Meet Stephanie Bibighaus, the new Executive Director at The Alexandria Police Foundation — and a woman who’s turned personal loss into purpose. From her Pentagon days to championing K-9 heroes, Stephanie reminds us that style, service, and heart often go hand in hand. 

Poker is a game that’s been around for centuries and continues to be one of the world’s most popular pastimes. It has become a passion for millions as it is a game that requires skill, strategy and a little luck. However, if players want to take their skills to the next level, nothing compares to the environment of a live poker room.

There's something special about being recognized by your own community. When the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce named Family First Law Group as Small Business of the Year, it wasn't just an award—it was validation from the neighbors, families, and business owners we serve every day.

This year marks Jeff Erickson’s and my 32nd holiday season together as business partners. A lot has changed over the years, but one thing that never does is the last-minute framing rush. Every December, our shop hums with the energy of people trying to turn their affection into something tangible — a framed piece of love, nostalgia, or memory.

 Local author Brittany Mazique turned grief into creativity, transforming her love of storytelling into a thriving career writing children’s books for Disney and beyond. Read how this Alexandria mom balances family life, creative work, and the joy of helping all girls feel seen and celebrated.

If you’ve lived in Alexandria long enough, you know that the holidays officially begin when the sound of bagpipes rolls down King Street and the tartan scarves come out in full force. The Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend is one of the most beloved celebrations in town, and it all kicks off with one of the best events of the season: The Taste of Scotland, benefitting The Campagna Center.

Inspired by her great-grandmother, Mimi Lowery, and her father, Maggie has created a store where classic charm meets personality — a place that’s as much about creativity and connection as it is about décor, with something for everyone to discover and adore.

Meet Jane Collins—a woman who’s redefining what it means to start over. Once an Air Force Colonel, now a model and makeup artist, she’s channeling her passion into helping women regain their confidence and embrace their next chapter with style and purpose.

When I was asked to photograph two “heart babies,” I had no idea how deeply they’d impact me. Capturing Bryce and Sophie for the US News and World Report campaign for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center reminded me what true strength looks like — and how much love can shine through even the hardest journeys.

We’re celebrating Alexandria’s own Lonnie Rich—a leader, mentor, and community builder—as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement. His legacy reminds us to lead with purpose, live with balance, and always make time for what matters most.

In Alexandria, Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s an art form. Streets glow with purple lights and iridescent spiders, 12-foot skeletons guard front yards and doorways, and friendly rivalries over “most creative” and “most extra” displays are in full swing. Before the candy rush begins, our contributors share how they celebrate spooky season in style.

What happens when powerful women talk money, purpose, and passion over steak and salmon? I joined the Next ChaptHER: Women & Wealth on HER Terms luncheon and left feeling inspired, informed, and ready to take charge of my next chapter. Read on for highlights and a few familiar Alexandrian faces who are redefining what success looks like.

Discover one of Old Town’s most extraordinary residences, the only home in the city featuring an elevator to all four levels, a private fenced yard with a jetted pool, and a separate apartment above a two-car detached garage. Completed in 2019, every detail reflects thoughtful design, timeless craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury.

Women, in particular, are often the financial gatekeepers of their households—protecting your credit is one of the simplest ways to guard that financial foundation. Freezing your credit is a really useful—and very simple—way to protect your credit from fraudulent behavior.

Mayor Alyia Gaskins made history as the first African American woman to serve as Alexandria’s mayor — and she’s just getting started. From public health and urban planning to City Hall, she’s reimagining what it means to lead with heart, faith, and community.

I’ve always been independent when it comes to travel, but full solo trips still made me a little nervous — until I finally took the leap. From Key West to Copenhagen, I’ve learned that traveling alone is less about being fearless and more about being brave enough to go anyway. In this piece, I’m sharing what I’ve discovered about confidence, connection, and how to make solo travel feel not just safe, but truly joyful.

Last weekend, I traded crowds for pastures and spent a day at Black Barn Alpacas, Maryland’s largest alpaca farm. Founder Yussy shares how a pandemic pivot turned into a thriving, sustainable business rooted in compassion, community, and connection. Spoiler: there’s pumpkin checkers, baby alpacas, and more heart than you’d expect from a “farm day.”

Lubec, Maine drew me in with its raw edges and wild light. I spent days chasing color across water and stone, learning once again that landscapes reveal themselves slowly—and only when you listen.

At Alexandria Classical Christian Academy, we embrace a classical approach to education—what Dorothy Sayers called the “Lost Tools of Learning.” Two of these tools—Latin and cursive—often surprise parents. Why go “old school”? Because these disciplines unlock more than words on a page; they train the mind, shape the imagination, and connect students to the richness of Western thought.

Creativity is blooming in Hollin Hills!  Meet Paige Bradford, the visionary behind Hooray Art!, an Alexandria studio where kids (and adults) can unleash their imagination, make mistakes, and discover their inner artist.