Living in an urban city brings a lot of grit and grind. So, weekends can come as a welcome respite. Taking part in recreational activities here in Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon can greatly improve your physical health. The 54-acre park is located near the beautiful Skagit River and is home to The Fabulous 4th of July and the Highland Games.

So, if you're a workaholic, then it's time to engage in outdoor activities at the park with your friends and family. Edgewater Park boasts of four regulation softball fields, a boat launch, a playground, and a large concert stage. It also recently unveiled a golf course to further compliment the large area. With all the amenities the park has to offer, you can get that much-needed exercise, which will lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There are numerous greens that make the park temperature lower than the adjacent areas of the facility. Not only that, but the park also has easy access to downtown Mount Vernon, so this brings a quick escape after the hustle and bustle of your typical weekday-life. Now, isn't that a haven for human comfort, especially during the upcoming summer days.

Besides the hiking trails and bike paths which snakes its way around the huge playing fields, it has other amenities such as:

Bird Watching/Wildlife Viewing

Edgewater Park has some of the best locations to spot birds of every kind. Waterfowls, quails, sandpipers, and hummingbirds are the usual sightings in the area.

Boat Launch and Freshwater Fishing

Safety first here, park-goers who want to get wet in the Skagit River. For a quieter experience, boaters motor out into the expansive river to spend the day swimming, fishing, or just hanging out. A fresh-water license is required for each person fishing. The river has many opportunities that include steelhead fishing, salmon fishing, trout fishing, bass fishing, saltwater opportunities and more! By the way, during the peak boating season, a wheelchair-assisted, portable restroom is available near the launch area.

Grass Play Area

Lying down on the green fields will give you a good spot to catch the foot traffic of the park. If you brought your kids with you, then they'll surely enjoy the lively playground rides.

Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon has a list of rules and regulations. Be sure to at least familiarize all of them before you go to the park to avoid any hassle. Remember, coming here is an escape that you'll never regret.

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Calvary Road Baptist Church - Alexandria, VA

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

Calvary Road Baptist Church on the other hand is the place to go if you are looking for baptist church Alexandria VA. At Calvary Road we don’t say, “Welcome to Church.” We prefer, “Welcome Home!”

If you’re planning to go on a trip to Virginia, add going on a river cruise to your itinerary with Rivershore Charters. Revel in the scenery that the historic Potomac and Occoquan River has to offer by hopping aboard Miss Rivershore, a 50-foot commercial cruising vessel piloted by USCG-certified captains.

What Can You Expect from Rivershore Charters, Lorton, VA

When you book a cruise with Rivershore Charters, you can guarantee that they provide Occoquan River tours for various occasions you and your loved ones can enjoy. Many have booked the Miss Rivershore for weddings and even fishing excursions. They also accommodate corporate parties and special events for Occoquan River charters. Guests can rest assured that the staff is hands-on in whatever set up you have in mind for the river cruise.

No matter what you have planned when you book a river tour with Rivershore Charters, whether you want to see the beauty the Occoquan River has to offer or you simply want to relax for a few hours with friend and family, you can make great memories along the banks of Virginia’s treasure. Guests can choose between chartered tours, weekend tours, and wildlife tours.

Unwind away from the usual hustle and bustle from the city and see amazing sights when you hop aboard Miss Rivershore.

Tours by Rivershore Charters

You can choose from the variety of tours they have to offer. Go around Potomac and Occoquan River when you book a ride with Rivershore Charters. Choose from any of the following:

Chartered Tours

There’s so much to explore when you cruise through the waters of the Occoquan River. You can experience the gifts of nature the State of Virginia has to offer as you float along the banks for an hour with your friends and family. Many visitors of Lorton have paid a visit to Rivershore charters, adding the Chartered Tours as one of the itineraries on their list.

Weekend Tours

You can experience an hour-long cruise during the weekend as Rivershore Charters departs from Leesylvania State Park. On the weekends, you can witness Potomac’s stunning scenery wonderfully and inexpensively. Whether it’s for a birthday or wedding, book a weekend tour with Rivershore Charters.

Wildlife Cruises

With the various wildlife that inhabits Virginia’s forests, going on a river tour with Rivershore Charters brings you closer the action with the cruise’s bald eagle and wildlife spotting cruises. You can also expect to see historical places along the way.

