The City of Alexandria has set aside two days,  January 9 and January 15 for holiday tree collection.  The city then uses the trees to create wood mulch which is available to residents in the spring. To prepare trees for collection, residents are reminded to: Remove all ornaments, tinsel and stands. NOT place in plastic bags. Place the tree at the curb no earlier than 5 p.m. on Friday and no later than 6 a.m. on Saturday City residents using a private collection service (like Park Fairfax residents) should check with their home owners association, resident manager or property manager. Holiday Tree Collection in Alexandria, VA 12/31/2009

First Night Alexandria 2009 is definitely the place to be as we head into  - can it really be true? - 2010.  Get an early start this afternoon at 2:30pm with the Fun Hunt (check out the great prizes) and then move on to over 19 indoor venues hosting some 100 performances. Virginia Coalition is the big draw at the George Washington Masonic Temple along with tempting treats from our favorite Pork Barrel Barbeque. Online ticket sales are closed but admission badges can be purchased at any of the following locations starting at 12 noon: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1900 Diagonal Road Hooray for Books, 1555 King Street Imagine Artwear, 1124 King Street Mango Mike's Cool Caribbean Restaurant, 4580 Duke Street Nickells & Scheffler, 1028 King Street Rick's Wine & Gourmet, 3117 Duke Street Unwined at 3... 12/31/2009

There are only three words to describe the experience at Fontaine . . . delicious, delicious, delicious.Fontaine Caffe & Crêperie has long been the dream of chef/owner, Kyong Yi. In 2008 she found the perfect location positioned in the heart of the historic district Old Town Alexandria.Together with her sister, Sunyi, they have transformed a brick row house into a delightful, little café that exudes the atmosphere of a charming French creperie. The sister team unveils a distinctive café stemmed from the comforts of good food and European style to the savvy people of Old town. .Since graduating from the California Culinary Academy of San Francisco in 1995, Kyong has worked at some of the finest restaurants in Washington, D.C.: Teatro Goldoni, Galileo, Ritz-Carlton, and Sodexho Marriott a... 12/29/2009

The Dunbar Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club recently celebrated the renovation of its seventy year old property with a grand neighborhood gathering including special guests U.S. Representative Jim Moran and Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. Charlie Collum, Pandit Wright, Martin Alloy Also on hand were Pandit Wright, the new CEO and President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; Martin Alloy, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; and Charlie Collum, Chair of the Board of Directors for Burke and Herbert Bank and co-chair of the capital campaign committee. Last February we wrote about the bold decision of the BCGC board to undertake a major fundraising campaign in the middle of economic uncertainty because it was in the best inte... 12/29/2009

NAR, CNN and HUD have reported that 2009 generated 2 million foreclosures and in 2010 -- this number will rise to 2.4 million.  Our clients have been demanding for us to offer a search tool that allowed for them to easily search for short sales and foreclosures in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. We realized our old website was not working as hard for us as it once was and they simply were not keeping up with the changes in hand coded Websites, nor focusing on creating value add lead generating tools that we needed to serve a growing base of hungry, discount oriented next time homebuyers.   Like most website companies, we found that our old website was not giving us the flexibility or tools we needed to help us focus on marketing and selling distressed properties.  So we did what... 12/29/2009

McEnearney Associates is a distinguished member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LRECW). As the largest global network of premier real estate brokers the LRECW features the Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection®.The central Luxury Portfolio website features more than 14,000 of the world's most remarkable homes in 44 states and 24 countries. The central website also offers site translation in nine languages, currency conversions and an inventory exceeding $40 billion.Whether you are looking for a modern luxury home or a "smart" home with the latest in modern conveniences - i.e. one that allows you to turn on/off a coffee maker, or monitor whether the children are watching TV or doing their homework, or you prefer an eco-friendly home, built with sustainable and "gr... 12/28/2009

