Theo nguồn tin trên trang mạng thành phố Alexandria
March 6, 2019
CONTACTS:
Claire Mouledoux: CMouledoux@VisitAlexVA.com or 703-652-5367
Leah Spellman, APR: LSpellman@VisitAlexVA.com or 703-652-5363
Cherry Blossom Experiences from Alexandria, VA
Cherry Blossom with Dog
Alexandria, VA—It’s easy to celebrate cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. with boat cruises, water taxi service and new electric bike tours from Old Town Alexandria, plus new cherry blossom experiences in Old Town. Located within eyesight of the nation’s capital and named the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018 by Money magazine, Alexandria is the perfect launchpad for taking in the 3,750 cherry blossom trees that line the Tidal Basin, National Mall and Potomac River, and the activities of the National Cherry Blossom Festival happening March 20 to April 14, 2019.
In addition to the new electric bike tours, visitors can also take part in Alexandria’s new cherry blossom-themed food crawl and pop-up cherry blossom history tour along Old Town’s picturesque streets lined with cherry blossoms and flowering trees. Book a blossom-themed hotel package for strollable access to even more cherry blossom-inspired events and food and drink offerings, and discover why Condé Nast Traveler named Alexandria a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2018.
Learn more about Alexandria’s spring happenings and hotel packages at VisitAlexandriaVA.com/Spring.
Boat Cruises & Water Taxis
Water Taxi to The Wharf in Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossom Festival Service
Monday through Sunday beginning March 1, 2019
Departures beginning at 9:40 a.m. weekdays and 11:45 a.m. weekends; check website for details
Admission: starting at $18 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
www.potomacriverboatco.com/water-taxi/wharf
Cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Washington, D.C. to stroll among the famous cherry blossoms and take part in events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, including the Blossom Kite Festival. Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 25-minute direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in D.C. From the dock at The Wharf, it’s a 10-minute walk to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin. The water taxi docks at the Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St. SW, near the Tidal Basin, the National Mall, Hains Point and a Capital Bikeshare station.
Washington’s Monuments Cruise to the Cherry Blossoms
Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 23, 2019
Departing at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Admission: starting at $34 round-trip for adults
Departs from the Alexandria Marina, 1 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-0580
www.potomacriverboatco.com/sightseeing-tours/cherry-blossoms-cruises
Traverse the Potomac River from Old Town Alexandria and cruise past the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. on the Washington’s Monuments Cruise by Potomac Riverboat Company. View and listen to the history of the iconic monuments, memorials and bridges as the D.C. region awakens to spring. See beautiful cherry blossom trees as you glide past Hains Point and head onward to Georgetown. The cruise is 45 minutes one-way and approximately 90 minutes round-trip and is offered Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 23, 2019, and throughout peak cherry blossom season.
Bike, Walking & Food Tours
Cherry Blossom Rides with Pedego
March 20-April 12, 2019 (or as long as the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
Departures at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time.)
Admission: $59 per person
Pedego Alexandria, 210 North Lee St., Alexandria, VA
571-312-5168
www.pedegoalexandria.com
Pedego Electric Bikes will offer 2-3 hour guided tours from Old Town to the cherry blossoms, including riding through Hains Point Park. Pedego bikes offer an up-close-and-personal view of the blossoms, without the exertion of regular bikes or the stress of traffic and parking. All tours are subject to weather, safe riding conditions and bike availability. Individual riders must be at least 16 years old. Child seats, passenger bikes and a tandem are available to accommodate younger participants. Helmets and bike locks are included. Credit card and ID are required for rentals. Contact Pedego Alexandria to reserve a private group tour.
Alexandria Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl
April 7, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $80 for six tasting tickets; $96 for eight tasting tickets
Starting location provided at time of ticket purchase
888-697-2693
www.carpedcfoodtours.com
Enjoy the warming air and the season’s first blooms as you walk with friends and build your own culinary adventure on the first annual Alexandria Tastes of Spring Cherry Blossom Food Crawl. Eat your way through Old Town on a self-guided food tour sampling diverse cuisine at some of Alexandria’s most popular restaurants. Buy your tasting tickets online and enjoy one tasting at any of Carpe DC Food Tours’ 10 participating Alexandria restaurants. Guests can buy tickets in packages of 6 or 8, and vegetarian options are available. At check-in, grab your tickets along with a wristband and passport and head out on a culinary crawl of Old Town. At each participating location, show your wristband, and give them your ticket to enjoy delicious tastings. Passport includes map and descriptions for all participating 10 restaurants.
Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour with Discover Alexandria
To be announced one week in advance; two pop-up tours to occur during peak bloom weekend
Admission: $12 per adults; $5 per child
Tour departs from the Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
www.discoveralexva.com
Discover Alexandria will be offering a Cherry Blossom Pop-Up History Tour in April. The tour will occur twice over peak bloom weekend. The tour offers the best of both worlds, combining local history with great cherry blossom sightseeing. The tour dates and times will be announced approximately one week in advance via Discover Alexandria’s website and social media platforms. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing discoveralexandria@gmail.com.
Special Events
Cherry Blossom Celebration at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
April 6, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
703-746-4590
www.torpedofactory.org
Enjoy an indoor hanami (flower viewing) in the Torpedo Factory Art Center and revel in all things cherry blossom. Artists show and make work inspired by the popular pink and white blooms. Find a bevy of activities and performances to enjoy this regional celebration in Alexandria.
Cherry Blossom Shop & Sip with the Old Town Boutique District
April 14, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $25
Boutiques throughout Old Town
www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com
Join the Old Town Boutique District and its restaurant partners for a full day of cherry blossom frenzy. Kick off the morning with brunch and pink cocktails, then spend the day shopping the spring collections at all Old Town Boutique District shops while collecting blossom flare and fabulous swag along the way. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/cherry-blossom-shop-sip-with-otbd-tickets-56371932969.
Food & Drink Offerings
Cherry Blossom Gelato at Dolci Gelati
March 20 to April 14, 2019, in limited supply
Dolci Gelati Old Town, 107 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
571-290-0684
www.oldtowndolci.com
Dolci Gelati will bring back its popular Cherry Blossom gelato for the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year, offering a light, floral flavor that’s perfect for springtime. Dolci founder Gianluigi Dellaccio knows a thing or two about concocting delectable gelato flavors. Dellaccio was appointed a Global Gelato Ambassador by the Italian Gelatoers Association in January 2018 and won “Best Gelato Flavor” at the Inaugural Gelato Festival America in November 2017.
Cherry Glazed Donut at Sugar Shack
March 20 to April 14, 2019, in limited supply
Sugar Shack Donuts, 804 N. Henry St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-577-9023
www.sugarshackdmv.com
In celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival, Sugar Shack Donuts will offer a Cherry Glazed Donut from March 20 to April 14, 2019. Grab this seasonal specialty, topped with a gummy cherry, to fuel a day of sightseeing, or reward yourself at day’s end.
Cherry BBQ Duck Tacos at Columbia Firehouse
March 20 to April 14, 2019, available at lunch and dinner
Columbia Firehouse, 109 S. St. Asaph St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-683-1776
www.columbiafirehouse.com
To celebrate spring, Columbia Firehouse will offer Cherry BBQ Duck Tacos from March 20, 2019 through April 14, 2019. For $15, enjoy a taco trio stuffed with pulled duck leg, dark cherry barbecue sauce and tangy slaw, wrapped in a blue corn tortilla. Ring in the season by dining al fresco on the front patio, or linger in the sumptuous interior dining rooms.
Special Entrée and Dessert at Brabo Brasserie
March 20 to April 14, 2019
Brabo Brasserie, 1600 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-894-3440
www.braborestaurant.com
During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, French-forward Brabo Brasserie will be offering a special entrée and dessert. Try the Rohan Duck Bigarade, prepared with cherry compote, pomegranate reduction and citrus. Then, cap off a memorable meal with Cherry-Filled Baked Alaska, served tableside with a rum flambé.
Cherry Blossom Specials at Magnolia’s On King
March 24 to April 14, 2019
Magnolia’s On King, 703 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314
703-838-9090
www.magnoliasonking.com
Popular Old Town eatery Magnolia’s On King will be serving up two special offerings to celebrate the season. The limited-edition fare includes Cherry Blossom Pork Belly with cherry spätzle, micro green salad and a blistered cherry reduction, as well as a specialty cocktail, the Black Cherry Keto Spritz. This refreshing libation features Falls Church Distillers’ vodka, minted soda water and house-made black cherry sangria containing keto-approved wine varietals Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Stop in during the Cherry Blossom Festival to try these seasonal specials.
