Do you think Alexandria is a good blueprint for a green city? | Photo via the City of Alexandria
Alexandria may be one of the greenest cities in the US, but how did we get here? In 2017, Architectural Digest ranked Alexandria the third greenest U.S. city, and in 2018, Insurify named it the greenest in Virginia. Our city is actively working to reduce its energy footprint and promote sustainability — here’s how.
What is an Eco-City?
Alexandria is known as an Eco-City, defined as “a human settlement modeled on the self-sustaining, resilient structure and function of natural ecosystems.” The concept began in 1975, started by a nonprofit called Urban Ecology.
In 2008, the city adopted the Eco-City Charter, affirming its commitment to ecological, economic, and social sustainability.
Green Building Policy
The city’s 2019 Green Building Policy was designed to deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the city. It established minimum certification requirements for private and public developments.
This year, the policy was updated to streamline and clarify the original framework, making it easier to implement and understand.
Rock the Dock at The Wharf | 7-9 p.m. | Transit Pier, Washington, DC | Free | Secret Society blends jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and rock in their performances.
Friday Family Fun Night at the Pool | 5-8:30 p.m. | Chinquapin Park Recreation Center, Alexandria | Free | Bring out the family for an hour of swimming + a movie screening and snacks.
Saturday, July 19
Fairy Festival | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Walker Nature Center, Reston | $10+ | Kids will explore fairy houses, search for hidden fairies, and spot colorful mushrooms in this magical adventure.
Sunday, July 20
Big Time Rush: In Real Life Worldwide | 7 p.m. | Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow | $30+ | Calling all Big Time Rush fans — the band is back together for their “In Real Life Worldwide” tour, performing classic hits like “Big Time” and more.
A new arcade bar + restaurant called Continues is coming to Alexandria. Located at 1050 N Fayette St., this spot is expected to open in the next couple of weeks. Enjoy a variety of arcade classics, including Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. (ALXnow)
Biz
Homegrown: A Daytime Eatery will open in the Archer Hotel in Old Town Alexandria on Monday, Aug. 11. This restaurant has many locations across the country, but this will be the first one in Virginia. You can expect brunch dishes, pastries, bloody marys, and more. (ALXnow)
Coming Soon
The toy store Camp at Tysons Corner Center will open a new Peppa Pig-themed experience for a limited time starting Friday, July 25. Enjoy activities like a train ride on Miss Rabbit’s Train, a racing track, slides, and more. (FFXnow)
Plan Ahead
The Bands and Brew Bar Crawl returns to Del Ray, Alexandria on Saturday, Aug. 16. From 12–6:30 p.m., enjoy live music at 20 venues across the neighborhood. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day-of. (ALXnow)
Eat
Would you hike a mountain just for pizza? Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen in Sperryville (90 minutes from downtown) is apparently so good, that’s exactly what Southern Living says people are doing. Or, stay close to home with NOVA’s new restaurant guide. (Southern Living)
Edu
The new Jennie Dean Elementary School in Manassas is on track to open on schedule and within budget in May 2026. Students are expected to begin classes in the fall of 2026. Once completed, it will become one of the five elementary schools in the Manassas School District. (InsideNOVA)
Try This
A viral dessert franchise, Lumier’s Chimney Cake, has arrived at DC’s Wharf, serving up freshly baked Georgian-style chimney cakes filled with soft-serve ice cream and indulgent toppings like Nutella and sprinkles. The shop will also offer a selection of fresh juices for guests to enjoy.
Read
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Post of the Day
Have you noticed Spotted Lanternflies in your area? These invasive pests are damaging local crops and trees, and it’s important to help stop their spread. If you see one, it’s recommended to kill it. Learn how to identify and safely manage Spotted Lanternflies here.
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.
This popular trail along the Potomac River is the perfect four-mile hike. | Photo via NOVAtoday
Looking for a challenging hike near Northern Virginia? I recently tackled the Billy Goat Trail in Maryland (about 35 minutes from downtown Arlington) and highly recommend it for experienced hikers. The trail offers some tough, rocky sections that require scrambling, so it may not be ideal for beginners. Also, try to avoid hiking during the heat of the day — much of the trail is exposed with little shade, which can make the hike feel even more strenuous.
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