Independence Day

Our office will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4, 2014 in observance of Independence Day. We will resume regular business hours on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Should you need emergency maintenance services please contact our Emergency Maintenance Line at: 1-866-422-2990.

Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!!

Jones Point Park: A Recently Renovated Piece of Local History

In 2012, Jones Point Park completed a radical makeover—one seven years in the making. Initiated by its owning agency the National Park Service, this seven-year endeavor began with a push for a park that not only incorporated public input, but also made little impact on the environment. What the agency unveiled in 2012 was a 65-acre park that did just that, with the same unique fixtures that always drew locals to the park.

That includes the historic lighthouse perched on the water's edge. It also encompasses a small playground fit for younger and older children alike. But now the park also boasts basketball courts, running trails, and picnic tables. If you take a stroll around the park's walking trail, you can stop along the way to learn tidbits about its past described on historical markers.

Jones Point Park
125 Jones Point Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=34692

http://www.yelp.com/biz/jones-point-park-alexandria

Alexandria Archaeology Museum: See How Lee Street Looked in 1749

Eighteenth-century wharves, taverns, homes, a bakery—archeologists unearthed them all when they started digging into the Lee Street site in Alexandria. Shallow foundations make for a relatively routine excavation, but before they could get to the 18th-century remnants, the team had to go through another layer.

After the residential neighborhood, the site held a U.S. army hospital facility where wounded Civil War soldiers sought treatment. The main exhibit at Alexandria Archaeology Museum introduces visitors to this entire city block, named for the intersection where it sits (Lee Street and Queen Street). Explore the exhibit to learn about everything from the history of the city block, to the details of its excavation, to the artifacts it yielded.

After all, this Alexandria museum is all about acquainting the city with its past. In the public laboratory, you can actually watch employees scrub down and catalog new artifacts. Or you can head to a hands-on activity area where kids can try their hand at piecing together replicas of artifacts. Each of the exhibits promises new insight into Alexandria's history.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum
The Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.alexandriava.gov/Archaeology

http://www.yelp.com/biz/alexandria-archaeology-museum-alexandria

Happy Father’s Day!

Today we want to take time to wish all the Dads out there a very happy day! We hope all the Fathers near and far have a great day relaxing with loved ones!

How to Keep Your Houseplants Alive and Happy

Adding a green plant to your home's decor is easy; keeping it alive is a whole other story. Even if you aren't blessed with a green thumb, these three tips will help you keep your houseplants happy and thriving.

1. Go easy on the watering.
Over-watering is the number one killer of houseplants. Even if the soil on top looks dry, the plant may, in fact, have plenty of water. To test if your plant really needs a watering, stick your finger about two inches into the dirt. If it emerges dry, then your plant could use a drink. Otherwise, hold off on watering for a few days. After watering, ensure that the plant doesn't having water its tray, as this will cause root rot.

2. Find the right plant for your circumstances.
Before you bring that new plant to your home or office, read its tag to see its light requirement. Plants are divided into three light requirements: low light, medium light, and full sun. If your office doesn't have any windows, then a full sun plant won't work for you. Keep in mind that flowering plants require more light than foliage plants.

3. Ward off the chill.
Plants are typically happiest between 65° to 80° F during the day and 55° to 65° F in the evenings. Keep your plant away from heating/cooling vents, and don't allow its leaves to come in contact with a cold windowpane during the winter.

Houseplant Pests and Diseases [Gardener's Supply Company]
A Beginner's Guide to Caring for Houseplants [Mahoney's]
Care for Houseplants [Lowe's]
Tips on Caring for Houseplants in the Fall and Winter [HGTV]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/rickharris

Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market

Old Town Farmers' Market

Market Square, 301 King Street. (Map This)
Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. year round.
Free parking in the Market Square garage during Saturday hours of the Farmers' Market
*Accepts SNAP/EBT (Food Stamps)

People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria's Market Square is thought to be one of the nation's oldest continually operating farmer's markets, serving as a primary way Alexandria residents have typically obtained their meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables.

George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold at the Farmer's Market. Today, the market offers Alexandrians a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

Alexandria Ranked #1 Greenest ‘Mid-Size’ City in the Nation

How exciting! Old Town Alexandria has been ranked the #1 mid-size Greenest City in the Nation.

Click here to find the full article!

Steamed Mussels Are the Specialty at The Columbia Firehouse

Housed in an building constructed in 1883 that was once home to the Columbia Firehouse, the restaurant that bears the same name focuses on familiar comfort food as well as seafood.

One of the standout offerings at The Columbia Firehouse is the steamed kettle of Prince Edward Island mussels, which comes with a mini loaf of bread to soak up the broth. The buttermilk fried chicken breast is another popular item, described as juicy, light, and not at all greasy. Regulars also enjoy the hangar steak, which is cooked to your preference, and the crispy, house-made onion rings.

Frequent guests recommend asking for a table in the atrium, described as a beautiful spot with a glass ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an exposed brick interior. Chandeliers and plenty of candles give the room a warm, cozy feel. On warmer days, ask for a table on the small patio outside.

The Columbia Firehouse
109 S. Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-1776
columbiafirehouse.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

La Tasca: An Alexandria Tapas Spot

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

Happy Memorial Day!

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

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