Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Falls Church 1, Arlington 0?
I was reading my Google News feed and found this story about Falls Church and why it's better than Arlington. I'm not sure I totally agree, but it's interesting. I see Falls Church sort of as a walled city in the midst of a bunch of communes. There are positive and negatives to living within the walls and on the other side of the "moat". As an other side of the moat dweller who cannot afford at the moment to live in a single family detached dwelling in Falls Church or Arlington, I sure would be nice to see some affordable housing in both places. However, I expect that the Falls Church and Arlington Residents would like to keep it that way (i.e. maintaining almost unaffordably high property values).
Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Nonetheless, I think the schools in each of these areas are only part of the equation to a child's success. Doesn't have to do with parents who care about educating their children OUTSIDE the classroom. Thankfully, in the DC Metro, there's plenty of culture to help in this.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
No Metro Stop, Deal With It
I have been reading about the Potomac Yard development and the community discussion about having Alexandria come up with the money ($32 Million) to build a Potomac Yard Metro Train stop. Given the current economic situation Alexandria City faces, I'm not sure that trying to find or fund a $32 million project is a sound decision by the city or a worthy community concern for those really pushing the development. I think making the businesses pay for the rest of the money gap is a great idea, just like the stops for Tyson's Corner. I'd also suggest if the Arlandria community desires the train stop, they go to the Arlington and Alexandria City councils and offer to raise their property taxes to fund the endeavor.
I think the obvious reason for the development is economic focused around mainly improving property values for those around the station. Also, I'm not sure that the station would help many more people than those on the east side of Route 1. Del Ray is a bit too far from the station, as it stands currently. On a different note, I think the 64 affordable housing units is a nice gesture (no doubt to comply with the city's request or to get some tax breaks), but the number should be more like 200 units. Think about how positive it would be if the developers committed to a true mixed development of high value homes with affordable ones.
I do believe that a Metro stop will eventually be built, but the sound decision is to wait until more businesses commit to building in the empty zones/areas. Until it's built, the community associations should be working with WMATA or ART or DASH to develop a circulator Bus line similar to the famous DC Circulator that works to serve Metro-trainless areas of DC. Arlandria is a perfect location to build a line that could be served by both Braddock Road and Crystal city by a circulator system. With such a system Arlandria can meet their demand for more transit through the area.
There are very successful communities without metro access in Northern Virginia. Shirlington, Fairlington, Parkfairfax, and North Arlington. Most of the wealthiest areas of NW Washington are also not served by the Metro, but by bus service. Maybe Arlandria should follow these models...until they get their wish of an almighty Metro Stop
I think the obvious reason for the development is economic focused around mainly improving property values for those around the station. Also, I'm not sure that the station would help many more people than those on the east side of Route 1. Del Ray is a bit too far from the station, as it stands currently. On a different note, I think the 64 affordable housing units is a nice gesture (no doubt to comply with the city's request or to get some tax breaks), but the number should be more like 200 units. Think about how positive it would be if the developers committed to a true mixed development of high value homes with affordable ones.
I do believe that a Metro stop will eventually be built, but the sound decision is to wait until more businesses commit to building in the empty zones/areas. Until it's built, the community associations should be working with WMATA or ART or DASH to develop a circulator Bus line similar to the famous DC Circulator that works to serve Metro-trainless areas of DC. Arlandria is a perfect location to build a line that could be served by both Braddock Road and Crystal city by a circulator system. With such a system Arlandria can meet their demand for more transit through the area.
There are very successful communities without metro access in Northern Virginia. Shirlington, Fairlington, Parkfairfax, and North Arlington. Most of the wealthiest areas of NW Washington are also not served by the Metro, but by bus service. Maybe Arlandria should follow these models...until they get their wish of an almighty Metro Stop
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It looks like everything is getting back online. Here are a couple of more shots from the snow storm.
Since the snowplows and the PAID folks who were supposed to shovel didn't come at Parkfairfax, someone built a shovel-man. In honor of those neighbors who actually did the work for them.
I think anyone who shoveled snow over the past week would agree that it took a long time. Why is this person so special? Didn't most of us shovel a space or two? This neighbor had no respect for the law. Reserving spaces is a no-no. Naughty neighbor. I could post 50 or 60 chairs, buckets, and paint cans reserving spaces, but this one captures the sentiment.
