Opinion

Poll: The best outdoor dining spot in Alexandria

By ALXnow.com

Picturesque waterfront seating, lively sidewalk dining and spacious outdoor patios present a range of options at restaurants around Alexandria. Whether you’re grabbing small bites, drinks or a full brunch or dinner, these outdoor dining options are great to enjoy with companions.

Here are the nominees for “Best Outdoor Dining Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to outdoor dining spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Florist in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing Service in Alexandria. The results are now official:

  1. Mr Wash Car Wash
  2. Mr. Xtractor Auto Detailing
  3. Yates Car Wash & Detail Center
News

ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting

By James Cullum
ARHA properties in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The interim CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority is stepping down from her role, according to a letter submitted to the organization’s board of commissioners.

On May 20, Rickie C. Maddox informed the board in a short letter that her last day would be Friday, June 19.

Go to ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting Read more
Around Town

Adoptable pet of the week: Former stray Slim seeks home of her own

By Emily Leayman
Adoptable Slim at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Slim, whose love for her human companion is anything but slim.

Slim came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria animal shelter as a stray and wants to find a home to call her own, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow. The pup has a soft tan coat and golden eyes, and she weighs 36 pounds.

Go to Adoptable pet of the week: Former stray Slim seeks home of her own Read more
News

Morning Notes for May 29, 2026

By ALXnow.com
Street parking on Main Line Boulevard in Potomac Yard (staff photo by James Cullum)

Pregnant Asylum Seek Detained with Toddler at Dulles Airport — “Pregnant Ghanaian woman Anabella Gyasi and her disabled child have spent the past week detained at Dulles International Airport in a windowless room without adequate food, hygiene or medical care, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, claims federal immigration authorities say are false. An emergency hearing is set to take place Friday morning in an Alexandria federal court.” [Virginia Mercury]

Road Work on Mount Vernon Avenue — “Scheduled crane work will take place on Mt. Vernon Avenue between W. Reed Avenue and Russell Road on Saturday, May 30 from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, traffic on Mt. Vernon Avenue will be diverted to Russell Road and W. Glebe Road. If work is not completed by the end of posted hours on May 30, the road will remain closed overnight and work hours will resume from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.” [City of Alexandria news release]

Go to Morning Notes for May 29, 2026 Read more
News

ALXnow Daily Debrief for May 28, 2026

By ALXnow.com

Good Thursday evening, Alexandria. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — May 28, 2026.

Here are today’s most-read articles:

  1. Former VP of Alexandria firm indicted for allegedly embezzling $4.5M (1585 views)
  2. UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in West End (975 views)
  3. Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood (516 views)
  4. Life Alive Cafe to offer samples at farmers market ahead of June opening in Old Town (502 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Friday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

☀️ Friday’s forecast

Expect a sunny day with a high of 78°F. Winds will shift from north to west at 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Overnight, the weather will be mostly clear with a low of around 60°F, and southwest winds at 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”
– Walt Whitman

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

Thanks for reading!

News

Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood

By James Cullum
The intersection of Holland Lane and Jamieson Avenue in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, May 28, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

After two years in development, Alexandria and regional leaders unveiled today (May 28) the newly restored streetscape on Holland Lane in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood.

The Holland Lane Restoration Project has been in the works since 2024 and was completed; it includes repaving and reducing lanes on each side of Holland Lane, new pavement markings, flexible bollards, pedestrian signals and two-way bike lanes. The Alexandria Police Department also announced a high-visibility speed enforcement campaign for Holland Lane, which connects Duke Street and Eisenhower Avenue.

Go to Holland Lane overhaul brings two-way bike lanes, traffic calming to Carlyle neighborhood Read more
News

UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run

By Emily Leayman
Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

This story has been updated with additional details from APD. 

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department responded to an apparent accidental shooting in a Taylor Run apartment this afternoon (May 28).

Go to UPDATED: Man injured in accidental shooting with no other injuries in Taylor Run Read more
Around Town

Volunteer musicians to play for Alexandria shelter animals through new program

By Emily Leayman
Musician plays at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s animal shelter will now regularly be filled with the sound of live music.

AWLA is partnering with Wild Tunes, a nonprofit started by 10-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, to introduce live music by volunteer musicians at the animal shelter (4101 Eisenhower Avenue). The program kicked off Thursday (May 28).

Go to Volunteer musicians to play for Alexandria shelter animals through new program Read more
News

Hammond Middle School receives donation of 500 filled backpacks for families in need

By James Cullum
United Way National Capital Area and Enterprise Mobility donated the backpacks to Francis C. Hammond Middle School on May 28, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Francis C. Hammond Middle School received a donation of 500 new backpacks today, which will be stuffed with school supplies for when students return for the 2026-2027 school year.

United Way National Capital Area and Enterprise Mobility donated the backpacks to the Title I school. United Way’s global headquarters are located in Alexandria.

Go to Hammond Middle School receives donation of 500 filled backpacks for families in need Read more
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