Tourists’ Spending Exceeded $1B — “If Alexandria feels more bustling than ever, the numbers help explain why. Visitor spending in the city topped more than $1 billion in 2024 for the first time, according to Visit Alexandria, the city’s nonprofit destination marketing organization. The milestone comes as Alexandria’s tourism growth rate has outpaced both Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth overall.” [The Zebra]
Virginia Opposes Gun Mailing Proposal — “Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Tuesday joined 21 other states in opposing a proposed United States Postal Service rule that would allow certain firearms to be sent through the mail, warning the change could undermine state gun laws and make it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain weapons.” [Virginia Mercury]
HRP Group wants to keep the pump house at the former coal-fired Potomac River Generating Station property in Old Town North, representatives said during meeting last night (Monday).
The developer rolled out the plan for Blocks B and C of the sprawling project in an hour-and-a-half-long Zoom meeting. The development is spread across six blocks, and entails the full deconstruction of the former power plant, replacing it with more than 10 acres of public open space, as well as mixed-use apartment and retail buildings.
Have you checked out Creekside Village Apartments lately? It is time for a fresh look. Under vibrant new management, our Alexandria-area community is undergoing a complete evolution. We are pairing sleek, modern interior updates with the spacious, neighborly atmosphere you want.
Plus, for a limited time, we are offering One Month Free on Select Apartments!*
Whether you are browsing online or actively touring the local market, here is why the newly upgraded Creekside Village belongs at the top of your list.
Sleek Interiors, Completely Refreshed
We are transforming every apartment from top to bottom. Step through the front door to discover premium, high-end details without the luxury price tag:
- Gourmet Kitchens: Gorgeous granite countertops matched with premium custom cabinets.
- Contemporary Flooring: Stylish, long-lasting wood-style vinyl plank floors spanning all main living areas.
- Room to Move: Oversized 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom layouts boasting massive closets.
- Dining Areas: Large eat-in kitchens, with select floor plans offering convenient breakfast bars.
- Private Fresh Air: Personal balconies or patios available on most homes for your outdoor relaxation.
Exciting Amenity Updates on the Way
The indoor transformations are only the start. Our new management team is heavily investing in the shared spaces to elevate your daily routine:
- Unwind: Lounge on the expansive sundeck or cool off in our sparkling swimming pool.
- Stay Fit: Break a sweat in the community fitness center, with upgraded workout gear arriving shortly.
- Explore: A brand-new community playground is slated for installation soon.
- All Pets Allowed: Bring your four-legged roommates along! We are fully pet-friendly and have zero breed restrictions.
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Rare Croatian stamps will be on display at the Torpedo Factory Art Center this week as part of a cultural exchange with Croatia, as Alexandria is expected to host the country’s national soccer team base camp during the 2026 World Cup.
The exhibit marks the first time that the stamp collection, “Discover Croatia: A Journey Through Tiny Windows of History,” has been moved outside of its home country. The exhibit by the Croatian Post and the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs was unveiled yesterday (Monday) at a ceremony with Croatian Ambassador to the U.S. Pjer Šimunović and Mayor Alyia Gaskins.
A new proposal to regulate beekeeping in Alexandria is creating some buzz as it heads to the Planning Commission tonight (May 5).
The Planning Commission is slated to consider new rules that would limit the number of hives allowed on properties, create 5-to-10-foot setbacks for those hives, and allow beekeeping equipment as accessory structures.
Alexandria, VA – In recognition of World Pride Month, the City of Alexandria welcomes back the Annual LGBTQIA+ Pride fair on June 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. at John Carlyle Square Park (300 John Carlyle Street), sponsored by the City of Alexandria, Del Ray Community Partnership, Inova Pride, Kindred Tree Healing Center, and VEG ER for Pets.
Join neighbors, friends, and allies for an afternoon of music, creativity, and community. Enjoy emcee Rayceen Pendarvis, inspiring words from Alexandria leaders, live performances by the Funicular Project, line-dancing, and DJ Thunderbunny. Express yourself at the mobile art lab, grab a bite from local food vendors, and explore more than 100 Pride affirming programs, organizations, and businesses from across Alexandria. Families are invited to experience Drag Story Hour, celebrating imagination, joy, and the freedom to be your authentic self.
Several regional breweries will come together later this month for the annual ALX Craft Beer Festival, offering a taste of their signature brews.
The festival will feature a variety of ale, lager, pilsner and other beers from local makers, including host Atlas Brew Works. The festival is scheduled from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Atlas Alexandria Brewery & Tap Room at 2429 Mandeville Lane.
Though still up more than 50% from the final days of the Biden administration, the total number of Alexandria residents recorded as unemployed in February was the second lowest over the preceding year.
A total of 3,323 city residents were counted as seeking jobs in February data reported last week by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.
Cinco de Mayo in Alexandria — “At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. … Elsewhere in Alexandria, events will feature extended happy hour deals, live music and specials on food and drink, including all-day $3.50 tacos at Taqueria Picoso.” [ALXnow]
Thousands of Virginians to Regain Voting Rights — “A federal court ruled earlier this year that Virginia’s current disenfranchisement of anyone with felony convictions violates laws that required former Confederate states to guarantee voting rights for newly-emancipated Black residents.” [Virginia Mercury]
Taco Tuesday this week promises to be something special in Alexandria as it coincides with Cinco de Mayo.
At Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street), the celebration of Mexico’s defeat over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 begins with 5-cent frozen margaritas from 9-10 a.m. The restaurant will also give out hundreds of straw sombreros and allow outdoor patio drinking until 10 p.m.
A new shuttle service will soon make it easier to travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate from the King Street Metro station in Old Town.
Starting this Friday, May 8, $10 roundtrip shuttle tickets will be available with service to Mount Vernon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June. Each shuttle departing the King Street Metro station can hold up to 20 passengers for an approximately 20-minute ride to the historic estate.
