By Bob Tagert

Here it is, the middle of summer and it sure is hot! The air temperatures have consistently been in the mid to upper 90’s and there are days that the humidity is back to the norm of 30 years ago here in NoVA. You may pick up on a bit of a theme going into this issue as we are trying to keep it “cool”. Probably our best effort is taking you on a Road Trip to the subterrestrial world of Luray Caverns located in the Shenandoah Valley in Luray, Virginia. This is a worthwhile discovery for all ages. It is truly another world and worth the drive. Think about strolling among stalactites and stalagmites for an hour or so in 54-degree temps. Very cool…

A bit closer to home we thought featuring Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream here in Old Town in the Dining Out column was only appropriate since at least you can keep yourself “cool” on the inside with a scoop or two. We also list the other ice cream/custard/gelato centric businesses in Old Town proper in tandem with the column.

In Business Profile we welcome a new contributor, Elizabeth Hughes. She comes to us with an extensive background in entertainment journalism in conjunction with editing in national, regional, and community publications. We are looking forward to more contributions from her. Elizabeth profiles the shops participating in the annual Sidewalk Sale this month (see calendar for details). Make sure you tell them that the Old Town Crier sent you when you are out there getting all of the good deals.

In From the Bay, we are happy to spotlight (no pun intended) Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, one of the most visible (pun intended) landmarks in the Chesapeake Bay just south of Annapolis. Our thanks to TPSL’s Lighthouse Manager, John Potvin for his contribution. The Lighthouse is celebrating its 150th year – see information about the celebration in this issue!

Let’s Get Crafty’s Tim Long refers back to his first article four years ago regarding how hops play a part in the making of a brew and brings us up to date on what is brewing at Alexandria’s very first craft brewery, Port City Brewing Company. Port City is busy working on their 2^nd Annual Beer Festival that takes place on the 16^th.

In Grapevine Matt Fitzsimmons give us a refreshing outlook on Old Vines vs. New Vines and those vineyards with legitimate “old” vines that grace the vineyards in the Commonwealth. Exploring Virginia Wines’, Doug Fabbioli, expands on a statement made many years ago by Gabriele Rausse, Father of Virginia’s Vineyards…”It is incumbent that every Virginia restaurant offer Virginia wines By the Glass.” Note: Google Gabriele Rausse and read about his fascinating story, history and legacy. I interviewed him many years ago and a most rewarding experience.

Rounding out the issue in A Bit of History, Sarah Becker explores the measles epidemic today in A Bit of History; in Caribbean Connection we re-discover Jost Van Dyke, the original Beach Bar Island – passport required; for the Crab connoisseur out there, Let’s Eats Charles Oppman offers up his very simple and very tasty recipe for those end-of-season deep-fried soft shell crabs; in Fitness, Nicole Flanagan reminds us how important water is to our bodies as From the Trainer’s, Ryan Unverzagt, reminds us the importance of Rest and Recovery in this hot weather; in Go Fish, Steve Chaconas explores the fishing history of the Potomac River aka The Nation’s River and Lori Welch Brown tells us to “Just Eat the Cake” in Open Space. This and much more awaits you in these pages.

All I can say to wrap up these notes is, do your best to just stay cool….

Bob

Wendy Albert (1953-2025)

Restaurateur, Community Leader, Mentor and Friend

On a sad note, this past month Alexandria lost one of its restaurant pioneers. Wendy Albert passed away on July 17, 2025 after a long bout with cancer. When I started the Old Town Crier in January of 1988, Wendy and her husband Serge were my earliest advertisers with their fabulous Tempo restaurant. Wendy was a force of nature with a very kind disposition. She was always there to help, advise and just be a friend. Wendy was a good business woman and a great chef. For all those who knew her…she will be missed.