ALXnow

This week, ALXnow invites readers to weigh in on Alexandria’s top family physicians. Trusted primary care providers play an essential role in keeping local families healthy and guiding patients through life’s various health decisions.

Here are the nominees for Best family physician in Alexandria as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite family physician? Write it in!

Voting will close on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Voting for Best bakery in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best pizza places in Alexandria. The full results are now official:

1. 🥇 Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap — 616 votes
2. 🥈 Stracci Pizza — 414 votes
3. 🥉 Andy’s Pizza — 273 votes
4. Pupatella — 128 votes
5. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana — 119 votes

A total of 1,839 votes were cast.

Readers picked Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap for best pizza in 2025 as well. See all ALXnow Readers’ Choice winners.

For this week’s Readers’ Choice poll, ALXnow is revisiting the question of the best pizza restaurant in Alexandria after readers picked Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap in 2025. In addition to serving up delicious, fresh-out-of-the-oven slices, local pizzerias often become essential gathering spots that help shape the character of neighborhoods throughout the city.

Here are the nominees for Best pizza places in Alexandria as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards. Did we miss your favorite spot? Write it in!

Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Voting for Best veterinarian in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best places to hike in Alexandria. The full results are now official:

1. 🥇 Mount Vernon Trail — 56 votes
2. 🥈 Winkler Botanical Preserve — 37 votes
3. 🥉 Dora Kelley Nature Park — 19 votes
4. Jones Point Park — 15 votes
5. Fort Ward Park — 14 votes

From regional facilities like the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail to local gems like the Dora Kelley Nature Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Alexandria offers a variety of opportunities for both casual and seasoned hikers to stretch their legs despite its relatively small, compact footprint.

A total of 189 votes were cast.

See every ALXnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present, here.

Reliable veterinary care plays a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of Alexandria’s pet population. Local animal hospitals and clinics provide essential services that give pet owners peace of mind and support the broader community.

Here are the nominees for Best veterinarian in Alexandria as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite veterinarian? Write it in!

Voting will close on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Voting for Best places to hike in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best coffee shops in Alexandria. The full results are now official:

1. 🥇 Turkish Coffee Lady — 1484 votes
2. 🥈 Café du Soleil — 836 votes
3. 🥉 LaPluma Coffee & Wine — 342 votes
4. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub — 253 votes
5. Swing’s Coffee — 187 votes

A total of 3,692 votes were cast.

See every ALXnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present, here.

Alexandria’s network of wooded trails and nature preserves offers residents a vital connection to the outdoors within our urban environment. These preserved green spaces provide essential opportunities for recreation, wildlife observation, and quiet retreat in the community.

Here are the nominees for “Best Place to Hike in Alexandria” as part of our ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite place to hike below? Write them in!

Voting will close on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Voting for Best Coffee Shop in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Wednesday at 11:59 p.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Restaurant for a Fancy Dinner in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Laporta’s Restaurant
2. Josephine
3. Ada’s on the River

See every ALXnow Readers’ Choice winner, past and present here.