Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum: A Unique NoVA Museum

From 1792 to 1933, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was a family business selling everything from medicine to garden and farm equipment to soap, perfumes, cigars, and art supplies. Famous customers included Robert E. Lee and Martha Washington. Today, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is home to what visitors call a truly astonishing array of historic and archival materials.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum has been operated as a museum pretty much since the doors closed to mercantile customers during the Great Depression, so the entire original inventory remains on display. Visitors say the structure itself has been flawlessly preserved, and it’s a great cultural experience for anyone interested in herbal remedies or the history of pharmaceuticals and medicine.

Tours are available, and history buffs will likely be fascinated by the curiosities on view.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
105-107 S. Fairfax Street
Alexandra, VA 22314
(703) 838-3852
www.alexandriava.gov/Apothecary
www.yelp.com/biz/stabler-leadbeater-apothecary-museum-alexandria

Happy Presidents Day

Today we take the time to honor our courageous leaders and how their visions have shaped our great country.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wishing you a sweet day with your loved ones!

How to Help Ease an Aching Back

Whether it’s from age or injury, just about everyone will encounter an aching back at some point in his or her lifetime. If you’re suffering from back pain, these smart and all-natural tips might help you to find some relief, but be sure to ask your doctor for advice first!

  1. Do some stretches. Many people find that doing stretches that target the upper or lower back help to ease tension and banish pain. Things like spinal twists, back extensions, or even gentle yoga classes are the most enjoyable.
  2. Use a cold compress. Purchasing a cold compress from your local pharmacy is an easy and affordable way to ease pain from sore muscles or back strain. With a few 10-minute applications each day, the cold will help to reduce inflammation in your sore back muscles.
  3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Instead of using an expensive prescription medication that could make you groggy, try a simple over-the-counter medication first. Things like NSAIDs or acetaminophen will inhibit the body’s pathways that produce pain, leaving you feeling relieved.
  4. Apply a topical cream. For a treatment that goes straight to the source, try a topical cream from your local pharmacy. These creams apply either heat or cold right at the nerve endings in the back, which helps decrease pain on contact.

Lower Back Stretches [About Health]
10 Ways to Ease Back Pain [Everyday Health]
6 Doctor-Recommended Remedies for Back Pain [Real Simple]

Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon: Hearty Steaks in Alexandria

Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon is a casual steakhouse in Old Town Alexandria. The exposed bulbs, brick walls, and flocked wallpaper recall the Wild West while keeping a hip and modern vibe. Music is eclectic and outlaw-ish; plan on hearing Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, The Eagles, and Kansas during dinner.

Regulars say that steaks are well-prepared, and lamb chops also win high marks. Meat comes with your choice of chipotle, chimichurri, or Mediterranean barbecue sauces, but the sauces are too weak for some tastes. Sides are decent but pre-made, thus substitutions aren’t allowed; this is a big drawback for some diners. After dinner, the bar keeps rocking until 1 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends. There’s a big cocktail list and plenty of wine and craft beer.

Check Flatiron Steakhouse’s website for menus and more information.

Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon
808 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-0777
http://www.flatironkingstreet.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flat-iron-steak-and-saloon-alexandria

Ultra Zone Laser Tag: Arcade Fun in Alexandria

Fun is the name of the game at Ultra Zone in Bailey's Crossroads. This entertainment venue, which doubles as a laser tag arena and family amusement center, hosts arcade games, air hockey tables, and a pizza cafe for some between-game sustenance. However, the real highlight of Ultra Zone is, unsurprisingly, the laser tag. The multi-level arena can hold up to 66 players, each vying to become the victor of this high-tech version of "capture the flag."

Never played laser tag before? Here's what to expect: First, you don a vest that's equipped with blinking LED sensors, then you grab a laser gun. After a debriefing from the staff, you'll be set free to roam the arena's dark, labyrinth-like corridors, hiding in the cover of fog as you strategize a shot against one of the members of the opposing team. Games typically last 30 action-packed minutes, proving laser tag to be a popular choice for birthday parties, corporate outings, and other group events.

Ultra Zone Laser Tag is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Free Wi-Fi is offered.

Ultra Zone Laser Tag
3447 Carlin Springs Road
Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041
(703) 578-6000
www.ultralasertag.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ultra-zone-laser-tag-falls-church

Vermilion: Local Cuisine, Local Ingredients

Regional ingredients are given the star treatment at Vermillion in Alexandria.

This Old Town restaurant has a downstairs curved bar and quiet lounge, an ideal setting for enjoying a classic cocktail, and the big screen television is a good spot to root for your favorite team. Have a seat for lunch or dinner upstairs to enjoy cuisine that's made with local ingredients whenever possible. Regulars recommend the Berkshire pork and the pan seared salmon, among other popular dishes.

Vermilion hosts a popular brunch on the weekends, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The brunch menu features eggs and dairy sourced local to Alexandria, with the grilled ham steak benedict and housemade yogurt receiving the highest marks from patrons.

Vermilion
1120 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-9669
http://www.vermilionrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vermilion-alexandria

Two Websites with Soup Recipes You Can Make at Home

Hot, steamy soups are some of the simplest and most fulfilling meals you can make, whether you choose a creamy tomato or a light vegetable soup. These step-by-step recipe websites are full of simple, delicious soup recipes that even the least experienced chef can make right at home.

Health.com
Health.com’s list of 12 Healthy Soup Recipes is a great resource for finding nutritious soups and stews. Unlike store-bought soups that can be full of sodium, these recipes are naturally flavored and low in calories. The Chunky Chicken Noodle is a heartier version of the childhood classic, with much less salt than the original version. On this site, even seemingly fattening, creamy soups like the Broccoli, Cheddar and Potato Soup use only low-fat, low-calorie ingredients to create nutritious soups that are just as tasty as the traditional versions.

Smitten Kitchen
This site isn’t just a clever name; it’s also a wonderful resource for healthy, flavorful soups. Smitten Kitchen’s Matzo Ball Soup contains fluffy, doughy matzo balls made with simple ingredients. Unique soups like Black Bean Pumpkin, Winter Squash with Gruyere, and Silky Cauliflower are gourmet-style choices that will impress your friends, and only you’ll know how easy and enjoyable they were to make.

Lease Your New Apartment

The weather may be cold outside but it's nice and toasty at The Asher. Come in and lease your new apartment home before these HOT deals are gone!

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

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