Old Town | ALXnow

An Old Town Business Is Waiting to Connect Virginians with Medical Marijuana

Published January 17, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated January 17, 2020 at 3:48PM

As Virginia starts making progress towards the decriminalization of marijuana, one local business is working to make it easier to connect people to medical marijuana licenses.

Veriheal, based in Old Town, educates clients about medical cannabis and connects them to doctors who can get them approved for a medical marijuana license. The company works in 23 states with its structure changing based on state laws. Anthony Dutcher, marketing director for Veriheal, said they’re working to get started in Virginia.

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Old Town BBQ Joint Myron Mixon Celebrates Three Year Anniversary

By Vernon Miles

Published January 14, 2020 at 3:30PM

Old Town barbecue joint Myron Mixon, tucked away off the main drag at 220 N. Lee Street, is celebrating three years in business with a party tomorrow.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the restaurant will be serving up a whole hog to celebrate the restaurant’s anniversary. Tickets are $22 and guests will also receive a free bottle of Myron Mixon’s barbecue sauce or rub, according to the Facebook page.

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Thai Eatery and Bar to Replace Geranio Ristorante in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published January 14, 2020 at 11:45AM

722 King Street (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

A new restaurant called Thai Signature could be taking over 722 King Street, once home to local establishment Geranio Ristorante.

Geranio Ristorante closed in 2018 after 42 years of serving up Italian meals and the building has been empty since then. Recently filed permits show, however, that Thai Signature could be taking over the space with a focus on offering street food from Thailand. The restaurant will also have a bar serving wine, beer and cocktails.

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 13, 2020 at 6:00AM

APD Investigates Friday Night Robbery — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a commercial robbery in the 3100 block of Duke Street. Merchandise was taken and one minor Injury. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

Appointment for Former Fire Chief — “Former Alexandria, Va Fire Chief Robert Dubé has been appointed Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, according to a press release issued Friday, January 10, 2020 from Governor Ralph Northam’s office.” [Zebra]

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 10, 2020 at 8:00AM

Bar Owner to Lead St. Pat’s Parade — “The Ballyshaners have selected John Brennan, owner of Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant and Bar as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Brennan, of Kilkenny, Ireland and an Old Town homeowner has been an active member of Alexandria’s business community since opening Daniel O’Connell’s in 2006.” [Zebra]

Recycling Collection Still Delayed — “City recycling collection remains delayed due to winter weather earlier this week. Residents that did not receive collection service on their normal day will receive service on the following day.” [Twitter]

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Alexandria Buys Slave Trading Museum, But Looks to Public for Preservation

By Vernon Miles

Published January 7, 2020 at 9:20AM

Franklin and Armfield exhibit in the Freedom House museum (photo via Historic Alexandria/Facebook)

The City of Alexandria has agreed to purchase the Freedom House Museum, an unassuming brick building at 1315 Duke Street that was once the headquarters for the largest domestic slave trading firm in the United States.

The museum is currently a museum about slavery run by the Northern Virginia Urban League, but years after buying and restoring the building in 1996, the Washington Post reported that upkeep for the building was too costly for an organization that primarily uses its funding for scholarships and civil rights issues.

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First Look at the New Automated Parking Garage Planned for Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published January 6, 2020 at 2:15PM

Automated parking garage planned for Old Town (photo via City of Alexandria)

A new series of buildings, including a towering automated parking garage, could be replacing a parking lot just off King Street in Old Town.

The groundwork for the project was laid months ago when the city agreed to sell the lot at 116 S. Henry Street, in addition to another parking lot along King Street.

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Hinata Sushi Bar and Grill Aims for March Opening in North Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published January 6, 2020 at 1:00PM

Hinata Sushi Bar and Grill (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

A new Japanese sushi bar and grill is coming to 909 N. Saint Asaph Street in North Old Town, but it’s still several months away.

The restaurant will be the first location for Chef Hyun Su Kim, as first reported by Alexandria Living Magazine, though Kim has worked in sushi restaurants throughout the region for 14 years.

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‘First Night’ and Other New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around Alexandria Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published December 30, 2019 at 10:30AM

First Night Alexandria (photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook)

Alexandria is gearing up for its 25th annual First Night celebration tomorrow (Tuesday).

First Night is the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration featuring various local businesses and civic organizations. Events are scheduled to take place across Old Town. Kids entertainment is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. while music starts at 7 p.m.

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Winners Announced in Old Town Holiday Decorating Contest

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2019 at 3:30PM

Decorations at Dolci Gelati at 107 N. Fairfax (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A half dozen businesses and residences in Old Town have been selected by a local, very niche group as the best exterior holiday decorations in the historic district.

The Old Town Walled Garden Club announced the winners of its 51st annual decorating contest. The contest evaluates decorations by the originality of design, scale, color, contrast and attractiveness from the street.

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‘Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe’ in Old Town Goes to Planning Commission Next Month

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2019 at 12:00PM

The new cat cafe that has the town talking is going up to the Planning Commission for approval early next month.

The Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe is slated to open at 109 S. Alfred Street and offer both a place to drink and play with adoptable cats.