Hooray for summer! The season of carefree sunlit evenings with lightning bugs, dinner on the grill, and sand between your toes. And like most things in my life, I welcome it with a plan in place and a goals list to check-off. So, join me in celebrating summer with my season’s bucket list with something old, something new, something relaxing, and two things red, white and blue!

Get ahead of your finances this season with a smart summer checklist tailored for self-employed individuals and small business owners. From estimated tax deadlines to mid-year planning and cash flow checks, now’s the time to tidy up your books and prep for a strong finish to 2025.

Summer is calling and so are the open roads, coastal breezes, and mountain air. This month, our contributors are sharing the destinations that have captured their hearts and itineraries.  Consider this your invitation to dream, plan, and maybe add a few new spots to your own wanderlist. Check them out!

From caffeine-fueled intros to speed networking (yes, it’s a thing!) Our morning at Josephine with The Chamber ALX brought new faces, inspiring connections, and even a few surprise moments. See why business cards—and good coffee—still matter.

The man behind Alexandria’s award-winning transit system talks local favorites, unexpected facts, and what’s ahead for DASH buses and trolleys.

Summer in Virginia was made for adventure—bike rides along the Potomac, paddleboarding at sunset, rooftop cocktails, and weekend escapes to wine country or the coast. Whether you're spending the day in Alexandria or heading to the mountains, here’s your go-to list of 34 unforgettable ways to soak up the season.

Celebrate June’s cocktail holidays in style with inventive drinks from MGM National Harbor, where each sip tells a story. From bold bourbons to vibrant rosés and a martini with a twist, there’s a spirited toast for every taste this month.

“Junior League has given me a new path that I’m super passionate about—connections with other nonprofits in the area,” Erica says. “The most rewarding part is being surrounded by like-minded women, who are diverse in background and all want to help their community.” Whether she’s organizing fundraisers, exploring Virginia wineries, or reading 150+ books a year, Erica’s story is rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection.

Summer is officially here, and we’re celebrating the best way we know how—surrounded by flowers (and maybe a little rosé). If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at floral design or just need a fun excuse to get out of the house, our summer workshop series at Helen Olivia Flowers is the perfect plan. Our calendar fills up quickly, especially for private events, so don’t wait too long to book!

We’re lucky to have some amazing date night spots right here in Alexandria. And right now? It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy them—the weather is brilliant, everything is green and gorgeous, and the vibe is just right. Trying to pick the perfect date night spot? My must-haves include a good bar setup!

I sat down with JLNV President Erica Gouse Bledsoe to talk about their incredible impact on local women and girls—from stocking free period product pantries to launching a first-of-its-kind teen leadership program. Find out how you (or a teen in your life!) can get involved in the next cohort and why Erica calls JLNV her “third space.”

Who doesn't love a good crêpe? Delicate, thin pancakes, nestled with sweet or savory fillings, have a story as rich and delightful as their taste. Crepes still hold significant cultural importance in France, and have become a symbol of French culture and cuisine. So, next time you're in Old Town, walk down the cobblestones to a taste of history and flavor at Fontaine and definitely pop into The Parlour for that ideal aperitif or digestif.

When we had moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, we didn’t know a soul. I wanted to contribute, to meet people, to find a way to give back to a school where my boys would attend and pave the way for other children and especially military families who would someday make their home on the island too. That first year, we created what would become The Seashore Project.

I have a friend who jokingly asks if she’s in my “top five” list of friends. I, of course, always change the subject—I love too many people to rank (though I can rank-order my dogs). But as I sat down to write about Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, the “top five” thing popped into my head. If I had to pick five of my favorite people who have ever walked through the doors of The Shoe Hive, she would be on that list.

I grew up in the South, where life basically happens under the sun. And to this day, I live for anything beachy: ocean breeze, salty air, coconut-scented everything, and a margarita in hand makes for a very happy Hattie. I love summer — give me a wide-brim hat, big sunnies, and a breezy dress, and I’m set. But over time, I’ve learned that looking good in the sun means protecting yourself in it, too.

Designed to highlight the brand’s unmatched global network and commitment to exceptional service, the Global Open House celebrated the art of real estate and the lifestyles it represents. The Patterson Group was proud to take part in this global event, opening three of our signature listings to the public.

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable night under the stars. On Thursday, May 29 from 6-8pm, the high-energy band Soulfire will take the stage at River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS). It’s the perfect evening to enjoy great music, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed, community vibe.

“As I get older, I want to know more and learn more,” says Katie Nguyen Wells. “I didn’t appreciate my culture as much when I was younger.” She left Vietnam as a toddler with her mother and brother, spending over a year in a refugee camp before resettling in Virginia with the help of her uncles.

I got a sneak peek at the refreshed Diablo’s Cantina—and let’s just say, this spot knows how to throw a fiesta! Picture this: salsa dance lessons, a live band setting the vibe, mouthwatering Mexican bites, and cocktails that looked almost too pretty to drink. The venue itself is a total vibe—spacious, beautifully designed, and with outdoor seating that makes everything better. There’s just something about sipping a cocktail in the fresh air while grooving to music that makes you feel like you’ve escaped to a tropical getaway.

Each year, Helen Olivia teams up with some of our favorite industry partners for an over-the-top celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve written about the bash—titled Erin Go Glam, a play on “Erin Go Bragh”—before, and we couldn’t resist sharing some behind-the-scenes details of how it came to life in 2025.