As I sit here mid-afternoon in the last week of January, we have already hit the high temperature of the day – 26 degrees at noon. This has been a cold brutal week and if the weather experts are right, isn’t going to get above 38 going well into February. My hopes that, at some point this month, we have more moderate temps. Seems like Mother Nature has given Jack Frost custody of the DMV.
On a “warmer” note, we think we have a pretty decent issue for you this month. We celebrate Black History and Alexandria has several activities taking place celebrating all month long. In addition to those celebrations, we have President’s Day on the 16th and the George Washington Parade and Valentine’s Day taking place in tandem on the 14th. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday on the 17th. I don’t really go crazy with it but I know several who love it more than Cinco de Mayo. Guess it depends on whether you like Hurricane’s or Margarita’s better!
Our Special Feature this month is “Why we celebrate Presidents Day” which began with the celebration of George Washington, our very first president.
It is always a pleasure to introduce a new business to our readers in our Business Profile. The fragrance experts at Arielle Shoshana: Your Perfume Playground are looking forward to creating your personal scents and introducing you to the nuances of fragrance.
In A bit of History, Sarah Becker illuminates Abraham Lincoln and his contributions to our nation. In today’s political environment, this is a very pleasant and refreshing commentary. Enjoy.
In Financial Focus, our buddy Carl Trevison explains the tolls for financial fitness.
In Gallery Beat, Lenny Campello laments about failed art fairs in the DMV but writes about the possibility of an “Art Week DC” that hopes to include a major art fair in the near future.
In Last Word, Miriam Kramer flips a page and writes about Homeland, a political espionage thriller now on Netflix. After reading her article I think that I will watch for Homeland…might make me think of today’s environment.
If this cold weather here in the DMV has got you down, get away to the Caribbean. In Caribbean Connection, we look at the Caribbean Travel Awards for 2026. Just reading this article and marveling at the photographs will make you feel warm inside and create a desire to hit the airport for a quick get-away to one of these great destinations. How I miss St. John.
In Dining Out, we revisited an Old Town icon, the Warehouse on King Street. A long-established restaurant that has stood the test of time. Whether it is a drink at the bar, a nice lunch or brunch or a leisurely elegant dinner, the Warehouse has you covered.
For a short month, Tim Long is all over the place with his Let’s Get Crafty column. Between sporting events, Alexandria Breweries and golfing, Tim covers a lot of ground. it is a fun article!
In Exploring Virginia Wines Doug Fabbioli points out that new regulations are coming to the wine makers of Virginia, and the impact on the Virginia Farm Winery. In Grapevine, Matt Fitzsimmons elaborates on an age-old concern…the sale of Virginia Wines at the retail and restaurant level. When the Old Town Crier started writing about Virginia wines in the early 90’s, there was a huge gap of sales at the retail level. Matthew evaluates those concerns in today’s market. Some things never change. The Virginia wine industry has been pleading for years (decades) for Virginia restaurants to carry a Virginia wine by the glass for sale. A very few did and some tried, but never became widespread. With the “Stewards of Virginia Wine”, a bit of progress is being made. Good advice for all of us.
Looking in on our Fitness and Beauty section, Nicole Flanagan explains the importance of a good massage which can also be a Valentine gift to yourself in Fitness. In From the Trainer, Ryan Unverzagt continues his winter approach to fitness and reveals the correct way to do bench presses. We all did these in our younger years but did we have the right technique? Ryan sorts it all out. In First Blush, Kim Putens tells us how to keep your skin looking young during these harsh winter months.
Even though the Potomac River is currently frozen, Steve Chaconas writes about cheating in Bass tournaments and the consequences in Go Fish.
In Open Space, Lori Welch Brown gets a little introspective about love and Valentine’s Day. Lori always has a great point of view, and this one is a little bit of self-analyzing. Maybe we all should do that from time to time. Good for the soul.
Some exciting and a bit controversial news coming from National Harbor with the pending construction of a “mini” version of the Sphere in Las Vegas in the area next to the MGM Casino and Resort. Read about it in Lani Gering’s Harbor column.
There is much more inside and we hope that you enjoy the issue. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and bring a little warmth on Parade Day. Also, don’t forget Valentine’s Day on the 14th. Lots of great restaurants in Alexandria to treat your sweetheart to as well as great jewelry stores and gift shops to pick up that “just right” token of your love.
It is a short month so…Get Crafty!
