I am writing this two days after the summer solstice so the days are getting shorter but summer is here. This month’s Road Trip takes us to the cool mountains of Virginia and a visit to a few wineries as well as Washington, VA and Sperryville, two of my favorite towns in Rappahannock County.

After 30 years of publishing this publication I am still amazed at the diversity of personalities and talents in our area. This month is no different as we meet Chris Ullman, four- time world champion whistler, in Personality Profile and we welcome one of the newer kids on the block, The Old Town Shop, on Union Street as we feature them in the Business Profile. This is the place to visit during our City’s 268^th birthday.

Doug Coleman pontificates on how he sees our current political climate in his Civil Discourse as Sarah Becker addresses some immigration history in her A Bit of History column.

It wouldn’t be right to celebrate the 4^th of July without a hot dog and a beer, whether it be the hops and barley type or the root type. All available at Haute Dog and Fries on Montgomery Street – read about them in Dining Out.

In keeping with our wildlife/animal cover theme in 2017, we are happy to inject a bit of a patriotic theme with the handsome Bald Eagle on the cover. This is the first time this local photographer has had an image published anywhere. We are happy that we are able to do it.

It is an exciting time in Old Town Alexandria as our waterfront begins its transformation with the opening of Hotel Indigo and the Hummingbird Restaurant and Bar. The Old Dominion Boat Club’s new building is taking shape and the 300 block of South Union Street is under new development. More big things coming for sure.

Wishing you all a very Happy 4^th of July and our fair city a very Happy Birthday! Stay cool…..