By Bob Tagert

As I am writing this, the Presidential election is only 12 days away. This is probably the most consequential election in my lifetime, not just for the leader of our nation but for members of congress who will ultimately shape what happens in the USA over the next 4+ years. I have already cast my vote as have millions of other Americans and it looks like there is going to be a record number of us turning out at the polls. Do your part and exercise your right!

Fall has arrived in all of its glory (sans the few 80+ degree days we have had) with the changing color of leaves, clear days and cool nights. Restaurants have all things apple and pumpkin spice on the menu. Firepits and fire features are getting cranked up all over the DMV. Tailgaters and fans have returned to the former FedEx Field, now Northwest Stadium, since the Commanders are finally playing like a real team! I have been a fan for over 70 years and I gotta admit, it’s good to have them back on track.

We have another great read for you all in this November issue. Road Trip takes us to southern Delaware and the Nanticoke Heritage Byway. Exploring VA Wine’s Doug Fabbioli takes us behind the scenes of the 2024 Virginia wine harvest. In Grapevine, Matt Fitzsimmons welcomes us to “Oneoverse”. Tim Long enjoys some high-end bourbons with Tom Gale, the Director of Operations at Virtue Feed and Grain and writes about the experience in Let’s Get Crafty. In Open Space, Lori Welch Brown is stressing over the holidays while writing about the key ingredient-check out her column to see just what that is. Our Special Feature this month explores Veteran’s Day. While we feel that Veterans should be honored every day, it is great to give them a little more attention on the 11^th. This is just a brief insight to what awaits in the following pages.

We welcome back our friends in Leonardtown, Maryland in St. Mary’s County to our inside back cover. Leonardtown offers a look back in time in a town that seems to stand still. The Old Jailhouse is a reminder of times gone by while Shepherd’s Old Field Market, a unique gift shop with over 90 business shops and services, represents new growth. Take a drive this fall and visit this vibrant and charming town.

It has been rumored that there is a pilot program proposal on the City of Alexandria agenda to extend the current pedestrian zone located on lower King Street up to the 200 block. The proposed pilot program would begin with the lighting of the holiday tree at Market Square on the 22nd and continue until mid-January. I have mixed emotions about this but am keeping my thoughts to myself at this juncture. In the meantime, I call your attention to the image that we had on the cover of our August 1994 issue – yes, we were forward thinking 30 years ago. I took a photograph of the lower two blocks on King Street early one morning when the streets were empty and we commissioned Zohair, a local watercolor artist, to paint a rendition with the streets bricked over, tables and chairs and people milling around, etc. Am sure many of you longtime readers will recognize the Schooner Alexandria at the bottom of the street. I am looking forward to seeing if the extension does indeed come to fruition.

In the meantime, in addition to celebrating our Veterans we celebrate Thanksgiving this month. This is one of my personal favorite holidays. Unlike Christmas, you get a change to get together with family and/or friends to eat great food, drink good wine, watch some football and sit by a firepit and you don’t have to buy any gifts!

I know it’s a bit early but be sure to mark your calendar for Scottish Christmas Walk 2024 on December 7^th. Remember that the lighted boat parade takes place that same evening. Be sure to thank those Veteran’s in your life for their service and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!