Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating a special someone, your best friends, or even just treating yourself, we’ve got you covered. We asked our contributors to share their favorite gifts this season, and the results are as thoughtful as they are fun

Are you, like me, bored of being stuck at home surrounded by piles of concrete snow? Not really feeling Valentine’s Day this year? I’ve got a plan. On February 21, 2026, from 7:00–10:30 pm, my favorite Alexandria gala returns: Banding Together. And this year, the timing makes it the perfect excuse for a Glam Rock–inspired Galentine’s night out.

Boxwood is turning February into a month of fun! From charming new Gluggle Jugs to lively Mahjong nights and needlepoint classes for beginners and pros, there’s something for everyone—don’t miss out on the joy!

This Valentine’s Day, gifting your girlfriends is about intention, joy, and choosing something that feels a little special—but not overly precious. Whether it’s playful, long-lasting, or simply beautiful on a coffee table, here are our top four ways to celebrate the women you love most.

Valentine’s Day used to be simple, but somewhere along the way, the holiday expanded - and honestly, it got better. Enter Galentine’s Day, self-love, and celebrating the people who show up for you year-round. In Old Town Alexandria, that shift feels right at home and one local boutique captures it perfectly: Eliana Curated.

Take a look at this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath Wellington residence, offering 2,286 finished square feet, that has undergone an extensive and thoughtful renovation, resulting in a home that blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication.

Thirty-six years ago, I attended my first protest. Compared to the horrific events unfolding today, it might seem almost quaint, but as a second-year student at the Corcoran School of Art, it mattered deeply to me and my classmates. We were protesting the Corcoran Museum’s last-minute cancellation of a photography exhibition by Robert Mapplethorpe.

A lifelong Alexandrian, Kendall’s story begins at Belle View Shopping Center, where a childhood favorite—The Virginia Florist—sparked an early love of flowers. That first job grew into a lasting skill she carried alongside a career in accounting and venture capital. Now, with an entrepreneurial spirit and deep local roots, Kendall’s path is coming full circle.

Almost everyone can name one teacher they remember. Not necessarily the one with the strictest rules or the most impressive résumé, but the one who made learning come alive. The one who saw something in us before we could see it ourselves.

Kari Ginsburg doesn’t blend in. She has no interest in doing so and doesn’t want you to either. In a world where conformity often feels like the default, her presence and style is bright, intentional, and refreshingly authentic. That same spirit defines her work at Uproar Coaching, where she helps others show up unapologetically as their truest self.

Designate a nook in your home for boredom–I did. Not for productivity, not for finishing anything, but for letting your mind loosen its grip. A chair, a lamp, a stack of books—nothing fancy, just comfortable enough to linger.

Come take a look at some of the best properties currently on the market in Alexandria, Virginia! From backyard oasis, to waterfront views, these five properties have something for everyone.

When winter settles in, our kitchens become the coziest place to be. It’s the season for simmering pots, well-loved family recipes, and dishes that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. From comforting classics to a few creative twists we can’t stop making, we asked our contributors to share the winter recipes they return to again and again.

 Alexandria Restaurant Week is back starting January 23 through February 1, and it’s the perfect time to hit up your go-to staples, or try something new. With over 90 restaurants participating, there’s no shortage of fabulous meals to be had across Alexandria. Get ready to book those reservations! 

Calling all winter lovers: I love skiing Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley! Canaan offers such beautiful natural scenery around its trails, and Timberline Mountain tends to keep snow on its slopes when other resorts in the area have closed, thanks to heavy base building. See some of my favorite slopes and spots for your winter getaways.

When the FIFA World Cup returns to North America in the summer of 2026, the world will be watching. Sixteen host cities, three countries, millions of visitors, and one global spotlight. While the matches will be decided on the field, another arena is heating up quietly behind the scenes: luxury real estate.

Holiday décor brings a lot of joy, but eventually it all needs to come down and be put away. Before you start packing, check out our tried-and-true storage and organization tips to make your undecking of the halls stressless.

Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.

The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection. We look at our spaces with fresh eyes, considering not just how they look, but how well they support what matters to us. Artwork is often part of that quiet background of daily life, yet the way it is framed plays a powerful role in both its protection and its presence.

As we look ahead to 2026, home design is shifting toward warmth, intention, and spaces that truly support how we live. The era of overly stark interiors is giving way to homes that feel layered, personal, and enduring. Here’s what’s defining the next chapter of residential design, and what we’re happily leaving behind.