Old Town

News

Stomping Ground Expands Southern Cuisine Franchise Into Old Town

By Vernon Miles
The Atrium building at 277 S. Washington Street in Old Town (image via WC. and A.N. Miller Development Company)

A coworking space, food market and restaurant are all coming to The Atrium (277 S. Washington Street) in Old Town.

Companies W.C. & A.N. Miller Development Company and Avison Young announced in a press release that new restaurants Mae’s Market & Café and Virginia’s Darling Restaurant would be opening in the building over the next few months. Both restaurants are new ventures from Stomping Ground in Del Ray, which also expanded to Tysons in 2018 and bagel shop Bagel Uprising next door in Del Ray in 2019.

Go to Stomping Ground Expands Southern Cuisine Franchise Into Old Town Read more
News

Concert Tour Company Asking City to Allow Outdoor Performances at Old Town Venue

By James Cullum

A concert tour company that started giving live classical music performances last spring wants official city approval to keep the music playing.

Representatives from Classical Movements asked the city for approval last April and May to allow musicians to perform at The Rectory at 711 Princess Street in Old Town. After not hearing back, they decided to start putting on shows anyway at the property’s secret garden with small live concerts. The Sounds of Hope and Harmony performances have been held with socially distant crowds, and have featured musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra.

Go to Concert Tour Company Asking City to Allow Outdoor Performances at Old Town Venue Read more
News

Shots Fired in Old Town North on Monday Night

By James Cullum
Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

No injuries have been reported after another shooting in Old Town North, this time on Monday night (Dec. 28) near the intersection of North Henry and Montgomery Streets.

“There were multiple shell casings recovered,” Alexandria Police spokesperson Amanda Paga told ALXnow. “A building was hit, but no injuries were reported. It is an ongoing investigation at this time.”

Go to Shots Fired in Old Town North on Monday Night Read more
News

Here’s Why Folks are Taking Ice Baths in Old Town

By James Cullum

How calmly can you sit in a tub of ice water for three minutes?

Bob Soulliere’s goal is to make you cold, wet and happy. During the winter, most folks like to layer up and get cozy next to the fire with a hot cup of cocoa, but every Saturday you’ll find Soulliere and his clients at The Loop in Old Town doing breathing exercises, taking ice baths and meditating.

Go to Here’s Why Folks are Taking Ice Baths in Old Town Read more
News

New Report Highlights History of Clashes Between Civil Rights and Historic Preservation in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

In a Board of Architectural Review meeting earlier this week, local historic preservation consultant John Sprinkle shared some research from an upcoming book about the intersection — and sometimes fiery conflict — between the city’s efforts at historic preservation and the Civil Rights movement.

“From Historic Preservation to Neighborhood Conservation: Displacement, Urban Violence, and Architectural Survey in Alexandria, Virginia” details how, over the last fifty years, the city’s efforts at historic preservation have sometimes been at odds with efforts at preserving affordable housing in and around Black neighborhoods.

Go to New Report Highlights History of Clashes Between Civil Rights and Historic Preservation in Alexandria Read more
News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Old Town Lamp Posts Decorated with Holiday Art — “Dec. 5 marked the official kick-off of the first Old Town Holiday Lamp Post Art Walk sponsored by the Old Town Business Association in partnership with The Art League and the The Torpedo Factory Office Building.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Del Ray Farmers’ Market Helps Raise $1,000 for ALIVE! — “Shlagel Farms, a longtime vendor at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, celebrated the Giving Season last week by offering customers a Giving Box. Chock full of fresh produce, each box cost $50, of which the farm donated $10 to local nonprofit ALIVE!” [Zebra]

Go to Morning Notes Read more
News

As The Table Turns: New Hobbyists Boost Sales for Old Town Record Shop

By James Cullum
Crooked Beat Records is now closed at 802 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town. (Photo via Crooked Beat Records/Facebook)

Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Annie Lennox… It’s been sounding a lot like Christmas inside Crooked Beat Records for the last month. Even though the record shop missed a few beats when it closed in April and May, sales have increased due to a new generation of hobbyists.

The hobbyists have turned sales back on the right track, according to Crooked Beats’ Paloma Alcala.

Go to As The Table Turns: New Hobbyists Boost Sales for Old Town Record Shop Read more
View More Stories