
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in Alexandria, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Sexual Function

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Alexandria, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.



Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Alexandria, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:


Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Alexandria, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Alexandria, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Alexandria, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Alexandria, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

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Latest News in Alexandria, VA
Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge: SUMMER FLEA MARKET & ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
Old Town Alexandria, VA Patchhttps://patch.com/virginia/oldtownalexandria/calendar/event/20230819/4436cb7f-8bd9-4c36-81be-b9ae6ff00248/mount-vernon-masonic-lodge-summer-flea-market-arts-and-crafts-fair
MOUNT VERNON SUMMER FLEA MARKET & ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIRINDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENDORS!!! RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!COMMUNITY EVENT: Saturday, August 19, from 8:00-1:30 pmEvent Address: 8717 Ft. Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22308FEATURING: Antique, Vintage, as well as Crafters/Artisan VendorsBill's BBQ will return with grillers and home cooked veggies!Plants: Native...
MOUNT VERNON SUMMER FLEA MARKET & ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENDORS!!! RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
COMMUNITY EVENT:
Saturday, August 19, from 8:00-1:30 pm
Event Address: 8717 Ft. Hunt Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22308
FEATURING: Antique, Vintage, as well as Crafters/Artisan Vendors
Bill's BBQ will return with grillers and home cooked veggies!
Plants: Native and other plants, Bonsai, from local vendor - great prices!
Handmade/custom crafted wreaths, gift baskets designed by Sandy
Handsewn and custom made gifts such as monogramed towels and purses and pouches made from exquisite material and designs. There are items for children and adults - an excellent seamstress shows her talent.
Most of the Artisan and Crafters will be inside the lodge - don't miss them! And it’s air conditioned!
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENDORS!!!
Great Community Event with something for everyone. Vendors and crafters are set up both inside and outside, with unique, antique, vintage, retro and handmade, handsewn gift items available for purchase.
Many vendors will be selling -- with a variety of antiques and vintage items, from the very impractical (but lovely) to the extremely practical - we have it all! This is a flea market with all the normal flea-market, antique, vintage, collectibles, and practical yard-sale-type items, household, furniture, rugs, clothes, handbags, etc..., as well as arts & crafts, handmade items, such as vintage and new/handmade jewelry. There will be a Mount Vernon-area beekeeper, with jars of delicious honey and beeswax products; a visiting artisan with fantastic hand-made pottery; beautifully hand-sewn multi-color bags and zip purses (can have them monogramed), hand tooled leather purses and handbags, beautiful and fragrant candles, as well as handcrafted lavender sachets with fine, fragrant French lavender, handcrafted soaps (molded shapes, figures); and original art work and hand-crafted items of many kinds. You will find coins, stamps, new clothes and accessories, and other handmade items, while enjoying the controlled temperature of the lodge building.
Refreshments are available for purchase inside and outside the lodge.
Don't miss out! There will be fine and interesting antique and vintage items, collectibles of all kinds. There will be a great variety of items for sale -- come take a look! We hope to see you there!
Schedule: This event takes place every third Saturday of the month from March- November 2023! The dates for the 2023 events are:
August 19, September 15, October 21, November 18 (Holiday Bazaar). There will be a bonus holiday market on Dec 2, as well.
Founding Farmers is coming to Alexandria, VA
Debby Critchleyhttps://thezebra.org/2023/06/28/founding-farmers-is-coming-to-alexandria-va/
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG), the parent company behind Founding Farmers restaurants and Farmers Fishers Bakers has announced its new location of ...
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG), the parent company behind Founding Farmers restaurants and Farmers Fishers Bakers has announced its new location of Founding Farmers into Stonebridge’s Oakville project in Alexandria, Virginia in the summer of 2024.
Owners Dan Simons, Michael Vucurevich, and the North Dakota Farmers Union secured a lease for a new location in Alexandria in partnership with Stonebridge and its financial partner, PCCP, LLC. The restaurant will be located on the first floor of a newly developed seven-story building on the corner of Swann Ave. and Richmond Highway, in the Oakville Triangle site development plan. The building will include ground floor retail spaces, townhouses, residential buildings, and the Inova Oakville at Potomac Yard facility.
“We Are Founding Farmers… The family farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, who collectively own Founding Farmers, are represented on every plate, as are the country’s founding mothers and fathers—who were also farmers.”
