What's up for the weekend? September 18 - 19, 2010

Our weekend picks!!!

The five day forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s, making it a great weekend to spend outside. Keeping this in mind, we recommend these events:

• The Alexandria Story Festival at Jefferson Houston school.  The focus at this free event is on kids' books and encouraging reading.  Not only will authors will read aloud, children will also get to participate in art and exercise activities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday only.  
• George Washington's Mount Vernon, Craft Fair.  Dozens of artisans sell their handmade wares at this art fair celebrating historic, craft techniques. Many activities including demonstrations, puppet shows, and magic will be staged throughout the day to entertain the non-shoppers. Combined with a trip to the colonial farm and a visit through the Education Center, this promises to be a full day of fun.  Definitely take advantage of the free Potomac River sightseeing cruise starting from the dock in Old Town. If you do not already have Mount Vernon year-long passes, purchase them on this visit. The annual Fall Harvest Family Days is scheduled for October 23-24, 2010. Make one more visit after that (hint: July 4th), and your passes have more than paid for themselves.
• "Talk Like a Pirate Day", Sunday, September 19. Historic Alexandria is teaming up with businesses in Old Town to celebrate Alexandria's waterfront heritage during Talk Like a Pirate Day. Kids can download a treasure map and bring it to Old Town to explore Alexandria's seafaring past – and collect lots of pirate booty along the way! This free event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and ideal for families with children 8 and younger.   How much fun will that be??