Some of the most authentic museum experiences are those that take place where history was actually made. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria offers just that. The museum—which is just about three miles from The Shelby Apartments—is an old tavern and social meeting place turned historical landmark. Gadsby’s Tavern was operated by John Gadsby from 1796 […]

One of two successful Alexandria locations, the Healthy Nails Spa near The Shelby has built its business on a different type of mani-pedi, one that actually makes your nails healthier. Its nail techs use a dipping powder fortified with vitamin E and calcium, which keeps your nails strong and beautiful even if you come in […]

One customer says walking into El Eden Supermercado is "like walking into another country." That's because the market near The Shelby stocks Latin American groceries you won't see on the shelves at your typical grocery store as well as fresh produce, seafood, and some staple brands you would encounter at any supermarket. A perk of […]

You won't have to travel far from your apartment at The Shelby to find authentic European fare in Alexandria. Fontaine Caffe & Creperie is only a stone's throw away, and the beautiful, inviting bistro serves an array of European cuisine. Fontaine Caffe specializes in French crepes for weekend brunch, but you can also feast on […]

"C'est voila." These were the words spoken often by Chef Mekdes' grandmother, the phrase with which she announced the arrival of a home-cooked meal. After all, she'd attended a French school early in the 1900s, so her grasp of the language—and the culinary approaches—was above average. The matriarch passed down her passion for French cuisine […]