“Our DMV guests have been warm, welcoming, and so supportive since we started out almost 15 years ago,” said co-owner Simons. “We’re excited to be bringing Founding Farmers to Alexandria with our farmer-owned ethos and flavors. Guests will find their favorites and be introduced to new innovations and explorations with food, beverage, and design. We’ll be offering the neighborhood breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with our morning First Bake grab & go program for when you need something fast. Our goal is to always meet our guests where they are.”
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The new Founding Farmers will be a housed in a 9,200 square feet space. The plan is to be open every day of the year, including holidays, with seating for approximately 245 guests, a full bar, and a patio area, perfect for outdoor dining. “Oakville has been designed to create a community and realize the tremendous walking connectivity between Del Ray and Potomac Yard,” said Douglas M. Firstenberg, principal of Stonebridge. “Having Founding Farmers anchor our retail area fits perfectly into our vision, and the wide range of offerings will be amazing for our residents and the neighborhood.”
The restaurant will be built and operate sustainably. They are partnering with Lumber & Light, known for their authentic designs in the hospitality industry, and have plans to pursue Green Restaurant Association certifications.
Founding Farmers is coming to Alexandria, VA
Debby Critchleyhttps://thezebra.org/2023/06/28/founding-farmers-is-coming-to-alexandria-va/
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG), the parent company behind Founding Farmers restaurants and Farmers Fishers Bakers has announced its new location of ...
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG), the parent company behind Founding Farmers restaurants and Farmers Fishers Bakers has announced its new location of Founding Farmers into Stonebridge’s Oakville project in Alexandria, Virginia in the summer of 2024.
Owners Dan Simons, Michael Vucurevich, and the North Dakota Farmers Union secured a lease for a new location in Alexandria in partnership with Stonebridge and its financial partner, PCCP, LLC. The restaurant will be located on the first floor of a newly developed seven-story building on the corner of Swann Ave. and Richmond Highway, in the Oakville Triangle site development plan. The building will include ground floor retail spaces, townhouses, residential buildings, and the Inova Oakville at Potomac Yard facility.
“We Are Founding Farmers… The family farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, who collectively own Founding Farmers, are represented on every plate, as are the country’s founding mothers and fathers—who were also farmers.”
“Our DMV guests have been warm, welcoming, and so supportive since we started out almost 15 years ago,” said co-owner Simons. “We’re excited to be bringing Founding Farmers to Alexandria with our farmer-owned ethos and flavors. Guests will find their favorites and be introduced to new innovations and explorations with food, beverage, and design. We’ll be offering the neighborhood breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with our morning First Bake grab & go program for when you need something fast. Our goal is to always meet our guests where they are.”
Support Good News Journalism, Subscribe >>
The new Founding Farmers will be a housed in a 9,200 square feet space. The plan is to be open every day of the year, including holidays, with seating for approximately 245 guests, a full bar, and a patio area, perfect for outdoor dining. “Oakville has been designed to create a community and realize the tremendous walking connectivity between Del Ray and Potomac Yard,” said Douglas M. Firstenberg, principal of Stonebridge. “Having Founding Farmers anchor our retail area fits perfectly into our vision, and the wide range of offerings will be amazing for our residents and the neighborhood.”
The restaurant will be built and operate sustainably. They are partnering with Lumber & Light, known for their authentic designs in the hospitality industry, and have plans to pursue Green Restaurant Association certifications.
How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in Alexandria, Virginia
Missy Frederickhttps://dc.eater.com/2023/7/20/23802007/restaurants-guide-alexandria-staycation
There’sThere’s a reason tourists often end up staying in Old Town, Alexandria rather than D.C. proper when visiting our city — it’s a cute, convenient area with its own history, activities, and delicious restaurants, with easy access to Mount Vernon and National Harbor. And for the non-tourists among us, a little overnight in the town can be a refreshing break from the routine. Here’s the best way to spend a 24-hour staycation in Alexandria.Earlier risers can spend a little time before brunch exploring th...
There’sThere’s a reason tourists often end up staying in Old Town, Alexandria rather than D.C. proper when visiting our city — it’s a cute, convenient area with its own history, activities, and delicious restaurants, with easy access to Mount Vernon and National Harbor. And for the non-tourists among us, a little overnight in the town can be a refreshing break from the routine. Here’s the best way to spend a 24-hour staycation in Alexandria.
Earlier risers can spend a little time before brunch exploring the northern portion of Old Town, which has seen a spurt of development over the past couple of years. If you’re staying in Old Town, you’ll need a quick Uber to get to this side of town. Kick things off with a cup of coffee (and a pastry if you’re starving) at St. Elmo’s newest location. Right in that development, there are a couple of cute shops that open at 10 a.m., including PlantHouse for greenery and Made in Alx for local arts and crafts.