A couple of night shots.
Tell us how your neighborhood fared.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Shirlington Celebrity Sighting
The snow sure does bring out DC-area celebs.
Spotted: House Minority Leader John Boehner (casually dressed)
Where: Guapo's
When: Monday, February 8th around 8:30 pm
According to Wikipedia, Boehner rents a 2 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill for $1600/month.
Spotted: House Minority Leader John Boehner (casually dressed)
Where: Guapo's
When: Monday, February 8th around 8:30 pm
According to Wikipedia, Boehner rents a 2 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill for $1600/month.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snaux Pas #2
When it comes to bad weather, here at Shirlington Circle, we like to highlight (with a fair bit of sarcasm) some fun. No one likes it when people leave a mess for others to clean up. I don't know these people, but I took a few pictures while walking around the block. So here are some pictures, both good and bad.
Different folks getting more elaborate, with a full chair.
If you move, it's not your spot any longer...right?
This person gets 1st Prize. At least they parked a Vehicle in the space.
A+ for innovation.
It looks like the person had enough energy to clear their spot.
Really, I don't think there's any trash pick-up today.
Leaving it outside will invite every rodent in the village to eat at Joe's porch.
PEOPLE WITH PETS: Your neighbors don't want to step in your dog's excrement.
Clean it up, especially when the sidewalks are barely passable.
This pile looks like it's from a little ankle biter.
Leaving it outside will invite every rodent in the village to eat at Joe's porch.
These photos are meant to be light-hearted (with some truth). We're not singling out people, just portraying what two feet of snow does to a neighborhood.
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Snaux Pas - Snow Etiquette
After the last snowstorm and with the current onslaught of another 20+ inches, neighbors in the ShirlingtonCircle region have a hard time with keeping their wits about them. You'd think in the DC area where so many people make a living defending our country and in one of the most educated cities in the US, we'd all be able to dig out a car and drive in the street correctly. Here are some tips to deal with the snow:
1. Clean off all the snow on your car, including the top. I don't know how many time's I've seen cars with 12+ inches of snow on the roof. It's a safety hazard to all those around you. I saw it on a WMATA jeep that drove by and almost lost it. If it falls off on a highway, people may die...I'm not kidding.
2. If you dig out your car, and then drive somewhere, it's not your spot any longer. I'm possessive of my "professional" dig out work too, but I accept the consequences if I have to leave my spot all alone. Placing chairs, signs, or some kitty litter bucket in the space makes you look like a real lazy person.
3.When you go to the store at the last minute to get food, be patient. Last night at Giant I saw some of the most inconsiderate people getting pissed off at the cashiers (who were kindly working overtime) because it took 30 minutes to check out (even though there were 25 people in line). I think the least we can do is be considerate, after all, especially if there is a snowpocalypse a comin'. I don't want to be caught up in a store riot because some woman went after a store employee.
4. Clear you sidewalk. No brainer right? We'll for 25% of our neighbors they choose to stay inside while others slip and slide on their portion of the sidewalk. Granted elderly, disabled, and pregnant folks are exempt. Wouldn't it be neighborly to get out of your house/condo for 15 minutes to clear your walk? I know some of us condo dwellers pay fees to have snow removal/clearing, but I've also realized that sometimes the people who are hired to clear the walks shovel them like they've never shoveled before (i.e. they leave only 1/2 the walkway shoveled). So, when you get A LOT of snow you should still clear your walk, even if you have to use your hands. Don't be lazy or act out against the snow removal crew who didn't clear anything, do the safe thing.
5. Build snow sculptures. DC sees so few inches per year...so try attempting a piece of architecture or a family-friendly snowperson. It also shows a neighborhood that plays together stays together.
Thanks for reading!
1. Clean off all the snow on your car, including the top. I don't know how many time's I've seen cars with 12+ inches of snow on the roof. It's a safety hazard to all those around you. I saw it on a WMATA jeep that drove by and almost lost it. If it falls off on a highway, people may die...I'm not kidding.
2. If you dig out your car, and then drive somewhere, it's not your spot any longer. I'm possessive of my "professional" dig out work too, but I accept the consequences if I have to leave my spot all alone. Placing chairs, signs, or some kitty litter bucket in the space makes you look like a real lazy person.
