Brewmaster Matt Rose didn't have his sights set on a major franchise when he opened Forge Brew Works in Lorton. He simply loved brewing high-quality beers in small batches. So you can expect the same level of care at this small, local brewery, which regulars say offers some stellar suds despite its modest size. The […]
The South has some of the country’s richest and most controversial history, and for residents of Alexandria, the Alexandria Black History Museum offers a variety of unique exhibits displaying important events of this region's past. The museum is located just three miles from The Shelby, making it a great destination for a summer day trip. […]
More than 80 artists’ studios make up the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a collection of galleries in Alexandria. More than 500,000 visitors check out the galleries every year, and many patrons find great items to bring home. The studios in the Art Center are home to photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, and so much […]
Verdigris may no longer have a permanent brick-and-mortar location—the Old Town Alexandria shop closed its doors on the Fourth of July—but that doesn't mean its inventory has gotten any smaller. To the contrary, its warehouse in Springfield remains stuffed with vintage furniture, home decor, and apparel. It's just that the majority of Verdigris' business is […]
One of Alexandria’s most popular spots for live music is The Birchmere, a rocking venue that hosts acts of all genres. There are concerts at The Birchmere nearly every day of the week, and upcoming shows include performances by Los Lonely Boys, Mint Condition, The Bacon Brothers, Kim Waters, and The Whispers. Many frequenters of […]
It’s certainly a time for those in the business of dessert to show that they are unique and creative. Enter Whim Pop of Alexandria. The dessert shop specializes in frozen fruit ice pops and other desserts. Whim Pop is located just two and a half miles from The Shelby, making it an excellent place to […]
What originally began as two businesses—one dedicated to consigning furnishings, another to antiques—has merged to become a single institution in the Alexandria community: Evolution Home. This locally owned store is a far cry from the big-box home stores you might be used to. Its mix of secondhand and antique home furnishings is carefully curated to […]
Did you know that there is a martial arts and boxing gym that is located only a few mintues from The Shelby? Capital MMA & Elite Fitness is a premier boxing and martial arts gym that offers classes for people of all fitness levels. There are a range of classes available at the local gym, […]
From Martha Washington to Robert E. Lee, some of history's most significant figures trusted their prescriptions to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary. Opened in 1792, the family business thrived for the next 40-plus years, most of it spent in the location on South Fairfax Street. Today, the establishment continues to teach about health, but with a historical […]
A Civil War hospital. The first U.S. Bicentennial Visitor's Center. A private home. The Lyceum has played all of these roles over the course of its long life. Its story began in 1838 Alexandria when a group of locals decided that the city was lacking in opportunities for education and culture. They vowed to create […]