Archive for the 'Del Ray' Category
Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique in Alexandria, VA
September 1st, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique in Alexandria is open and ready for business.
Occupying what was a former hardware store in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, specialty boutique Bellies and Babies is the creative genius of Dawn Luepke.
Dawn Luepke
Dawn, like many of our local entrepreneurs, was a Capitol Hill staffer before moving to HUD as a project manager.
Marriage, to event planner Tim Luepke, and two children – a boy and girls 15 months apart – meant a lot of maternity clothes and a lot of baby clothes.
Not surprisingly it was also time to consider a career change – all of which culminated in the idea for a great new business.
1913 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Located in the heart of Del Ray at 1913 Mt. Vernon Avenue, in a two story bungalow, the property is a perfect setting for Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique.
A parking lot right next door and a fenced yard makes this destination easy and safe. Just look for the light green house at the corner of Mt. Vernon and East Howell.
Once inside, cool blue walls and crisp white trim invoke an instant calm. A hand painted mural anchors a back wall and a fireplace and hardwood floors add to the feeling of being in someone’s home.
The idea behind Bellies and Babies is two fold. In the downstairs area Dawn is offering select high end baby items at deeply discounted prices along with items made by local artists. Think cloth diapers, onesies, knit booties, changing pads, tutu’s, etc.
Upstairs, Bellies and Babies has consignment items in three distinct rooms – Moms (maternity clothes), girls, and boys. Both the boys and girls rooms have play areas and a second floor bathroom has a changing table and potty seats.
In the Moms space there is a dressing room and a large full length mirror. The bonus here is that Dawn is also offering high end maternity rentals for special occasions. What mother-to-be isn’t going to love this!
And the consignment items are fabulous – with some carrying original price tags. There are also some furniture pieces including a miniature club chair and rug that almost left with me.
It’s not hard to believe that Dawn was a project manager. In addition to the physical store, Bellies and Babies Consignment Boutique offers an online search capability through their Web site and inventory (especially consignments) is updated daily. A Facebook page makes updates and news about special events a snap.
We love the concept, the setting is comfortable, and the clothes are wonderful. But most of all, we love the personality and warmth that Dawn and her husband have brought to this very special business.
We know that you are going to love it too. Stop by and visit or give them a call at 703.518.8908.
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Taste of Del Ray at First Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
August 30th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News, Things to Do
You’ve heard about all the great little eateries in Del Ray. You’ve promised to visit at least a thousand times. But nothing has happened. What to do? What to do?
No problem. Join us for Taste of Del Ray at First Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. This is the last First Thursday for 2010 and looks like it is going to be a doozy.
Eateries up and down Mt. Vernon Avenue will pitch their tents in the parking lot directly behind Virginia Commerce Bank from 6-9 pm. (This is where folks park for the Del Ray Farmers Market.)
These updates just in:
- Tickets will be sold in two locations – at the Oxford Street entrance across from Dr. Stone’s and in the entrance between Cheestique and the School of Rock. Everyone must have a ticket – $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will got to Community Partners for children.
- Food will be served from 6:30pm to 7:45pm or as long as it lasts.
- Deadline to vote is 7:45pm (each ticket holder gets one vote).
- Winner will be announced at 8:00pm
Participating restaurants include:
- ACKC
- Bombay Curry
- Caboose Cafe
- Cheesetique
- Del Merei
- Evening Star
- Italia Di Sapore
- La Strada
- Monroe’s
- Pizzaiolo
- Pork Barrell BBQ (last year’s winner)
- Taqueria Poblano
- Thai Peppers
Seriously, no more excuses. Why even think about going anywhere else for dinner?
We’ll see you at Taste of Del Ray at First Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010.
Michael
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The Tomato Man at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market
August 21st, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News
The Tomato Man at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market is to tomatoes what Mario Batalli is to pasta; what Morton’s is to steak; what fresh squeezed is to orange juice.
In other words, the Tomato Man is the real deal.
I come from a long line of tomato snobs. We don’t eat hydroponic tomatoes, we don’t eat tomatoes from the grocery store and we don’t eat tomatoes from about mid-September to July. In other words, we are tomato deprived for most of the year.
We wait, with almost palpable anticipation, for the road side stands and farmer’s markets that signal summer’s bounty.
David Giusti aka Tomato Man
Imagine then our delight in finding the Tomato Man at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market.
Tomato Man is also known as David Giusti, an Alexandria native, Oberlin College graduate and now, farmer.
While still in college, David saw a flyer offering a summer ‘internship’ working on a farm in Virginia.
He thought it sounded ‘kind of cool’, signed up and went back year after year.
In 2009 he struck out on his own, renting land and joining the network of farms that make up Local Harvest.
David’s farm, Second Spring, grows “crop varieties [that] are selected for flavor and farmed with sustainable, responsible practices only.” Whether by choice or chance, David seems to have majored in heirloom tomatoes – much to our delight.
