Latest on Alexandria, Virginia

If you’ve strolled down upper King Street lately, you’ve probably noticed the bright visual display in the front window of Gallery West. The alluring design outside the oldest cooperative gallery in Old Town Alexandria is in promotion of RED SHOES: A Three-Artist Show.

“We had a lot of people stop and stare or smile and laugh and then come into the gallery due to the window treatment,” said P. Delia Chisholm, one of the featured artists in the show. “I’d say that was a success right there!”

RED SHOES celebrates the one-year anniversary of three very different artists joining Gallery West: Chisholm, Louise Gatanas and Stephen Schiff. The artists have a total of 20 pieces in the show, all of which are for sale. The show runs through April 29^th.

Chisholm has four abstract works in the show, all of which are nature-based. Each piece is acrylic on watercolor paper, matted and framed behind glass. The multimedia artist said her inspiration comes from her quiet times at the sea, standing on a cliff, watching a storm or taking long hikes just about anywhere.

“Mother Nature shares everything with us,” she said. “All we have to do is stop and see. I am always on the lookout for the daily color and textural changes offered by Mother Nature. From the predawn fog and stillness of a bay to the fury of a hurricane, I delight in recording my impressions of her glorious and mysterious gifts by sketching, photographing and writing.” 

Chisholm also enjoys creating 3D pieces from all of the nature-based materials she collects while on her adventures.

Louise Gatanas has eight mixed-media pieces in the show. She uses pen and gouache, an opaque watercolor prepared with gum.

Gatanas describes her work as “a symphony of color with the harmony of various intricate patterns.” She offers her view of the inner botanical world through her creation of patterns using fine lines and vibrant color. She also places objects such as stones and berries into the box frames of her pieces to add the feeling of nature’s forms.

Fine art photographer Stephen Schiff also has eight pieces in the show. Schiff’s work explores the connection between photography and painting. His pieces in RED SHOES are from his “Reflections” series, in which he says that he “exploits the reflective and transmissive properties of glass or water to provide new insights into the subject in the frame.”

To Chisholm, the eclectic display of works in the show is what makes RED SHOES so unique.

 “Although our works are very different from one another, I believe that each of us asks the viewer to dwell a little and allow the eyes to wonder and ask questions of the works,” she said.

Through Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; Free
1213 King St. Alexandria, VA; 703-549-6006

*Photos courtesy of Gallery West and P. Delia Chisholm

Don’t miss this annual plant sale and marketplace full of garden-inspired items at River Farm this weekend. The Spring Garden Market will feature a wide variety of plants including natives, annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs and vegetables as well as garden supplies and unique garden art from vendors throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Market visitors can meet the author of Capital Splendor: Gardens and Parks of the Washington, D.C. Area, check out local artist Mark Dorman’s exhibit in the Estate House and participate in a raffle and other special promotions. River Farm’s annual fundraiser benefits the American Horticultural Society (AHS), a small, locally-based nonprofit with a national mission to promote gardening. River Farm serves as the headquarters of the AHS.

Horticulturist and River Farm Manager Sylvia Schmeichel gave us a sneak peek of what to expect at this weekend’s Spring Garden Market.

Courtesy of the American Horticultural Society

What are some of the highlights of this year’s market? Are there any events in particular that you’re excited about?

We're partnering with Bonnie Plants for a special promotion. For every $50 spent at a single vendor, customers receive a voucher for a free plant to be picked up at the AHS Garden Shop, which also offers a selection of items made by local artisans as well as garden books galore. Don't miss the bargain bookshelf – half off the cover price! We'll have the Fairfax County Master Gardeners on site to answer your gardening questions. And we'll have a raffle of items contributed by the vendors and the AHS – a fun way to try your luck at winning some fabulous plants, books and other unique items.

Will there be any new plants, garden supplies or artwork for sale this year? What about any new and/or noteworthy vendors?

We have quite a few returning favorite plant vendors and a few new vendors, too – all of whom have something special to offer, depending on your gardening interests. There will be a wide variety of plants such as annuals, edibles, natives, trees shrubs, perennials and carnivorous plants. There will also be garden-inspired art and other accessories.

You will have vendors from New Jersey and Pennsylvania all the way down to North Carolina. How did you choose this year’s group?

We have a running list of vendors that we invite. Some hear about us and ask if they can come, others we come across at other events or have visited their nurseries so we add them to our list. The more the merrier, so if anyone is interested in participating in next year's Spring Garden Market at River Farm, they can email us at plantsale@ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700.

What can you tell me about local artist Mark Dorman’s exhibit in the Estate House? Are his works for sale? What style/medium does he specialize in?

