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This Virginia pizza and pasta chain has been a local favorite since the first branch opened in Fairfax in 1997. Paisano's has grown steadily over the years with a combination of fair prices, sizable portions and good quality. The restaurant's credo is that it works to make almost everything from scratch daily, including pasta and pizza dough. Paisano’s also works hard to help out their local communities, which has endeared them even more to Virginians. Paisano’s offers a variety of crusts to choose from, with the thin crust recognized as the best. The toppings are high-quality and diverse, with some favorite combinations including the Big Paisano, loaded up with pepperoni, sausage, ham, meatballs, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers, as well as the Greek with gyro meat, feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, and black olives. The menu also offers some excellent pasta dishes, with regulars recommending the homemade lasagna and the baked spaghetti. Sub sandwiches are also exceptional.

Paisano’s:
269 S. Van Dorn Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 504-6100

www.pizzapaisanos.com
www.yelp.com/biz/paisanos-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/veganbaking.net

For an unusual look at life in Colonial and Civil War era America, stop into the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. This apothecary-turned-museum first opened in 1792 and functioned for decades as a widely popular place to get herbal remedies and medicines. Records maintained at the shop reveal that Martha Washington, Robert E. Lee, and hundreds of sickly Union soldiers picked up medicines here! In fact, many of the antique bottles still hold 200-year-old bottles labeled with ingredients like mercury, dragon’s blood, and opium!

With museum hours that vary by season, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum charges an admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children. Request a guided tour, or stop by for special events including lectures, dance classes, and hands-on science demonstrations.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 South Fairfax St
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 746-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr miss.libertine