Each week his table is filled with at least 10 varieties of heirlooms from the classic red Brandywine to the beautiful yellow Pineapple. David can tell you about each one and what it is best used for.
We have sampled all of them and have yet to declare a favorite. It’s more fun to mix and match and just let the flavors explode. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, tomatoes are on the menu. After all, we only get to do this for a few more weeks.
Ummm, wonder if Virginia would like to take up canning?
But don’t take my word for it. Make your own pilgrimage to the Tomato Man at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market.
And after you’ve finished shopping we can go house hunting. Call me at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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Slaters Lane Shopping in Alexandria, VA
August 19th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Old Town, Potomac Yard/Greens, Real Estate News
I’ve tried really hard to find an official name for the row of shops on Slater’s Lane in Alexandria but to no avail.
So, we’re just going to call it the “Slater’s Lane Shopping Center.”
Except of course that it’s not really a shopping center and it’s not a strip mall either.
Instead, it’s a charming collection of shops at the entrance to the Potomac Greens and Old Town Greens townhouse development, across the street from the Old Town Crescent (condominiums) and half way between the Monroe Street Bridge and the George Washington Parkway.
Got it? In other words, it’s conveniently located for a lot of folks in North Old Town and Del Ray. Here’s what you will find at the “Slater’s Lane Shopping Center”:
- the Russian Gourmet
- Buzz Bakery
- Hairy Situations (dog grooming)
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe
- Rustico
- Periwinkle
- JonRic Salon
- Potomac Plaza Cleaners
- Domino’s Pizza
Want to know more about properties around this shopping area? Give me a call at 703.927.4554.
Michael
Related stories:
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City of Alexandria Approves Potomac Yard Redevelopment and New Metro Construction
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Station at Potomac Yards Celebrates Grand Opening
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Potomac Yard Development Expands with New Fire Station and Sewage Pumping Station
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Ninth Annual Del Ray Chili Cook Off – Mark Your Calendar for Oct. 23, 2010
August 18th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News
I know, I know, it’s only August but we want to give you a big head’s up and plenty of time to plan. So, mark you calendar for Oct. 23 and the Ninth Annual Del Ray Chili Cook Off.
Started, organized and planned every year by our neighbor Laura Fries, the Del Ray Chili Cook Off is about as unassuming and homespun as you can get.
Anybody can enter, it can be any kind of chili - beef, pork, turkey, venison, duck, rabbit, beans, no beans, chopped, sliced, diced, vegetarian, etc. - and anybody can win. Pretty simple isn’t it?
All you really have to do is pay a small “entrance fee”, make up enough chili to feed a lot of neighbors, make up a catchy name and come on down to LaGrande Avenue.
And if you aren’t up for the rigors of competition, well, we’re always looking for great side dishes and desserts.
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne is one of our regular judges and you never know what local musical talent may show up. Last year, driving rain (what’s new about that!) threatened to cancel the cook off but instead it turned into a very special night.
It’s some of the best fun you can have on a fall afternoon/evening in Alexandria so mark your calendars for Oct. 23 and the Ninth Annual Del Ray Chili Cook Off.
Stay tuned for details . . .
Michael
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Alexandria Restaurant Week, August 20-29, 2010
August 11th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray, Things to Do
Alexandria will kick off Restaurant Week, August 20-29, 2010. More than 60 restaurants, bars and coffee shops will take part in this annual summer eating extravaganza.
There are three categories of participation -
- a $35 Prix-Fixe Three Course Dinner
- a $35 Dinner for Two and
- $3.50 Sweet Treats.
Participating restaurants are located all over Alexandria, from Mango Mike’s in the West End to the Union Street Public House on the riverfront in Old Town Alexandria to La Strada in our Del Ray neighborhood.
Also in Del Ray are sweet treat favorites, ACKC Coca Bar and the Dairy Godmother.
For a complete list of restaurants and menus, click here. Make your reservations on line and enjoy a special night out with Alexandria Restaurant Week, August 20-29.
Michael
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17,000 Trees Damaged in Alexandria from Freak Thunderstorm
August 6th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
The City of Alexandria has announced that some 17,000 trees were damaged in Alexandria in a freak thunderstorm that roared through the area late Thursday afternoon.
A majority of that damage was in the Del Ray, Rosemont and Beverley Hills neighborhoods.
We were lucky. Several large limbs crashed into our yard from a neighbor’s tree and we lost electricity but otherwise our particular block of East Howell was relatively unscathed.
Our back yard
The scene just one block down and then one block over was quite different.
Howell Avenue
Trees uprooted concrete sidewalks, brought down power lines and crashed through roofs.
Windsor Avenue
Windsor Avenue
Custis Avenue
For more pictures, click here.
Michael
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Alexandria Mayor Bill Euilie Visits Del Ray for National Night Out
August 4th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray
Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille
There was only one place to be on Tuesday, August 3 and that was in Del Ray celebrating National Night Out. Our block is well known for a generous pot luck dinner that includes fresh fried fish.