MyFairfaxCountyRealEstate.com   November 2009 Alexandria Real Estate Sales Market Report *351 Active Homes Summary: Alexandria again is our top city in Fairfax County for most homes sold. This obviously will also bring alot of distressed properties. Homes prices are very reasonable for first time home buyers.  You just have to decide where in Alexandria to live.  We have been helping people buy and sell here for a while, so if you are interested in some homes or interested in selling yours, contact us today!   Contact us if you are thinking about buying or selling in Alexandria   Single Family Homes Alexandria Sold Alexandria Homes in November 2009: 85 homes Average Sold Price: $435,698 Median Sold Price: $385,000 Homes sold for about: 98.3% of asking price Average Days on Market: 76 da... 12/28/2009

The Little Theatre of Alexandria will be presenting "Scapino!" from January 16th through February 20th. In this play, two young men are left by their miserly fathers in the care of two not-so-attentive servants. They fall in love, with disastrous results. Upon the fathers' return, all hopes, eyes, and gratuitous culinary items are directed toward Scapino to sort out the mess. Scapino! has everything you expect in a comedy, from wily servants outsmarting their masters; young lovers kept apart by their parents; misers who do anything to hold on to their money; gypsies; chase scenes; mistaken identities; and more! By Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale - Directed by Rick Hayes - Produced by Carol Strachan When: 01/16/2010 - 02/06/2010 Times: Wed - Sat at 8pm and Sun at 3pm Where: Little The Little T... 12/27/2009

Gadsby's Tavern Museum will be hosting Tavern Toddlers, a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers! Featuring a weekly open playtime Tavern Toddlers takes place in Gadsby's historic ballroom.. Themes change monthly so be sure to visit the Official Website below. The cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult. you can also purchase a 5-week pass for $30.The next Tavern Toddlers is January 11, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. - noon.Gadsby's Tavern Museum - 134 North Royal Street - Alexandria, VA - 22314Phone: 703.838.4242Website: http://oha.alexandriava.gov/full_calendar/?Division=full 12/27/2009

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."Ecclesiastes 9:10How much simplier does it get? 12 words that sum up a lot of what is expected of us and all that we can expect from ourselves. Unfortunately, too many people look for short cuts or they cut corners or worse, figure out ways to make it look like something it is not. If we would only take the time to do things right, without cheating, making up new rules, bending the rules or doing things that we know will be harmful down the road to ourselves and others. 12/26/2009

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done. - - Henry WadsworthIf we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life, sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility. - Henry Wadsworth LongfellowIf you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it: Every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth. - Henry Wadsworth LongfellowIn this world, a man must either be anvil or hammer. - Henry Wadsworth LongfellowInto each life some rain must fall, some days must be dark and dreary. - Henry WadsworthGive what you have. To someone else it may be better than you dare to think. - HenryThe present is the blocks with which we build. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 12/25/2009

Merry Christmas everyone!December snows in Old Town Alexandria shut the city down?  No, Old Town is a walker's paradise and once the sidewalks were shoveled the town came to life.City Hall was shut down and Market Square was roped off until the snow could be cleaned up.Here's a historic look down King St. toward the Potomac.  You'll find no free trolley on the streets this day.Many of the restaurants and shops are ready for Christmas and upcoming holidays.Old Town's finer homes are tastefully dressed for the Winter.If you need a realtor who knows Alexandria, contact us at 703 765 0300.To look at homes for sale right now in Old Town Alexandria, check here. 12/24/2009

Twelfth Night Spinet Concert will be held on January 6, 2010 at the Carlyle House in Alexandria, VA. The candle-lit musical celebration of Twelfth Night will be led by international musician and spinet expert, Tom Leoni. Mr. Leoni will be playing period music in the Carlyle's historic parlor. In the 1770s, Twelfth Night was a day of festivity, music and food on a much grander scale than Christmas. Step into the past as you celebrate the last of the twelve days of Christmas. Guides will be available to answer your questions.When: January 6th from 6p.m.-8p.m.Where: Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria VA 22314Phone: (703) 549-2997Admission: $5/adults, $2/children, Free for New MembersPhone: (703) 549-2997 12/24/2009

