Archive for the 'Del Ray' Category
The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood. Part One
July 13th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray, Real Estate News
The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is a new, very welcome addition to our area.
We recently spent time with owner/developer/mastermind Brian Thomas and came away with a real appreciation for what he is offering.
But first, let’s back up a bit. Brian hails from west Texas (home of our favorite Friday Night Lights) and has spent his Washington years working on the Hill for a Texas congressman. He met his wife here and will soon add ‘father’ to his resume.
He is also a ferocious gardener and a resident of Del Ray. In fact, it was living in Del Ray that started Brian on his parallel career path.
Brian had toyed with the idea of being a home builder but where and how to get started always got in the way. Then, a few years ago he bought a house on Mt. Vernon Avenue.
When he and his soon-to-be-bride decided to put it on the market they kept getting the same feedback – “great house but we don’t want to live next door to that.” That being the great orange monstrosity pictured below.
That house dates back to 1910 and was originally a single family home. It was then turned into and maintained as a boarding house for years by a Mrs. Parker. With subsequent owners the house fell into further disrepair until it finally sat vacant, the neighborhood eyesore.
Finally the light bulb went off. Brian took his house off the market, bought the neighborhood eyesore and began to fulfill his dream of being a home builder.
And the name? The Mosby? That was easy – Mosby, the most docile 120lb Golden Retriever you’ll ever meet, is a neighborhood fixture and Brian’s constant companion.
Come back again and we’ll tell you what you can expect from The Mosby – A Luxury, Boutique Condominium in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. You’re going to love it.
Michael
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Sweet Treats at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market in Alexandria, VA
July 3rd, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
Most folks think of a farmer’s market as a mecca for locally grow, often organic, fresh produce – and all that’s true.
But today we want to tell you about the sweet treats available at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market.
Our market is small, friendly, and everyone there must be a producer (or representing a producer) – no buying at the wholesale market and trucking it in.
We routinely get our corn, peaches, tomatoes, beans, “zukes”, basil, etc. and then we head for a sweet treat.
After all, what is life without an occasional sweet treat?
Right at the entrance to the market this year is the donut lady from Ashbank Farms in Markham, VA. Their specialty is apple cider donuts with bits of apple baked right in and an overall sprinkle coating of brown sugar. Yum. Another favorite – the “turtle” – a glazed donut with chocolate and caramel frosting topped with nuts.
Next is Vera’s Bakery from Annapolis. Vera’s supplies numerous shops in the area and is looking at opening a retail establishment in Northern Virginia – perhaps in Del Ray?
Her scones are a huge draw as is her fresh squeezed orange juice. Vera’s also makes and sells a large number of gluten free products, much in demand and always appreciated.
Right next to Vera’s is Virginia’s favorite, Bonaparte Breads from Savage. MD. Sweet and savory tarts, quiche and totally addictive, enormous croissants are the draw here.
Plain croissants, chocolate croissants, almond croissants and the piece de resistance – chocolate AND almond croissants!
Walk around the table to the other side of the Del Ray Farmer’s Market and you’re at Grace’s Pastries from Herndon, VA.
Grace’s is where we get dessert when company is coming – apple spice cake, peach cobbler, raspberry tarts, gingerbread, etc. And they always have samples.
Next door to Grace is The Dressed Up Nut from Pennsylvania.
In addition to about 25 kinds of savory and sweet roasted nuts (pecans and peanuts) there are nine varieties of biscotti including butterscotch and dark chocolate. Just add a cup of coffee and you’re all set.
And that gets us, finally, to Tom’s Amish Store from Lancaster, PA. Tom is probably best know for his cheeses and organic yogurt but he also carries a selection of goodies from the Little Britain Bakery in Nottingham, PA.
Check out the old-fashioned ‘whoopie pies” in this picture. Really hard to not to resist taking those home.
Most of these vendors are on the regular circuit of local farmer’s markets – Cameron Station, Upper King Street, Arlandria, – so you have more than one opportunity for a sweet treat during the week.