There’s so much to see when you go along the banks of the Occoquan River. Virginia’s wildlife and nature treasure is definitely a sight to see for both tourists and residents alike. The magic and beauty the scenic views offer to anyone who witnesses it brings a memorable calm that always draws you back to the place.

Make sure to experience nature’s wonders in Lorton, Virginia on your next days off and join a Rivershore Charters tour. Bring your friends and family, and cherish this experience you will surely remember forever.

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Calvary Road Baptist Church

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

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Although Alexandria, VA is known for its historical landmarks and buildings, there are recreational parks where you can have fun with your friends and family as well. One of these recreational parks is Cameron Run Regional Park.

Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, VA is a twenty-six-acre outdoor adventure park where you can do many fun activities with your loved ones. It’s the best place to go on a summer outing with your kids as there are many amenities for them to choose from.

Here’s what you will expect when you go to Cameron Run Regional Park:

Batting Cages

Great Waves has batting cages where you can take your loved ones to test out their batting skills. What’s great about these batting cages is that you can choose from a variety of speeds. So whether you choose a slow pitch softball or the hard throws with a baseball, you can have a lot of fun with practicing your hits.

Classic Birthday Party

Are you looking for a place to hold your friend or family member’s birthday party? You can enjoy our exclusive party area where your family and friends can play unlimited mini golf and paradise play. You can even bring in your own food, drinks, and decorations to amp up the fun. Make great memories on your birthday when you celebrate at Cameron Run Regional Park Alexandria VA.

Great Waves Waterpark

Splash around and play in the water when you visit the Great Waves Waterpark at the Cameron Run Regional Park Alexandria VA. You can have fun soaking in the pool or challenging the waterslides during a hot summer’s day.

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

You can glide across the ice at Ice & Lights in the Winter Village at Cameron Run, Alexandria Virginia. The waterpark becomes mid-November through February into a winter paradise with an ice rink, music, and more. Have the time of your life at the Winter Village; grab a slice of pizza, roast your very own smores, and enjoy all that the village has to offer.

Mini Golf

Do you want you to play a bit of golf with your friends, family or special someone? Cameron Run’s Mini-Golf Course is beautifully designed and landscaped and offers players challenging holes and hazards. It’s an 18-hole course that’s a fun and exciting experience.

Paradise Play

This amenity in the park is a 2,400 square feet wide and 30 feet tall playground where children can run around and have fun, even without a bathing suit. Paradise Play offers a colorful beach-themed structure for kids aged 3 to 12 where they can climb, slide down, go through mazes, do pogo bounces, and so much more.

Picnic Shelter and Pavilions

When you want to relax and eat after a fun day at the park, you can rest at the picnic shelter and pavilions. The area includes tables and grills, so you can socialize and catch up while you prepare your steaks or patties.

Are you looking for a place in Alexandria, Virginia where you can have a memorable day with your friends, family and loved ones? Cameron Run Regional Park Alexandria VA is the perfect place for that!

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Calvary Road Baptist Church - Alexandria, VA

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

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The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria VA is famous for being the tavern that the first President of the United States, George Washington, frequently visited. Now, it a historic commercial building that was enlarged in 1792 and was proclaimed a National Historic Landmark in 1963. It consists of two buildings, mainly the tavern itself that was established in 1785 and the city hotel that was constructed in 1792.

The buildings were named after the Englishman John Gadsby who leased the building and operated the tavern from 1796 to 1808. His establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria, Virginia. It was where the founding fathers of America and other politicians of the time started discussing the first constitution.

The Gadsby’s Tavern was also the setting for theatrical and music performances, dances, and meetings of local organizations.

It’s where George Washington used to celebrate his birthday and where Thomas Jefferson had his inaugural banquet in 1801.

Other prominent names that visited this tavern include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.

When the owner of the complex, John Wise died in 1815, the complex went through different hands, operating as another tavern, auction houses, lawyers’ offices, and even possibly a hospital during the American Civil War.

In the early 20th century, the buildings were nearly demolished but were saved through the efforts of F. Clinton Knight and was carried on by the American Legion. The place was preserved and the building was reopened to the public in 1976 after an extensive renovation by the City of Alexandria. Now, it functions as a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the cultural and social heritage of Alexandria by educating visitors about the site and its contributions to history.

Although the hotel now functions as a museum, the building has a period restaurant where you can experience fine dining in a setting that mimicked the interior the tavern had during George Washington’s time. Instead of a bar counter, you can see that the restaurant has a dispensary where you can have a cold refreshing drink or one of their exquisite spirits.

