Visit Alexandria | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published February 22, 2022 at 5:00AM

Walking in Old Town on President's Day, Feb. 21, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria teen shot to death in D.C. — “According to a news release from D.C. police, officers responded to reports of a shooting in the unit block of Chesapeake Street in Southeast D.C. around 8:09 p.m., where they located Francis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a parked car.” [Alex Times]

Alexandria Schools start ‘Test to Stay’ program — “The new program will allow some students to return to school following five days of quarantine under a variety of conditions.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Visit Alexandria predicts tourism rebound for hotels, business travel still years behind

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2022 at 1:30PM

Alexandria hotels are still hurting, but there may be some signs of relief on the horizon.

The ongoing battering of the hotel industry by Covid has been one of the biggest talking points in the budget so far: particularly because city leaders say it could lead to more tax pressure on the city’s residents.

News

Alexandria Restaurant Week returns this month with new dining options

By Vernon Miles

Published January 5, 2022 at 2:30PM

Visit Alexandria has announced new details for the next Alexandria Restaurant Week, scheduled for Jan. 21-30.

The week (give or take three days) is a twice-annual event in Alexandria where around 70 restaurants across the city offer $35 per-person dinners.

News

Week-long series of Alexandria retail events and discounts starts this Friday

By Vernon Miles

Published November 22, 2021 at 3:40PM

A series of daily events starting later this week will have the dual benefit of helping out local businesses and Alexandrians looking to get some Christmas shopping done.

The ‘Shop Small Week’ started as a mostly digital event last year to help local businesses slammed by the pandemic. The retail events, put together by Visit Alexandria, start on Friday, Nov. 26, with “Plaid Friday” followed by a Small Business Saturday event on Nov. 27.

News

Visit Alexandria says the city’s tourism rebound will be gradual

By James Cullum

Published October 19, 2021 at 1:20PM | Updated October 19, 2021 at 1:59PM

Walking on King Street in Old Town, Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria’s recovery from the pandemic is going faster than expected, according to Visit Alexandria.

Alexandria’s tourism bureau, in its annual meeting last week, reported that consumption-based tax revenue for fiscal year 2021 came in at $59 million. That’s $6 million more than the initial forecast of $53 million, but well below the all-time high of $66 million in fiscal year 2019.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published September 29, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria appoints flood mitigation manager — “Effective Oct. 11, Daniel Medina will serve as the Flood Action Alexandria program manager. The new position will include coordination across city departments on the flood mitigation program and manage the city’s stormwater capital project lineup.” [Patch]

McAuliffe, Youngkin unload in feisty final Virginia debate — “Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin bickered their way through the second and final debate of Virginia’s competitive governor’s race on Tuesday, trading attacks and accusations from the start of the hourlong meeting.” [Politico]

News

Visit Alexandria attracting Black visitors with new ‘Drop-in’ campaign

By James Cullum

Published September 13, 2021 at 10:00AM

Brandon Byrd, owner of Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Visit Alexandria launched a new advertising campaign last week focusing on attracting Black visitors. Using federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Visit Alexandria hired D.C.-based Creative Theory Agency to develop the “Drop-in” campaign with help from business owners and leaders around the city.

“We’re thrilled to roll out this major new campaign to build on our last 8 years of painting a more complete and inclusive picture of Alexandria,” said Visit Alexandria President & CEO Patricia Washington. “Our destination is more ready than ever for this campaign given the City of Alexandria’s investment and development of new Black history experiences through the Office of Historic Alexandria, citywide priority around race and social equity, as well as newly-opened businesses and the transformation of our waterfront.”

News

Alexandria kicks off Restaurant Week tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published August 19, 2021 at 3:40PM

Spice Kraft Indian Bistro, courtesy Chris Cruz/Visit Alexandria

Over 70 restaurants city-wide are planning to host special deals on meals for the biannual Restaurant Week.

The local event is organized by Visit Alexandria and features meal specials at restaurants across the city — though most of them are in Old Town and Del Ray.

News

August sidewalk sale on track to be largest in city history

By Vernon Miles

Published July 26, 2021 at 1:15PM

Shopper at 2020 Sidewalk Sale, via Visit Alexandria/Facebook

The city’s annual sidewalk sale is scheduled for August 14 and 15, and according to Visit Alexandria, the program is on track to be the largest one so far.

According to Visit Alexandria, over 70 local boutiques have signed up for the seasonal sale. The sale is located along several city sidewalks in Old Town and Del Ray, with a focus this year on the pedestrian-only blocks at 700-1100 King Street. The stores will be featured in outdoor exhibits with deeply discounted merchandise.

News

Local restaurants at the starting line for Olympic specials and events

By Vernon Miles

Published July 20, 2021 at 2:15PM

Olympic Donut, courtesy Elizabeth's Counter

With Alexandria being represented at the Olympic games, some local restaurants are celebrating with special events and meals.

According to a list put out by Visit Alexandria, there are some of the local specials and events planned for the Olympics.

News

Here’s how Alexandria will spend the first portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding

By James Cullum

Published July 7, 2021 at 4:45PM

Alexandria City Hall sign (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria will spend millions on emergency financial support programs, stormwater repair, childcare and dozens of other projects as part of its first portion of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“Now the really hard work begins,” Mayor Justin Wilson said after Council’s unanimous passage of a plan Tuesday night. “I think this is an opportunity to make some transformational investments.”