The Alexandria Brief: Friday, November 28
50th Annual Del Ray Turkey Trot | Plaid Friday | Christmas Trees for a cause
Happy Friday, Alexandria.
I hope yesterday was everything you needed—whether that was a crowded table, a quiet walk, or a personal best at the Turkey Trot. Today: a recap of the 50th annual race, ways to shop local this weekend, Christmas trees for a good cause, and a bit of Alexandria history to go with your leftovers.
Thank you for reading,
~ Ryan
Essentials
Weather: Sunny today, with a high near 43 degrees. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Clear, with a low around 27 degrees. West wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
The sun will rise at 7:04 a.m. and set at 4:47 p.m. High tides at 1:12 a.m. & 1:51 p.m. Low tides at 7:54 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. There will be 9 hours and 42 minutes of sun.
1️⃣ 6,000 runners celebrate 50th Del Ray Turkey Trot
Approximately 6,000 runners lined up for the 50th Annual Del Ray Turkey Trot yesterday. On its Facebook Page, Visit Del Ray shared a message of appreciation for all those who participated and made the race possible, and has a photo gallery.
2️⃣ Plaid Friday kicks off holiday shopping season
The holiday shopping calendar begins today with Plaid Friday, positioning the event as an alternative to big-box Black Friday shopping. More than 50 boutiques in Old Town participate in what the Old Town Boutique Community bills as Alexandria’s small business Black Friday.
Small Business Saturday follows tomorrow, with deals at independent shops across Alexandria neighborhoods.
3️⃣ Your weekend at a glance
Along with Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday tomorrow keeps the local shopping momentum going. The farmers’ markets are back Saturday and Sunday across Old Town, Del Ray, the West End, and Four Mile Run. If you’re looking to get moving, Murphy’s hosts its Saturday morning run, and there are group rides and runs at Handy Bikes and Aslin. Ice & Lights at Cameron Run is open all three days for anyone ready to lean into the winter spirit.
Live music is everywhere this weekend—The Seldom Scene plays The Birchmere tonight, The Manhattans take the stage Saturday, and Charles Esten performs Sunday. Catch jazz at Laporta’s, karaoke across half a dozen spots, or something heavier at Galactic Panther. Sunday brings some uniquely Alexandria offerings: tai chi with cats at Mount Purrnon and the 46th Annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan at St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland. Full details below.
4️⃣ Christmas tree sales support Alexandria Youth Camp
The Alexandria Police Youth Camp’s annual Christmas tree sale kicks off today at 110 Callahan Drive, running through December 15. Every tree purchased helps send Alexandria kids to the volunteer-run overnight camp in Kilmarnock, which has been building confidence and leadership in local youth for more than 75 years. Hours are 4–8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on weekends.
5️⃣ November 28, 1946: The Trumans at Christ Church
On this day in 1946, President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman attended Thanksgiving services at Christ Church on North Washington Street—just days after Truman pardoned a turkey at the White House. Presidential visits to the historic church date back to July 4, 1793, when George Washington first worshipped there as president. via Historic Alexandria
Extra Extra!
Reminder: all City of Alexandria government offices are closed today, Friday, November 28. (City of Alexandria)
Minga takes a bit out of lunch (Theogony)
Mystic Bar & Grill is permanently closing this Sunday. (Alexandria Living Magazine)
Virginians plan to dial back holiday spending this year, trimming budgets by about 5% even as the broader economy shows strong growth, according to a new Institute for Policy and Opinion Research survey at Roanoke College. (Virginia Mercury)