Stop and Smell the Blooms at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria

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

Public Domain/Public Domain

Make Quiche at Home with These Recipe Websites

Enjoy eating quiche but not in the habit of making it in your kitchen at home at The Asher? Here are two informative websites that can show you how to make a tasty quiche even if you aren’t a professional chef.

AllRecipes
The AllRecipes.com breakfast quiche section has recipes including both sweet and savory options, and just about all of them look delightful. The Tomato and Basil Quiche might add a bit of Italian cuisine flavor to your next brunch. It pairs perfectly with a mixed green salad. The Ham and Cheese Breakfast Quiche is a more kid-friendly version, perfect for serving with fresh fruit and a glass of juice.

MarthaStewart.com
For more unique quiche recipes perfect for weekend brunch gatherings, Martha Stewart’s beautiful website is a great place to look. The site's Broccoli Cheddar Quiche boasts cheesy flavors, while the Shallot Mushroom Quiche uses Fontina cheese and caramelized shallots for a sophisticated taste. Though these may seem like gourmet creations, the recipes include detailed, simple-to-follow instructions.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing all the moms out there a wonderful day!

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends June 30, 2014.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

The Dough is the Focus at Pizzeria Paradiso in Alexandria

Owner and chef Ruth Gresser opened the first Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle in 1991 because she wanted to make the kind of pizza that she longed for, but couldn't find. To Gresser, the crust is the most important part.

Gresser developed a dough that rises slowly in the restaurant's wood-burning, domed, stone oven at a temperature of 650 degrees. The oven is in the heart of the restaurant, giving diners the comfortable feeling of eating at a friend's house.

Regulars recommend the Atomica, which comes with tomato, salami, Kalamata olives, hot red pepper flakes, and mozzarella. The Bosco pizza is another favorite, wihch includes tomato, spinach, mushrooms, red onion, and mozzarella. You also can't go wrong with the classic margherita, with tomato, basil, and mozzarella.

Pizzeria Paradiso has 14 craft beers on tap, dozens more in bottles, and a strong wine list. This restaurant doesn't take reservations, which means you might be in for a bit of a wait, especially on weekend nights.

Pizzeria Paradiso
124 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-1245
eatyourpizza.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

FireFlies Restaurant: Dinner, Lunch and Bluegrass Brunch

For good food and entertainment in Alexandria, you’ve got to try FireFlies Restaurant. This Del Ray neighborhood spot is known for its welcoming attitude and classic food. You’ll like both the modern yet comfortable ambiance, and everyone raves about the friendly, fast service.

Happy hour is a good time to come with friends to try some local microbrews, hand-crafted cocktails, and tasty apps to share. Come for lunch or dinner to try the selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The bacon, salmon, lettuce and tomato sandwich is a big hit, as are the burgers, all served on house-made rolls and bread.

Open seven days a week, FireFlies also plays host to the Sunday "Bluegrass Brunch."

FireFlies
1501 Mt Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 548-7200
http://www.firefliesdelray.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fireflies-restaurant-alexandria

Get fit!

fit

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help:

  • Control your weight
  • Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • Reduce your risk of some cancers
  • Strengthen your bones and muscles
  • Improve your mental health and mood
  • Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult
  • Increase your chances of living longer

With all those benefits, why not get moving? All it takes to get started is to put on some sneaks and visit our fitness center that’s conveniently located right here.

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