Potato Vine

The 100 block of North Columbus Street in Old Town Alexandria is awash in the color of late summer flowers.

Caladiums

A Riot of Color

Home to private residences, a spa and an antique store, there is a pride of place, a calm, a sense of the what lies behind the closed door.

Michael

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An Afternoon at the Hard Times Cafe in Old Town Alexandria

August 25th, 2010 Categories: Old Town, Real Estate News

Monday was a beautiful day here in Alexandria.  A nice breeze, low humidity and temperatures that made you want to be outside every minute.
I happened to notice this trio sitting outside at the Hard Times Cafe in Old Town Alexandria and couldn’t help but stop for a picture.  And oh did I wish I could join them -

This is the McElroy family from Austin, TX - visiting, relaxing, taking in the sights and smart enough to know that the Hard Times Cafe is a local favorite.

Come back and see us again -

Michael

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It’s Bulldogs, Hokies and the Crimson Tide on North Payton Street in Old Town Alexandria

August 24th, 2010 Categories: Old Town, Real Estate News

This afternoon I was out checking on a listing in Old Town Alexandria when I noticed a row of townhouses on North Payton Street.

There, separated by only one house, were flags for The University of Georgia, Virginia Tech and the University of Alabama.

Bulldogs!  Hokies!  Crimson Tide!

My guess is that a lot of football gets watched here on the weekends.  I’m thinking I may have to do some door to door prospecting  . . .

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:

• City of Alexandria Approves Potomac Yard Redevelopment and New Metro Construction

• Station at Potomac Yards Celebrates Grand Opening

• Potomac Yard Development Expands with New Fire Station and Sewage Pumping Station

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The Old Town Alexandria Summer Sidwalk Sale, Saturday August 14

August 5th, 2010 Categories: Old Town, Real Estate News, Things to Do

Love to shop?  Love a good bargain but don’t like malls?  Love to find that ‘must have’ item in unexpected places?  Well, get ready.

The Old Town Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale is coming your way Saturday, August 14th.

This is a first for Old Town Alexandria and it’s shaping up to be quite an event.  Participating merchants, from upper King Street to the waterfront, will showcase their products from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Sidewalk Sale

Each participating business will host a unique event or promotion for the Summer Sidewalk Sale.  Some retailers will offer deeply discounted summer merchandise while others will demonstrate their product lines or have some other special event.

So far 55 retailers have signed on, including our own favorite Diva Boutique. This is a great opportunity to shop, eat, stroll and visit with neighbors and friends.  Don’t miss the first Old Town Summer Sidewalk Sale  Saturday August 14.

And if you want to do some shopping for real estate, give me a call at 703.927.4554.

Michael

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Founders Park on the Waterfront in Alexandria

July 21st, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town

Founders Park is the fifth in our series on the 14 linear parks that run along the waterfront in Alexandria.

Located at 351 North Union Street adjacent to West’s Point Park, Founders Park is about four and a half acres in size.

There is a wonderful sand volleyball court and benches line the 1/3 mile of walking paths.

Volleyball Court

Primarily what the city calls a passive park, Founders Park serves as a generous front yard for the townhouses that line Union Street.

We liked some of the unusual trees and the quiet areas created by a well detailed landscaping plan.

As with all the parks, the GW Bike Path is central to the space.  An added treat is the Alexandria Marina on the south east corner of the park.

Whether walking, riding or just watching the boats go by, Founders Park on the waterfront in Alexandria is another welcome green space in our bustling community.

If you would like to know more about properties adjacent to Founders Park, give me a call at 703.927.4554.

Michael

Related stories:

Tide Lock Park on Alexandria’s Waterfront

Rivergate Park on Alexandria’s Waterfront

Oronoco Bay Park on Alexandria’s Waterfront

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Free Outdoor Film Festival at Alexandria’s Waterfront Park

July 14th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town, Things to Do

The City of Alexandria, in partnership with Comcast, is presenting a free outdoor film festival this weekend at Alexandria’s Waterfront Park.

On Friday, July 16, the film is the award winning “The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock.  On Saturday, July 17, it’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”

Both movies begin at dusk at Waterfront Park (at the foot of Prince St.).  Popcorn, homemade lemonade, and other food will be available for purchase or bring your own!  Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers and dogs (well behaved of course) are welcome.

Visitors to Old Town Alexandria are encouraged bike, walk or take the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines to the King Street Station.  DASH will operate free　transportation between the waterfront and the King Street Metro starting at 10:30 p.m. and ending at midnight. 

In the event of questionable weather, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

Michael

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Townhouse Living at Ford’s Landing in Old Town Alexandria

June 3rd, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town, Real Estate News

Townhouse living at Ford’s Landing in Old Town Alexandria is for young and old; power couples, empty nester’s, and families with small children.  All have all found it to be a great “fit”.

Located in the southeast quadrant of Alexandria, at Union and Franklin Streets, on the banks of the Potomac River, Ford’s Landing features 136 luxury townhouses built in the late 1990’s. 

Townhouses ranges in size from approximately 2500 to 4000 sq. ft. 

