What We’re Loving: How We Welcome Fall in Alexandria
September in Alexandria has its own magic—cooler mornings on King Street, Art on the Avenue around the corner, pumpkin lattes popping up everywhere, and those first cozy evenings along the waterfront. Our contributors shared how they welcome fall in Alexandria:
Maria Elizabeth, Salon deZEN: For me, fall in Alexandria begins with Art on the Avenue — wandering the booths, connecting with neighbors, and soaking up the season’s energy. Pro tip: it’s also the perfect time to start holiday shopping and support our local artists while checking off your gift list.
Amanda, Patina Polished Living: Fall is all about football and more football!
Amy, Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co: It generally starts with college football and chilli, a hike or two to catch the leaves even if it's at the tailend of the peak season, and the traditional reviewing of my favorite fall movies - You've Got Mail, When Harry Met Sally, Practical Magic, Coraline, etc. Oh, and pumpkin bread!
Renée, Renée C. Gage Photography: I love strolling the streets of Old Town with my favorite little guy! A chai latte for me and a hot cocoa for him, it is so fun to see fall through his eyes! We gather leaves and come home and make a collage...have you read the book Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert? Be sure to check it out!
Adrien, Adrien Cotton Wellness: I love pumpkin! Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin everything. I have always made one pumpkin bread loaf and as usual ate one delicious piece, and tossed the rest!
Kendall, Moneta Accounting Solutions: I love to start sprinkling some pumpkin spice to my morning coffee - yum!
Gabby, Coastal Collaborative Care: We love walking outside to enjoy the crisp air and crunching leaves around the neighborhood. As Halloween approaches, we start decorating early—it's our favorite time of year, with all of our neighbors standing outside their houses together handing out candy to kids and festive drinks to the adults!
Meshelle, The Parlour and Hummingbird: October has officially arrived at The Parlour, and we're kicking off the spooky season with something truly special. Behold the Pure Hex Appeal Coffin—a keepsake black coffin packed with 13 hand-packed luxury chocolates. It's the ultimate showstopper, guaranteed to cast a delicious spell on the Halloween fanatic in your life!
And because we believe in pure, atmospheric fun, you can pair your coffin with one of our amazing Hemlock and Health Candles. These small-batch fragrances are so unique and intimate, we honestly can't pick a favorite! These fragrances are so mesmerizing, we're asking for your help to crown a favorite. Join our Scenting Party every Wednesday to explore the scents with us, and to truly round out your mystical experience, have your tarot read and uncover what the cards hold for you.
Lauren, XML Financial: Alexandria comes alive in full force in the fall, and I’m here for it! Art on the Rocks, The Historic Alexandria Home Tour, ALX Pink Gala, and the new Literary Libations at The Study at Morrison House – just to name a few! XML is a big supporter of these events; they make our community vibrant, buzzing and strong!
Rainbow, Alexandria Stylebook: Fall in Alexandria is packed with can’t-miss events, and I try to soak in as many as I can. From Oktoberfest at Carlyle Square to Art on the Avenue, from the pumpkin wall and hill at Nalls Produce to the elaborate decorations in Old Town, there’s always something festive happening. But if I had to pick a favorite? Hands down, it’s the Halloween Parade in Del Ray – the energy, costumes, and neighborhood spirit make it the highlight of the season.
