Plans for upgrades at two NOVA Parks-owned Alexandria properties are getting a boost under the regional park system’s latest capital budget.
The fiscal years 2027-2031 budget adopted by the NOVA Parks Board of Directors on Sept. 17 allocates $1.5 million for building renovations at Carlyle House Historic Park (121 N. Fairfax Street) and $1 million for Winkler Botanical Preserve (5400 Roanoke Avenue) entrance improvements.
Alexandria is looking for ways to relieve businesses from the years-long renovation impacts of City Hall and Market Square in Old Town.
With parking temporarily halted on the streets next to the property at 301 King Street, sidewalks closed and the sound of continual construction, businesses in a one-block radius of the building are feeling the effects.
Some exterior changes could be coming to Carlyle House in Old Town.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is asking the city to approve a plan to replace the wood shingles with a standing seam metal roof on the nearly 275-year-old mansion at 121 N. Fairfax Street. The first mansion ever constructed in Alexandria was built by city founder and merchant John Carlyle in 1751.
Alexandria’s ranking isn’t as high as last year on Travel + Leisure’s annual “Best Cities in the U.S.” list, but it has remained in the top 10.
Travel + Leisure announced the winners of the 2026 World’s Best Awards yesterday (July 7). Winners were determined by feedback from about 207,000 readers around the world.
Pride celebrations and World Cup watch parties will continue this weekend as the last weekend of June brings numerous events to Alexandria.
The Croatian National Football Team, which has used Alexandria as its World Cup home base, will play Ghana on Saturday. Continues Arcade will gather fans to cheer on the Croatian team.
Gawkers peeking into the windows of historic homes in Old Town need look no further.
On June 16, publisher Simon & Schuster will release “Old Town Style: Inside Alexandria’s Most Beautiful Historic Homes.” In its 253 pages, Robert Weinhagen Jr., president of the Historic Alexandria Foundation, goes inside 44 homes built within the Colonial, Federal and Victorian periods.
From historical tours and adult field trips to trivia nights, several events coming to Alexandria this winter will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The various roles Alexandria played in the forging of the U.S. will be told in events across the city. The events are compiled in a list by the American Revolution 250 Commission, or VA250, which was established by the General Assembly in 2020.
Alexandria leaders are praising NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert, who recently announced that he will step down by December.
Gilbert has led the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority for 20 years. In Alexandria, his organization acquired the Winkler Botanical Preserve in 2022, and owns and operates Cameron Run Regional Park and Carlyle House Historic Park.
There are a number of ways to volunteer in Alexandria this fall.
Art lovers can get their fix by volunteering as gallery guides at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, and sports enthusiasts can become volunteer sport coaches. The Carlyle House also needs a volunteer tour guide.
Want to lend a helping hand? Alexandria is full of summer volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Alexandria’s website lists plenty of ways for residents to give back.
