Relaxing at Oronoco Bay Park (staff photo by James Cullum)
Preparations for Mayor’s Cup — “The women’s teams and the men’s [rugby] team for the Mayor’s Cup are practicing and getting ready for our big trip to Scotland. In case you haven’t heard the news, we are bringing back the Mayor’s Cup, which is a friendly competition between the City of Alexandria and our sister city in Dundee, Scotland.” [Alyia for Alexandria/Facebook]
Traffic and Parking Board Meets Monday — “The Traffic and Parking Board will hold its next public hearing on Monday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Docket materials have been posted for the upcoming meeting. At the public hearing, members of the public can weigh in on Russell Road Safe Routes to School improvements and a curb cut appeal, among other topics.” [Alexandria T&ES]
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%.
Expect partly sunny conditions with a high of about 83°F and a gentle east wind between 3 to 6 mph. During the night, skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 66°F, accompanied by an east wind at approximately 5 mph that will become calm as the evening progresses. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Attention all runners, joggers, and Army Navy fans!
Come join us on Saturday, 12 December 2026 for a fun run before the big game. The Army Navy Football Game is one of the greatest rivalries in college football, and what better way to kick it off than with a fun run sponsored by FAOA. FAOA supports active, retired, and civilian Foreign Area Officers around the globe. All proceeds go directly to funding FAOA programs to help and support our members.
1799 Prime Steak & Seafood (via Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria)
Foodies will have the chance to try new eateries or return to old favorites during the next Alexandria Restaurant Week in August.
Alexandria Restaurant Week, held twice a year in January and August, will be held over 10 days from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 23. Full-service restaurants will serve prix fixe dinner menus at $35, $45 or $55 per person, and fast casual restaurants will have their own offers.
If you are interested in learning more about Continuing Care Retirement Communities (also known as "Life Plan Communities"), whether for yourself or for a loved one, please join our free workshop on Wednesday, November 4 from 5:00-7:00 at the Arlington office of Long & Foster. We are hosting this workshop in conjunction with Lisa Bates of the Williamsburg Landing community, which is a particularly excellent model of the way these communities work, and one you may wish to consider!
– How do Continuing Care Retirement Communities work? – What do they offer? – How much do they cost, and what are the financial models offered? – How do you how to evaluate them, and choose the one that's right for you? – How do you make a plan for a move like this? – How do you handle a lifetime's worth of possessions?
Independent Policing Auditor Ameratu Kamara speaks to the Independent Community Policing Review Board on June 29, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)
City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, July 29 to approve more investigation into the August 2025 death of a man in Alexandria Police Department custody.
Earlier this month, the city’s Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB) voted unanimously to send back an “incomplete” report on the death of Allan Tucker II. Board Chair Deborah Porter told City Council in a July 17 letter that it needs the council’s go-ahead to approve an additional investigation into a sergeant supervisor’s actions, more details on the auditor’s interaction with the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and clarity behind Independent Police Auditor Ameratu Kamara’s decision to not publicly share disciplinary recommendations against the officers that she gave to Police Chief Tarrick McGuire.
Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family — from picky toddlers to adults seeking variety — can be a challenge in any city. Alexandria has no shortage of family-friendly dining options, from casual spots with children’s menus to restaurants with activities to keep little ones entertained.
Here are the nominees for “Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.
Did we miss your go-to restaurant? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks.
Voting for the Best Race for Runners is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.
This 4-year-old dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers a good balance of an energetic and chill nature. Ares enjoys running and playing but won’t want to miss his cuddle time too.
As seen from the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town, Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On July 24, 1946, court approval was sought by the owners of the former residence of Dr. and Mrs. Hugh McGuire at 201 S. Washington Street to demolish the historic structure to make way for contemporary office development of the site. This action prompted a major citizen effort to preserve the structure, built in 1837 as a center for learning and knowledge known as The Lyceum. The original concept to build such a structure in Alexandria was led by local schoolmaster Benjamin Hallowell, and when finished the building included the Alexandria library, exhibits of natural history and science and a large lecture hall on the second floor. Today, the building houses The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, and is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city.” [Historic Alexandria]
Key Deadlines for Aug. 4 Primaries — July 24 is the deadline for voter registration and to request a mail ballot for the Aug. 4 Democratic and Republican primary elections. After that date, same-day registration will allow new voters to cast a provisional ballot. [ALXnow]
Reserve your spot for an after-hour event with multi-disciplinary artist Sky Hopinka, Thursday, Nov. 5, 6–9 PM. Experience monumental nature-inspired artworks in the Water’s Edgeexhibition, make your own artwork to take home at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Sky Hopinka’s photo and video art—including This is a mnemonic for Truman Lowe in the museum’s collection—shares Truman Lowe’s interest in Indigenous homelands, cultural knowledge, and traditional practices. Hopinka contributed to the exhibition catalog for Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe, writing on Lowe’s lasting impact on his work. Hopinka joins the museum for this special after hours event featuring a screening of three of his short video works followed by a discussion with Rebecca Head Trautmann, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art and exhibition curator, along with art-making activities, and time to enjoy Lowe’s work currently on view. Sky Hopinka has been widely recognized for his experimental short films and photo-based works. A MacArthur Fellow, Guggenheim Fellow, and Forge Project Fellow, his work has been shown in major film festivals, museums, and international exhibitions and is in numerous prominent museum collections. Hopinka is currently an assistant professor in the department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard University.