However, some of the original pieces from the tavern, specifically its ballroom, can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The Museum negotiated with the owners of Gadsby’s Tavern to purchase some architectural elements from the hotel. The Gadsby’s Tavern’s Ballroom with its original woodwork is displayed in the American Wing and is open to the public.

If you plan to visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, VA, you can walk around the vicinity to see the many more historical sites around Alexandria. You can even plan birthdays, dinners, and other celebrations in this historical location.

There’s so much to love about this building as its rich history and so many stories from the people of its time. With elements from this museum that brought back the tavern’s former glory, you can see the evolution of social events and how insightful discussions about business and politics were in America.

Experience the beauty and nostalgia that comes with the Alexandria, VA, and while you’re there, be sure to visit and take a tour of the historical Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

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Calvary Road Baptist Church

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

Calvary Road Baptist Church on the other hand is the place to go if you are looking for baptist church Alexandria VA. At Calvary Road we don’t say, “Welcome to Church.” We prefer, “Welcome Home!”

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria VA was founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant. It became home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios in one building.

As a landmark in Alexandria for over 40 years, the art center has become the highlight of the Potomac Riverfront, bringing in approximately 500,000 visitors every year. You can find a variety of artwork in different media displayed in its 82 artists’ studios. Explore the halls and observe the creative process of each artist. You can even ask them questions and purchase original work for your own collection.

The Art Center has also been used to hold various events as well, with halls that hold weddings, corporate meetings, high school reunions, anniversary parties, and more. The Torpedo Factory Art Center also holds classes and workshops for aspiring artists in the City of Virginia.

Brief History of the Torpedo Factory Art Center Alexandria VA

From its name alone, the Torpedo Factory Art Center was, indeed, once an actual torpedo factory. It was at the end of World War I when the U.S. Navy began to construct the original building, which was the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station. Once it was fully operational, it would be responsible for manufacturing and maintaining the Mark III torpedos for the next five years.

Operations ceased in 1923 and the facility turned into a munitions storage area until 1937 when the production of the Mark XIV began, leading up to World War II. Over time, the complex multiplied into 16 buildings with 5,000 employees.

The Mark XIV green torpedo that’s currently displayed in the main hall was produced in the building in the year 1945. It was painted in bright green so that the Navy would not have a hard time finding it when they tested it out in Piney Point, MD.

When the war ended in 1945, it temporarily manufactured parts for rocket engines before shutting down completely in 1946.

Then, in 1950, the complex was converted into the Federal Records Center in Alexandria. It housed congressional documents, dinosaur bones, German war films, and Nuremberg War Crimes trial records.

In the year 1969, the City of Alexandria purchased the building from the Federal Government for $1.6 million. Four years later, the editor of the Alexandria Journal and chair of the Alexandria Bicentennial Commission, James W. Coldsmith, suggested to the Art Leagues President, Marian Van Landingham, that they convert the old torpedo plant into a property of The Art League. The idea was them pitched to Mayor Charles Beatley Jr., who approved of the request on May 7, 1974.

Work began that spring and the renovation was between the years 1982 and 1983. By the complex’s re-opening ceremony on May 21, 1983, there were 225 artists working on their pieces in the Art Center, including a harpsichord maker.

Current Galleries Held in the Torpedo Factory Art Center as of 2019

• Target Gallery

• The Art League Gallery

• Enamelists Gallery

• Van Landingham Gallery

• Multiple Exposures Gallery

• Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery

• Scope Gallery

What Other Things Can You Find at the Torpedo Factory Center Alexandria VA?

• The Art League School

• Discover Graphics Atelier

• The Alexandria Archaeology Museum

Are you looking to explore the wonders of art? Check out the works of talented artists in Virginia and learn from them as well when you visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. Hold your own exhibit, celebrate the good times, or simply support your local artists in this place of possibilities and creativity.

Member Spotlight

Calvary Road Baptist Church

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

Calvary Road Baptist Church on the other hand is the place to go if you are looking for baptist church Alexandria VA. At Calvary Road we don’t say, “Welcome to Church.” We prefer, “Welcome Home!”

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The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a Masonic building and memorial dedicated that’s dedicated to the late first President of the United States, George Washington who is also a Mason. This building is located in Alexandria, Virginia, outside Washington D.C, which was built to look like the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt.

