Great Date Ideas
Known as a romantic city and a "Best Place for a First Date" by both the Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington Post, Alexandria offers a host of date night options. Here are our Top 10 Ideas for Great Dates in Alexandria:
1. Enjoy art, food and interactive fun at Second Thursday Old Town sponsored by the Torpedo Factory Art Center with 80+ galleries.
2. Book a romantic table for two at one of Alexandria's restaurants. Romantic favorites include Bastille, La Bergerie, Geranio or Fontaine Caffe & Creperie for an intimate fine dining experience. Check complete dining listings for many more.
3. Take your significant other out to hear some live music. See your favorite band at The Legendary Birchmere, Thursday night Jazz at Old Town Theater ,nightly jazz at LaPorta's or acoustic blues at La Fromagerie.
4. Enjoy Weekend Brunch together at one of over 35 restaurants offering Saturday and Sunday brunch.
5. Go for a romantic picnic on the waterfront at Founders or Oronoco Park or head to Jones Point. Stock your picnic basket with gourmet food from Society Fair, The Butcher's Block or La Fromagerie.
6. Book a romantic getaway at one of Alexandria's hotels.
7. Book an indulgent couples spa treatment.
8. Go on a romantic stroll or a bike ride together along Alexandria's waterfront trail.
9. For foodies - indulge in beer tasting at Port City Brewing Company, wine tasting at The Tasting Room or food tastings at Olio Tasting Room.
10. Take a sunset boat cruise from of the Washington Monuments.
11. Chocolates and romance go together - Artfully Gifts & Chocolate is the perfect spot for a chocolate inspired date.
Events That Are Great For a Date
Featured Events
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June 20, 2013
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Times:
6-9 p.m.
- Mt. Vernon Avenue, Del Ray
- Alexandria,
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Phone:
703-683-2905
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Visit Website
Rescheduled!! Dog Days in Del Ray, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, will be held Thursday, June 13 from 6-9 p.m. along Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria. Many activities with and for dogs will be held including K-9 demonstration by Alexandria Police dog G'Kar, "Rescue Row" where numerous rescue groups will be, Musical Matts for Mutts, face painting and much more.
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June 22, 2013
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Times:
Noon-7pm
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Location:
Carlyle District
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Admission:
FREE - (tickets needed for food and wine tasting)
- 300 John Carlyle Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Visit Website
Send Email
Vino and savory bites are ready to return to the Carlyle District in Alexandria. The event will transform the Carlyle District into a lively festival, complete with live entertainment, a children's corner, food and wine tasting. Attendees will be able to sample food and wine from a variety of local restaurants and Virginia's wineries. Local restaurants will compete for the best appetizer, the best main course and the best dessert. This year's judge panel includes ABC7/WJLA Good Morning Washington News Anchor Scott Thuman, 94.7 Fresh FM Kelly Collis from The Tommy Show, Lisa Shapiro from Dining in DC, and Molly Ahern from DC foodie site The List Are You On It. This is a FREE event to attend; however tickets are needed to sample food and beverages. Food samples: $15 for 8 taste tickets. Wine Garden is $10 per person. This gives access to the wine garden with tasting samples from the wineries. A portion of the festival proceeds will benefit Alive! Inc. - ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically - an organization of volunteers from more than 40 religious congregations dedicated to helping Alexandrians in need. This year's festival sponsors includes: City of Alexandria, Carlyle Community Council, Nova Advertising, Post Properties, Ourisman Ford/ Lincoln of Alexandria, La Tasca, Wholefoods Market, Washington Parent Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine and ABC7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8. For a complete schedule of activities visit www.alexandriafoodandwine.com.
Doo-wop legends The Drifters celebrate 60 years of music at Old Town Theater!
Happening This Month
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June 19, 2013 to
September 21, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Times:
Select games only || See website for details.
