But don’t feel stressed, February 14th doesn’t have to be the end-all-be-all of romance. All it has to be is a day surrounded by love, whether that is a romantic partner, friends, or family. It could even be a day of self-care! Valentine’s Day is all about the love. 

Also, February holds President’s Day Weekend, known for having a ton of sales. Not only during that weekend, but the entire month is home to President’s Day sales. 

This year, specifically TVs and kitchen appliances are predicted to have some of the biggest discounts. However, as usual, mattress sales are always extreme and will help shoppers save. Brands such as Purple, Casper, and Tempur-Pedic will be hosting sales that could save buyers from $100 – $500. 

Retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy will be the home to plenty of incredible deals and discounts. Featuring everything from denim jackets to smart home devices. 

Combine both holidays and gift someone a Valentine's Day gift you got on President’s Day sale! Don’t worry, your secret will be safe with us. 

The post Valentine’s Day and President’s Day at Riverside appeared first on Riverside Blog.

One of the best is to celebrate the annual Alexandria Restaurant Week, from January 20th through 29th 2023. With over seventy participating restaurants, purchase tickets for either $25, $35, or $45 prix fixe dinner for one. With special menus for in-person dining and heated outdoor dining options. Some of the over seventy restaurants include Ada’s on the River, Chadwicks, Hummingbird, The Wharf, and so many more! 

Next, make sure to explore Alexandra’s art scene, named one of America’s Top Art Places. The city is home to The Torpedo Factory Art Center, The Art League School, and the legendary music hall The Birchmere. 

Then, every month is the perfect month to shop at and support small businesses. Alexandria is the D.C. region’s Small Shop Headquarters. Explore the local shops, which offer a wide array of selections from stationary, vintage finds, and sustainable fashion. There are even options to shop online, curbside pickup, and delivery- shop anytime from anywhere. 

The wonderful city of Alexandria is constantly home to events, shopping, restaurants, and culture! Welcome the new year in Old Town Alexandria, in whatever way you want, there’s something for everyone here!

The post January in Old Town Alexandria appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Of course, if you’d rather sit down for dinner, that’s an option, too. Pull up a chair in Hawkers’ dining room and dig into contemporary Asian dishes, including a wide variety of small plates. Start with the locally famous dim sum like the aforementioned roti canai, which pairs two Malaysian flatbreads with a house-made curry for dipping, and the roast duck bao drizzled with a house-made black vinegar hoisin sauce. Enjoy the spicy Sichuan wontons complemented by the pork soup dumplings or the tender shrimp summer rolls. Then dig into signature meats like the Korean twice-fried wings and the coconut shrimp next to veggie-centric sides, such as spicy kimchi and chili-garlic edamame. Noodle plates, rice dishes, and soups round out the menu along with a handful of sweets (don’t miss the doughnuts).

The post Step Right Up to the Takeout Window at Hawkers Arlington appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Upon stepping into his stunning suite, you’ll be greeted by a wonderland of artfully decorated holiday trees. His home also boasts a village of gingerbread houses, some crafted by the professional pastry chefs at the hotel, and others by the pint-sized beneficiaries of Horton’s Kids. This local nonprofit provides the resources local children need to graduate from high school and find fulfilling work or pursue higher education, and it also benefits from your visit to Santa’s Suite—proceeds from your $5 ticket go directly to the charity. Look closely at the dining room table, and you’ll see it’s set not only for Santa, but also for a few of his famous friends like Snoopy and Winnie the Pooh. Finally, you’ll get to meet the man in red himself! Your little ones can let him know what they want for the holidays this year, or stop at the letter-writing station on the way out and drop their wish list in his special red mailbox.

The post Soak Up the Holiday Spirit at Santa’s Suite at the Fairmont This December appeared first on Riverside Blog.

The first Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn feast. Then, for more than two centuries, Thanksgiving was celebrated on different days by the US colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. 

According to the National Turkey Federation, 90% of American households eat turkey for Thanksgiving- whether it be roasted, baked, or deep-fried. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. 