We have rotating art exhibits on display in the main house at River Farm, and the pieces are for sale (a portion of the proceeds support the Society's mission). Mark Dorman is the featured artist for April, May and June 2012. His exhibit, "Color in Nature," features oil paintings, watercolors and pastels, both abstract and representational.

Tell me a little bit about Capital Splendor: Gardens and Parks of the Washington, D.C. Area and why this is a unique opportunity for market visitors to meet the author.

This recently published book features gardens and parks open to the public in the D.C. area, complete with spectacular photography, and we are so pleased to have River Farm described in it. Both the author Barbara Glickman and the photographer Valerie Brown will be on site to sell and sign copies of their book. Both of them are fascinating people who are extremely knowledgeable about area gardens.

What would you say makes the Spring Garden Market at River Farm unique to other plant sales in the area?

In addition to having a variety of vendors to browse through, River Farm is especially beautiful this time of year. Take a stroll around the grounds to get inspired before your shopping spree. Or after you're shopped out, bring a picnic and recharge while taking in views of the Potomac River. We're close to other area attractions such as Mount Vernon and Old Town so you can make a whole day out of it if you're coming from a distance. And we're family-friendly so you can get the kids to help you schlep your plant purchases by promising them a romp in our children's garden. Kids also love to play on our sod sofa and explore the meadow. Finally, proceeds go to a good cause! In fact, if you are an AHS member, the $5 parking fee is waived for the event, and if you're not, you can apply that $5 towards a membership which is $35 per year.

Friday, April 13, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Free admission and $5 parking for non-members
River Farm, 7931 East Boulevard Dr. Alexandria, VA; (703) 768-5700

April marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of Zoe Boutique, a contemporary women’s clothing shop in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Help celebrate this major milestone at Zoe’s weekend-long birthday party, where you can look forward to refreshments, cake pops, gift card drawings, sales and more!

Susan Gerock, the owner of Zoe Boutique, spoke to me about her interest in fashion, how Zoe got its start and what she has in store for this weekend’s party.

zoeboutique.blogspot.com

Why did you decide to open Zoe Boutique?
I had spent most of my career in technology leadership and had reached a point where I had accomplished everything that I hoped to accomplish in that line of work. My husband suggested that I consider opening a boutique. He knew of my love for fashion, people and business.  After careful consideration and research, I left my technology job in May 2010 and spent the next 11 months preparing to open Zoe.

What’s special about your shop?
Our customers will often tell us that they found their favorite dress, pair of denim or top at Zoe! We are focused on finding that special piece for you to add to your wardrobe.

What types of clothing/designers do you carry?
We carry what I would term contemporary women's clothing. We focus on unique pieces but try not to go too trendy since we know customers want to be able to wear items for more than one year. We have everything from casual tops by Velvet to denim (Red Engine) to dressy items (Yoana Baraschi and Beth Bowley) to runway favorites by Rebecca Taylor and Tracy Reese. Chan Luu's gorgeous wrap bracelets are a big hit with our customers, as are ADMK's earrings and necklaces.

www.alexandrialifestyle.com

What do you have planned for Zoe Boutique’s first birthday party?
We are so excited about Zoe's first birthday!  We will be celebrating this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. We will be offering 20% off everything in the store, a free gift with purchase (over $50), delicious cake pops from Alexandria Cake Pop Company and a $100 gift card drawing each day!

Why should people come to the birthday party?
The timing of the party is perfect if you are in the market for spring clothing: the 20% off is a great deal for in-season items, and we are fully stocked for spring. Plus, it is a great opportunity to shop for things that never go on sale (like jewelry, accessories and denim).  And it is always important to support locally owned businesses in Alexandria―making it for a year is definitely something to celebrate!

Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Free admission
130 South Union St. Alexandria, VA; (571) 970-6324

Click here for more information. Friend Zoe Boutique on Facebook and follow them @ShopAtZoe.

Enjoy an afternoon of classical works by Holst, Debussy, Delius and Bestor at Bishop Ireton High School. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform with the NOVA Community Chorus, mezzo-soprano soloist Grace Gori and baritone soloist Orelious Gori. The performance will also feature violinists Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff. I spoke with Ulysses S. James, music director and conductor of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association (WMPA), about the musical group and its upcoming concert.

Ulysses S. James

Tell me a bit about the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association.
The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association is composed of three orchestras: one for adults (the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic) and two youth orchestras (one for high school students and another for sixth through eighth-graders).