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Location:
Potomac Riverboat Company
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Venue:
Potomac Riverboat Company
- 1 Cameron Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-684-0580
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Visit Website
Skip the traffic and ride our baseball boat to a game at the Washington Nationals Stadium, located in Southeast Washington D.C. Free parking pass with online ticket purchase.Notes: Cruise ticket does not include admission into the game. Please contact the Washington Nationals directly for more information on game tickets. Boat will depart from the game 20-minutes after the last pitch. Length of Cruise: Cruise time is roughly 30 to 35 minutes! Departure Location: Alexandria , Virginia. Guests departing from the National Harbor or Gaylord hotel will ride the PRC Water Taxi to Alexandria ,VA to catch the departing Baseball Boat. Photo by Adam Fagen.
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June 19, 2013 to
June 30, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Times:
4-10 p.m.
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Venue:
Del Ray Cafe
- 205 E. Howell Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22301
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Phone:
703-717-9151
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Visit Website
Mondays - Free-Range Chicken Burger served with Avocado and a Roasted Basil Jalapeno Sauce $17. Tuesdays - Porcini Mushroom Gnocchi served with Goat Cheese, Arugula and Pine Nuts $20. Wednesdays - Milk-Fed Calf Liver Steak with Caramelized Shallots and a Red Wine Sauce $22. Thursdays - Veal Sweet Bread with a Mustard Sauce and an Apple, Fennel, Radish Salad $25. Fridays - NC Monkfish wrapped in Serrano Ham and served with a Tomato Coulis $24. Saturdays - Elk Tenderloin served with a Port and Star Anise Sauce $28. Sundays - Warrenton Rabbit Saddle stuffed with Apricot and served with a Beer Sauce $26.
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June 20, 2013 to
June 27, 2013
(Every Thursday)
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Recurring weekly on Thursday
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Times:
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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Venue:
La Bergerie
- 218 N. Lee Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-683-1007
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Visit Website
Thursday June 6th - Almond-crusted Haddock Fillet with a Chardonnay Sauce and Garlic-braised Leeks. Thursday June 13th - Veal Loin Oscar with Maryland Crab Meat, Hollandaise Sauce and Asparagus. Thursday June 20th - Seared Sea Scallops with Roasted Spinach and a Baby Eggplant Ragout. Thursday June 27th - Marinated Black Angus Flank Steak with a Dijon Mustard Sauce and Purple Potato Salad. Most 750ml bottles of wine under $100 are discounted 40%. Neither entree specials nor wine specials can be combined with any other discount, coupon or discount 'Gift Certificate'.
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June 19, 2013 to
June 29, 2013
(Every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
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Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
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Times:
Wed-Sat: 8 p.m., Sun: 3 p.m.
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Venue:
Little Theatre of Alexandria
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Admission:
$, tickets available online
- 600 Wolfe Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Visit Website
Set aboard a train rumbling from Chicago to New York in 1933, this comedy twists and turns at breakneck speed. At the center of it all is Broadway impressario, Oscar Jaffe, on a mission to sign Hollywood diva, Lily Garland, to a contract for his new project. There is no quiet car on this train! Riding the "Twentieth Century" is George Smith, Lily's slick, young, and gorgeous "manager;" the conflicted Dr. Grover Lockwood and his sexy mistress, Anita Highland; and Oscar's long-suffering assistants, Owen and Ida. Throw in a mental hospital escapee and very accommodating conductor and porter and you have a vintage screwball comedy. Adapted by Ken Ludwig; Written by Ben Hecht & Charles MacArthur.
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June 19, 2013 to
June 30, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Times:
10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Thursdays 'til 9 p.m.
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Venue:
Torpedo Factory Art Center
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Admission:
FREE
- 105 N. Union St., Target Gallery
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-838-4565
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Visit Website
Send Email
This all-media exhibition showcases nineteen works by artists from all over the country, including three local artists and one international artist, each considering the complex relationship we have with food. While some pieces look at different aspects of food politics such as food production and distribution, others take a more personal route by examining the relationship between food and our bodies. Reception: Thursday, June 13, 6-8 p.m. Gallery Talk with Juror April Wood at 7 p.m.
