Alexandria Buzzing With Expansion Plans, Eviction Concerns, and Upcoming Events
Alexandria is abuzz with news this week. A popular eatery, Playa Bowls, is considering Old Town for expansion. Meanwhile, Sweetside Café and Creamery is set to open its doors in Del Ray on October 11. The city also sees a rise in eviction filings and unemployment rate.
Playa Bowls, famous for its acai bowls and smoothies, is exploring the possibility of opening a location in Old Town. This comes as Sweetside Café and Creamery prepares for its grand opening in Del Ray on October 11, promising a sweet treat for locals.
In more serious news, the Justice Department has dismissed a key prosecutor from the Eastern District of Virginia office. This move comes amidst a 21% increase in Alexandria's eviction filings in 2025, raising concerns about housing stability in the city. The unemployment rate has also risen to 3.8%, up from 2.8% a year ago.
On a lighter note, the George Washington Birthday Parade is scheduled for February 14 in Old Town. The Thirteen, a local choir, kicked off its season with a celebration of Palestrina's 500th birthday at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Alexandria is also focusing on community well-being. A youth mental health first-aid training is set for October 15, and Alexandria leaders will speak at the first-ever State of Early Childhood event. Additionally, Friends of Dorothy, a neighborhood queer cafe, is fundraising to open in Los Angeles, further enriching the city's culinary scene.
