Archive for the ‘Virginia’ Category

Del Ray Restaurants

1) Taqueria Poblano 2400 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301 (703) 548-8226 ‎

Located in Del Ray, it’s a small restaurant but they do take reservations.  I’ve been there for dinner and brunch (on Sundays) but they also serve breakfast and lunch. Yummy Vegetarian Bean Burritos, friendly & efficient service, tasty margaritas and much more! There’s outdoor seating during warm weather. We found out the hard way that they’re closed on Tuesdays.

2) Caboose Cafe and Bakery on Mount Vernon Street in Del Ray

Across from the Tacqueria Poblano, the Caboose Cafe was our default when we attempted to go to the Tacqueria on a Tuesday night only to find they were closed.  But it worked out just fine because the Caboose restaurant is a delicious mix of Ethiopian food, pastas, Quiche, etc. Very vegetarian friendly and they also have an outdoor seating area during the warmer months. I’ve had the spicy pasta dish, the vegetarian sampler (Ethiopian food) and just recently had the Quiche with salad. All good!  I recommend the house Pinot Grigio as well. Refreshing.  The desserts are OK but not decadent. Not their specialty. 

I would highly recommend either one.  There’s another restaurant in Del Ray (two doors down from the Caboose) which I’ve tried to eat at THREE times now and they are always too busy. Great for the restaurant, but not so good for me. It’s called the Cheesetique and the menu looks fabulous. They are closed on Mondays but open for lunch and dinner Tues through Sunday.  Outdoor seating available. I’ll have to get there right at opening (11 am) so I can finally maybe get a table.

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Mount Vernon Estate

With Mount Vernon Estates only a couple of miles down the road, we’ve been there many times since we moved to Virginia. I’m glad we purchased the annual entry passes ~ at only $28.00 per person for the year, it has saved us a lot of money.  Mount Vernon is very dog friendly and allows dogs anywhere on its grounds but not in the buildings.  We’ve been there with most of our visitors so I usually skip the house tour.  The regular house tour consists of the first and second floors but during the Christmas holidays, they open up the 3rd floor for viewing.

Recently, we attended the Spring Wine Festival and Sunset tours.  This time the basement/cellar, which is rarely open, was available to visitors. It was small and oh, so musty but I enjoyed seeing it.  The festival featured 17 Virginia wineries.  Unfortunately, I was the designated driver so I only tasted a couple of wines early on in the evening.  As we were leaving, there were lots of taxis waiting for fares so we will surely go that route next time.  Speaking of next time, that’ll be in the late September when they host the Fall Wine Festival.

The tickets cost $35.00 per person so it’s not an inexpensive evening but it sure was fun to attend with a large group. We set up our lawn chair in between the wine/food tent and the house.  Perfect spot with easy access to the wine tasting and we could still hear the band.

Here are some tips if you decide to attend:

  • The festival occurs rain or shine
  • The Mansion, Wine Cellar and outbuildings are open but the gardens, Wharf, Tomb & Museum are closed
  • Security will search backpacks/purses
  • No outside food/beverage allowed
  • Bring a blanket & lawn chair ~ folding tables not allowed
  • Pets not allowed during the wine festival (way too many people)
  • No smoking except at the designated area near the restrooms
  • Photo ID will be requested
  • The festival is an adult event
  • If you’re a designated driver, you’ll get complimentary soft drinks throughout the evening
  • Wine valet is available for case purchases.
  • The festival starts at 6:00 pm and ends promptly at 9:00 pm

Mount Vernon has a lot to offer and I highly recommend it ~ anytime of year.

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Grist Mill Dog Park

Ever since our beloved dog, Sport passed away, Maya has been a lonely dog. Since she has socialization problems dating back to her shelter days, I’ve decided to take her to the dog park as often as possible. I’ve been curious about the Grist Mill Dog Park every time I drive to Fort Belvoir but yesterday was my first visit.  It was a “D-” for Maya’s socialization test.  When we first arrived, there was a standard poodle mix there who wouldn’t leave her alone and slobbered all over her. The next dog that came in was even more “afraid” than Maya which caused the other dog owner to panic every time Maya went near her dog. 

Today was much better: three dogs at the park and Maya only growled at the French Bulldog trying to hump her.  The big difference was the calm attitude of the owners ~ proving the Dog Whisperer correct once again.

If you’re looking for a dog park in Southern Alexandria and one which is very close to Fort Belvoir, I recommend the Grist Mill Dog Park.  Pros: 1 acre fenced area with bluestone dust (gravel), a baby pool for those dogs who need to cool down, a water pump and water dishes, plastic bags, lots of trash bins, benches and a fenced entrance to leash and unleash your dog.   Cons: Not all the dog owners pick up after their dog so watch your step.  Also, a Fairfax County dog license is required for your dog.

Walkway to the Park:

Maya at the park:

Clean up bags:

Leash/Unleash entrance:

Lots of space:

For more information about Grist Mill Dog Park (4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy ~ between Ft Belvoir and Mount Vernon Estate) and for other Dog Parks in Fairfax County, click here.

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Spring in DC is a wonderful time of year. The blooming cherry blossoms, dogwoods, azaleas are all gorgeous and I’m looking forward to a warm fun summer. Living in a old well-established neighborhood has its advantages when landscaping.  For us, it’s more a matter of cutting back, rather than adding plants. Here’s the backyard:

And the gorgeous Dogwood tree:

Flowers:

  

We’ve settled nicely into our “new ” old home. So much to do with the house but we’re taking our time and doing one project at a time. After a year and a couple of months, I’m finally having an estate sale on Saturday for my mom’s furniture and household goods.  My sister, Jo, came into town to help out and we’ve been working diligently emptying boxes but pause frequently when a memory is triggered.  We’ll keep the items which make us smile and reminds us of many good times with both my mom and dad.

Update: Estate sale went well except none of the furniture sold. Time to get reacquainted with Craigslist.

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