Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I have a confession to make: I’ve wanted to go for years, but I’ve never actually been to Old Town Alexandria! However, our “summer” intern (who’s ironically been with us since last summer) told me a couple of weeks ago that the historic area is bustling like never before. 

Brendan Smith took it upon himself to write an insider’s scoop on some of the best ways to spend a day, providing his own local perspective. I’ve got a good feeling you’re going to enjoy the lead story as much as I do—and I’m so glad you’re here. 

Photo of Old Town Alexandria. (Brendan Smith/Dogwood)

Here’s what you need to know: Alexandria will celebrate its 276th birthday on Saturday, July 12, at Oronoco Bay Park. As the festivities abound, we’re taking a look at an area of the city called “Old Town.” With plenty to do just steps from the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria offers unique charm, steeped in history.

Our top picks:

• Established in 1753, the Old Town Farmers Market is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating venues of its kind. Located in Market Square—near Alexandria’s City Hall and a few blocks from the waterfront—it offers artisanal crafts, specialty foods, and seasonal produce from a variety of vendors. Every Saturday morning, the market becomes a bustling hub for locals and tourists, embodying the true spirit of Old Town Alexandria.

• Want a dinner with breathtaking views of the Potomac River? We suggest snagging a table at Julia’s On The Potomac. Enjoy your meal while watching planes take off and land from the nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The restaurant’s design ensures that every table offers a prime vantage point, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings, while savoring culinary delights.

• The Spite House, a 7-foot-wide architectural marvel on Queen Street, is one of the narrowest homes in the US. Built in 1830 by John Hollensbury to deter alley traffic, this fully functional residence—complete with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and bathroom—remains a popular Old Town attraction, offering a unique photo op and insight into the city’s past.

Looking for more adventure? We’ve got tons of fun waiting for you, written by Brendan Smith, an Alexandria local himself!

Question of the Week: Where is your favorite “summer spot” in Virginia, and what do you like to do there? Write to me and let me know at amie@couriernewsroom.com. 

Virginia lawmakers have passed two new laws to protect pregnant people in local jails—banning the use of shackles during labor and requiring judges to consider pregnancy and postpartum status during bail decisions. While state prisons have had anti-shackling policies in place since 2014, local jails operated under a patchwork of discretionary rules, often resulting in women giving birth while restrained.

The new legislation—sponsored and introduced by Del. Rae Cousins and Del. Shelly Simonds, and passed with bipartisan support—follows years of advocacy from reproductive justice groups and formerly incarcerated women. Advocates say the laws mark a long-overdue step toward dignity and equity, particularly for people awaiting trial.

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• Winsome Earle-Sears, Virginia’s current lieutenant governor who is running for governor this year, has said some extreme things about abortion. Today, we’re taking a look at the receipts. (READ MORE HERE)

• Around 50,000 Virginians could lose food assistance under President Donald Trump’s new budget, per estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The cuts come as food banks face record demand and funding shortfalls, raising fears that more Virginians will go hungry as food insecurity surges, Axios reports. (READ MORE HERE)

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