Deep in the dark of winter candles flicker, illuminating fast-upon-us evenings, lighting our paths with welcome and warmth. Few places practice the art as thoroughly as Alexandria, Virginia and environs. The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association suggests:
– Seeing Mount Vernon by Candlelight this coming weekend, Saturday or Sunday Dec. 15 and 16. There’s fireside Christmas caroling and ginger cookies, washed down by hot apple cider. Mount Vernon by Candlelight will take you to the second floor of Washington’s mansion, through the home of our first president.
– A safe, alcohol-free way to spend New Year’s Eve with friends and family. It’s First Night Alexandria and the evening of Dec. 31 is alive with entertainment and fireworks. For the best view wrap up warmly and settle in on the Alexandria waterfront.
– Browsing the Del Ray Artisans Fine Art & Fine Craft Holiday Market for that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. If you’re not a fan of mass production, if you’re taken by the time it takes to handcraft something singular, this is the place to shop this Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec. 14, 15 and 16. The market sports a children’s table where they can shop themselves for the family. This marvelous market is located in Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue.
This reporter and his family like to amble about Old Town Alexandria just about anytime of year (perhaps with the exception of August) stopping here for a cupcake, there for an ample ice cream cone. King Street is the magnet, home to first-rate restaurants, fascinating shops and a river away from the hustle and bustle of nearby D.C.
Old Town Alexandria is one of the country’s great walking venues. Take the Metro to the King Street Station, hop the free trolley from the station. It will take you to the heart of King Street, and further – down virtually to the waterfront.
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