Archive for the 'Things to Do' Category
July’s 1st Thursday in Del Ray Salutes Community and Country
July 3rd, 2008 Categories: 1st Thursday, Things to Do
Local residents took to the streets tonight as Del Ray’s July 1st Thursday celebration saluted community and country.
Sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, 1stThursday’s are a time for Del Ray residents to stroll, talk, taste, shop, play and simply enjoy.
Just strolling . . .
A relaxing massage - with everyone watching!
When was the last time you tried a hula hoop?
Sign up for knitting lessons with Danielle Romanetti
Maggie
Want to know more about living in this great neighborhood? Call me at 703.927.4554 and let’s have a cup of coffee.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July and we’ll catch you August 7th for the next 1st Thursday,
Michael
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Alexandria’s African American Heritage Park is a Proud Memorial and a Quiet Oasis
July 3rd, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
Located on the southern edge of the historic Parker Gray neighborhood and in the shadows of one of the areas’s largest mixed use developments, Alexandria’s African American Heritage Park is a quiet place to learn and reflect.
There are eight acres in the park, one of which is a preserved 19th century African American cemetery.
Of the 21 burials on the site, six identified headstones remain in their original location.
Sloping walkways and winding paths were designed to co-exist with the original landscape of the cemetery and are handicapped accessible.
The park designers also maintained the natural wetland environment that is home to an interesting and varied plant life as well as mallards, painted turtles, beavers and crayfish.
A focal point of the park - and the area most easily seen by passersby - is a sculpture group of bronze trees called “Truths That Rise From the Roots Remembered.”
The memorial was created by Washington, D.C. sculptor Jerome Meadows and acknowledges the contributions of African Americans to the growth of Alexandria.
Smaller sculptures throughout the site commemorate historic African American neighborhoods and the individuals buried on the site, both known and unknown. Open year round to the public, it is a favorite spot for leisurely rambles or sitting quietly.
The next time you need to go to Whole Foods on Duke Street, take a few extra minutes, walk across Holland Lane and take in a vital part of Alexandria’s history. You’ll be glad you did.
For more information about homes in historic Parker Gray, call me at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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Celebrating the Fourth of July in the Nation’s Capitol
July 1st, 2008 Categories: Alexandria, Things to Do
If you live within 50 miles of this blog (Alexandria, VA) and have never celebrated the Fourth of July on the Mall - well, what are you waiting for!
Take a look at the day’s schedule and then ask yourself - how can I not do this? Whether you make it a full day trip or just mosey in for the evening’s spectacular concert and fireworks, you’ll be glad you did.
Democrat or Republican, native born American or naturalized citizen, young or old, single or married, this is a celebration that brings out the best in everyone.
Start the day with a good breakfast and then head to Constitution and 7th Streets for the annual Independence Day Parade with marching bands, military and specialty units, floats and VIP’s.
The parade kicks off about 11:45a.m. but it’s always crowded so arrive early for a good seat. Once the parade is over you have several options for the afternoon:
The National Archives will offer special family events and a birthday party celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
The White House Visitors Center will have games, crafts, and other activities celebrating the Fourth with National Park Service Rangers on hand from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
The United States Air Force Band with special guests Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will play on the Southwest corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 6:00pm.
And in the midst of all this, the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival is in full swing . . .
The, finally, the big finale - the Capitol Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Admittance begins at 3:00pm on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
No tickets are necessary but visitors are subject to security screening. Picnic baskets and blankets are fine but please don’t pack any glass.
The National Symphony Orchestra takes center stage at 8:00pm and joining them this year, among others, will be Jimmy Smits, Taylor Hicks and Huey Lewis and the News. The concert is followed by a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.
It’s a proud moment and one of the best birthday parties you’ll ever attend. See you there,
Michael
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