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June 24, 2013
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Recurring weekly on Monday
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Times:
5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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Venue:
La Bergerie
- 218 N. Lee Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-683-1007
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Visit Website
Whole Lobster Flambéd in Cognac - $22. Most 750ml bottles of wine under $100 are discounted 40%. Neither entree specials nor wine specials can be combined with any other discount, coupon or discount 'Gift Certificate'.
Executive Chef Alison Swope has created an exquisite three-course menu, and we'll be sampling four different oolong teas along the way with the help of oolong expert, Brian Wright. The three course menu is $59 per person and includes: First Course: Pan Seared Sea Scallops Northern Neck Farm eggplant crisps, sweet pepper jus, pumpkin seed oil, and fennel-lemon puree Second Course: Duck Confit Crispy noodle pancake, pink grapefruit-plum salsa, pea shoots Dessert: Burrata with an assortment of local summer berries, Manuka honey Please call Teaism Old Town at 703-684-7777 to make a reservation
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June 20, 2013
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Times:
7:30-8:30 p.m.
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Location:
John Carlyle Park, 300 John Carlyle Street
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Admission:
Free!
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Phone:
703-746-5592
Evening Concert by the Cruisers, the United States Navy's premier contemporary entertainment ensemble. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice.
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June 21, 2013
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Times:
6:30 p.m.
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Location:
Jackson 20
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Venue:
Jackson 20
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Admission:
$75, online purchase only. Follow link below.
- 480 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Visit Website
Jackson 20 welcomes summer with a courtyard barbecue and an evening of live music and seasonal libations. The summer kickoff concert features the Yacht Rock tribute band, Three Sheets to the Wind, who will perform classic yacht rock hits from the 70s and 80s in the Jackson 20 courtyard's intimate setting. Jackson 20's new head bartender Dean Feddoui will prepare refreshing summer cocktails, such as the El General made with Herradura Silver, cucumber water, fresh lime, agave and ginger beer, and a frozen version of the Hummingbird with Maker's 46, strawberry water, fresh lime, garden basil and lemon bitters. Chef Brian McPherson will prepare a spread of al fresco summery dishes, including: Crispy suckling pig tacos with various house-made salsas, Jackson 20's signature fried chicken, BBQ ribs with chef inspired fixings bar, House-made ice cream sandwiches, watermelon.
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June 21, 2013 to
June 22, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Times:
Friday/7:30 p.m., Saturday/2 p.m., Saturday/7:30 p.m.
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Venue:
Alexandria Singers
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Admission:
$20 General Admission; $25 Reserved Seating; $15 Discounts (Students, Military, Seniors, Groups of 10+, ACVA and AC Chamber Members); $5 Chlidren ages 5 and under
- 2932 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22302
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Phone:
703-941-7464 (SING)
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Visit Website
Send Email
Join the DC area's premier pops chorus as we weave song, dance and story to celebrate America's great fun-and-sun treasure...the BOARDWALK! Entertaining audiences with a fun-filled story featuring song, dance, staging, and costumes. Quality arrangements of a variety of American popular music - from jazz to swing, to Broadway, to today's top hits - comparable with what one would find in places like the Kennedy Center or in New York! Buy your tickets now or email tickets@alexandriasingers.com for more information!
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June 22, 2013
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Times:
Noon - 9 p.m.
