 41 townhomes sold. Detached home sales are down 40% when compared to the same time period last year, condos are down 52%, and townhomes are down 18%.

Most Expensive Detached Home Sales:

Least Expensive Townhome Sales:

3400 Saylor Pl - Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS
3400 Saylor Pl – Listed by DSA Properties, photo from Bright MLS

If you have any questions about these listings, or are looking to make a move in the DMV, please contact Adrianna Vallario – Your Alexandria Real Estate Agent.


Around Town

Port City Brewing Company is doing something special this weekend for its 15th anniversary.

The brewery and tasting room at 3950 Wheeler Avenue will host a two-day release party for its new Golden Rum Barrel-Aged Colossal Anniversary Ale, with “familiar notes of toffee, dried dark fruit, and subtle hop balance paired perfectively with the sweet vanilla, coconut, honey, and molasses flavors of the rum.”


Announcement

Revolutionary Fitness is a semi-private strength and longevity training studio for adults 50+ at 215 N. Payne St. in Old Town. Registration for its 21-day Fall Into Fitness program closes this Saturday, October 31. Two spots remain.

The program is built for adults who never trained seriously, haven’t trained in years, or keep starting programs that don’t stick. Members get:


News

On This Day in Alexandria History — “On February 3, 1846, after Alexandrians petitioned Congress and the Virginia legislature, the Virginia General Assembly agreed to accept the retrocession of Alexandria from the District of Columbia to the Commonwealth, if Congress also approved.” [Historic Alexandria]

Office Approved For Conversion Goes to Market — “Commercial real estate services firm JLL is marketing 2051 Jamieson Ave., a 146,714-square-foot office fully entitled for expansion and conversion to multifamily or multifamily over retail. The building, constructed in 2003, includes 258 parking spots across four below-grade levels.” [WBJ]


News

Good Monday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Feb 2, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. CVS Pharmacy shutters in Potomac Yard, leaving a dozen remaining Alexandria locations (1347 views)
  2. Cesar Madison Tapia, a social studies teacher and political TikToker, joins City Council race (638 views)
  3. JUST IN: ACPS will reopen schools, offices Tuesday with two-hour delay (518 views)
  4. Morning Notes for February 2, 2026 (448 views)
  5. Market Square Garage will close next week to allow for renovations (416 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

🌦️ Tuesday’s forecast

Expect a mix of rain and snow after 4pm, with increasing clouds and a high near 39, accompanied by light and variable wind. The chance of precipitation is 20%. For Tuesday night, snow is likely mainly before 1am with a cloudy sky and a low around 27. The wind will turn calm, then shift to north around 6 mph after midnight. The chance of precipitation rises to 60%, with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
– T.S. Eliot

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!


News

Sidewalk ordinance enforcement is back on the books in Alexandria tomorrow (Tuesday), according to a city announcement this afternoon.

Starting tomorrow, City of Alexandria residents, property owners, community associations and businesses are required to clear sidewalks, driveways and entrances within 72 hours, due to the storm’s “Level 3” severity. According to the city, residents should do the following to abide by City Code Section 5-2-21.


News

The Market Square Garage is closing next Monday, Feb. 9, to allow crews to begin renovations at City Hall and Market Square, according to a city announcement this afternoon (Monday).

Monthly pass holders “should have already been contacted” about new parking options, and a list of alternative locations in Old Town is available on the city’s website. The garage is closing as the project site will be secured with fencing this month, according to the announcement.


News

Alexandria City Public Schools will reopen with a two-hour delay for in-person learning tomorrow (Tuesday), according to an announcement this afternoon.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said ACPS remains “mindful of student safety during school arrival and dismissal, particularly for those who walk to school or wait at bus stops,” according to the announcement. Students and staff are encouraged to dress warmly amid the cold weather.


Around Town

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Alexandria Health Department is partnering with a dozen local businesses to offer discounts customers who book a sexual or reproductive health appointment this month.

AHD is offering 5% “Cupid Coupons,” valid for up to $10 off at 12 local businesses to customers who book the appointments during the February Love Safely and Save promotion.