Hotel Packages
“Awesome Blossom” Package at Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa
Travelers taking part in the region’s springtime festivities can take advantage of Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa’s “Awesome Blossom” package available March 20 through April 15, 2019. Whether traveling with the family in tow or exploring the blooms with buds, guests will enjoy the “Awesome Blossom” package’s fun perks that let them hit the ground running. The package includes two pre-loaded Metrorail cards, a $25 daily dining credit for cocktails, dining or room service at Brabo Brasserie or Brabo Tasting Room, a map of the most popular spots and a cherry blossom puzzle for the young (or just young at heart) to solve together as a memento of the trip. To learn more, call 703-894-3434 or visit lorienhotelandspa.com.
“Cherry on Top” Package at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection
To up the ante on the region’s most spectacular season, travelers can book a stay at the charming The Alexandrian hotel and take advantage of its special “Cherry on Top” package, available March 18 through April 28, 2019. Upon arrival, travelers will receive delightful signature cherry blossom-themed cocktails for two and a gourmet picnic basket curated by Jackson 20 to enjoy at a nearby park on Alexandria’s Potomac River waterfront. The package also includes round trip Potomac Riverboat Co. water taxi tickets to The Wharf in D.C. Depart from Old Town Alexandria and enjoy a quick 25-minute ride to D.C. where you’ll be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms in person. Rates start at $219 per night. To learn more, call 703-549-6080 or visit thealexandrian.com.
ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA
Named the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018 by Money magazine, a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. 2018 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and one of the South’s Prettiest Cities 2018 by Southern Living, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle—a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital. A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is home to more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. At the heart of it all is bustling King Street, a walkable mile recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. New restaurants tucked in to 18th- and 19th-century architecture still intact from the city’s days as George Washington’s hometown ignite historic and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods as the waterfront district evolves with new energy. Learn more at www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com.
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City of Alexandria Hosts Opening Expo for New Patrick Henry Recreation Center
For Immediate Release: February 14, 2019
The City of Alexandria invites the public to celebrate the opening of the new Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.) on Saturday, February 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The new Patrick Henry Recreation Center provides a wonderful addition to the City programs and amenities available on Alexandria’s West End,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “The innovative and flexible design maximizes use by the entire community.”
The Opening Expo will feature free activities for all ages, including class demonstrations, fitness room and functional fitness demos, soft play room use, exhibitors, summer camp information, facility tours, face painting, DJ music, and a “meet and greet” with center staff. On-going class demonstrations will include yoga, boxing, creative arts, tumbling, martial arts, tai chi, basketball, performing arts and more. For more information, visit the event page on the City Calendar.
The new recreation center opened to the public on January 22, and operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with additional opportunity for pre-scheduled use on Saturday evenings and Sundays.
Recreation amenities include:
indoor running or walking lanes
a flex court with full size basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts
multipurpose rooms to provide space for expanded senior programming, community classes and meetings and expanded Out of School Time programs
dedicated arts and crafts, exercise and fitness, and soft play rooms
shared used of the black box theatre, full size gymnasium and an additional multipurpose room in the adjacent elementary school during non-school hours
preparations continue for the installation of a full size rectangular synthetic turf field with a coach-pitch baseball/softball diamond overlay, outdoor basketball court, three playgrounds and adult fitness equipment
Free drop-in classes provide another opportunity to sample programs that will be offered in the spring. Pre-registration is not required for drop-in classes. The following classes will be offered weekly at the recreation center between February 25 and March 29:
Fun for Kids: Lil Yogis, Tiny Chefs, Lil Kickers, Little Stars, Jump Shots for Tots and Tumbling
Adult Fitness: Zumba, Stretch It Out, Hip Hop Fitness, Yoga, Walk & Fit Training, Boxercise, Tai Chi and Adult Weight Training
Fitness for Ages 55 & Up: Age Reversal Stretch, Senior Aerobics, Senior Weight Training and Line Dancing
The original joint project plan between the City and Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) was put in place almost five years ago. Staff from the City and ACPS worked closely together to resolve site constraints and topographical issues to ensure project efficiency while simultaneously matching the needs of both entities. The final total cost of the project was $62.8 million, of which $52.3 million is attributed to the new school and $10.5 million is attributed to the recreation center, including the upgrading of outdoor amenities.
For a detailed schedule of drop-in classes with descriptions and parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Patrick Henry Recreation Center at 703.746.5557.
For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact gladstone.harriott@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5557, Virginia Relay 711.
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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/108102.
https://www.visitalexandriava.com/articles/post/2019-cherry-blossom-experiences-from-alexandria-va/