Potomac River | ALXnow

All Aboard! The Tall Ship Providence is Now Touring the Potomac River

Published July 30, 2020 at 2:15PM | Updated July 31, 2020 at 12:25AM

Ever wonder what it feels like to sail around the Potomac River in a sloop of war? The Tall Ship Providence, which is a replica of the first naval warship commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1775, is open to the public for tours and cruises.

Tall Ship officially opened to the public over the July 4 weekend, and it was a fitting opening date for the 110-foot, 12 gun sloop of war. The replica, which was unveiled in time for the 1976 Bicentennial, is almost exactly like the original Providence, with the exception of an engine, electricity and some air conditioning in the Captain’s quarters.

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Here’s What’s Happening July 4 in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published July 2, 2020 at 12:00PM

The grand finale of Alexandria's birthday celebration over the Potomac River, July 7, 2018 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria might not be celebrating the city and the country’s birthday with fireworks this year, but there are sill a number of ways to have fun on the fourth of July.

“Even with physical distancing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a festive Fourth of July in Alexandria,” notes Visit Alexandria, the city’s tourism bureau. “Order special holiday meals like tri-colored tacos and ice cream delivery boxes from Alexandria’s restaurants. Celebrate with deals and happenings, from scavenger hunts to Fourth of July attire for pups, via independent boutiques and attractions.”

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National Park Service Clears Alexandria Sewer Project Assessment

By Vernon Miles

Published April 21, 2020 at 2:00PM

Map of planned RiverRenew project (image via National Park Service)

A global pandemic is not stopping forward progress on RiverRenew, a project that aims to overhaul the city’s sewer infrastructure that is annually dumps 11 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.

The project is the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, with a price tag that increased last year to an estimated $464 million. The project recently cleared its environmental assessment by the National Park Service that was required because portions of the project run through Jones Point Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway and the bed of the Potomac River.

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Two Women in Potomac River Rescued by Alexandria Fire Department

By James Cullum

Published April 20, 2020 at 10:20AM

Two women in kayaks were rescued from the Potomac River on Saturday by the Alexandria Fire Department’s Fire Boat 201, in addition to responders from U.S. Park Police and the Washington D.C. Harbor Patrol.

The incident occurred a little after 2 p.m. on Saturday. It was about 60 degrees that day with 20 mile-per-hour winds, and the young women were having trouble getting their kayaks upright, according to AFD.

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Updated: Body Found in Potomac River at Founders Park in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published April 5, 2020 at 3:40PM | Updated April 7, 2020 at 5:55PM

(Updated at 5:45 p.m.) — Alexandria Police have determined that the dead man found in the Potomac River on April 5 was a 51-year-old resident of Washington, D.C.

The body of an adult male, whose identity has not been released, was recovered from the Potomac River by the Alexandria Police and Fire Departments in the 300 block of North Union Street.

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Approved: Water Taxi to Resume Commuter Service

By James Cullum

Published February 25, 2020 at 2:00PM

The Alexandria City Council has unanimously approved a license agreement to allow Potomac Riverboat Company’s water taxi to ferry commuters from the waterfront to the District Wharf in D.C.

The daily water taxi service, which begins on March 1, was first introduced to Alexandria during last summer’s Metro shutdown, and commuters will start sailing at 6 a.m.

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Did a Woman Jump Off the Wilson Bridge Yesterday and Survive? It’s Unclear.

By ALXnow.com

Published January 15, 2020 at 2:15PM

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge at sunset (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria firefighters and the city’s fire boat, along with vessels from the D.C. fire department and the U.S. Coast Guard, conducted searches below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Tuesday afternoon after reports of a person in the water.

Initial reports suggested that a woman had jumped off the bridge, on the southern end of the Beltway, into the water below. Rescuers, however, did not find anyone in the river.

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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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Alexandria’s Largest Infrastructure Project is Getting More Expensive

By Vernon Miles

Published December 12, 2019 at 10:30AM

As Alexandria’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) project RiverRenew starts making progress, it’s looking increasingly likely the project’s cost will approach the half-billion dollar mark.

During an update at the City Council meeting on Dec. 10 (Monday), Mayor Justin Wilson said the price will be towards the upper end of the $370 to $555 million price range.

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Parade of Boats Covered in Christmas Lights to Cruise Along Waterfront Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published December 6, 2019 at 9:15AM

Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (photo via Visit Alexandria/Facebook)

The waterfront will sparkle tomorrow (Saturday) as dozens of ships decked out in Christmas lights cruise along the shoreline.

This year is the 20th annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Festivities are planned throughout the afternoon and early evening, from 2-8 p.m. Planned activities include a pop-up beer garden from Port City Brewing Company, a bookmark-making station from Old Town Books and holiday music from 97.1 WASH-FM.

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City Could Give Water Taxi the Go-Ahead for Early Morning Hours

By Vernon Miles

Published November 19, 2019 at 3:30PM | Updated November 20, 2019 at 5:30PM

(Updated 11/20) This summer’s Metro shutdown could wind up netting the Potomac Riverboat Company a goal the company has been after for years: permanent early-morning service for its water taxi.

The company’s lease currently prohibits boats from coming in or out of docks before 9:30 a.m., which staff told the Waterfront Commission this morning (Tuesday) means the boats are usually used by tourists. But during the Metro shutdown, the city waived that restriction.