And that was exactly what Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille was looking for!
Michael
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Washingtonian Magazine Highlights Food, Fun and Shopping in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
July 29th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Real Estate News
Washingtonian Magazine, in its August 2010 issue, highlights the food, fun and shopping in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood.
We’re happy to say that of the 21 places they mention/review, we have done posts on almost all of them.
Go ahead and buy your August Washingtonian, but for an in depth look at the food, fun and shopping in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood, start here first:
Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother Voted “Best’ Ice Cream” in Local Poll
Artfully Chocolate and Artfully Paper in Alexandria, VA
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
Bungalow is Newest Addition to Eclectic Shopping on Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue
Pound or Pedigree, Alexandria is A Dog Friendly Place to Be! (Barkley Square and Nature’s Nibbles)
The Purple Goose Children’s Boutique in Alexandria, VA
Del Ray Central Offers High End Apartments in Alexandria, VA
Sweet Treats at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market in Alexandria, VA
The Surest Sign of Spring – Tables and Customers on the Sidewalks of Alexandria (Fireflies)
Cheesetique, Caboose and Let’s Meat on the Avenue Star in Chamber of Commerce Video
New Butcher Shop in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood Sells Out on Opening Day (Let’s Meat on the Avenue)
Del Ray’s Arts on the Avenue – It was Picture Perfect!
It’s Happening in Del Ray – First Thursdays, House Tours, Music Festivals, Barbecue, Etc. (Dog Days of Summer, A Taste of Del Ray, Cinema Del Ray)
For the most part, the authors are right on target but whoever told them that RT’s restaurant is in Del Ray doesn’t know much.
Don’t get us wrong – we LOVE RT’s but it is most definitely not in Del Ray. They also missed a couple of places that we think are worth a second look:
Eclectic Nature Gift and Garden Center in Alexandria, VA
Northern Italy Comes to Del Ray’s Mt. Vernon Avenue with La Strada
Potomac West Interiors and Antiques in Alexandria, VA
The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood. Part Two
Pork Barrel Barbeque (BBQ) is Coming to Alexandria! Part Three
2009 Heart of Del Ray Award Goes to Favorite Local Shop, “A Show of Hands”
The Neighborhood Pharmacy in Alexandria, VA
Want to know still more about living in this great neighborhood? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 – I’d love to help you.
Michael
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The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood. Part Two
July 19th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray, Real Estate News
Yesterday we gave you some background on Brian Thomas the owner/developer/mastermind behind The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood.
Today we are going to talk more about the planning that went into The Mosby and what buyers can expect. First, Brian made the excellent observation that to return The Mosby to a single family house would be totally out of keeping with the rest of the neighborhood.
Second, he wanted to use the original foundation but townhouses weren’t going to work either. So that left condominiums. Not your traditional multi-unit condominium but a small, luxury, boutique condominium.
That decided, it was time to start planning. Brian tells us that ultimately the number of units and the design was driven by the city’s requirements for parking. Finally it came down to four units.
The Mosby has three units on the main level, each with a garage while the fourth unit is a penthouse. The penthouse does not have a garage but does have an on site parking space.
The smallest unit is approximately 1,550 sq. ft. while the largest, the penthouse, comes in at 2,300 sq. ft. Each has it’s own personality with a large pergola covered deck for one, a small side patio for another, and a private back porch area for the third.
The penthouse has vaulted ceilings, two master suites, and large windows on all four sides.
As Brian so aptly noted, “there is nothing else like it.”
Brian teamed up with local architect Gaver Nichols and contractor Deke Deakins to create this dream project. Deke, is seasoned, been there, done that contractor but his pleasure at working with Brian and his pride in what is being offered in The Mosby is palpable.
The original house was disassembled by hand, preserving original hardwood flooring and cast iron claw foot tubs which have been rehabilitated. The basement was dug out by hand too, allowing Brian and Deke to use the solid stone foundation.
Landscaping was another important consideration. Brian, an avid gardener, did not want the utilitarian row of liriope and a sea of sod. Instead he hired long time friend and landscape designer Linda Hostetler.
Linda has created a formal garden with boxwoods (many of which were salvaged from the original property), white hydrangeas and white roses.
A flagstone walk welcomes home owners and visitors alike and complements the stone pillars across the front of the building. A large Japanese maple anchors the corner at Mt. Vernon and Alexandria Ave.
One of Brian’s goals in building is to offer the “whole package”. We think he has an absolute winner with The Mosby. The units will go on sale on August 15th and will start in the low 600,000’s. And yes, the units do qualify for FHA financing.
We’ll be back in early August with updates and interior photographs but in the meantime, put on your walking shoes and take a stroll down to 1400 Mt. Vernon Avenue to see The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium.
Michael
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