6 Essential Alexandria Experiences for History Buffs

Washington, D.C., is a great place if you're looking for specialty desserts and other baked goods. In fact, Washington boasts a variety of bakeries with yummy cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, and more. Check out these bakeries if you want to treat your mother to something special for Mother's Day. Bayou Bakery Bayou Bakery brings sweets and other goods from the American South to Arlington, which is just 3 miles from D.C. across the Potomac river. This bakery serves a delicious muffuletta and fresh beignets topped with powdered sugar. You'll also find other New Orleans-inspired treats, including gumbo, deviled eggs, pepper jelly, and daiquiris. You can order delivery, get takeout, or enjoy your goodies with mom on the patio. This is a casual spot where you'll experience southern hospitality and delicious food. If you're looking for something sweet, you might want to try one of Bayou Bakery's signature pralines, muffins, or croissants. They also offer coffee from organic beans as well as sweet tea. Mom can even enjoy an adult beverage, such as a frozen daiquiri or a Bayou Bloody Mary. Location: 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, Virginia. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Cakeroom If you plan to order a custom cake for Mom this Mother's Day, The Cakeroom might be the best place to begin your search. Not only does The Cakeroom offer cakes, but it also has fresh pies, cookies, bars, and squares. The bakery uses fresh, high-quality ingredients and makes everything from scratch. You won't find pre-made cake mixes or frostings in its kitchen. While we can vouch for plenty of this place's offerings, many customers recommend the coconut cake and key lime coconut cupcakes. The lavender lemon and vanilla cupcakes are also tasty. If you prefer vegan dishes, you'll find a selection of vegan cakes and cupcakes on the menu and If you're on a gluten-free diet, check out the flourless chocolate torte and carrot cake cupcakes. Location: 2006 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Mastiha Mastiha is an artisan Greek bakery with a variety of cultural staples, including several types of baklava. Some specialty items are available to preorder, particularly for holidays. You can pick up some fresh pita and phyllo while you're there. You can also order online. Currently, Mastiha is nearing the completion of construction in a new location. The new storefront should be open in time for Mother's Day. Mastiha is a family-run business. The owner's great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Greece, and many of this bakery's current recipes have been handed down through the generations. If you're looking for authentic Greek goods, this spot should be on your list. Location: 2387 Lewis Ave., Rockville Baked & Wired Baked & Wired is a favorite local bakery and coffee shop which offers cupcakes and other baked goods. You can order items from this delightful place in advance or for same-day pick-up. Since 2001, Baked & Wired has provided a variety of tasty treats. If you order online, you'll receive a text when it's ready to pick up. Some of the popular menu items include brownies, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more. If you order a coffee drink, you can trust they will craft it with care. New pour-over menus are available every few weeks, so there are always seasonal options. Location: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Washington, D.C. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats Sticky Fingers is an all-vegan bakery run by Doron Petersan, a former Food Network competitor. In fact, the bakery now ships its baked goods all over the country, including as part of its Cookie of the Month and three-month gift subscription offers. You can pick up your sweets in person if you live in the area. Custom cakes for Mother's Day and other special events are available to order. If you aren't sure what to get, you might want to try a few of their most popular items. These include the cherry blossom cupcake, coconut cupcake, and peach blackberry muffin. The shop offers grab-and-go food items, such as Italian hoagies, breakfast sandwiches, and more. You can also buy dog treats, challah bread, peanut butter cookies, and some fresh Ceremony coffee or tea. The menu includes wild kombucha, sparkling water, cake mix, and more. Location: 1370 Park Road NW, Washington, D.C. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Souk Souk cafe and patisserie is a bakery inspired by international culinary delights. On the menu, you'll find a variety of delicious goods, including bread, pastries, biscuits, and coffee. You may want to try the biscuits in each flavor: cheddar scallion, caramelized onion, and fresh rosemary. The menu at Souk includes more than the standard baked goods, so your mother may find plenty of other tasty ways to celebrate her special day. For example, menu favorites include the smoked salmon, potato, and nori croissant, spicy cheese turnover, and fresh ginger scones. Spice buns are the bakery's signature creation, and you'll find some decadent coffee drinks at the bar. The shop also sells loose-leaf teas and over 200 spices from all over the world. Location: 705 Eighth St. SE, Washington, D.C. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday (pizza night), 8:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. If you want to treat Mom to a great day in Washington, D.C., you might want to drive her from place to place in a new car. Our Koons Tysons Toyota dealership in Vienna, Virginia, offers a great selection of new and used vehicles. Contact our team to learn more. We'd love to hear from you.