What’s unique about WMPA?
The special quality of all three orchestras is that the focus is on the music and stretching the performers so that they are challenged and involved. And the Philharmonic orchestra uses interesting literature that many other orchestras don’t. This attracts excellent musicians of all levels: professional, semi-professional and amateur.

How do musicians become members of the orchestra?
Musicians can become WMP members through rolling auditions. So anytime anyone wants to join, he or she can call us up, and, generally speaking, we can set up an audition. The two youth orchestras have standard auditions in May.

I understand it's WMPA's 40^th anniversary. Are you doing anything special to celebrate?
For WMPA’s 40^th anniversary, we should have a wonderful season next year with lots of collaboration with various Alexandria arts groups.

What can attendees expect at this Sunday's concert at Bishop Ireton High School?
There will be about 65 musicians and the concert will last around one hour and 45 minutes, including intermission. Attendees can expect some pretty interesting music including the less-often heard Concerto for 2 Violins by Holst that will be performed by one of the best violin duos anywhere: Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff. We will also be performing a major piece by Frederick Delius called Songs of Sunset with the NOVA Community Chorus. It’s essentially a work that concentrates on the examination of loss: loss of love, youth and life. The two soloists, Orelious Gori (baritone) and Grace Gori (mezzo-soprano), are magnificent.

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic

What will the atmosphere be like?
It will be informal. We are mostly interested in enjoying the music and the company of the orchestra. We would welcome anyone who’d like to come.

Sunday, April 1, 3 p.m.; $20 online at WMPA or at the door
Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Rd. Alexandria, VA

Click here for more information.

* All images courtesy of WMPA

Get a double dose of art with the Art League’s two exciting exhibits Play and Elemental, both of which are on display through Monday, April 2. The shows are diverse, each offering something completely unique.

Play is the league’s current juried membership exhibit, in honor of the Minds Wide Open: Year of Children and the Arts program. From an average of 600 pieces submitted from Art League members to each juried exhibit, an objective juror selects around 120 works to make up the show.

The pieces in Play are bright and whimsical, something the whole family can enjoy. In addition, there are interactive works for visitors to get involved in the exhibit.

“From the interactive, to the whimsical, to the joyful, the artwork selected by juror Judy Bass features a variety of interpretations of Play,” explained Erica Fortwengler, Director of Communications at The Art League.

“Found object sculptures, paintings, photographs, drawings and mixed media pieces are included in the lighthearted exhibit, which may make adult visitors nostalgic for elements of their childhood―crayons, a super soaker and carefree summer days. And kids will see that art doesn't have to be so serious.”

The second exhibit, Elemental, features works by artist Georgia Nassikas, whose art has been displayed throughout the United States and is currently held in both private and public collections around the world.

For her first solo exhibition at the Art League, Nassikas used beeswax from her own hives, mineral pigments and oil sticks in a method called encaustic, where multiple layers of wax are melded together with heat.

“What I love about this medium is the energy involved―the process of scraping, layering and scoring is active, engaging and challenging,” Nassikas explained.

“Nassikas has filled the solo gallery this month with highly textured, ethereal, abstracted landscapes,” Fortwengler said.

“Photographs of the work do not do it justice. The textures are rich, the colors are luminous and the feeling in the gallery is one of serenity.”

The Art League, which was founded in 1954, is one of the country’s “largest and oldest multi-service organizations for visual artists” and is a staple in the Alexandria community. The 1000+ members include artists from the D.C. area and the mid-Atlantic region.

For more information, visit the Art League’s website.

The Art League, 105 North Union St. Alexandria, VA; (703) 683-1780
Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.; Free admission

* All photos courtesy of The Art League

www.torpedofactory.org

Art lovers rejoice! The Target Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and March of Dimes have joined forces to bring you March ARTreach for the second year. The fundraising event is being held at the Target Gallery in Alexandria through Sunday, March 18 as part of Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts, “a statewide collaboration of artists, arts organizations, museums, and libraries to present thousands of performances, exhibitions, festivals, film screenings, and readings by, for, or about children and the arts.”

Proceeds benefit the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s Target Gallery 2012 outreach programming and the March of Dimes, explained Mary Cook, the Target Gallery Director and organizer of March ARTreach.

“All of our outreach projects have an art focus and are free to the public,” Cook said.

She went on to explain a unique program called Peace Paper taking place this July. “We are inviting war veterans and survivors of trauma to participate in a week-long workshop. They will be asked to bring an article of significant clothing that will be shredded, pulped and turned into paper. They will then create artistic responses on that paper.”

