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The history of Alexandria, Virginia, dates back to 1749. The city has served many purposes over the years including as a trading post, a port, and even as the hometown of George Washington. Check out a few of the top museums where you can explore history further in the Alexandria area. more Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum The building that the Alexandria History Museum occupies was once a Civil War hospital ward. Today, the museum displays historical exhibits including "Alexandrians Fight the Great War" and the "World War II: The Five Payne Brothers." The museum also hosts a 2nd Friday After Work Concert Series which takes place on every second Friday of the month in Old Town Alexandria. Children between the ages of five and seven can attend Clio's Kids summer camp program. This program educates children on the history of Alexandria through exploring artifacts, singing songs, making crafts, and playing historical games. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary was a favorite shop of the Washingtons and Robert E. Lee. After the apothecary shop closed down, the city preserved it and transformed it into a museum so you can experience the same shopping trip as the most prominent people of Alexandria in the late 1700s. You will find original merchandise and furniture within the shop, as well as preserved vials of product. You can also view botanicals, hand-blown glasses, and prescription formulas throughout history. Sign up for a private tour and enjoy a potion-mixing class at the upper level of the museum. Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum was the place to be during the 18th century. The five-star hotel welcomed politicians, businessmen, and celebrities of its time. You can even dine at the same table as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson once did. A tour of the tavern will give you a glimpse into the social scene of the time. The museum also has a display of Revolutionary War artifacts, and guided tours will give you an in-depth lesson into the history of the tavern. For a truly memorable experience, consider booking an overnight stay at the interesting tavern museum. National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum The inventive history of Alexandria is almost as important as its political one. The National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum sits inside of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and gives you the opportunity to explore some of the best inventions in history. The museum has inventions from over 540 inventors with exhibits, videos, and even the actual inventions themselves. A guided tour with hands-on activities will also educate you on the process it takes to go from idea to product design. Kid-friendly attractions will entertain young minds and there are after-school inventor programs available for all ages. American inventors, inspiring businessmen, and small-town businesses were important to the development of Alexandria, Virginia. Take a blast into the past and explore a few of the best historical attractions while you learn more about the city you call home. Image via Pixabay

When looking for family fun while living in or visiting Alexandria, Virginia, you will find an abundance of opportunities that will delight and thrill everyone. When the kids are tired of visiting the numerous historic sites and want to play, try these fun family-friendly attractions and parks and enjoy watching everyone thoroughly enjoy themselves while having fun in Alexandria. more Take a Kid-Friendly Pirate Cruise Kids love the allure and mystery of pirates, so why not hop aboard a kid-friendly boat where they can see actors dressed as pirates perform thrilling swashbuckling acts, watch water cannon fights, go on treasure hunts, and get to talk like pirates? Not only will the whole family revel in the entertainment by the “pirates,” but you will also enjoy the beautiful views of the shoreline, waterfront, and historic landmarks as the cruise sails along the Potomac River. Chessie's Big Backyard at Lee District This fantastic playground and park is ideal for children of all ages. During the warm summer months, have the little ones put on their swimsuits and flip flops to play in the giant splash bad. After they dry off, take them to the Chesapeake Bay-themed playground where they can swing and slide to their heart's content. For the nature lovers in the family, take a stroll along one of the easy hiking trails to look for birds and other wildlife. The park also offers basketball courts, ball fields, and other family-fun amenities. Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventures For the adventurous ones in the family, head over to Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventures just a short drive west of the city. The Go Ape Treetop Journey takes about one hour and, with safety always in mind, takes you through a thrilling experience going through obstacles and a series of zip lines. Be sure to take plenty of photos of the kids as this adventure will create plenty of exciting memories for everyone. Schuyler Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park For the skater in the family, let them take a run on the skateboard ramps at Schuyler Hamilton Jones Skateboard Park. The park is free to the public, but protective wear including helmets, elbow and knee pads are required. Enjoy Nature at Founders Park After so much excitement, take some time with the family and head over to Founders Park to connect with the natural beauty that can be found along the banks of the Potomac River. Pack a picnic and load the family into the car and find a lovely place to enjoy lunch under the shade trees with sweeping vistas of the water. After lunch, stroll along the pathway and let the kids enjoy sniffing the flowers in the many gorgeous and abundant gardens dotted along the park's trails. Founders Park is an excellent way to see the natural side of Alexandria, Virginia, with your family. With its rich colonial history, bountiful parks and gardens, and the Potomac River close by, you can easily find plenty of activities to keep you and your family happy and entertained. Image via Pixabay

