It was a rainy November morning in 2023, and I had been kidnapped. Not to worry. It was all part of the plan. Dressed in camouflage and face paint, our students were preparing to embark on their very first Veterans Day rescue mission. Their objective? Find and rescue their Headmaster, who was somewhere out in the woods, getting thoroughly soaked. What began as an ambitious idea from two military fathers has become one of ACCA's most beloved traditions.

At Carlough & Co., we believe a home should be a reflection of the people who live there, not simply a collection of beautiful things. It's a philosophy that shapes everything we do, from our first conversation with a client to the final installation. We intentionally take on only a handful of projects each year, allowing us to be personally involved in every detail along the way.

This is not about politics; this is simply about recognizing parents. Let’s take a moment to celebrate, because this is genuinely worth celebrating. Virginia voters enshrined same-sex marriage protections directly into the state constitution — which means the legal recognition of same-sex parentage to children couples have during marriage is no longer dependent on a federal court decision that a future Supreme Court could revisit. For same-sex couples in Virginia, this is such a meaningful right as parents.

Discover the timeless artistry of Mazza as designer Jeff Mazza brings his exquisite Italian craftsmanship, vibrant gemstones and handcrafted 18K gold to Mystique for an exclusive three-day trunk show. Plus, explore Penny Preville’s 18K gold heirlooms and learn the art of personalized layering to create a signature look that tells your story.

We usually only do a Lizzie Fortunato event in the spring, but when I scrolled through their website recently and saw all the new fine jewelry, I had to ask them if we could do an event this fall. I thought, wouldn’t it be perfect to do a fine jewelry event just in time for the holidays?

There’s something especially lovely about setting the Thanksgiving table. Out comes the favorite china, the linen napkins, and the serving pieces that only make an appearance a few times a year. Flowers bring it all together, adding color and warmth to the place where everyone will gather.

ArtSpireVa celebrates 18 years of its beloved Community Nutcracker, bringing together more than 180 young dancers from across the region for a fresh take on the holiday classic. Beyond the magic onstage, ticket proceeds support scholarships that make the arts accessible to local youth, continuing the organization's mission of creating opportunities for every young performer to shine.

For nearly 30 years, Encore Consignment Boutique has been a beloved style fixture in Old Town. Today, as only its third owner, Jennifer Valentine is giving the longtime Alexandria staple a fresh, vibrant new chapter while honoring its lasting legacy.