High tides 6:52 a.m. and 7:12 p.m. | Low tide 1:27 p.m.
Mailbag
Reader Gail C. wrote to let us know they “Love seeing this. Keep sending and include Dulles Expo activities.”
Right back at you — we loved seeing your email, Gail. Keep the requests coming. Here are some events happening soon.
April 25-26 Stamp and Scrapbook Expo
April 26-27 The National Franchise Show
May 3-4 The DC Big Flea Antiques Event
May 3-4 Spirit Fest Metaphysical, Holistic, and Crystal Expo
History that deserves a toast
Centuries of history lie behind these doors. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Gadsby’s Tavern — Alexandria’s oldest bar — has undergone many changes over its centuries of service. It still operates at the original site, but it’s claimed an additional spot — as a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The early days
By some accounts, Gadsby’s Tavern’s history dates back to 1770, making it older than the Declaration of Independence. At the time, Alexandria was a busy seaport town, and a local named Mary Hawkins operated a tavern in the space until her death in 1777.
It wasn’t until 1796 that ownership would transfer to the tavern’s namesake, businessman John Gadsby. He operated the space until 1808, and the tavern had various uses afterwards. It was used as a hotel during the Civil War, and remained a space for lodging into the late 1800s.
While most bars have served celebrities, Gadsby’s patrons are downright historic. The first five US presidents — George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe — all visited.
This plaque celebrates and recognizes Gatsby’s history.
Gadsby’s Tavern has since been recognized and preserved with distinctions, including being named a National Historic Landmark in 1963. In 1966, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, largely due to George Washington’s many visits. It was also added to the Virginia Landmarks Register in 1969.
Click the button below to keep reading about Gadsby’s history — or go ahead and make dining reservations.
Thursday, April 10 Pink in the Park: Pink Beats | 5-8 p.m. | Water Park, Arlington | Free | Listen to live music by locals and enjoy cherry blossom-themed decor, lawn games, and giveaways.
Saturday, April 12 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC | $25+ | Celebrate the bloom of cherry blossoms with the annual parade featuring colorful helium balloons, floats, marching bands from across the country, and celebrity entertainers.
Spring Egg Hunt | 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington | $8 | Through April 20, pick up an egg hunt sheet at the nature center, search for eggs, and return to the nature center with a completed sheet for a prize.
Thursday, April 24 Washington Ballet Presents: “Alice (in Wonderland)” | Thursday, April 24-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Capital One Hall, Tysons | $25+ | Follow Alice through the rabbit hole in this ballet production with vibrant costumes, puppetry, and choreography.
Friday, April 25 Rock the Block! | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Town Square, Fairfax | Free | End the week right with a rockin’ concert as you sip on a beer and munch on snacks from local vendors.
Saturday, April 26 Nature Journaling Club |10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Alexandria | Free | Make time for quiet observation as you sketch flowers, plants, and wildlife — bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable.
In case you missed it, applications are now open for Starburst’s National Landing Launchpad. The new accelerator program in Arlington is looking for startups and research projects in key emerging tech domains — think: AI, aviation, and quantum tech. Apply by Friday, May 9.
Community
What do you think about the future of the Manassas Mall property? Attend a community meeting tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Manassas Mall in the corridor leading to Uptown Alley. Learn more about the plans for the property, which may include space for hotels and restaurants. (InsideNova)
Coming Soon
A new beer and bratwurst restaurant from the folks behind Shipgarten is coming to Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Brats n Beers is slated to open at 1610 Washington Plaza North within the next few months. (FFXnow)
Number
$9.6 million. That’s the amount that the Arlington County Board approved for the contract to rebuild the Arlington Ridge Road bridge at the Arlington-Alexandria border. Planned improvements include wider sidewalks and bike lanes, plus improved lighting. (ARLnow)
Traffic
Several safety improvements are coming to the intersection at Arlington Boulevard and Highland Street. Medians and dedicated turn lanes are slated for installation in 2030, but in the meantime, “right turn only” signs and flex posts will be added. (WTOP)
Games
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It’s not just Cherry Blossom season — indigenous plants like the flowering dogwood, Virginia bluebell, Eastern redbud, coral honeysuckle, wild columbine, and tulip magnolia are also showing their blooms.
Answered
Answered
Which MLB record does not belong to the Nationals?
We put your team knowledge to the test + 44% knew the Nats do not have the most home runs in a season — that record is held jointly by the 2023 Atlanta Braves and 2019 Minnesota Twins, who are tied at 307 homers in one season.
}})
}})