Virginia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states to visit any time of the year, but it holds a unique charm in the spring. The spring sun makes everything glisten a little differently, and the minute changes in nature seem more important. Once the weather warms, flowers begin to bloom, the scent of freshly cut grass is in the air, and you can see the true beauty of Virginia shine through. If you love taking in the natural beauty of a place, Virginia has plenty of local attractions and activities to keep you busy. Read below as our team at Koons Tysons Toyota in Vienna, Virginia, shares our list of five reasons to visit Virginia in the springtime. Get Lost in Nature at Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park is one of those places you need to see at least once in your lifetime. There's no better time to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty here than during the spring. The mountain range towers above you anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Whether you're interested in hiking, learning about the natural fauna, seeing the native wildlife, or driving down Skyline Drive, there are many possibilities for your next trip to this national park. If you're an avid hiker, this location has some of the best hiking options. There are over 500 miles of trails to choose from, ranging in skill level from novice to advanced. Consider a simple day hike if you're new to hiking and brush up on safety tips for wildlife and hiking basics. If you prefer biking, you'll be happy to discover that mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes are allowed along Skyline Drive and on any paved area in Shenandoah National Park. Several bike repair stations are located throughout the park, and commercial businesses offer guided tours. Location: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 E., Luray. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Contact: 540-999-3500. Spend a Day in Cape Charles Visit the town of Cape Charles for a quick, relaxing getaway. You'll find plenty to keep you occupied and help you disconnect from daily worries while enjoying the Virginia spring weather. Visit the downtown area for some retail therapy and shop the many charming stores carrying handmade pieces. Marvel at the carefully preserved character of the buildings and the town's natural charm. Settle in on the shore and visit the beach. Sunbathe in the warm spring air, try watersports, or build a sandcastle. After a day on the beach, take in the golden sunset as the daylight fades away. Location: 2 Plum St., Cape Charles. Hours: Vary depending on business and event. Contact: 757-331-3259. Tour the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a great place to head to give your future marine biologist or current shark enthusiast a memorable learning experience. Some of the animals you can expect to see include the barracuda, green moray eel, sand tiger shark, zebra shark, Komodo dragon, eastern blue-tongued skink, North American river otter, and the harbor seal. Plan your visit early enough and register for one of the behind-the-scenes tours. Get an exclusive look at the sea turtle exhibit for $30 extra, where you can see three of the seven sea turtle species. Or interact with Komodo dragons, the largest lizard species, for only $55 more. Ticket prices begin at $29.95 for adult general admission, and there's a discount for senior citizens. To learn more, visit the website or call for information. Location: 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Contact: 757-385-3474. Visit the Impressive Waterfalls If you love water and marvel at the sound and immense power of crashing cataracts, head to any of these three waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The South River Falls is nestled among the trees and has an inviting picnic area nearby. The trail leading up to the falls is short and features a nice observation point. It's a great option if you want to enjoy a day out with the kids or are new to hiking. Whiteoak Canyon Falls is a challenging trail and best for those with at least moderate to advanced hiking abilities. You'll encounter massive boulders, steep cliffs, and six gorgeous waterfalls with heights ranging from 35 to 86 feet. Dark Hollow Falls features a rather forgiving hiking trail that's only slightly over an hour long. After an elevation gain of 440 feet, you'll view a 70-foot waterfall that's both calming and intimidating to see in person. Location: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 E., Luray. Hours: Dawn to dusk. Contact: 540-999-3500. See the Van Gogh Bridge Head to Reston, Virginia, and visit the Van Gogh Bridge. The bridge itself is a piece of art but also functions to join the businesses and residential area of Lake Anne's Washington Plaza. Because there are trees on both sides of the bridge, early spring is the best time to visit when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Whether you're a novice photographer using your camera phone to snap a few photos or have the skills of a seasoned photographer behind the lens, your images will be breathtaking. Get the angles right, and you'll also get a beautiful reflection in the water. Location: 11404 Washington Plaza W., Reston. Hours: Sunset is the best time. Contact: 703-790-0643. So, there you have it. Our team here at Koons Tysons Toyota has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top five reasons to visit Virginia in the spring. Whether you're from Virginia or just planning a visit, these prime locations are wonderful, especially when the weather is starting to warm up and the flowers bloom. What did you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to check out during spring in Virginia? If so, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we'll be happy to check out your idea. You may even find your suggestion featured on our list in the future. Shenandoah National Park by Andrew Parlette is licensed with CC BY 2.0