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Location:
Mt. Vernon Recreation Center
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Admission:
FREE
- 2701 Commonwealth Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22301
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Phone:
703-346-1468
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Visit Website
Send Email
Celebrating the rich diversity and talent of the Del Ray community the 7th Annual Del Ray Music Festival will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Scheduled from noon-9 p.m. (Note the NEW HOURS) on the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, the Del Ray Music Festival includes music, food, games, and a chance to ring in the summer with your friends and neighbors. As an extra special treat this year, we will be having music Friday, June 21, 2013, at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market to kick things off! http://www.delraymusicfestival.com/ This year's festival will be headlined by Catie Curtis!! http://catiecurtis.com/ Friday: The Walkaways (http://www.thewalkaways.com/) Friday: The Beanstalk Library (http://thebeanstalklibrary.com/) Saturday: Orchard Wall (http://www.orchardwall.com/) Saturday: The Highballers (http://www.highballersmusic.com/) Saturday: The Reserves (http://thereservesmusic.com/) Saturday: Tiffany Thompson (http://tiffanythompsonmusic.com/) Saturday: I & I Riddim (http://www.reverbnation.com/iiriddim) Saturday: The Weathervanes (http://www.theweathervanesmusic.com/) Saturday: Kate Moran Band (http://www.katemoranband.com/) Saturday: Elroy Jenkins (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elroy-Jenkins/275930822707?fref=ts)
Join us for a five-course paired menu inspired by and featuring the wines of local vineyard The Winery at La Grange
On-Going Events
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June 22, 2013 to
August 31, 2013
(Every Saturday)
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Recurring weekly on Saturday
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Times:
10 p.m.
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Location:
La Tasca
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Venue:
La Tasca
- 607 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-299-9810
Join us at La Tasca Saturdays at 9 p.m. and dance the night away listening to the contagious Latin rhythms of "Deep Dreams". There is never a cover charge and our kitchen is open until 11 p.m.
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June 19, 2013 to
August 31, 2013
(Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
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Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
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Times:
8-10 p.m.
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Location:
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
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Venue:
St. Elmo's Coffee Pub
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Admission:
Free!
- 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue
- Alexandria, VA 22301
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Phone:
703-739-9268
Send Email
If you're looking for a fun, but inexpensive night out check out some live music at St. Elmo's Coffee Pub. We feature local and national (and sometimes even international!) musicians Wednesday through Saturday, every week. For the past 16 years the Not So Modern Jazz Quartet + has been playing every Thursday at St. Elmo's. These seasoned regulars play Dixieland/New Orleans-style jazz and kick off their set around 7:30 p.m. More info on the fun they bring can be found at: www.nsmjq.org All other days (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) music begins at 8 p.m. and goes to about 10 p.m. With a range in musical styles, there's surely something on our calendar for anyone who enjoys music. Besides jazz, we also feature folk, rock, blues, pop, experimental, country, bluegrass, and more! As always, the live music we offer is free. Tips for the artists, however, are accepted and encouraged. "Come on out to St. Elmo's and enjoy a relaxing evening with coffee, great food, music, and friends. A night out at St. Elmo's gives you the opportunity to support local business and local/national musicians, and it is a less expensive alternative to a night at the bar." - Charity Meals from the Arlington Coffee Shop Examiner. Our calendar can be found on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/stelmoscoffeepub/events or on alexandrialive.com: http://www.alexandrialive.com/venues/stelmos.php ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/venue/stelmoscoffeepub
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June 20, 2013 to
August 15, 2013
(Recurring monthly on the 3rd Thursday)
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Recurring monthly on the 3rd Thursday
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Times:
7-9 p.m.
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Admission:
Free
- 1222 King Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-879-2467
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Visit Website
Send Email
Relax in style with acoustic Blues music and a glass of wine. Local artist Curtis Blues revisits prewar Delta Blues from the 20's to the 40's. Curtis alternates music and storytelling about Blues history. La Fromagerie offers $10 pre-selected cheese plates and $5 house wines during the show
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June 22, 2013
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Recurring weekly on Saturday
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Times:
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Location:
Corner of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue
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Admission:
Free!
The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round, this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts, and bakery goods.