Alexandria, Virginia, is a lovely historic city that sits on the banks of the Potomac River. The city has a rich colonial history with many interesting and famous monuments and landmarks that you can visit. Along with museums, art galleries, and historical sites, you and your family can also enjoy some fresh air by exploring the best parks and outdoor recreation activities that Alexandria has to offer. You can still learn about the unique history of the Alexandria area while having fun getting fresh air and exercise. Let's take a look at a few favorite outdoor attractions to visit. more George Washington's Mount Vernon Alexandria is a city steeped in the history of the United States. If you enjoy the nation's history, then a visit to the plantation estate of the first President, George Washington and his wife Martha, is a must-see attraction. Take the family for a tour of the mansion, the stunning gardens, and learn about the history of Mount Vernon and George Washington. With so much to see and do at this gorgeous park and historic site, be sure to allow plenty of time to thoroughly explore all that the park has to offer. Huntley Meadows Park On a lovely day, pack a picnic and load the family into your car and take a short drive from the center of Alexandria to Huntley Meadow Park. Make a stop at the visitors center to learn a bit of the history of the park and then take a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk elevated over the wetlands. Keep your eyes open for the numerous species of birds and wildlife that live in the park. Walk along the interpretive trail systems to the beaver pond, where you will hopefully catch sight of these beautiful and industrious mammals. After your walk, enjoy your picnic at one of the many lovely picnic sites available. Fort Hunt Park If your kids or grandkids love to fly kites and run in open meadows, then a visit to Fort Hunt Park will delight the entire family. Originally part of George Washington's historic Mount Vernon estate, the land that the park sits on today lies along the banks of the Potomac River and offers gorgeous views of the water. The park has an abundance of wildlife roaming about so let the kids know to watch for deer, squirrels, and if they are lucky, maybe even a fox! Boating on the Potomac River A wonderful way to see the sites along the Potomac River is by hopping aboard a boat cruise. Many of the boat tour companies offer cruises to various historic sites along the shores of the river. A monuments tour will take you by many of our nation's famous monuments and landmarks, including the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Memorial, and the Arlington Bridge. And if you have your dog with you, choose a Canine Cruise that is pet-friendly and will take you sailing around the waterfront. With so many parks and historic sites to visit, you will find plenty of ways to get fresh air while visiting or living in Alexandria, VA. Image via Pixabay

If you're living or traveling in Fairfax, Virginia, it's a worthwhile venture to take a 15-minute drive eastward to Old Town Alexandria. Situated along the scenic Potomac River, this designated National Historic District was voted one of the South's Prettiest Cities by the Southern Living magazine and a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. by readers of Conde Nast in 2018. Founded in 1749, Old Town is home to over 200 boutique stores and restaurants as well as numerous historic homes and museums. Enjoy these four activities during your visit. more Take a Stroll Along King Street Mile Right in the heart of Old Town is the bustling King Street. This walkable mile-long street has been named one of America's “Great Streets.” Featuring centuries-old architecture, brick-lined roads, and cobblestone alleys, it offers excellent photo opportunities around every corner. Shop and dine in one of its dozens of shops and restaurants, and take a free ride on the King Street Trolley. Visit Historic Sites and Museums If you're interested in history, you'll have a grand time in Old Town. Within the district, you'll find many historic sites and museums that offer an intimate experience of early American history. Some of the attractions you should visit include the Gadsby's Tavern Museum, which hosted the first five U.S. presidents; the Carlyle House Museum, a mid-18th-century Georgian manor built by one of Alexandria's founders; and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a historic pharmacy established in the late 18th century. If you're planning to visit many museums, it's a good idea to get the Key to the City museum pass, which includes admission to eight historic attractions and a 40 percent discount for the nearby George Washington's Mount Vernon. This pass costs only $15 and helps you save more than $30. Enjoy a Relaxing Ride On a Sightseeing Cruise or Water Taxi Alexandria was an important port city in the past, and it now serves as a hub for the Potomac Riverboat Company. Old Town's bustling marina, which features great outdoor dining and street performances, is the launching point for water taxis and sightseeing cruises. You can cruise to George Washington's Mount Vernon, see famous landmarks in Washington, D.C. on the Washington Monuments Cruise, or take boats or water taxis to Nationals Park, National Mall, National Harbor, The Wharf, and Georgetown. Dine In Centuries-Old Buildings In recent years, Old Town Alexandria has become a favorite destination for food lovers. Besides diverse culinary options, it also gives you the rare opportunity to dine in historic buildings. Enjoy an unforgettable meal at Columbia Firehouse, which was occupied by the Columbia Steam Engine Fire Company in the late 19th century, or Virtue Feed & Grain, an American-style tavern situated in a 19th-century feed house. There are virtually endless things to do in historic Old Town Alexandria. Whether you're a history buff, avid shopper, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, you'll be able to find many attractions and activities in the district that suit your fancy. Image via Pixabay