In addition to the ongoing fundraising exhibition, which houses almost 200 pieces of art (each one is 10 inches square and sells for $150) donated by local as well as regional artists and students from T.C. Williams High School’s National Art Honor Society, a special art party will take place this Friday, March 16 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s main hall.

The pub-themed party will include games, pub fare such as wings, pizza and beer donated by local restaurants, a wing-off competition to choose the audiences favorite wings, music, prizes (five of the paintings for sale will include two tickets each to a special Progressive Dinner Party hosted by Torpedo Factory artists in their studios on April 24) and raffles for amazing items like a key to the City of Alexandria, the Mount Vernon Bike and Roll package, a Potomac River boat cruise, tickets to a Caps game and a kayak lesson with professional kayaker Alison Sigethy. Plus, all of the paintings will be reduced to $100 for the night.

Cook praised the party as “a wonderful way to interact with some of the artists, other like-minded, art-loving and community-focused people that want to have fun and give back.”

Guests are encouraged to participate in artistic activities at the party such as helping to construct a papier-mâché light house that will be donated to Port City Brewery and joining Torpedo Factory artist Lisa Schumaier to create a painting made of gum balls (a crowd favorite, according to Cook!)

 “ARTreach is a wonderful opportunity to support the local arts, give back to the community and hopefully add to or begin your art collection by purchasing a unique work of art for an incredibly reasonable price,” Cook said.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the Art Party, click here.

Torpedo Factory Art Center - Target Gallery, 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA; (703) 838-4565 ext. 4 Target Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
March ARTreach Art Party: Friday, March 16, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door (includes one drink ticket)

If you haven’t yet experienced brunch in Old Town, you need to try it (and if you have, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you twice!) More than just a delicious meal, brunch is a time to relax and connect with friends or family. Try one of our top 10 local brunch places this weekend.

Bastille, 1201 N. Royal St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 519-3776; www.bastillerestaurant.com
Brunch hours: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Daniel O’Connells, 112 King St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 739-1124; www.danieloconnells.com
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

grimbert.net

Fontaine Caffe & Creperie, 119 South Royal St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 535-8151; www.fontainecaffe.com
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

houndstoothgourmet.com

Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, 138 N. Royal St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-1288; www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com
Brunch hours: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Indigo Landing Restaurant, 1 Marina Dr. Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-0001; www.indigolanding.com
Brunch hours: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Laporta’s Restaurant, 1600 Duke St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 683-6313; www.laportas.net
Brunch hours: Sunday starting at 11:00 a.m.

Taverna Cretekou, 818 King St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-8688; www.tavernacretekou.com
Brunch hours: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Union Street Public House, 121 South Union St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-1785; www.unionstreetpublichouse.com
Brunch hours: Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m.

www.flickr.com

Vermilion Restaurant, 1120 King St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 684-9669; www.vermilionrestaurant.com
Brunch hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

www.flickriver.com

The Warehouse Bar & Grill, 214 King St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 683-6868; www.warehousebarandgrill.com
Brunch hours: Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Be a part of history this weekend! Alexandria will be celebrating the birth of America's Founding Father with a host of activities organized by a 19-person volunteer citizen committee appointed by the Alexandria City Council.

George Washington at the parade

“This celebration has been carried out by the citizens of Alexandria since George Washington lived here,” explained Joseph S. Shumard, the parade director and the chair-elect of the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee. “Thousands of our citizens participate in the festival each year.”

The main event of the annual celebration, taking place this year on Feb. 18-20, is the George Washington Birthday Parade, the largest and oldest parade in the country honoring the nation’s first president. Despite its grand scale, Shumard describes the parade as a community affair.

“The parade involves elements from historic and civic organizations across the community,” he said. “Almost every element of our community is represented including military, fire, police, EMS, historical reenactment groups (from the 18^th to the 20^th century), performance groups, bands, youth, equestrian and other animal units and civic.”

A fife band marching in the George Washington Birthday Parade

The 1-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Gibbon and S. Fairfax Streets and ends at Wilkes and S. Royal Streets.

George Washington was born 280 years ago, on Feb. 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, VA. But Alexandria was his hometown. And today, more than 140 sites in Alexandria alone are associated with Washington.

“The importance of Washington to Alexandria cannot be exaggerated,” Shumard said. “It is fair to say that Alexandria would not be what it is today without him.”

The Colonial Military

The parade isn’t the only exciting historical event of the weekend-long festivity.

“The best thing about Alexandria's George Washington Birthday Celebration is its diversity,” the parade director explained. “There is truly something for everyone.”

Other events this historic weekend include a 10K race and a 1-mile run prior to the parade, the Birthnight Banquet & Ball, a revolutionary war reenactment at Fort Ward Park, a wine tasting, tours and more.

