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.
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.
At Carr Workplaces King Street, experience a 5-star rated workspace on Google—designed to support your entire workday in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
- Start your morning with an easy Metro commute
- Power through your day in a private office with on-site support
- Recharge with access to a fitness center and showers
- When it’s time to connect, host clients at nearby restaurants or step out onto King Street for a change of pace—all just steps from your office.
This is more than a place to work—it’s a seamless, full-day experience built around how you actually live and work.
Work smarter, feel better, and enjoy every part of your day from start to finish.
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.”
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]
Raise a glass to culture and camaraderie at the 2026 whisky tasting event. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting across the whisky regions of Scotland, gaining insights into the craftsmanship and culture behind each pour. This informative program will help you learn all about the rich tapestry that is Scotch whisky, enable you to sample five different whiskies from across Scotland, and provide an opportunity to ask questions and share personal insights. VIP ticket holders will receive two additional exclusive samples of rare whiskies. All attendees will take home a souvenir Glencairn glass, perfect for continuing their whisky journey. Tickets are $100 for VIP or $75 for general admission (listed as a separate event on Alexandriava.gov/Shop), with hors d’oeuvres included. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for non-whisky drinkers. A raffle will also be held with prizes, with tickets available for cash purchase at the event. Minimum age: 21. All proceeds support the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee and its mission to support the educational and cultural exchanges between Alexandria, VA and her sister cities of Dundee, Scotland and Helsingborg, Sweden.
Please note: You do not need to print off tickets. Your name will be on the registration list for the event.
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:
- CVS Pharmacy shutters in Potomac Yard, leaving a dozen remaining Alexandria locations (1347 views)
- Cesar Madison Tapia, a social studies teacher and political TikToker, joins City Council race (638 views)
- JUST IN: ACPS will reopen schools, offices Tuesday with two-hour delay (518 views)
- Morning Notes for February 2, 2026 (448 views)
- 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.