Eat your veggies first but save room for some of these great sweet treats from the Del Ray Farmer’s Market, you’ll be glad you did.
And if you want to go house hunting in Del Ray I’ll be glad to help you. Just give me a call at 703.927.4554.
Michael
P.S. – The “praline” lady was not in attendance this week but we’ll see if we can get her another time and up date this when we do.
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Celebrating Del Ray’s July First Thursday in Pictures
July 1st, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
It was a picture perfect evening for celebrating Del Ray’s July First Thursday. Temperatures were in the low 80’s with a lovely breeze, and the sheer joy of sharing simple pleasures with neighbors and friends.
A few pictures for your viewing pleasure –
Start with the piper and a dog -
Add in the Cake Walk – and the cakes
And our own, indefatigable Gayle Reuter
and you’ve got a large part of what makes this a great neighborhood
Michael
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Del Ray Celebrates July First Thursday with Health and Wellness
June 30th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
Del Ray will celebrate July First Thursday, today, July 1, with a theme of Health and Wellness - along with the traditional nod to the Fourth of July holiday - from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
There will be music at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market location (Mt. Vernon Ave and East Oxford) by The Legend of Lummy Hallin featuring our own Fox Vernon. Dozens of neighbors and businesses have baked and donated cakes, pies, cookies, etc. for an old-fashioned Cake Walk.
The “walk” will run about every 15 minutes from 6:00pm till 8:30pm or until the cakes run out! Not familiar with a Cake Walk?
It’s similar to playing musical chairs and will be done in groups – groups of children, groups of strollers, groups of adults -well, you get the picture.
There will even be a group for Del Ray’s favorite four legged friends, although they will get doggie treats, not cakes.
July First Thursday will also include a fun scavenger hunt to eight local businesses on Mt. Vernon that will provide heath and wellness screenings, fun activities and demonstrations (yoga, massage, etc.).
At each of the eight stops you will get a stamp for your ‘entry’ form. The first 50 completed entries will receive goody bags and all entries will be eligible for several grand prizes.
Want to know more about Del Ray and First Thursday? Check out this great video clip from a visit by Channel 5, Fox News.
Michael
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Del Ray Music Festival 2010
June 26th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
The fourth annual Del Ray Music Festival took off today under bright, sunny skies. A large tent was strategically placed front and center and hay bales (for sitting) were scattered over the field.
But lots of folks took matters into their own hands with blankets, folding chairs, and picnic baskets.
Local reggae band Antero had the crowd on its feet.
The master stroke though? A “rain tent” for a quick cool down.
Watch out Wolf Trap, Del Ray is the place to be!
Michael
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Del Ray’s Dairy Godmother Voted “Best’ Ice Cream” in Local Poll
June 25th, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
Del Ray’s own Dairy Godmother has been voted “Best Ice Cream” in a poll conducted by WTOP radio. With over 7,400 votes cast, the Dairy Godmother took 15% of the total, edging out Carl’s Ice Cream in Fredericksburg.
A long time Dell Ray staple, the Dairy Godmother is known for its creamy custard, unusual flavors, and presidential visits.
Congratulations Liz,
Michael
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The YMCA in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
June 15th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
The YMCA in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood is a true community asset with a rich history.
Former president Harry S. Truman laid the original cornerstone in 1961 for what was for many years a residential facility with a small dark gym and an even smaller, darker swimming pool.
In 1996 the building was razed and a new, 25,474 sq. ft. light filled YMCA took its place. Sitting just across the parking lot from the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, the YMCA is an integral part of Del Ray and the larger Alexandria community, serving over 6500 people a year.
The YMCA Alexandria offers summer camps, a myriad of classes, scholarships that make working out available to everybody, and a safe haven for children of all ages. It is also a favorite workout spot for local firefighters, police, and emergency medical personnel.
Coming in through the main doors, visitors and regulars alike are immediately drawn to the almost floor to ceiling glass overlooking the swimming pool. Circled by tables and chairs, this is a great spot for watchful parents and grandparents, especially when swimming lessons are in full swing.