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June 19, 2013 to
July 14, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Location:
Athenaeum
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Venue:
Athenaeum
- 201 Prince Street
- Alexandria, VA 22314
Hair Apparent, a multimedia exhibit including sculpture, photography, assemblage, and performance. The show explores artists' relationships with hair referencing cultural perception, myth, ritual, and memory. Featured Artists: Holly Bass - Performance; Shelly Bell - Spoken Word Poetry; Emily Biondo - Sculpture Installation; Stephanie Booth - Photography, Video & Hair Embroidery; Caryl Burtner - Assemblage; Kate Kretz - Human Hair Embroidery; Emilia Olson - Photography & Works on Paper; Betsy Packard - Sculpture & Assemblage; Amber Robles Gordon - Sculpture Installation; Danielle Scruggs - Photography; Dagmara Weinberg - Photography & Image Manipulation; and Sara Winston - Photography
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June 19, 2013 to
August 04, 2013
(Recurring daily)
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Recurring daily
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Times:
daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs 1-9 p.m. (June) and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (July)
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Venue:
Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery
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Admission:
free
- Suite 18, Torpedo Factory, 105 N Union St
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
703-548-0935
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Visit Website
Presenting the juried fiber Art show “Where in the World”. In this show, our artists derive inspiration from travel and adventure. Things that we do, places and actions will inspire our artists creativity. Whether for self or gifts, jewelry, sculpture, clothing, and wall pieces are some of the items that will be exhibited.
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June 23, 2013 to
August 25, 2013
(Every Sunday)
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Recurring weekly on Sunday
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Times:
Sunday: 9:30 a.m.
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Venue:
Bike and Roll Alexandria
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Admission:
Adults: $45/person (participants must be 13 years of age or older)
- One Wales Alley
- Alexandria, VA 22314
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Phone:
202-842-2453
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Visit Website
Send Email
Start your scenic journey from Old Town Alexandria, riding along the Mount Vernon Trail as you make your way into DC to tour our nation's most revered monuments and memorials. Get a chance to peruse the sites up close, as you learn about the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the new Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, and more. Come view the beauty of the capital on this thorough tour!
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June 23, 2013 to
November 24, 2013
(Every Sunday)
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Recurring weekly on Sunday
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Times:
8:30am - 1p.m.
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Location:
Ben Brenman Park
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Admission:
FREE
- 4800 Brenman Park Drive
- , VA 22304
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Visit Website
Send Email
The West End Farmers Market brings together hundreds of people every Sunday, rain or shine. Parents bring their children, couples meet up with friends, and dogs of every size and breed happily socialize with each other. Primarily producer-only, every week you can look forward to: - fresh, locally grown produce - baked breads and pastries - artesanal cheeses and free range dairy products - handmade, ready to cook sausages - delicious jams, jellies, salsas and sauces - homemade, organic dog treats - beautiful fresh cut flowers and potted plants - handmade jewelry and art
Hotel Packages
Treat yourself and your significant other to an unforgettable D.C. experience at Best Western Old Colony Inn. Offer includes roses, a welcome amenity, and apple cider!
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Enjoy a complimentary Entree (upto $10.00 value) when a second Entree is purchased, dining in only. Also for carry out, take 10% OFF on total bill. Not valid on specials and alcoholic beverages.
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Any day can be special for your special person in your life. Our Romance Package is perfect to make it happen! Room, Wine, Chocolates! Our 24 hour shuttle service to Historic Old Town can start off a romantic evening. Click on the link to book your Romance getaway.
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The Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham in Alexandria Virginia provides the perfect Romance Package - guaranteed to melt the heart of that special someone in your life. This package includes: ■ One Bedroom King Suite (900+ square feet, full kitchen, dining room, living room) ■ $25.00 Gift card to Victoria’s Secret ■ Bottle of Champagne ■ Box of Chocolates ■ Full Hot Breakfast Buffet ■ Free Parking ■ Manager's Reception (Monday through Thursday)
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Stay three or more nights and your third night is on the house. This offer is valid on Thursday, Friday and Saturday arrivals only.
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Redeemable: June 14 - December 31, 2013
Il Porto
IL PORTO RISTORANTE 40 Years of Excellence! 1973 - 2013 Let’'s celebrate our 40th Anniversary with specially selected wines by the bottle for only $19.73 each.
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Redeemable: February 12, 2013 - February 12, 2014
MetroStage
Enjoy off-broadway theater on the river's edge at MetroStage with this discount of $5 off per ticket
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