The historic Carlyle House was built by Scottish merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax in 1753. His bride was a member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. And their home was one of the most spectacular mansions in the new town of Alexandria, Virginia.The mansion quickly became the center of social and political activity in Alexandria. In 1755 the Carlyle House gained a special note in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters. It was at the Carlyle House that Braddock and colonial governors planned the early campaigns of the French and Indian War.You will find the Carlyle House on the National Register of Historic Places. It is interesting to note that the Carlyle House is architecturally unique in Alexandria as the on... 12/23/2009

Yes, Prince William spent a night sleeping on the streets in the bitter cold to experience what the homeless go through day after day.  His mother Princess Diana was active with the group, Centerpoint, helping the homelsss and others that are down on their luck.  Three cheers for Prince William.  Can you imagine the difference we would see if all of our Senators, Congressman, Governors, ObamaRamaLama Administration and corporate executives did something like this.  The problem would be solved immediately. At this time of giving, we should be giving our time, respect and resources to those that need our help Shame on those that ignore the homeless, the single Mom or Dad that needs just a little bit of extra help, or the seniors that are locked up in nursing homes that need some smiles.     12/23/2009

Historic Gadsby's Tavern will be the place to be seen for an evening dating back to the 1860's for the Civil War Ball. You will enjoy live period music, dance instruction, and period desserts. Period attire, either civilian or military, is encouraged. Cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door (if tickets are available). Reservations are required.When: January 23, 2010 from 8pm - 11pmWhere: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314Admission: $45 in advance; $50 at the doorReservations: (703) 838-4242 12/23/2009

The Preston Condos of Potomac Yards are located near the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. The Preston offers something for everyone and cuts down on what could be an otherwise lengthy commute because of the ease of access to the Parkway. Located across the street from the Preston Condos is the Potomac Yard Shopping Center where you'll find great shopping, entertainment and dining for the whole family. In addition, the Preston is located near the Four-Mile Run Bike Trail and the historic Mount Vernon Trail, and the Preston is within ten minutes of Reagan National Airport. The Preston is situated within a few minutes of the Potomac River and residents can participate in the fishing and sailing recreational ventures that this natural landscape provides. Residents can also... 12/22/2009

If you're ready for all-night dancing on 2 large dance floors . . . with live music by "Jeremiah James & the Tandem Band" in the front room . . . AND karaoke in the back room, you'll want to be at Nick's for dinner, dancing and fun.$50 per person, includes admission charge, 4-course meal, champagne toast, and party favors. First dinner seating at 6 PM. Plenty of free parking available on site. Located in the west end of Alexandria near Landmark Mall, I-395, and the Beltway.Location: Nick's Nightclub, 642 S. Pickett Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314Reservations: (703) 751-8900Website: http://www.nicksnightclub.com/ 12/22/2009

MyFairfaxCountyRealEstate.com      October 2009 Alexandria Real Estate Sales Market Report   Summary: In October, Alexandria continues to have the most homes on the market and sell the most homes out of any city in Fairfax County. Along with that comes very high distressed property numbers. Which is great for buyers.   Contact us if you are thinking about buying or selling in Alexandria   Single Family Homes Alexandria Sold Alexandria Homes in October 2009: 96 homes Average Sold Price: $461,387 Median Sold Price: $435,000 Homes sold for about: 98.5% of asking price Average Days on Market: 76 days  Out of the 96 Alexandria home sales in October - 27 (28%) were distressed (foreclosure, bank owned, short sale).   Townhomes in Alexandria Sold Alexandria Townhomes in October 2009: 81 homes A... 12/21/2009

When you begin thinking about selling your condo, it is a good idea to begin by enlisting the help of a licensed Realtor. Unless you are otherwise experienced in the business of buying and selling condominiums, hiring the help of a qualified professional will enable you to reach a large market of potential buyers and a good agent will work overtime to help you sell your home. In addition, hiring a Realtor will help ensure that all of the paperwork pertinent to the transaction is executed properly. Once you decide to sell your condo, begin by following the helpful tips listed below to prepare you for the process of selling your condo and enable your Realtor to do their job most effectively. Begin by making a list that summarizes all of the information regarding your specific condo unit a... 12/21/2009