“No tickets, no gimmicks—just games, good food, and community.” Lifelong gamer and Alexandria native Allen Brooks is bringing a new kind of arcade to North Old Town. At Continues, it's not just about the consoles, it's about connection. From coffee and brunch to skeeball leagues and tabletop tournaments, this is your new neighborhood hangout.

From breezy riverfront patios to rooftop cocktails and old-fashioned ice cream counters, Alexandria turns into a true dining playground in the summer. Here’s your definitive guide to the best restaurants, bars, and sweet spots to hit this summer — from Old Town to Del Ray and beyond.

Fresh blooms, moody museums, and cozy wine caves — London turned out to be the perfect antidote to heartbreak. See how one impromptu trip became a soul-soothing adventure (plus where to stay, eat, and wander!).

Celebrate the fleeting magic of childhood with a portrait that never goes out of style. Our beloved Heirloom Portrait sessions return to Monday’s Child this August — here’s why they’re so meaningful.

Sleepless in Alexandria: Our contributors are staying up way too late — and loving it. See what shows and books are stealing their sleep this summer!

Award-winning country artist Steven Cade stopped by Carpenter’s Shelter to share stories, music, and hope — and to gift a guitar that could inspire the next voice of change.

This summer, stay glowing (not sweaty) with our favorite suncare picks and a dreamy pool day at MGM National Harbor. Grab a spa day pass via ResortPass, and enjoy exclusive access to The Spa & Salon’s full suite of amenities—think steam rooms, Roman hot tubs, plush lounges, and more.

As any seasoned procrastinator knows, there's a certain magic in the scramble. The kind that forces bold decisions, spontaneous moves, and just the right amount of chaos to bring the work to life. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself, but life always seems to up the ante on its own. I don’t fight it anymore. I’ve learned to embrace it.

Meet Melissa Riddy: a born-and-raised Alexandrian whose deep local roots, community service, and family-first mindset keep her grounded—whether she’s advocating for healthcare access, leading a nonprofit board, or hitting the ski slopes with her daughters.

Meet Lucy von Fahnestock of Together We Bake — the powerhouse nonprofit equipping women with job training, life skills, and confidence through the power of baking and belonging. From humble beginnings to a bold 2030 vision, Lucy shares how the Alexandria-based program is helping women reclaim their futures—one chocolate chip cookie at a time.

Let’s face it, most of us put off estate planning. Then life changes. You get divorced. And in the middle of everything else—custody arrangements, moving, paperwork—your estate planning documents often fall through the cracks. But what really happens if you don’t update them?

From cross-country moves and art school rebellion to sailing adventures and soulful design—Kim of Patina shares her story of resilience, reinvention, and creating spaces filled with beauty, memory, and meaning.

Because of my journey, I now hold a space—a control room of sorts—where all are welcome. Even those with opposing views. I can hold that. I’ve made peace with that. My work, my mission, is to offer space for experience, healing, and authenticity.

People often say to me, “My kids are too grown up. I missed my chance to do family photos.” But my friends, I promise you this: as grown up as your children seem today, you’ll look back on photos and think how little they still looked. Tomorrow, next month, next year—you’ll always wish for a glimpse of the now.

Imagine a place where the sun kisses the turquoise Aegean, where bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls, and the scent of grilled octopus mingles with the salty air. Welcome to Türkbükü, a captivating coastal town in Bodrum, Turkey, that's ready to steal your heart.

From April Fool’s Day pranks to planning Reptile Day at Pippin Toy Co., Leann brings joy and spark to Old Town’s favorite toy store. This week, she shares how life led her to Alexandria, her top Disney tips, her daughter Lily’s toy evolution—and why she’ll never move farther south (unless it’s to Key West!).

You never think about divorce when you’re looking into those cute little wet noses, do you? Of course not! So many of us have pets that are not just animals but cherished members of the family. In Virginia, courts are required to treat pets like any other form of tangible property. That’s why it’s important to think ahead about what might happen.

Several months ago, my husband and I made the decision to move back to our home state of Pennsylvania to be closer to family. It felt very far off at the time, but now—with boxes nearly all unpacked in Philadelphia—I find myself in my last two weeks at The Hive. Shops and businesses are the heartbeat of places like Old Town. And my biggest takeaway about Alexandria is that it shows up.

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.