Parades have also become a common aspect of the holiday. Presented by Macy’s department store since 1924, New York City’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the largest and most famous, attracting up to 3 million in-person spectators along its 2.5-mile route and drawing an enormous television viewing crowd. 

As in the name, Thanksgiving is dedicated to giving thanks. So, this year take an extra moment to figure out what you are most grateful for. 

The post It’s more than eating turkey, watching football, and taking naps! appeared first on Riverside Blog.

You can trust that Bombay Street Food

Sit down with friends and share a few small plates like the palak chaat, which are deep-fried spinach fritters topped with spiced yogurt and tamarind sauce, or the samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. You should also savor some of the Indo-Chinese fusion specialties, perhaps the gobi Manchurian (crispy cauliflower and sweet-and-sour sauce) alongside the paneer chili. For the main course, Bombay Street Food’s chef puts a modern twist on classic Indian dishes—case in point, the lobster masala with local veggies and sous vide lobster tail. Stick around for an inventive dessert such as the Bombay pan gulfi, vanilla kheer brulee, or rasmalai (a pillowy milk cake) with pistachio, saffron, and rose crystals.

The post Embark on a Culinary Adventure at Bombay Street Food appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Every Sunday afternoon, patrons are invited to bring their four-legged friends along for a few hours in the sunshine at Wunder Garten. From noon to 3 p.m., pups are welcome to accompany their owners for a free “pupucinno” and a meet-and-greet with other good boys and girls. For the humans, Wunder Garten’s roster of craft brews includes discounted $6 suds. A pup-friendly drink comes on the side of every adult beverage during Yappy Hour. Some of the suds come from nearby breweries, like the Port City Optimal Wit and the Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager, both from Virginia. Other draft brews have much farther to travel—such as the Hofbrau Hefeweizen from Germany and the Eggenberg Pilsner from Austria. Take your pick and enjoy a pint in the fresh air with your pup at your feet.

The post Bring Your Furry Friend to Yappy Hour This Sunday appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Delightful Devilish Handsoap- Buy some hand soap from the Dollar Store, and fill it with a few plastic spiders or festive confetti for an ominous touch.

Make A Pumpkin Vase- Turn your pumpkin into a vase for a Halloween-chic centerpiece. 

Whip Up A Scary Dessert- Your desserts can double as decor, too. Try making some Halloween dirt cups; chocolate pudding topped with Oreos, chocolate chips, and Belvita cookies. 

Send Test Tubes Invitations- Don't limit Halloween party decor to the big event itself. Make sure your invitations are just as spirited and fun. 

Make A Googly Eye Wreath- You'll need a lot of ping pong balls, but the scary mass of watching eyes will be so worth it.

Paper Bats- Frame a doorway with flying paper bats for a super simple but fun Halloween vibe at home. 

Decorate your entire space with these terrifyingly terrific DIYs!

The post DIY Halloween Decor appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Pair your cup of coffee with a piece of Thai toast for something even more decadent. The sweet treat features dessert-like extras such as Thai pandan and Oreo cream, but you can also enjoy it savory if you opt for main ingredients like chili shredded pork. Specialty waffles, croissants, homemade cake, and snow ice round out the roster of sweet treats, with savory crepes and roti bread also on the menu. If you’re looking for a unique way to get your caffeine, skip the classic cup of joe and opt for an inventive latte instead. You can’t go wrong with the purple potato or chocolate malt iced lattes.

The post Treat Yourself to Something Sweet at Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee appeared first on Riverside Blog.

Snag your tickets for the October 25th class in the taproom and show up ready to create. Amalea brings not only her knowledge but also all of the supplies you’ll need for the evening. That includes pre-baked Halloween cookies, royal icing in every haunting hue, and even a cute box for stashing your completed creations. Over the course of the evening, she’ll lead you step by step through the process of dreaming up and executing a festive fall design with the help of printed instructions. Your ticket ($60) includes a house-made cider to sip on and the cookie recipes to take home! Grab your seat ASAP by placing a reservation via the Eventbrite website, then show up ready to enjoy a fun evening at 6:30 p.m.

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