What’s interesting about this memorial was that Freemasons from across the country started purchasing lands and collecting money so that they could have enough funds to hire an architect for the building and to proceed to its construction. The construction started on June 5, 1922, and was completed after ten years.

Another interesting fact about this Memorial building was that even if the country was still experiencing the effects of the Great Depression it still failed to bring the work to a halt.

In 2015, the National Park Services deemed the Memorial a National Historic Landmark. It is recognized as “the only major unified, fully national initiative of the Freemasons and among the boldest attempts by a private organization to memorialize George Washington.”

Today, this Memorial and Museum is still active as a Masonic temple but also functions as a research library, a cultural space, a community and performing arts center, and an important regional landmark in Virginia.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The building is made out of solid concrete with a granite facade. The structure of the whole building is made out of concrete with granite stones carved from New Hampshire brought to Virginia to design the exterior of the building. The whole design is a magnificent nine-story neoclassical structure with many elements that have been inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Freemasons from all across the world still gather in The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Alexandria VA to conduct discussions and duties within the organization.

The Director of Collections, Mark A. Tabert, called the Memorial, “The Mecca of Freemasons.” Their mission for the visitors of the Memorial would be to educate individuals about George Washington’s life, principle, and works.

In the museum, you will see the badges, swords, and other possessions of George Washington that have been preserved to show individuals the bravery of the first President during his time. It’s a sentiment to how he was a brave soldier even before the age of 26 and how he led his men in the war for their independence.

Tour the Historic Memorial

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Alexandria VA is open to visitors seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and five tours run daily. So what can you expect when you visit this magnificent Memorial?

1. Memorial Hall

As you enter the building, you will be welcomed by a massive portico that’s symbolic of the entrances of Greek and Roman temples. Looking around from both sides of the portico, you will see tablets engraved with passages from Washington’s correspondence, which expresses his deep regard for the Masonic fraternity. The Memorial Hall showcases eight green granite columns, exquisite marble flooring, and two magnificent murals by Bro. Allyn Cox. At the end of the hall, in a rounded niche, a huge statue of George Washington stands wearing his Masonic regalia. This statue was created by Bro. Bryant Baker and was dedicated to President and Freemason Harry Truman in 1950.

2. Replica Lodge Room

This area is adjacent to the Memorial Hall. It’s a space that mimics the old meeting room of Alexandria-Washington Lodge that was established on September 16, 1802, and existed on the second floor of City Hall for over 140 years. Furthermore, the Replica Lodge Room also has the original 1802 lodge furniture, a replica of the famous Watson-Cossoul apron, the Capitol Cornerstone Trowl, the famous William Joseph Williams portrait of George Washington, and other interesting artifacts.

3. The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit

This is on the third floor of the tower, which features organizations, such as the Grottoes of North America, The Tall Cedars of Lebanon, The Order of the Eastern Star, The York Rite, the Scottish Rite, the Shrine, and Youth Orders.

4. The George Washington Museum

This is located on the fourth floor of the building. The exhibit’s alcoves show George Washington as a Virginia Planter, Model Citizen, Military Officer, Mourned Hero, American Icon, and the Nation’s First President. It features many artifacts from Mount Vernon, which was donated by the Washington family descendants, including the 1792 Washington Bible. The mezzanine level showcases additional exhibits that present the history of the original construction of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, items that previously decorated the walls of Mount Vernon, and the Freemasonry’s architectural symbolism.

5. The Knight Templar Chapel

This can be found on the eighth level of the building - a temple that presents the symbolism of the Masonic Knights Templar. The chapel includes four stained glass windows designed by Bro. Allyn Cox in 1957.

6. The Observation Deck

At the topmost part of the building, there is an observation deck outdoors that provides a 360-degree view of Alexandria, DC, and the surrounding region. Inside, there is an interesting exhibit of historical photographs that depict the construction of the Memorial in the 1920s and ’30s.

7. Founder’s Hall Exhibit

The Founder’s Hall Exhibit is in the northwest hallway adjacent to the Memorial Hall. The exhibit presents busts of Charles H. Callahan, the originator of the Memorial, and the first three presidents of the Memorial Association. Photographs of past and present Memorial Officers are also featured in this exhibit.

8. The Form & Function of American Freemasonry

This area is located on the south side of the first floor where it features the origins of Freemasonry and its development. It also tells the arrival of this idealogy in American colonies and the role it has played in the history of the United States. Also, other than George Washington, other American Presidents and leaders who were Masons are also featured: Benjamin Franklin, Harry Truman, and Andrew Jackson.