This Alexandria standby (which relocated from its King Street digs a couple of years ago) is a great option for brunch — think hangtown fries, lobster rolls, shrimp-garnished Bloody Marys, and more. Hank’s is also one of the area’s best options for cocktails, so it’s definitely worth it to make bruch a boozy ones. Order oysters for the table, of course. The restaurant is known for its cute touches, like starting each meal with a bowl of Goldfish crackers and ending it with chunks of dark chocolate.
Another idea: The relatively new Urbano 116 makes a solid breakfast taco and Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli sends out slow-roasted ribeye sandwiches; Yunnan by Potomac is more of a lunch/dinner place that doesn’t open until noon, but is a lovely serene spot for noodles from the southwest region of China
Here is your chance to explore this area in earnest. If you decide to start the day with just coffee, the Old Town Farmers Market operates until noon on Saturdays. But you’ll probably be arriving a little after that, and you’ll have your pick of things to explore. There’s the Torpedo Factory, a working studio where local artists create, waterfront boat tours, an apothecary museum, Black history tours and plenty of cute shopping (be sure to check out vintage glassware store The Hour, Old Town Books, hip convenience store Foxtrot, and a whole slew of antique stores and boutiques). Take advantage of the free trolley to around the area.
A major draw for hanging in Old Town is lunch or dinner on the waterfront, but that used to mean sacrificing food for views. Luckily, recent years have brought some openings where the menu actually competes with the atmosphere. Barca’s a great spot for Spanish tapas like croquettes, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and a nice variety of wines and cocktails (if you’re here on a weekday, happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m.).
Another idea: Greek restaurant Taverna Cretekou has a gorgeous patio; snack on some schnitzel from Old House Cosmopolitan
Who says dessert can’t come before dinner? Alexandria has tons of options to choose from when it comes to ice cream — a few standout selections include local favorites Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Goodies, Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato (for the obvious), and exciting Ohio-based import Jeni’s, just to name a handful (custard fans could even hop neighborhoods into nearby Del Ray and try President Joe Biden’s favorite, the Dairy Godmother).
Next, it’s time for a drink. Check out the People’s Drug, a cute (tiny) cocktail bar that offers seasonal drinks like a watermelon whiskey smash, riffs on classics, and even a frozen Aperol spritz.
Another drinks idea: Raise a celebratory glass at champagne bar Brut
Wander beyond the curtains in the quaint, narrow Nasime and you’d almost convince yourself you had stepped into Japan. This restaurant features exquisite cooking and a rather affordable tasting menu ($95 per person) from Ginza, Tokyo-trained Yuh Shimomura. Expect six courses (including dessert), usually involving jewel-like sashimi, a grilled item, and a shareable bowl of soup or noodles, among other dishes (a recent menu offered a duck and maisutake mushroom udon and seared wagyu short rib with truffle shoyu sauce).
Other ideas: Romantic Vermillion and bustling Thompson Italian are also strong dinner bets — try the cacio e pepe gimlet at the latter
Learn about the “haunted” history of Alexandria (and continue to wander the streets of Old Town) by embarking on one of these festive tours (link is to the original, which offers tours as late as 9 p.m., but there are other competitors out there).
Old Hat actually has a haunted history connection and is a stop on some ghost tours. But even those less interested in the spooky can enjoy this place (open till midnight on the weekends), which takes drinks seriously — given the Cynar Bang Bang, a frothy egg white-spiked concoction, a whirl.
Other ideas: Waterfront Vola’s is also open until midnight. Alexandria also has a couple of Irish Bars including Daniel O’Connell’s and Murphy’s (open until 2 a.m.), both of which often feature live music.
Where to stay: Morrison House, the Hotel Indigo, the Grace, the Lorien (it has a spa), and the Alexandrian are all in the heart of Old Town; Visit Alexandria has a comprehensive listing of hotel options.
How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in Alexandria, Virginia
Missy Frederickhttps://dc.eater.com/2023/7/20/23802007/restaurants-guide-alexandria-staycation
There’sThere’s a reason tourists often end up staying in Old Town, Alexandria rather than D.C. proper when visiting our city — it’s a cute, convenient area with its own history, activities, and delicious restaurants, with easy access to Mount Vernon and National Harbor. And for the non-tourists among us, a little overnight in the town can be a refreshing break from the routine. Here’s the best way to spend a 24-hour staycation in Alexandria.Earlier risers can spend a little time before brunch exploring th...
