tourism | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published July 7, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Warns of Looming Economic Catastrophe — “For months we’ve propped up the economy with strong government stimulus, especially unemployment benefits. Those benefits will expire in 25 days amid dire state and local government shortfalls. McConnell and Trump remain opposed to extending them. Economic catastrophe looms.” [Twitter]

ACPS Asks for Community Input With Reopening Survey — “We are aware that the situation we are facing is unprecedented, constantly changing, and requires a degree of flexibility from all of us. You will be asked to make a decision about your commitment to return to school in late July. By that time you will have a clear idea of our anticipated reopening plans for the fall to assist you in your decision.” [ACPS]

News

The Manumission Tour Company is Back in Business in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 22, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated June 22, 2020 at 2:34PM

The Robert Robinson Library opened to the African Americans on 902 Wythe Street on April 24, 1940, eight months after one of America's first sit-in demonstrations took place at the segregated Alexandria Library on Queen Street. (Photo via Manumission Tour Company)

City Councilman John Taylor Chapman never learned Alexandria’s real African American history in school, and now he’s teaching everyone who will listen. After a coronavirus-related hiatus, his Manumission Tour Company is officially back on track with in-person tours of Alexandria’s Black historical sites.

“I did not feel that I knew some of the stories that I’m telling now when I was growing up,” Chapman told ALXnow.

News

Alexandria Participating in Virginia for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2020 at 5:15PM

Deliver, carryout or curbside pickup? Alexandria is one of dozens of Virginia localities now participating in the Virginia is the Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week.

The March 30-April 5 effort to help out local restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was organized by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association.

News

Upcoming Tour at Fort Ward Shows the Uniforms and Equipment of Civil War Soldiers

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated February 10, 2020 at 10:53AM

Fort Ward Museum staff shows models with Union uniforms to guests (photo courtesy Fort Ward Museum)

One week after Lee-Jackson Day was nixed, the Union is preparing for its latest show of force at Alexandria’s Fort Ward.

The Fort Ward Museum — which covers the history of one of the best-preserved Union forts that formed the defenses of Washington, D.C. during the Civil War — is scheduling its annual “outfitting the men” program for next Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

News

Gadsby’s Tavern Tour to Explore the Stories of Urban Slaves in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published February 7, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated February 7, 2020 at 10:57AM

Gadsby’s Tavern is one of Alexandria’s most notable historic landmarks, famous for hosting guests like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but a new tour looks at the lives of slaves forced to work at the tavern.

A Complicated Hospitality Tour looks into the stories, experiences and archival records of the men and women enslaved by proprietor John Gadsby, according to an event description. While many depictions of slavery focus on the plantation system, this tour looks at the nuances of urban slavery and aims to explore how slaves lived in early Alexandria.

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 31, 2020 at 8:00AM

Alexandria Dog Featured in Puppy Bowl — “The Puppy Bowl features dogs from shelters and rescue groups like Alexandria-based dog rescue Operation Paws for Homes. The rescue group is holding a watch party Sunday, Feb. 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wag & Brew, 614 S Pickett Street, Alexandria.” [Patch]

Crash Snarls Rush Hour Traffic — Just before 5:30 p.m. last night a crash, reportedly involving a car and a motorcycle, shut down portions of Sanger Avenue and Beauregard Street, snarling rush hour traffic. [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 29, 2020 at 8:00AM

Best Local Valentine’s Day Options — “We asked readers what they thought was the most romantic dining spot in the city. A few of the suggestions were Vermilion, Fontaine and The Wharf. Some suggested following up dinner with desserts from places like Alexandria Pastry Shop, Alexandria Cupcake and Blüprint Chocolatiers.” [Patch]

New Alexandria Tourism Campaign — “Tourism in Alexandria continues to be a major economic driver, and Visit Alexandria is launching a new marketing campaign to encourage even more visitors to come experience Alexandria’s charm. The campaign is targeted at overnight travelers who live outside the D.C. region.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published October 8, 2019 at 8:00AM

New Senior Care Center Set to Open in 2021 — “Construction is progressing quickly on a new senior care community in Old Town. Sunrise Senior Living broke ground on its new facility at the intersection of North Washington and Princess streets early this year. The McLean-based company is building a 93-room assisted living community.” [Alexandria Living]

Waterfront Construction Projects Well Underway — “Anyone living on Union Street in Old Town 10 years ago might not recognize it now… During the week, the street is crowded with construction vehicles, and there are several places where the sidewalk is temporarily blocked or under a protective awning because of the construction. Hardly the setting for tourists taking selfies.” [Gazette-Packet]