9. Theater

The theater’s semicircular seating accommodates an audience of almost 400. It has sixteen gold-veined Missouri marble columns of the Doric order standing around the perimeter on the mezzanine. Along the mezzanine, 14 bronze plaques can be found depicting the President of the United States who were Freemasons. The Washington family’s coat of arms can also be seen above the stage. At the center of the stage’s background, there’s a portrait of Washington by local artist Christopher Erney, which was commissioned for the Centennial of the founding of the Memorial Association.

10. South Lodge Room

This is the home of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No 22 since the year 1947. This suite of rooms includes an anteroom and a small gallery that exhibits numerous Alexandria-Washington Lodge artifacts, items, and paintings, and a portrait display of Past Masters of the Lodge. Furthermore, the design of the South Lodge Room evokes a Neoclassical style of the young Republic.

11. North Lodge Room

In contrast to the Neo-classically-inspired interior of the South Lodge Room, the North Lodge Room evokes more Gothic Style. Its arched ceiling is constructed with exposed oak beams, and the surrounding oak balconies, wainscoting and gothic arched stage bring out drama to the room’s setting.

Experience the rich history The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria VA has to offer when you visit this historical landmark. Roam around the exhibits and learn more about the great man that was the First President of the United States - George Washington.

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Calvary Road Baptist Church - Alexandria VA

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

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Are you planning to visit Alexandria, Virginia? This city is home to a lot of historical parks and buildings, where you can learn so much about the history of the United States and how the constitution came to be. It was where politicians came to gather about the nation, government, and about the ongoing wars that were happening.

One of these historic places where politicians and people in the upper class came to gather was Carlyle House, Historic Park.

What Should You Know About Carlyle House Historic Park Alexandria VA

Carlyle House Historic Park is a Georgian manor house that was built in 1753 by the Scottish merchant and city founder, John Carlyle. It offered public spaces for entertaining and private areas for family and servant use. During this time, the house became the center of political and social life in Alexandria. In this very location, General Braddock and five royal governors met to talk about the funding of the French and Indian War.

After Carlyle’s death, his heirs sold off parts of his property over time. At the start of 1847, a local furniture manufacturer named James Green started reassembling the original Carlyle acre of land and then eventually purchased the Carlyle House itself. The property was converted into a hotel, which at that time was called the “Mansion House Hotel.”

During the civil war, Union troops occupied Alexandria and evicted Green and in his family both from their hotel and their home. It was then converted into a hotel where injured and sickly Union soldiers were tended to.

In the early twentieth century, the hospital was then turned into an apartment building, and in the first World War, it became a museum. Progressing into the mid-twentieth century, the house and grounds were in a state of total disrepair.

However, NOVA Parks purchased the house and apartment in 1970 so that they could renovate the property and restore it into its former glory. After six years of research and construction, the house was fully restored and open to the public in the year 1976 as part of the nationwide Bicentennial celebration.

Today, Carlyle House is listed as one of Alexandria VA’s National Historic Places. It is known to operate at the highest professional standards and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Visitors can enjoy house tours, programs for schoolchildren, special events, exhibits, and lectures so that they can enrich their knowledge on pre-Revolutionary Alexandria, and the man of the house himself, John Carlyle.

What Can You Do at Carlyle House Historic Park Alexandria VA?

Those who plan to stay in Alexandria VA for a vacation can go to the historic site and join a guided tour. The guided tour is from Tuesday through Saturdays (10 am to 4 pm) and Sunday (12 pm to 4 pm). Children in the community also have the opportunity to join in on school programs and scout programs conducted by the Carlyle House. Also, you can celebrate weddings and birthdays in the manor from April 1 to October 31.

You can explore the beauty and history that the Carlyle House has in store for you when you visit the location in Alexandria VA. There’s so much to learn and so much to experience as you step foot into the location and roam around the gardens. Whether it’s for a visit or a celebration, in this modern-day, there’s still so much to do at the Carlyle House Historic Park in Alexandria VA.

Member Spotlight

Calvary Road Baptist Church - Alexandria VA

6811 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22310, United States

+1 703-922-6700

https://www.crbc.org/

Calvary Road Baptist Church on the other hand is the place to go if you are looking for baptist church Alexandria VA. At Calvary Road we don’t say, “Welcome to Church.” We prefer, “Welcome Home!”

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