Tucked away off the bustling streets of Old Town lies a sunlit courtyard that feels like a secret garden. Today, it's home to one of Alexandria's newest coffee shops and the realization of a dream Ksenia Varakina held onto for years. As the founder of Cherry On Top, Ksenia has transformed this little oasis into a vibrant gathering place where coffee, wine, and community come together.

 Walk into a beautifully designed room and you can feel the difference. The drapery hangs just so, the lighting sets the mood, and the art feels personal. But creating that custom look doesn't require a renovation or starting from scratch. Often, it's the final layers that make the biggest impact. Here are five of my favorite ways to elevate and complete a space.

I hesitated for a while before writing about this topic, simply because it requires so much nuance and detail. I left a decades-long career in science and policy communication before I jumped full time into the wine arena and didn’t think I would be back in the communications space again. However, my synapses have been active since this topic landed on my doorstep.

What defines the true value of a luxury property in today’s global market? From location and currency fluctuations to the cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle, explore the key factors shaping international real estate decisions, informed by Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026.

This week, we are hosting not just one great trunk show, but two great trunk shows! I am so excited! To celebrate 24 years in business, we wanted to have a shoe brand and a clothing brand. It only made sense. Starting this Thursday, October 22, we will have Citizens of Humanity and Freda Salvador trunk shows.

Sleeping longer, moving less, craving carbs? Feeling a little blue? Before you blame your busy schedule or your willpower, look at something easy to overlook: the disappearing daylight. The clocks haven't even changed yet, and already you can feel it. The drive home is dimmer, it's dark when the alarm goes off, and by 4 PM all you want is to curl up by the fire with a good book. There's a reason for that.

This Thursday, October 22, we are kicking off our anniversary weekend with a ton of great events. We are so grateful to have been able to keep our doors open for 24 years, and we know we couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful community. There are so many places to shop, and we are grateful that you continue to choose The Shoe Hive and The Hive.

Whenever a friend comes to visit me in Alexandria, I feel like I have to show them all of my favorite spots. There are so many cute places around Old Town that it’s pretty easy to spend an entire day walking around, shopping, eating, and stopping for drinks. If I were planning the perfect day with a friend, here’s where we’d go.

It’s fun browsing photos of beautiful homes, but how much can you really tell about what’s inside from the architecture outside? Take a look at these four Convene Architecture homes and put your design instincts to the test. Can you match each exterior with the interior that belongs inside? Look closely — you may notice clues hiding in the style, details, and character of each.

As a financial advisor, I spend a lot of time helping people make smart decisions with their money. But financial planning isn't just only investment portfolios, retirement projections, and tax strategies. It's also about the everyday choices that determine whether your money is working for you—or whether you're wondering where it all went. Here are five that I practice in my own financial life.

This fall has been all about change at the stores. You have seen a lot of new faces on the floor and we have some new faces behind the scenes; well not totally behind the scenes. You may recognize a familiar visage in our fall campaign. My good friend and the former owner of She’s Unique, Katya has been spending a little more time with us lately.

I am a family lawyer and I have been a Guardian ad Litem, which means courts appointed me to speak for children in custody cases. Virginia judges decide custody on the child’s best interests, and the child development research on what that means is remarkably consistent. Here is what not to do during a custody case, and what to do instead.

October in Old Town has arrived! The humidity is lower and we are enjoying crisp, cooler days and blue skies. Pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps throughout town, and Halloween decorations are taking center stage. Before we know it, we will be eating turkey, decorating for Christmas, and ringing in the New Year. Now is the time to start thinking about all the little touches that make entertaining and celebrating easier.

As a jewelry store owner, I may be biased, but I think that fine jewelry should be worn daily—not just for special occasions. Life is a series of celebrations, and our jewelry speaks to them! Remember that pearl necklace gifted to you on your 16^th birthday, or the diamond studs you received when you graduated from college? These are now staples in your collection that cement memories and help express yourself.

This fall, I really focused on changing our shoe selection, but we always like to add some newness to our ready-to-wear offerings as well. One of the lines I am most excited about is Arlo Mott. This is only the second season for the line overall, and we are thrilled to be one of the new stores carrying it this fall.

The Patterson Group introduces five exceptional new listings, from a resort-inspired Wellington retreat with a spectacular pool to beautifully reimagined Old Town residences and a spacious Del Ray home. Discover distinctive architecture, thoughtfully updated interiors and inviting indoor-outdoor living, all in sought-after Alexandria neighborhoods.

For Helen Clemens, a good book has always been about more than the story on the page. As a child, she constantly immersed herself in books, reading any chance she could. Today, that lifelong love of reading has found a new home in Alexandria through Literary Libations, the monthly book club she created at Morrison House, where thoughtful books and conversations meet equally thoughtful cocktails.

One of the most difficult categories to buy is denim. There are so many options it can be a bit overwhelming. It used to be that one denim trend monopolized a season, but now, anything goes—which is a really good thing.

As the weather gets colder and evenings move indoors, it’s officially dinner party season. There’s something especially lovely about gathering around a friend’s table this time of year—and a thoughtful hostess gift is a small way to acknowledge everything that goes into welcoming you.

A clutter-free home starts from the ground up—literally. Discover the five things organized people never store on the floor and the simple habits that keep everyday mess from piling up. From shoes and packages to laundry and those “maybe” items, these easy tips can make your home feel more orderly every day.