Continue left and you’ll see a stretching area with large rubber balls, balancing domes, stretch bands and a few pieces of equipment. (We really like the seated stretch machine – perfect for the neck/shoulder/back muscles.)
Up the ramp and into the main workout room. A quarter mile track is great for warm-ups/downs and the windows make it almost like being outside. State of the art equipment is strategically placed for optimal use with individual TV’s for most of the aerobic equipment.
Personal trainers are available for at very reasonable rates and someone is always on hand to answer a question or two. The weight room is downstairs along with the dressing rooms, showers and saunas.
Now, back to the main lobby and bear right to child care facilities, the aerobics room, an all purpose room, and a Y Interactive Zone powered by XRKade – an interactive gym featuring video games designed to promote wellness in children.
All areas, including the pool, are handicapped accessible by ramps or elevator. And, like many public facilities in Del Ray, local garden clubs have added their own touch of wellness.
We have been members of the YMCA since it opened and consider it a “value add” to living here. It’s totally walkable for Del Ray residents and it’s proximity to a grocery store, drug store and park is incredibly convenient.
Check it out – we’d love to see you at our Y – the YMCA in Del Ray.
Michael
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Del Ray Video Takes Third Place in National Contest
June 14th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Local vidoegrapher Meredith Bragg’s Del Ray Video has taken third place in a contest on free enterprise sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Of course we totally think Meredith should have gotten the top prize but what a great endorsement of his work and the Del Ray community that supports these independent businesses.
The three Del Ray businesses featured in the video are Cheestique, Caboose, and Let’s Meat on the Avenue.
And now, for your viewing pleasure -
Michael
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Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
June 1st, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray
Eugene Simpson Stadium Park in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood is a very concise name for a very active location.
Situated at the corner of Monroe Avenue and Jeff Davis Highway, in the shadow of the new Monroe Street Bridge, Eugene Simpson Stadium Park is home to baseball, basketball, tennis, a toddler play area, a dog park and a multi-part garden of native plants.
T.C. Williams Titans baseball team calls Eugene Simpson Stadium Park “home” and there is a little league field right next door. Game nights are family friendly with lawn chairs, dogs and refreshments.
This is one of my favorite ‘hangouts’ in the spring – it’s free, it’s fun and it’s a two block walk from our house!
A large toddler playground with swings and climbing equipment galore is most easily accessible from the Duncan Street side. A destination spot for parents and caregivers alike, the playground is rarely quiet.
A straight path from the playground to the ball field takes you through gardens maintained by a dedicated group of local volunteers.
Many things are labeled and have specific areas of interest, like a butterfly garden, a rock garden, a succulent garden, etc.
If you decide to steer left at the toddler playground however (this is from the Duncan Street side) a wide open area will bring you around to tennis courts and the Little League field.
Another turn and you’re at the dog park – big and friendly for humans and canines alike, it is in constant use.
Next door to that is the basketball court. Home to lots of pickup games, it’s first come, first serve.
The complex has a small parking lot of its own but shares a larger lot with the adjoining YMCA.
And for added convenience for residents as well as visitors to Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, there is a Giant grocery store and CVS drug store directly across Monroe Avenue.
What a great place to live, work and play! Want to know more about this vibrant area of Alexandria? Give me a call at 703.927.4554 and let’s talk houses.
Michael
P.S. The YMCA will get it’s own well deserved post later this week.
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2010 Del Ray House and Garden Tour in Alexandria, VA
May 17th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Del Ray, Things to Do
The 2010 Del Ray House and Garden Tour in Alexandria, VA is coming your way this Saturday, May 22nd.
Sponsored by the Del Ray Citizens Association, the tour is held every other year. Taking in the full range of Del Ray architecture – Cape Cods, bungalows, row houses, etc. – the tour is just one of the best ways possible to spend a beautiful spring day.
Start with a visit to the Del Ray Farmer’s Market or grab a quick breakfast at Caboose (the breakfast burritos are our favorites), or a cup of coffee at St. Elmo’s, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore. This Google map should help you plot your itinerary.
