Fountains Day Spa

Business Name:  Fountains Day Spa 
Address:  422 S. Washington Street 
Phone:  (703) 549-1990

What makes you original and unique? 
Fromthe age of six I've massaged my parents so I have always had a love of the body and for finding ways to transform over-worked and stressed clients. The Fountains is dedicated to having a serene, quiet atmosphere. We use pure essential plant extract as you enter the spa so your senses are met with the aroma of the day, ranging from orange to lavender depending on the time of the year.

Who or what inspired you to come to Alexandria? 
Itall happened by chance.  I moved to Alexandria from Bermuda on businessfor a year; 30 years later I'm still here! I love the Old Town atmosphere, the unique stores and boutiques, walking through the residential areas with their beautiful gardens.  Old Town has a great sense of community- I am always meeting people I know on the streets.

What is your secret to success?
Weare a spa that is dedicated to excellence and we get results. We use the finest skin care product: Guinot Paris. We still treat many of my original clients, their children and now some of their grandchildren! Our therapists work as a team. This chemistry is felt by our clients whonot only enjoy the results of their treatment, they relax in the quiet of the spa.

What is your proudest achievement?  
Running a business, raising three children and maintaining my sanity!

Do you have a favorite Alexandria travel tip you are willing to share?
Goodwalking shoes and an adventurous spirit are a must. Just south of the city along the George Washington Parkway escape to the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. It's amazing - especially early in the morning as thesun filters on the water and the large variety of birds are in morning hymn (binoculars recommended).

Best date idea in Alexandria?
First,cocktails at the bar at Restaurant Eve followed by a stroll down King Street to the docks. Next, dine on the Potomac River aboard Nina's Dandy and take in all the beautiful sights of D.C. and Alexandria from the water. Autumn is my favorite time of year as the colors of the treesare outstanding then.

Favorite places to go for brunch, happy hour, dinner under the stars, lunch deals, and places to take your dog? 
Royalrestaurant is an old favorite for brunch.  Everything is fresh and the food is fantastic. Restaurant Eve has the best atmosphere hands-down.  My favorite happy hour is at Vermilion on upper King Street. Hotel Monaco has a fun doggie happy hour and Pat Troy's Irish Pub even has a doggie menu!  Then it's off to the waterfront to play in the park.

Forvisiting friends, King Street is a must with the unique, personally owned specialty shops. With so many to choose from it could take all day.  Old Town has great art galleries. Oarth Gallery on S. Washington Street is worth the trip - something for everyone's taste and price range. And don't forget dinner under the stars - with so many good restaurants to choose from you can't go wrong.

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