Winter weather not only poses challenges for your vehicle, but it also brings a variety of hazards that can threaten your safety on the road. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures and plenty of snowfall, you have to be prepared to deal with reduced visibility and slippery roads, which can significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident. Follow these four tips to stay safe this winter. more Use Winter Tires This is something many people overlook during winter. While all-season tires deliver great traction and handling on dry paved roads, they certainly do not perform the same way on wet or icy roads. When it gets really cold, the treads on these tires may harden and increase your chances of skidding. Winter tires, on the other hand, are specially designed to give you optimal traction on slippery roads. They come with softer treads that stay flexible even in sub-zero temperatures and deeper tread grooves for improved road grip. Reduce Your Speed It's also important that you drive slowly and carefully in the winter. Due to poorer traction on wintry roads, your vehicle may not respond as quickly as you want it to. Even with winter tires, it will need a longer distance to come to a stop. Driving at a slower speed during winter enables you to brake and turn more easily and safely. It also helps you stay more aware of your surroundings, which is especially essential when you're experiencing poor visibility. Get Your Car Serviced You should also visit your local auto shop or dealership to have your car comprehensively serviced at the start of the winter season. Your vehicle is more susceptible to mechanical problems when it's exposed to very cold temperatures. As such, there is a greater likelihood that it will break down on the road. A breakdown can be worrisome or even dangerous if it occurs in the middle of nowhere or late at night. The nearest auto shop may be located far away or already be closed. Emergency rescue services also tend to take longer to respond in the winter. Having your car properly serviced can help you avoid such a situation. Make sure your mechanic performs a thorough inspection on your car, fix all identified problems, and top up all fluids. Keep Your Gas Tank Full During winter, the gas lines in your vehicle may freeze up, especially if they have little or no fuel in them. You can prevent this from happening by keeping your gas tank full. Try not to let the fuel level go below the half-way mark. There is a lot more you can do to stay safe on the road during the winter, including viewing weather reports and increasing your following distance. However, the best way to minimize your risk of accidents is to exercise extra caution and attentiveness while driving. Besides driving safely, you should also keep an eye out for errant drivers and pedestrians because everybody is more prone to making mistakes during winter.

If you want to make an impression on a date, the first step is to create a perfect date night. Whether it's dining, dancing, or enjoying cultural performances, Alexandria offers a variety of options to ensure an evening to remember. more Brabo Brasserie Add a touch of French flair to the evening at Brabo Brasserie, where culinary specialties artistically prepared by Executive Chef Sebastien Rondier tantalize the senses. Located in Old Town Alexandria, expect a traditional atmosphere blended with a modern appeal. Once seated, order specialty cocktails, champagne, or flavorful wine for two, and then peruse the menu with chef favorites such as Le Grand Duck Flambe for two, steak, trout, lamb, bouillabaisse, and escargot. After dinner, savor the flavor of a glass of port while enjoying the sweetness of rum flambe baked Alaska. Brabo opens daily at 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Magnolia's on King For a taste of southern hospitality, Magnolia's on King serves ample helpings of good food, tasty drinks, and cozy atmosphere. Relax amid the aromas wafting from the kitchen that promise an extraordinary culinary adventure. Select supper favorites such as shrimp and grits accompanied by cornbread bites served with Virginia ham butter. Partake of the down-home pleasure of savory hoppin' John, freshly made meatloaf with a red wine demi glace, or pan-seared Atlantic salmon with mustard caper sauce. Add a specialty side of southern hash, braised red cabbage, yellow grits, or braised collard greens perfectly seasoned. After dinner, head upstairs to the Palm Lounge for cocktails and conversation. The restaurant opens for dinner Tuesday through Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Nick's There's nothing quite like dining, dancing, and live music to create an all-in-one date night package that is sure to please. At Nick's, you and your date can enjoy all this and more. The country-themed venue serves up an assortment of live bands, karaoke, couples dancing, line dancing, and dancing lessons. The menu is equally diverse with scrumptious fare such as pulled barbeque sandwiches, succulent ribs, chicken tenders, and fresh baked pie. Their calendar of events lists upcoming activities and entertainment that includes dance lessons, happy hour, live swing music, and live country music as well as who will be performing on stage. Nick's opens Tuesday through Friday at 4:00 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. MetroStage Live performances at the MetroStage have been ongoing for 30 years, and their 2019 season will be starting soon with more creative plays and musicals. Located in Old Town Alexandria near the river on North Royal Street, the off-Broadway venue is another opportunity to create a special date night. The 130-seat theater provides original and innovative work by talented actors, actresses, playwrights, and musicians. Start or end the evening at one of several restaurants and cafés in the vicinity to add to a night of fun and entertainment with a meal or cocktail. The center is accessible by car (free off-street parking available), taxi, bus, or via the Braddock Road metro station. Whatever plans you have in mind for a perfect date night, consider a night out on the town at one of Alexandria's assorted venues to create memories of a lifetime. Image via Pixabay

