Publisher’s Note, December 2023
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The other day, a friend of mine who lives about an hour from Alexandria sent me a photo of Lower King Street at night with the comment, “I forgot how beautiful Old Town is. We came over for dinner and all the lights along King Street are so magical.”
I never forget it. I am so proud to show off this city. Our staff never quits trying to elevate and throw a spotlight on everything positive and great within these 15.3 square miles.
In fact, we decided we like showing it off so much that a few month ago we started giving the Alexandria Beautification Commission its own page in The Zebra. There was so much to share about the dynamism in the trees, the landscaping, and the architecture, I said we needed to publish that kind of news every issue. For example, do you know Alexandria has over 170 city parks, pocket parks, and natural areas? Do you know we feature a different Alexandria tree every month? This month is the Beadle Oak. You’ll learn all about it on page 36.
And though I can find a reason to love every season in Alexandria, I think this time of year is the most enchanting. Please take the drive from the top of King Street by the Masonic Memorial all the way down to Market Square in the 300 block. Take your time. Look out the window. Don’t be in a rush. Savor it. The shimmering white lights high in the trees along both sides of the street are out of a fairytale, and the shops and restaurants are all dressed in their holiday finery. We’ve never looked more like a Hallmark movie.
Plus there’s no shortage of things to do. Check out the four pages of calendar items this month! From the 52nd Annual Scottish Christmas Walk and Boat Parade to the family-friendly First Night Alexandria happening 2 p.m. until midnight on New Year’s Eve (with TWO fireworks shows), and all the performances in between, not to mention haunted holiday nighttime tours, the town is singing, sparkling, and smiling.
Look up and out and all around—my friend is right; we live and work in a beautiful, magical, extraordinary place.
Happy Holidays!
Mary Wadland, Publisher an Founder
The Zebra Press, Alexandria, VA
