First Yoga, then a Peaches' and Green smoothie demonstration at Old Town Farmers Market. For more information visit the website.
Jones Point Park: A Recently Renovated Piece of Local History
June 24, 2014 by
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
June 17, 2014 by
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
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market
June 9, 2014 by
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.
Stop and Smell the Blooms at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria
May 20, 2014 by
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
Get fit!
March 8, 2014 by
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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