Additionally, many of the historic sites in Alexandria such as Christ Church, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens will be offering free admission on President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 20.

The Birthnight Ball at Gadsby's Tavern

Monday, Feb. 20, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.; Free
Old Town Alexandria, VA

Click here for more information. See the complete list of weekend events here.

*All photos courtesy of Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association

Are you looking for a classic but creative Valentine’s gift for your sweetie, perhaps something more original than a generic box of chocolates? You’re in luck! You can still gift your special someone something sinfully sweet, but it’ll be way more unexpected and delicious than the store-bought stuff.

The Sugar Cube, “the sweetest place in town,” is a local confectionary that offers beautifully packaged chocolates and sweets ranging from artisan truffles and panned chocolates to chocolate milkies and gourmet confections. Their products, many of which come from small producers and a few of which are made in-house, include caramels, fudge, bars, jelly beans, gummies and licorice, to name a few.

The Sugar Cube had a slightly unconventional start. It was founded by two sisters who had formerly worked in library science and publishing. After attending college and working “normal” jobs for a while, Kim and Alyssa Theodore decided to start their own business. The Sugar Cube opened its doors in December 2006.

Owners of The Sugar Cube

The passionate duo wasn’t completely in the dark about the delectable world of desserts.

“Our parents were always entrepreneurs, so it wasn't a strange concept to us to work for ourselves,” the sisters explained.

“We both love food, sweets in particular,” Alyssa said. “And Kim had experience working part-time in a candy store in our home town for years.”

Luckily for locals with a sweet tooth, Kim and Alyssa turned their passion for confections into a career. More than just a candy store, The Sugar Cube is somewhat of a hangout for local candy enthusiasts. As a member of the Old Town Boutique District, the store partakes in scavenger hunts, trick or treating and Black Friday sales.

“We hold weekly tastings, an annual holiday preview party for members of our email list, candy-themed birthday parties and hands-on candy-making classes for kids,” the sisters said.

For exclusive specials and discounts, send an email to info@sugarcubesweets.com with the subject line "Email Newsletter.”

The Sugar Cube, 210 N. Lee St. Alexandria, VA; (703) 548-2868
Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Closed Mondays

Click here for more information. And friend them on Facebook.

*All images courtesy of The Sugar Cube

www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

Shopping on a budget can be a real drag. Luckily, this Saturday is the annual Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale, a one-day clearance sale of items from more than 20 of Alexandria’s finest boutique shops. The eighth annual sale has proven to be a huge success in previous years.

“The event has increased in momentum each year we have been a part of it,” said Cindy McCartney, the owner of Diva Designer Consignment, a women's designer shop located in a charming 1880s townhouse that carries new and slightly worn clothes, shoes and accessories from Diane von Furstenberg, Prada, Michael Kors, Nicole Miller, Chanel, Tracy Reese, Jimmy Choo and other famous designers.

Courtesy of Diva Designer Consignment

McCartney, whose boutique was voted "Best Consignment Shop" by the readers of Northern Virginia and Washingtonian magazines, explains that this Saturday, items will be on sale for 60 percent off the lowest price, making them “the deepest discounts of the year!”

Courtesy of Diva Designer Consignment

If you’re an expectant mother or have a young baby, shop for items from Apple Seed Maternity and Baby Boutique, which carries casual and more formal designer maternity clothing from Olian, Ripe, Japanese Weekend and Maternal America, to name a few, as well as adorable outfits for your little one from the likes of Petit Bateau, Egg and Angel Dear. You can also get diaper bags, strollers and other necessities.

www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

“We have been participating in the annual boutique warehouse sale for six years,” co-owner Elleni Cavallaro said. “Everything about this event is special. There are so many boutiques. You can stock up on all things clothes and accessories at a super deep discount. But you need to come to really experience it.”

Clothes aren’t the only purchases to be made this weekend. You will find a mix of antique and new furniture and gift items from Red Barn Mercantile; clothing, jewelry and Latin American folk art from Gossypia; shoes from The Shoe Hive; organic and trendy children’s clothing and furniture from Pink & Brown; designer jewelry from Mystique Jewelers; special personalized gifts from The Little Monogram Shop; everything for the cook in your family from La Cuisine; and unique jewelry and collectibles from Lawrence Miller & Company.

www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com

If you plan on attending, come early, advises Cavallaro. The venue is located across the street from the King Street Metro, and there is limited parking available.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Free admission
George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria, VA

Click here for more information. And find the event on Facebook here.