With the onset of warmer weather, it's natural for people all over Arlington, Virginia, to have the urge to get out and enjoy the golden sun. For many people, one of the first celebrations of the year is Easter. While there are several traditional ways to celebrate Easter, many people also like to get out into the community after being indoors all winter and mingle with one another. Luckily, there are many wonderful activities and events around town to help you get in the spirit of celebrating. Here's our list of five ways to celebrate Easter in Arlington, Virginia. Hunt for Easter Treasure at Potomac Overlook Regional Park Potomac Overlook Regional Park is 67 acres of wild and cultivated land in Arlington, Virginia. Get ready for spring and celebrate Easter with a hike through the trails. The park features under 2 miles of trails that are ideal for novice hikers and families. Visit the Nature Center at Potomac Overlook to see several interactive exhibits and learn about the flora and fauna native to the area. See the intimate connection humans have with nature and gain an appreciation for the delicate balance between the two worlds. After touring the area and taking in nature, head over with your packed picnic basket to the picnic shelter. It's large enough to accommodate up to 50 people and has tables, a bench circle, and restrooms. Hide some Easter eggs for the kids, and watch them have fun hunting in the wilderness. Location: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and closed on Monday. Contact: 703-528-5406. Celebrate Easter at Smithsonian's National Zoo Smithsonian's National Zoo is known for throwing exciting Easter celebrations for zoo patrons. Attending one of these events is a family tradition for many in the area and is something kids look forward to each year. While the zoo often has a slew of fun-filled activities scheduled throughout the day, some typical events to look forward to include: Easter egg hunts. Live music. Tortoise feeding. Elephant demonstration. Beaver feeding. Maned wolf enrichment. If you can, swing by some of your favorite animal exhibits and learn all about the animals that call the zoo home. For more information, visit the website. Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C. Hours: The hours vary. Check the website for more details. Contact: 202-633-2614. The Mansion on O Street The Mansion on O Street is an eclectic location where you can do more than just celebrate Easter and hunt for eggs. While this venue has been known to host egg-hunting events, you can typically find concerts, author talks, breakfast tours, and other live entertainment and hunting challenges here. Some interesting challenges include the Hidden Gems Hunt. You and your family can explore the mansion while searching for a list of 10 things to find. The list includes architecture, signed guitars, Prince's Purple Rain jacket, and Mrs. Rosa Parks's room. The great thing about this location is that you can shop while exploring. Almost everything you'll see is for sale. If you have kids, give them a budget beforehand or have them create a budget from their own savings to buy some treasured items and commemorate the experience. Be sure to stop by the museum to learn interesting facts about freedom fighters, historians, scholars, and more. Location: 2020 O St. NW, Washington, D.C. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Contact: 202-496-2020 for events and 202-496-2070 for the museum. Nosh and Celebrate at Liberty Tavern To celebrate with a spread of delicious food, head over to Liberty Tavern. Originally established in 2007, this welcoming and trendy neighborhood restaurant has hosted Easter brunch in the past. The first floor of the property features a historically restored building and is an impressive sight. If you go for brunch, you'll be full all day. The establishment offers a bottomless brunch available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Order the Unlimited Small Plates Menu option to try a little of everything. There's even a children's menu for the little ones.  Adults 21 and older can add Unlimited Dime Cocktails to enjoy mimosas, Bloody Marys, and frozen margaritas. Check the website for details and menu limitations. Location: 3195 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. (next day) Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (next day) Saturday and Sunday. Contact: 703-465-9360. Run for a Cause at the Argentina Bunny Hop The sixth Annual Arlington Bunny Hop is slated for April 15, 2023. There are few better ways to celebrate Easter than doing something for the good of others and spending your time improving the community. All money that's raised and donated during the event goes to local charities in the Arlington community. This 5k charity fun walk/run is a fun family event where costumes are encouraged. The first three racers who finish the race in costume will win a medal, along with all children who cross the finish line. A bounce house will also be available after the race for little ones who want to get some extra exercise or who just want to play and jump. Competitive and recreational runners, joggers, and even those with strollers are welcome to take part. Be sure to register beforehand. See the website for additional details, including the race route. Location: 606 N. Irving St., Arlington. Hours: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 15. Contact: 703-527-8574. So, there you have it. Koons Tysons Toyota has just shared our top five ways to celebrate Easter in Arlington, Virginia. The warm Virginia sun and bright colors that come with spring make any destination in Arlington a near-perfect place to celebrate. What do you think of our list? Did we forget your favorite place to visit for some Easter fun? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we'll be happy to hear your opinion. You may even find your suggestion featured on our list in the future. Easter Egg Hunt! by jmv is licensed with CC BY 2.0