If you are planning on proposing during the holidays, you want to make it special enough to tell the grandchildren later. Here are some of the most romantic locations in Alexandria, Virginia to give you the right kind of ambiance. more Captain's Row Visit The Athenaeum art museum at 201 Prince Street between noon and 4 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday. After a few hours of art appreciation, stroll along the picturesque Captain's Row. Lined with tree-shaded, colonial-style houses, this boulevard has a charming, old-world feel. It is a fine spot for a memorable proposal, but if you're going to go down on one knee, mind the cobblestones. Kilwins Chocolate Tour Pop the question as you pop a chocolate, and have an ice cream to celebrate. Kilwins has been making chocolates and ice creams since 1947, and a tour through their chocolate kitchen is a delightful experience. They offer free samples at the tour's end, and you can buy fresh hand-made chocolates and other confections. Kilwins is located at 212 King Street in Alexandria. Tours run from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alexandria Food Tour Never forget that love and food are irrevocably entwined. Eating together has a special kind of romance in itself that leads to making a proposal. Go on a food tour in historic Old Town Alexandria, and sample the local cuisine at the neighborhood's charming, family-owned restaurants. Highlights include the famous Jelly Cake, specialty sandwiches, handmade artisan bread, seafood, and freshly brewed teas. The $63 ticket price includes your meal, and the tour starts at Market Square, 301 King Street in Alexandria. Check the website for tour times. Nightly Spirits - Ghost Tour Pub Crawls As a historic town, Alexandria has a haunted past that thrills tourists. Imagine telling your grandchildren how you held hands and braved the ghouls together, and towards the end, victorious, you agreed to marry each other. During the tour, your guide will point out haunted places and regale you with spine-tingling stories. In between, you will stop at three to four pubs and sample the local beer. The tour begins at 8:30 p.m. at Chadwicks, which is located at 203 Strand Street in Alexandria. The tour lasts for around two hours and costs $25 per person. Book your tickets in advance. New Year's Eve Cruise on the Potomac Ever dreamed of making a proposal with fireworks lighting up the night sky? Here's your chance. Board the Potomac Riverboat Company's Cherry Blossom paddle wheeler boat for a New Year's Eve cruise on the Potomac River. The cruise includes a buffet dinner and a fireworks show. The tour starts 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Alexandria City Marina at 105 North Union Street. Tickets cost $160, and you should reserve your spot in advance. There are more romantic spots in Alexandria for holiday proposals. If you can't get through all of them now, you will have a lifetime of anniversaries ahead to visit. Image via Pixabay

The holiday season is for spending time with your family and shopping. There is a special kind of excitement in the air, and it's fun to walk through the crowded city streets with your shopping list in your pocket and wonder what the people you pass are planning to buy to gift to their loved ones. Still, you don't want to commute from one end of town to the other either for your shopping. Getting everything done in the same area is more convenient and leaves you more time to enjoy yourself. If you want to do all of your shopping under one roof, here are some one-stop malls and shopping centers in Alexandria, Virginia. more Kingstowne Town Center Located at 5900 Kingstowne Towne Center in Alexandria, this mall has plenty of stores where you can shop for apparel and footwear, personal care products, home furnishing, electronic, toys, and more. Their retail brands include Home Goods, World Market, Walmart, TJ Maxx, and EB Games. Visit from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Potomac Yard Center Find the mall at 3671 Jefferson Davis Highway in Alexandria. Have a fun shopping experience at stores such as Best Buy, Target, Barnes and Noble, Thomasville Furniture, Dress Barn, Men's Warehouse, Navy Federal Credit Union, Rack Room Shoes, and Old Navy. You can visit the mall stores throughout the week. The store timings are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. There may be some time changes for the holidays, so check ahead of visiting. Fashion Center at Pentagon City Visit the Fashion Center at Pentagon City at 1100 South Hayes Street in Arlington for a world-class shopping experience. The mall's 100-plus stores include Tourneau, Kate Spade, Microsoft, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, GAP, Lego, and more. You can spend an entire day and get all your shopping done. Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, but holiday hours can vary. Check the mall's website before visiting. Springfield Town Center Drive about 15 minutes to the Springfield Town Center at 6500 Springfield Mall. The mall is generally open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays, but the time can vary on weekends. Check the website prior to visiting. At this mall, you can shop for women's, men's fashion, and children's fashions, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, health and beauty, books, cards, electronics, home and office, and more. Retail brands include Michael Kors, Bath & Body Works, Sephora, Charlotte Russe, and American Eagle Outfitters. The mall also hosts holiday events like Santa Holiday Photos, Pet Photos with Santa, and a special holiday performance. All of these malls have several restaurants on their premises. After a long day of shopping, treat yourself to some excellent food and have a nice, relaxing time. Image via Pixabay