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A major eight-month renovation turned this unassuming 1925 bungalow into an airy, light-filled home for a growing family. With four full baths,three bathrooms, hidden away storage in every nook and cranny and a built out basement for guests and kids, this hidden gem is not to be missed.
404 East Del Ray Avenue
“Environmentally friendly” and “eclectic” are the key words here. Solar roof panels, a certified Wildlife Habitat garden, and a photovoltaic electrical system that supplies almost 95 percent of the electrical needs make this house one of a kind. Add in several renovations over 18 years, the original kitchen sink and a “bust of Elvis” lamp and you have a very Del Ray experience.
219 East Mason Avenue
Condemned by the City in 2007, this 1940 English Tudor was home to a 1956 VW bus, a homeless resident and a family of raccoons. What you’ll see though is a three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath delight with a den and an 800 sq. ft. addition on the back.
2001 Commonwealth Avenue
This classic Colonial is distinguished by it’s red door, spacious rooms and outdoor living spaces. Built in 1918, the house has a new master bathroom, finished basement, completely remodeled kitchen and deck. Four bedrooms and two and a half baths complete the picture.
319 Windsor Avenue
One of our favorite landmarks, this deep purple (!) Victorian was built in the 1890s as the home for the leader of a non-denominational community church. More recent tenants enjoy a double sided fireplace, large eat-in kitchen, inviting deck, potting shed and the all important front porch.
106 East Custis Avenue
Home to only two owners, this brick Colonial Revival has been updated with a larger kitchen, upstairs bath, large master suite and walk in closet. The backyard is home to many plants and flowers cultivated by the original owner and carefully tended by the new. A new deck, patio and hot tub are welcome additions.
1400 Mt. Vernon Avenue
A surprise! Although still under construction, tour visitors will get a taste of what is to be Del Ray’s first luxury condominium. When completed, the “Mosby” will feature three spacious town home style units and a spectacular penthouse with vaulted ceilings. This is a must see conversion of a 1910 property.
303 East Howell Avenue
Originally featured on “House Hunters” in 2005, this classic bungalow has been renovated in stages by at least three homeowners. The latest additions include beautiful Brazilian hardwood flooring, a screened in back porch with fireplace, a new front porch and a custom closet in the master bedroom.
100 East Monroe Avenue
This 1938 Cape Cod (a repeat guest on the Del Ray House Tour) is home to Barbara Mancini of Mancini’s on Mt. Vernon Avenue. The newest must see renovations include a screened-in sleeping porch, fully landscaped back yard, outdoor bar and summer kitchen and an urban swimming pool.
12 East Howell
This 1925 blue and brown, Arts and Crafts style home underwent a complete green renovation in 2007 and 2008. Incorporated elements include Aquatherm Greenpipe for the plumbing, radiant floor heating, reclaimed wood as flooring, and doors and porches made Forest Service Council-certified wood. Don’t miss the fossils embedded in the stonework in the master bath and shower.
And when you are finished, leave time to visit the many independent shops along Mt. Vernon Avenue. Three of these very special places – Caboose, Cheestique and Let’s Meat on the Avenue – are (together) vying to win first place in a Chamber of Commerce sponsored contest on free enterprise. No grass growing under our feet!
Now, about the tickets. Tickets bought before Friday, May 21, are $15 each. Tickets bought on tour day are $20 each. Purchase your tickets through the Del Ray Citizens Association, at A Show of Hands, 2301 Mount Vernon Ave. or at the Del Ray Farmers Market.
Proceeds from this year’s tour help fund the Del Ray Citizens Association’s $1000 annual donation to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, and to fund public art in Del Ray.
Virginia and I will be docents again this year and we look forward to seeing all of you. It’s going to fun and the weather will be great for the 2010 Del Ray House and Garden Tour – I promise!
Michael
P.S. – Multiple thanks to Jen Walker and Mary Karstens for photos and descriptions
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