After being closed for nearly six months, UpCycle Creative Reuse Center has reopened in an industrial area just south of the Carlyle neighborhood.
The shop has sold all manner of “upcycled” materials, including paper goods, fabrics, craft and party supplies, office goods, containers, jewelry and more since its founding in 2013 by Susan Miranda and Kelley Organek.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Rocket Fizz, the soda pop and candy store in Fairlington Plaza.
Owner Tanya Kemp’s store at 1721 Centre Plaza is full of stocking stuffers, from vintage soda and candy, to tchotchkes and gag gifts like wind-up chattering teeth, Pez dispensers and bobbleheads. She told ALXnow that her shop does more business during the Christmas season than any other time of the year.
How are you ringing in the new year in Alexandria?
A number of local bars and restaurants are doing it up in style on Dec. 31. From Old Town to Del Ray, Arlandria and the West End, here’s a roundup of shindigs that will send you into the early morning hours of 2026.
Finn & Fire, a new international restaurant specializing in seafood and steaks, hopes to debut in Old Town in late winter.
The new eatery is preparing to replace Indian restaurant Kismet at 111 N. Pitt Street sometime in March, owner Ghazal Amir told ALXnow. The business previously hoped for a January opening but is still securing its permits.
Alexandria leaders honored a local dance studio and its founder over the weekend as the arts institution celebrates 50 years in business this year.
The Chris Collins Dance Studio at 5408 Eisenhower Avenue has taught thousands of kids and adults various dance genres including tap, jazz, ballet and hip-hop since its founding in 1975.
This December weekend in Alexandria brings a hefty helping of holiday cheer with festive concerts and markets, bar crawls and opportunities for holiday light viewing.
Locals can get into the spirit with the Alexandria Citizens Band’s holiday sing-along tonight, or try their hand at cookie decorating at the Made in VA store. Folk rock legend Don McLean will make a special appearance at The Birchmere on Sunday night, where he’ll perform a mix of classics and holiday tunes.
Three local businesses along King Street in Old Town will be open late tonight (Friday) for a holiday-themed celebration.
Red Barn Mercantile (1117 King Street), Pippin Toy Co. (1310 King Street) and Penny Post (1201 King Street) will remain open from 8 p.m. to midnight for “Midnight Merriment” festivities. The shops plan to offer refreshments and activities throughout the night as shoppers enjoy “the magic of Old Town Alexandria after dark,” according to a release.
A longtime Italian restaurant from across the Potomac has its sights set on Old Town, according to the Washington Business Journal.
Floriana has reportedly leased a ground-floor space in the Atrium Building at 277 S. Washington Street. It’s aiming to replace a 5,800-square-foot vacancy left by Virginia’s Darling and Mae’s Market as early as June.
A pet store from Del Ray opened its newest location over the weekend at the Belle View Shopping Center.
The Dog Store is now open at 1612 Belle View Blvd, replacing a vacancy left by the Pampered Pet Boutique & Bakery earlier this year. Owner Paul Haire founded the shop’s first location in Del Ray in 2014, after opening Your Dog’s Best Friends daycare in 2003.
Looking to get out on Thanksgiving and Plaid Friday?
Alexandria has lifted parking restrictions at metered spaces and residential permit parking districts throughout the city tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday.
The Department of Beer and Wine finally has a new home in Del Ray.
The gourmet beer and wine shop held a soft opening over the weekend at its new location at 2805 Mount Vernon Avenue. The location was formerly occupied by the ASAP Printing and Mailing Company and shares the building with a Truist bank.