The architectural style is decidedly traditional but a mixture of brick, wood siding, elevated entrances, street level patios and balconies give an individual twist to each street.

The landscaping is also individualized and, while well kept, is not overwhelmingly manicured.  Garages, often the design bane of any development, are exceptionally well blended here and don’t dominate any of the townhouses. 

Crown molding, wainscoting, hardwood floors, fireplaces, built in bookshelves, granite counter tops, large “social” kitchens and generous rooms are the norm.

Access to the private walk along the Potomac is in the middle of the complex and down a wide, wide set of nicely graduated stone steps. (Also handicapped accessible)  Once at the river there is a large, modern,covered seating area. 

The Woodrow Wilson bridge looms to the south and everything from pleasure boats to early morning rowers to commercial vehicles make their way up and down the river.

One unusual feature that pays homage to the history of Alexandria is a series of six historical markers around a landscaped area on the waterfront. 

From its colonial days to strategic moments in the War Between the States, the markers offer natives and newcomers alike a link with the past.

On the Union Street side, Ford’s Landing is adjacent to the open spaces of Pomander Park.   Half a block more and Windmill Windmill Hill Park offers a sand volleyball court, a basketball court, open areas for soccer and playgrounds for both younger and older children. 

For biking enthusiasts, the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail  runs along Union Street between Founders Park and Jones Point before picking up again on the George Washington Parkway.

A few more blocks north along Union Street and Ford’s Landing residents are in the heart of Old Town Alexandria with restaurants and shopping.  The King Street Trolley runs daily and is an easy connector to upper King Street.

The local public schools are Lyles Crouch Elementary, George Washington Middle School and T.C. Williams High School.  A number of private day schools are also in the area.

Carefully styled to capture the ambiance of Old Town Alexandria with the amenities of luxury living, the townhouses of Ford’s Landing are exceptional. 

Call me at 703.927.4554 and let me tell you about the properties now available at Ford’s Landing.

Michael

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Spice and Tea Exchange Opens in Old Town Alexandria

April 19th, 2010 Categories: Alexandria, Old Town

Imagine over a dozen flavored sugars, 30 kinds of tea, 150+ spices, 20 varieties of sea salts, at least 9 varieties of pepper, special blends and more – and you have just imagined yourself into the newly opened Spice and Tea Exchange in Old Town Alexandria.

Normally we don’t write about franchise operations, preferring to focus on locally owned and operated businesses, but the Alexandria store is just the 13th outlet for this Florida based retailer and we couldn’t resist.  Besides, they are located right next to my Coldwell Banker office at 320 King St. 

Like many good business stories, it starts with two long time friends who have an ‘entrepreneurial itch’.  Enter Joy Quinn and Taruna Reddy.

Joy was in Florida on a business trip and, taking advantage of a few free hours, wandered into the Spice and Tea Exchange in St. Augustine.

Not only did she leave laden with spices and sugars and teas, she had all the information for opening a store. 

Soon after, Taruna, minding her own IT career, got THE call.  Joy said, “let’s do it.”  Taruna said ok and that was it.  Lucky us!

Whether you are a novice cook or a devotee of Top Chef, the Spice and Tea Exchange is a place to learn and experiment. 

Because all the spices, sugars and teas can be bought in small (1.5 oz) quantities, it’s a great way to try, say, the Thai Coconut rub on chicken or pork.  For seafood there is the Teriyaki Ginger rub or the Northwest Salmon rub.

What about Lime Sugar to rim a margarita class or Espresso Sugar to top a creme brule?  And then there is the Black Truffle Salt, the Pinot Salt or the Jalapeno Salt.  The possibilities and combinations are endless.

Did I mention the spices?  If it’s available, Spice and Tea Exchange will have it.  Like Annato Seeds, 5 kinds of Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Hibiscus Flower, and the list goes on .  .  .

Round out your shopping with nutmeg graters, tea infusers, pepper mills and more.

The motto of the Spice and Tea Exchange  – freshness and variety – is evident the moment you walk in the door.  This is absolutely one of our new favorite places and we think it will be one of yours too. 

Michael

Other Old Town Businesses:

The Market Square Shop in Old Town Alexandria

Diva Consignment Boutique in Old Town Alexandria

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March 2010 Real Estate Market Report for Old Town Alexandria in Zip Code 22314

April 12th, 2010 Categories: Old Town, Real Estate News

The March 2010 Real Estate Market Report for Old Town Alexandria in zip code 22314, shows an increase of 20 percent in the number of sales from March 2009 to March 2010 and an increase of 15 percent in the average sold price for the same time period. 

The number of days on the market (DOM) was virtually the same with both in double digits – a nice change from some of the triple digit DOM of last year.  

Overall, the March numbers look strong and, together with a upswing on Wall Street, the next few months should be busy for buyers and sellers.

The numbers below represent sales of single family dwellings, condominiums are not included.

Want to know more about properties in Old Town?  Give me a call at 703.927.4554.

Michael

P.S. – Check out the Alexandria House and Garden Tour this weekend – it’s a great way to get a feel for Old Town properties.

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