Located in Old Town Alexandria, Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is — just like its name implies — an old-fashioned ice cream shop that has a whole lot of retro flair in both its decor and its ice cream choices. The shop itself is located in a red brick building with a vintage-style sign, and once you step inside, you’ll find a charming red tin ceiling, black and white checkered floors, and a wide selection of ice creams within the long, glass display cases.

Fill a cup or a made-from-scratch waffle cone with scoops of chocolate chip cookie dough, coffee, or red velvet, then enjoy your treat while sitting at one of the charming antique tables inside. Or if you prefer, nibble your cone as you stroll along the charming streets of Old Town Alexandria!

Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is open noon to 10 p.m. daily.

Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
109 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 518-5374
www.yelp.com/biz/pops-old-fashioned-ice-cream-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr helicopterspy

If you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life, Washington, DC is home to a number of relaxing parks that can help you to de-stress while being surrounded by nature. Leave your cell phone at home, take a break from emails, and go for a stroll in one of these urban green spaces.

Meridian Hill Park
With a stunning multi-level fountain that flows into a large duck pond, Meridian Hill Park is certainly a sight to see. This European-inspired park is conveniently located minutes from the popular U Street stretch, but it offers respite from the crowds and noise. There is also a grassy knoll perfect for picnics, a number of historic statues, and even some ducks that call the park home.
2400 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20008

Gravelly Point Park
There are few things more relaxing than watching planes fly through the sky, and Gravelly Point Park offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. The park is situated just across from Regan International Airport, which means that visitors can watch the planes take off while lounging on the grassy hillside. There are also a few wooden picnic tables, a jogging path, and fields where you can join a pick-up game of soccer or football.
George Washington Parkway, Arlington, VA 22202

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/William Warby

Eating well isn’t a vice when you go to Virtue Feed and Grain in Alexandria. This Old Town bar and restaurant is actually housed in an old feed barn that's been reconditioned by using repurposed materials.The result is a place that blends into the surroundings, but also stands out on its own.

The interior is rustic, with brick and wood walls showing the original construction. The upstairs bar and lounge is cool and comfortable, with nice couches and burlap bag pillows. This makes for a perfect post-work meeting spot with friends, or you could come for lunch and dinner to try some of the classic cuisine. The burgers and entrees are all good, but don’t pass up the deviled egg appetizer.

Virtue Feed and Grain is open every day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Be sure to come back for the brunch on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Virtue Feed and Grain
106 S. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(571) 970-3669
www.virtuefeedgrain.com
www.yelp.com/biz/virtue-feed-and-grain-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/wiredwitch