In Alexandria, La Tasca proves that small plates can deliver big flavors. Tapas, the Spanish tradition of serving small plates of great food that are perfect for sharing, is on full display at this Old Town spot not too far away from The Asher.

If you like wine, you’ll love the selection of sangrias by the glass or pitcher. Add in the wines and beers on tap, and you've found a new happy hour spot to meet up with friends. The tapas selection is so varied, everybody will find something to like. (Start out with the bacon wrapped dates!) Don’t miss the tasting menu specials and other specials, like the "dinner and a movie" promotion.

La Tasca is open Sundays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

La Tasca
607 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-9810
http://www.latascausa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-tasca-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wordridden

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we remember all those heroes who have served our nation.

Daffodils, bluebells, and yellow daisies are a few of the flowers you might find in bloom at Green Spring Gardens, depending on the season. This Alexandria park houses more than 20 themed gardens, not to mention a greenhouse where tropical plants thrive. So any time of the year, there are plants to ogle over for the nature enthusiast or avid gardener.

The gardens are all gathered around the brick farmhouse built in 1784, where John Moss and his family lived as they reclaimed former tobacco fields with new crops of corn, wheat, oats, and rye. Modern-day gardeners can learn more about their craft not only by exploring the gardens that replace the crops today, but also by attending gardening classes regularly held at Green Spring. It even has a Master Gardener volunteer program that includes 50 hours of training and 50 of interning, resulting in gardeners with well-honed instincts. They can make use of the horticultural library to learn more, too, as can the general public.

Green Spring Gardens
4603 Green Spring Road
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 642-5173
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-spring-gardens-alexandria

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