Mayor Alyia Gaskins made history as the first African American woman to serve as Alexandria’s mayor — and she’s just getting started. From public health and urban planning to City Hall, she’s reimagining what it means to lead with heart, faith, and community.

I’ve always been independent when it comes to travel, but full solo trips still made me a little nervous — until I finally took the leap. From Key West to Copenhagen, I’ve learned that traveling alone is less about being fearless and more about being brave enough to go anyway. In this piece, I’m sharing what I’ve discovered about confidence, connection, and how to make solo travel feel not just safe, but truly joyful.

Last weekend, I traded crowds for pastures and spent a day at Black Barn Alpacas, Maryland’s largest alpaca farm. Founder Yussy shares how a pandemic pivot turned into a thriving, sustainable business rooted in compassion, community, and connection. Spoiler: there’s pumpkin checkers, baby alpacas, and more heart than you’d expect from a “farm day.”

It takes a village — or in this case, a lifting crew. Our favorite dynamic duos stepped in to model the effortless, polished pieces from our Veronica Beard Fall Trunk Show, proving that great friends and great style never go out of season. See the looks, the laughter, and why Veronica and fall just belong together.

Lubec, Maine drew me in with its raw edges and wild light. I spent days chasing color across water and stone, learning once again that landscapes reveal themselves slowly—and only when you listen.

For decades, Alexandria’s waterfront has been defined in part by the towering stacks of the Potomac River Generating Station in Old Town North. Hilco Redevelopment has unveiled plans to replace the former coal-fired power plant with a mixed-use community that emphasizes walkability, sustainability, and cultural vibrancy.

Alexandria is a city that shows up for each other — especially when it matters most. Join us as we shop, sip, and support The National Breast Center Foundation during a special community event with Old House Provisions on October 16.

At Alexandria Classical Christian Academy, we embrace a classical approach to education—what Dorothy Sayers called the “Lost Tools of Learning.” Two of these tools—Latin and cursive—often surprise parents. Why go “old school”? Because these disciplines unlock more than words on a page; they train the mind, shape the imagination, and connect students to the richness of Western thought.