Local Alexandria Establishments You Need to Know
I never like to leave Alexandria. My goal is to not cross the river, so it is very ironic that both of my kids went to high school in Washington, DC. Aside from the frequent commute for school events, I try to stay in the Commonwealth—and more specifically, in Alexandria.
When I find great new places, I love to share them. Everyone knows where I get my hair, nails, and facials, but this year I added a few new local favorites to the mix.
District Foot and Ankle
I have looked and looked for a great podiatrist for years. I struggle with plantar fasciitis (thank you, retail floor work), and I finally feel like I’ve found a doctor I connect with—one who will help me heal without surgery. If you know me, you know I will do anything to avoid cutting any part of my body for any reason. Let’s be honest: vanity will probably be what gets me under the knife eventually.
Through a Google search, I found District Foot and Ankle on Eisenhower Avenue. I saw Dr. Nodelman, though I’m sure Dr. Abueldoleh is also wonderful. I had custom orthotics made and start radial shockwave treatment this month. I hear it isn’t fun, but I am oddly looking forward to it.
Great Harvest Bread Company
I know I am very late to discovering Great Harvest Bread Company in Fairlington, but now that I have, I am hooked. As mentioned, my kids going to high school in DC meant I passed it often getting on and off I-395, and I also get my car serviced next door. My friend Emily has raved about this place for years and even brought me bread from there, but I finally made it in myself.
I know this sounds crazy, but if you are gluten free, this is your spot. There are tons of great options—maybe too many for a bread lover like me. Be sure to check their menu and baking schedule, as certain items are only available on specific days. My family loves their sourdough, and it sells out quickly. You can reserve bread in advance or stop by on baking day.
Did I mention the owners are amazing? I met them while placing my extensive Thanksgiving order and mentioned that I also work in retail. On Black Friday, Megan, the owner, showed up with a bag of treats for me. I was blown away—especially knowing she had likely worked a 60-hour week in just three days. If you want incredible baked goods, with or without gluten, and want to support a truly wonderful local business, stop by. You won’t regret it, and you may never buy store-bought bread again.
Vital Body & Mind
Okay, Megan Brown might be annoyed that I’m sharing this, but it’s too good not to. I have walked by this space a million times and always wanted to check it out, and this year I finally did. While complaining about my feet one day, Megan told me to try Nicole at Vital Body & Mind. She is a miracle worker.
I will say this is not a relaxing, spa-like experience—but Nicole has magical powers, and my feet and entire body felt incredible after my 90-minute session. She is also just a lovely human. I’m sure everyone there is great, and I’m excited to try more of their services in 2026. Alicia and I have talked about doing colon hydrotherapy…maybe this is our year.
Ella Esthetics
This one came as a recommendation from Nicole Jones, and it truly changed my life. I have always hated my lack of eyebrows. I had very blonde hair until my mid-20s, and as a result, I basically have no brows. What I do have is still blonde, despite my hair color changing.
I used to get my eyebrows tinted, and people would always comment on how good I looked—for about a week. It faded quickly, and no matter how hard I tried to fill them in, they always looked terrible. Nicole had the same issue. One day she walked into Pilates, and something was different. It was her brows. She had permanent makeup done at Ella Esthetics, and it looked so natural I couldn’t believe it.
I’ve always disliked the look of microblading or permanent makeup—it can feel harsh. If I do something, I don’t want it to look like I did something. Just like when I first noticed Nicole, she simply looked really good, and I couldn’t quite tell why. That’s the magic of Ella, the owner of Ella Esthetics.
My daughter and I both went this summer, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Even Sarah Akram didn’t realize I had “fake” eyebrows during a facial. She is that good. I would trust them with anything—and will report back on what else I try in 2026.
