Around Town

An Italian takeout and delivery spot in Old Town with customizable pastas is preparing to celebrate the launch of its new dine-in service.

Hank’s Pasta Bar, located above Hank’s Oyster Bar at 600 Montgomery Street, is officially launching dine-in service this Thursday, May 7, with a grand opening celebration scheduled next Thursday, May 14. The restaurant, an “elevated casual eatery,” has a full bar and offers a menu of “traditional Italian fare with contemporary touches,” according to a press release.


News

First responders transported a nine-year-old girl to the hospital as a precaution after a driver struck her in Del Ray early Friday evening (May 1).

The child did not sustain serious injuries, and the driver, who had a learner’s permit and was accompanied by a licensed driver, received a citation for failing to yield at a crosswalk, APD told ALXnow in an email.


Sponsored

Noteworthy: Combination of historic character & modern luxury

Two blocks from the heart of Old Town, this home offers a rare combination of historic character, modern luxury, and livable space. Just minutes from King Street, the waterfront, restaurants, shops, and parks, you will be directly in the center of it all. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence spans approximately 2,600+ square feet and has been thoughtfully updated to support both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The home features high-end appliances, including Miele, Sub-Zero, and Viking, paired with a layout that feels intuitive, comfortable, and functional. Built in the early 1800s, the home is an example of Alexandria’s historic “flounder house” style, though what stands out most is how seamlessly that history has been adapted for modern living. Original hardwood floors anchor the heart of the home, while preserved architectural details, particularly in the family room, highlight its 200-year legacy. The upper level includes a flexible primary suite with an adjoining office or sitting room, offering an ideal work-from-home setup or private retreat. A standout feature is the redesigned, two-tier courtyard, creating a true outdoor living environment rarely found in Old Town. Entered through a private gate and enhanced with thoughtful landscaping, the space includes both an upper courtyard and a lower patio with direct access from the kitchen, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living and entertaining. Additional features include a copper roof and six fireplaces, further reinforcing the home’s blend of enduring craftsmanship and modern updates.


News

Alexandria’s median apartment rent rose for the fourth consecutive month in April but stands 3% lower than at the same point in 2025, according to new data.

The median apartment rental rate was $2,224 for the month — $2,040 for one-bedroom units and $2,506 for two bedrooms — according to new data from Apartment List.


News

Lowered Flags Remember Dr. Cerina Fairfax — “Flags across Virginia will be lowered [today] to honor the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax and other victims of domestic violence. Gov. Abigail Spanberger ordered [Friday] that U.S. and Virginia flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local government buildings and grounds from sunrise to sunset, expressing a commitment to ‘helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence.'” [FFXnow]

Citywide Repaving This Week — “Businesses and residents whose streets are scheduled for repaving receive advance notice – typically by displayed project signs and/or letters. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs will also be posted before work begins. Please be sure to observe these signs to avoid tickets and potential towing of vehicle.” Affected streets are on the City of Alexandria’s website. [City of Alexandria]


Event

Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence with renowned music historians David & Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria’s sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia. Scottish music was especially influential in the American colonies, and once the French joined the Revolutionary cause there were musical celebrations for Generals LaFayette, Rochambeau and other French leaders. This concert event is part of the “Alexandria commemorates America’s 250” campaign. David & Ginger specialize in researching, recording, and performing early American music. Since 1980 they have presented concerts and educational programs throughout the country and abroad at museums, historic sites, schools and universities. Mount Vernon, The National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, and Colonial Williamsburg are among their many past sponsors.

Tickets are $20.


News

Good Friday 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 — May 1, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Road closures start today for VRE bridge replacement project at Alexandria Union Station (1038 views)
  2. Spring Maker’s Market and block party among May 2-3 weekend events in Alexandria (852 views)
  3. Morning Notes for May 1, 2026 (663 views)
  4. Crooked Beat Records closing this weekend in Del Ray as store plans new location (581 views)

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Three arrested after teen stabbed in Alexandria’s West End (4539 views)
  2. No bond for Alexandria man charged with ex-girlfriend’s rape, strangulation (4491 views)
  3. Old Town’s Il Porto to celebrate rebrand with ‘Renaissance’ dinner tomorrow (3549 views)
  4. Alexandria paralegal spends weekends leading tours of local Korean cuisine (3456 views)
  5. Pride of Baltimore II to arrive in Alexandria, prompting Woodrow Wilson Bridge opening (3097 views)
  6. ‘Ridiculous,’ Mayor Gaskins calls GOP bill to return Alexandria and Arlington to D.C. (3095 views)
  7. ACPS seeks former proposed arena space in Potomac Yard for school bus parking lot (2522 views)
  8. City manager proposes $135M financing deal to develop former Old Town North power plant (2493 views)

📅 Upcoming events

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

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

🌥️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high of 61°F and a north wind blowing at 7 to 9 mph. By Saturday night, the weather will turn partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to around 43°F and a northwest wind at 6 to 8 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Alexandria!


News

 

A new temporary art installation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was recently unveiled outside the Alexandria Courthouse in Old Town, featuring a reading of the document by prominent Alexandria women.


Around Town

There’s much to do in Alexandria on this first weekend of May.

If you haven’t gotten Mother’s Day gifts yet, there are several shopping events to pick something out for Mom. There’s also an America250 concert and Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser at Lee-Fendall House.


Around Town

After spending months recovering from flooding, Crooked Beat Records is closing its Del Ray basement location for the last time this Sunday (May 3).

Store owner Bill Daly and his staff were forced to close the store after catastrophic flooding in the building at 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue on Jan. 11. The business closed briefly after losing an estimated $60,000 of merchandise, of which $23,500 was recovered through a GoFundMe campaign. The store reopened at the end of February.


News

Road closures will begin tonight as the Virginia Railway Express replaces two bridges near Alexandria’s Union Station (110 Callahan Drive).

VRE is replacing two bridge spans on King Street and Commonwealth Avenue in a project that begins tonight (May 1) at 7 p.m. Between now and 10 p.m. Monday (May 4). King Street will be fully closed between Russell Road and Daingerfield Road, with traffic detoured to Duke Street, according to VRE.