At the newly renovated AKA Alexandria, more than 100 local business professionals gathered on an icy, cold January morning earlier this week to hear updates from Visit Alexandria. I have to admit when my alarm clock went off Monday morning at 6 am, it was a struggle. One must really love our city – and want to get the inside scoop. I also thought of my friend Samantha who does PR and marketing for American in Paris and was probably outside freezing while walking her dog before driving in. “If she can do this, so can I,” I said to myself, and I’m so glad I did.

I especially enjoyed the Tourism Outlook & Trends presentation from Vito Fiore, vice president of marketing and research at Visit Alexandria. Data isn’t always easy or super-engaging to share, and he made it look effortless as he drilled through many slides summarizing where we were pre-pandemic and where we are now – almost to full recovery. To note, our top markets for visitors are from New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, D.C., Norfolk, Raleigh, Baltimore and Atlanta. 

Vito also spoke to the decline of traditional “third spaces” and even “second spaces” with so many people working remotely. This brings a renewed hunger for connection. And where can we connect? Hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and more. These establishments bring a greater sense of community. He shared the rise of the solo traveler, and how many travelers are researching for “experience” first, followed by a destination that meets that criteria. Travelers are also planning their getaways in shorter windows, many in less than four weeks.

When he said consumers are skeptical about content, and wonder if they’re reading something written/drawn by a robot or a real person, it hit home. Yes, AI (artificial intelligence) use is surging. As an editor, I do use Google Bard and ChatGPT to find images or to help with SEO-optimized headlines. Other than that all our content at Stylebook is 100 percent authentic and written by humans; humans who also happen to be small business owners in Alexandria – and very energetic entrepreneurs. I highly recommend humans; I can detect an AI-written post a mile away (I have teenage stepsons). 

As a resident of Alexandria and someone who also works here, here’s what else grabbed my attention:

• Alexandria has once again been nominated for Best City in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024. Up for Best Virginia Hotels, our local contenders include: The Alexandrian, Hyatt Centric Old Town, Lorien Hotel & Spa and Morrison House. Vote here: TLWorldsBest.com/vote

• Hotel AKA Alexandria won “Best Domestic Hotel Transformation” from Interior Design magazine. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has stepped foot inside. I’ve only been there twice and in the morning, and look forward to returning for happy hour so I can enjoy a martini at their breathtaking lounge. We used the interior as a backdrop for a recent Street Style shoot – and wait til’ you see the photos! Christopher Saputo, Managing Director, shared that this spring they’ll be opening their seasonal bar where you can sip artisanal cocktails on the terrace and their kitchen will offer an expanded menu. Can’t wait! 

• New restaurants: Jula’s on the Potomac is here, and an historic waterfront warehouse is being renovated and will open as Cooper Mill in Robinson Landing later this year.

• New stores: Frances Valentine, an upscale NYC-based fashion boutique, Genius Genus, a houseplant haven on Prince Street, and Pippin Toy Co. by Amy Rutherford, Stylebook contributor, and owner of Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post.

• Hotel Heron: We heard from GM Phillip Blaine, who said “Yes, it’s opening this spring.” We’ve been driving by on S. Washington Street and look forward to this new addition. We also think Philip would be a great subject for a Street Style feature, who agrees? 

• So many ALX anniversaries, including at the top: Alexandria’s 275th along with The Friendship Fire Company celebrating 250 years and the Torpedo Factory celebrating 50.

• Authentic Ethiopian Honey Wine. We heard from Gize Negussie, who shared that Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room is the only Ethiopian winery in the region. His warm, friendly demeanor, reference to “honey wine” and obvious passion for what he does makes this a “must-visit.” 

• New Historic Exhibit Opening in the spring: “The Buried Ships of Robinson Landing.” 

• Interstellar Influencer, the sixth installment of the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town Series will be on display this spring through November. 

• Moss Kendrix Exhibit will be on display at Alexandria Black History Museum this summer.

• Le Petit Ananas Shaved Ice is coming to Del Ray this spring (near Bagel Uprising), and Atlas Brew Works will open soon in Carlyle (I’ve frequented their spot at Navy Yard before Nats games, so super excited for this!)

• Potomac Yard Entertainment District and other developments, including the Potomac River Generating Station. Marian Marquez, senior vice president of Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) shared a bevy of information and renderings, and a list of more informational sessions. Visit AEDP to stay advised.

Thank you to Visit Alexandria for hosting a great kick off to 2024, see more of their highlights here. I’m also happy to have met Gize from Negus Winery and Richard Lee from Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii in Carlyle, and look forward to hearing more about their businesses. And I’ve received a few emails since from other small businesses who would like to collaborate and be featured in Stylebook, keep them coming!

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