There’sThere’s a reason tourists often end up staying in Old Town, Alexandria rather than D.C. proper when visiting our city — it’s a cute, convenient area with its own history, activities, and delicious restaurants, with easy access to Mount Vernon and National Harbor. And for the non-tourists among us, a little overnight in the town can be a refreshing break from the routine. Here’s the best way to spend a 24-hour staycation in Alexandria.
Earlier risers can spend a little time before brunch exploring the northern portion of Old Town, which has seen a spurt of development over the past couple of years. If you’re staying in Old Town, you’ll need a quick Uber to get to this side of town. Kick things off with a cup of coffee (and a pastry if you’re starving) at St. Elmo’s newest location. Right in that development, there are a couple of cute shops that open at 10 a.m., including PlantHouse for greenery and Made in Alx for local arts and crafts.
This Alexandria standby (which relocated from its King Street digs a couple of years ago) is a great option for brunch — think hangtown fries, lobster rolls, shrimp-garnished Bloody Marys, and more. Hank’s is also one of the area’s best options for cocktails, so it’s definitely worth it to make bruch a boozy ones. Order oysters for the table, of course. The restaurant is known for its cute touches, like starting each meal with a bowl of Goldfish crackers and ending it with chunks of dark chocolate.
Another idea: The relatively new Urbano 116 makes a solid breakfast taco and Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli sends out slow-roasted ribeye sandwiches; Yunnan by Potomac is more of a lunch/dinner place that doesn’t open until noon, but is a lovely serene spot for noodles from the southwest region of China
Here is your chance to explore this area in earnest. If you decide to start the day with just coffee, the Old Town Farmers Market operates until noon on Saturdays. But you’ll probably be arriving a little after that, and you’ll have your pick of things to explore. There’s the Torpedo Factory, a working studio where local artists create, waterfront boat tours, an apothecary museum, Black history tours and plenty of cute shopping (be sure to check out vintage glassware store The Hour, Old Town Books, hip convenience store Foxtrot, and a whole slew of antique stores and boutiques). Take advantage of the free trolley to around the area.
A major draw for hanging in Old Town is lunch or dinner on the waterfront, but that used to mean sacrificing food for views. Luckily, recent years have brought some openings where the menu actually competes with the atmosphere. Barca’s a great spot for Spanish tapas like croquettes, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and a nice variety of wines and cocktails (if you’re here on a weekday, happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m.).
Another idea: Greek restaurant Taverna Cretekou has a gorgeous patio; snack on some schnitzel from Old House Cosmopolitan
Who says dessert can’t come before dinner? Alexandria has tons of options to choose from when it comes to ice cream — a few standout selections include local favorites Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Goodies, Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato (for the obvious), and exciting Ohio-based import Jeni’s, just to name a handful (custard fans could even hop neighborhoods into nearby Del Ray and try President Joe Biden’s favorite, the Dairy Godmother).
Next, it’s time for a drink. Check out the People’s Drug, a cute (tiny) cocktail bar that offers seasonal drinks like a watermelon whiskey smash, riffs on classics, and even a frozen Aperol spritz.
Another drinks idea: Raise a celebratory glass at champagne bar Brut
Wander beyond the curtains in the quaint, narrow Nasime and you’d almost convince yourself you had stepped into Japan. This restaurant features exquisite cooking and a rather affordable tasting menu ($95 per person) from Ginza, Tokyo-trained Yuh Shimomura. Expect six courses (including dessert), usually involving jewel-like sashimi, a grilled item, and a shareable bowl of soup or noodles, among other dishes (a recent menu offered a duck and maisutake mushroom udon and seared wagyu short rib with truffle shoyu sauce).
Other ideas: Romantic Vermillion and bustling Thompson Italian are also strong dinner bets — try the cacio e pepe gimlet at the latter
Learn about the “haunted” history of Alexandria (and continue to wander the streets of Old Town) by embarking on one of these festive tours (link is to the original, which offers tours as late as 9 p.m., but there are other competitors out there).
Old Hat actually has a haunted history connection and is a stop on some ghost tours. But even those less interested in the spooky can enjoy this place (open till midnight on the weekends), which takes drinks seriously — given the Cynar Bang Bang, a frothy egg white-spiked concoction, a whirl.
Other ideas: Waterfront Vola’s is also open until midnight. Alexandria also has a couple of Irish Bars including Daniel O’Connell’s and Murphy’s (open until 2 a.m.), both of which often feature live music.
Where to stay: Morrison House, the Hotel Indigo, the Grace, the Lorien (it has a spa), and the Alexandrian are all in the heart of Old Town; Visit Alexandria has a comprehensive listing of hotel options.
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