Visit Alexandria | 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

Visit Alexandria Highlights Local Black-Owned Businesses

By Vernon Miles

Published June 17, 2020 at 2:15PM

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

As part of a series spotlighting local businesses, city-sponsored organization Visit Alexandria has put together a guide for Alexandrians trying to show more support for black-owned businesses in the city.

Restaurants spotlighted on the list are:

News

ALX Promise: Health Department Creates New Accreditation For Alexandria Restaurants

By James Cullum

Published May 20, 2020 at 2:00PM

As Alexandria moves toward the first phase of reopening its economy on May 29, the city’s health department is developing a new accreditation program to ensure compliance with enforced restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Alexandria Health Department initiative is currently labeled as the “ALX Promise,” and it’s a partnership with Visit Alexandria, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and business groups, according to AHD Environmental Health Manager Rachel Stradling.

News

Bourbon Donuts, Grill and Chill Packages, and Other Alexandria Specials for Memorial Day

By Vernon Miles

Published May 18, 2020 at 2:30PM

With Visit Alexandria pivoting from external tourism to keeping locals engaged, the city-sponsored organization has written up a guide for celebrating Memorial Day (Monday, May 25) in Alexandria.

Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, is not scheduled to start lifting coronavirus restrictions until May 29. There are still more restaurants and retail locations starting to reopen as they adjust to social distancing rules. The Visit Alexandria site has a list of local eateries with Memorial Day specials. Jast as with Cinco De Mayo, some local restaurants are offering interesting or unusual items.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 11, 2020 at 9:00AM

Governor Asked Northern Virginia Leaders for Letter on Stalling Reopening — “He asked for this formal communication to demonstrate unity across the diverse Northern Virginia region, which is critical to a continued successful mitigation strategy… He appreciates their willingness to work with him on this responsible, data-driven and health-based approach.” [Washington Post]

City Sets Up Frozen Meal Delivery System For Residents Aged 60+ — “Spouses of individuals over age 60 and disabled adults living with someone aged 60 and older also may be eligible. Meals are prepared by Jeffery’s Catering and delivered twice a week by Senior Services of Alexandria. A total of 14 meals are delivered each week. For more information call 703-746-5999.” [Facebook]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 1, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated May 1, 2020 at 10:48AM

Tenants & Workers United Rent Protest Today at 4:30 p.m. — “Join our Caravan or take Action from home this Friday at 4:30PM. The caravan will be from 5pm and will go though Arlandria-Chirilagua to send the message to FREEZE RENTS in VIRGINIA. Don’t have a car?? You can take action from your window/balcony by: Wearing Red or swinging any red cloth; Make a sign with a message to the property managers to cancel rent; Make noise with your pots & pans! Take pictures or videos and use #CANCELRENTVA on social media.” [Facebook]

Inova Nurse Recruitment Team Gives Thanks With Photo Collage — “Our Inova Careers Nursing Recruitment team wanted to show support to our frontline workers who are making an incredible sacrifice to keep us all safe!” [Facebook]

News

Local Shops Offer Custom Monogrammed and Gold Cheetah Print Face Masks

By Vernon Miles

Published April 21, 2020 at 5:15PM

As part of an ongoing series of programs aimed at helping Alexandrians stuck at home, Visit Alexandria has put together a guide to where to find facemasks in the city.

“With the CDC’s recommendations for everyone to wear a cloth face covering while out in public if they can’t maintain six feet of physical distance from others, and the likelihood that this will be the new temporary norm, we’ve compiled a list of Alexandria boutiques and businesses making non-medical-grade face coverings,” the local tourism center said.

News

Where to Get Passover and Easter Meals Around Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published April 7, 2020 at 3:30PM

Though restaurants across Alexandria are closed for traditional Easter and Passover meals due to the coronavirus pandemic, many are offering select take-out options available for pick-up or delivery.

Visit Alexandria, which has been running a series called ALX at Home to keep locals engaged during the quarantine, has put together a long list of local restaurants with special Passover and Easter options. Many of them do require pre-ordering the meals in advance.

News

Alexandria Activities This Weekend for Those Stuck at Home

By Vernon Miles

Published April 3, 2020 at 5:15PM

Stuck at home this weekend social distancing but still want to connect with your fellow Alexandrians? A few online or quarantine-friendly activities

If the quarantine has you stressed out, there are several local online meditation classes. Mind the Mat Pilates and Yoga is live-streaming various yoga, pilates and other exercise classes. The Meditation Center of D.C. is also hosting live-streamed meditations every Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with a Buddist monk.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 3, 2020 at 9:00AM

Police Shooter Bashir Takes Insanity Defense for Alleged Stalking/Arson — “[Kashif] Bashir is charged with felony counts of arson, attempted arson, and making a false statement on a consent form to purchase a firearm, as well as nine counts of misdemeanor stalking, unauthorized use of an electronic tracking device, and possession of a firearm by a person acquitted by reason of insanity.” [WTOP]

Residents Cope With Cabin Fever — “Next week puts a little more pressure on me, because when my kids don’t have structure, then they do a lot of fighting.” [Alex Times]

News

Visit Alexandria Launches Video Series Today with Town Crier

By Vernon Miles

Published March 31, 2020 at 11:30AM

Alexandria Town Crier Benjamin Fiore-Walker and his assistants ringing in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 17, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

As the coronavirus pandemic brings tourism to a standstill, Visit Alexandria has scheduled a series of virtual sessions with local businesses and attractions called ALX at Home LIVE.

The video series is scheduled to start today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. with an interview with town crier Ben Fiore-Walker, featuring an original town cry.