3.When you go to the store at the last minute to get food, be patient. Last night at Giant I saw some of the most inconsiderate people getting pissed off at the cashiers (who were kindly working overtime) because it took 30 minutes to check out (even though there were 25 people in line). I think the least we can do is be considerate, after all, especially if there is a snowpocalypse a comin'. I don't want to be caught up in a store riot because some woman went after a store employee.
4. Clear you sidewalk. No brainer right? We'll for 25% of our neighbors they choose to stay inside while others slip and slide on their portion of the sidewalk. Granted elderly, disabled, and pregnant folks are exempt. Wouldn't it be neighborly to get out of your house/condo for 15 minutes to clear your walk? I know some of us condo dwellers pay fees to have snow removal/clearing, but I've also realized that sometimes the people who are hired to clear the walks shovel them like they've never shoveled before (i.e. they leave only 1/2 the walkway shoveled). So, when you get A LOT of snow you should still clear your walk, even if you have to use your hands. Don't be lazy or act out against the snow removal crew who didn't clear anything, do the safe thing.
5. Build snow sculptures. DC sees so few inches per year...so try attempting a piece of architecture or a family-friendly snowperson. It also shows a neighborhood that plays together stays together.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Restaurants in Crystal City
Shirlington Village was asked to review a restaurant in Crystal City, and while we were at it, here's a list of a few others:
1. Cafe Italia - This place was voted best neighborhood restaurant for a reason, metal name plates mark tables and pictures of famous people are everywhere. The food is reasonably priced, consistent, the servers are congenial, and I think it's the best every day Italian restaurant I've been to in Northern VA or DC. It's not "fancy" like Kora, but expect red and white checkered tablecloths a la Disney's Lady and the Tramp. We've already raved about it in a previous post on Italian Restaurants Rating: 4.5 of 5 "Circles"
2. Kora - Chef Morou's new restaurant. The menu is Italian, somewhat seasonal, and very good. Bebo Trattoria, the restaurant before Kora, suffered from overpriced food and uppity servers. Kora is more reasonably priced and family oriented. It just recently began a $15 per person family dinner. It's also great for a power lunch. ShirlingtonCircle Rating: 4 of 5 Circles
3. Jaleo- It's a tapas bar from a Beard Award winner, there are multiple locations in the DC area. The small plate style menu is extensive, but be warned it will take 3-4 plates to fill a person up. The ingredients are high quality and drinks are a specialty. The service is also good. I consider this a place to catch up with friends or for meeting people after work, but not a place for lunch or dinner. Rating 3.5 of 5 Circles
4. McCormick and Schmicks - This national restaurant has a nice Crystal City location. The fish is fresh and the meat is nicely paired. The service is above average. It's reliable, but there's nothing special. Rating: 3 of 5 Circles
5. Ted's Montana Grill - This is also another national restaurant chain know for its Buffalo steaks and burgers. It's also another family-oriented restaurant serving heartier fare. Every time we go there, its usually crowded. There's nothing special about this place either, but its worth a visit if you feel like a rustic meal, burger or bison-steak. Rating 3 of 5 Circles
We'll review other neighborhood restaurants in upcoming weeks. Thanks for reading.
1. Cafe Italia - This place was voted best neighborhood restaurant for a reason, metal name plates mark tables and pictures of famous people are everywhere. The food is reasonably priced, consistent, the servers are congenial, and I think it's the best every day Italian restaurant I've been to in Northern VA or DC. It's not "fancy" like Kora, but expect red and white checkered tablecloths a la Disney's Lady and the Tramp. We've already raved about it in a previous post on Italian Restaurants Rating: 4.5 of 5 "Circles"
2. Kora - Chef Morou's new restaurant. The menu is Italian, somewhat seasonal, and very good. Bebo Trattoria, the restaurant before Kora, suffered from overpriced food and uppity servers. Kora is more reasonably priced and family oriented. It just recently began a $15 per person family dinner. It's also great for a power lunch. ShirlingtonCircle Rating: 4 of 5 Circles
3. Jaleo- It's a tapas bar from a Beard Award winner, there are multiple locations in the DC area. The small plate style menu is extensive, but be warned it will take 3-4 plates to fill a person up. The ingredients are high quality and drinks are a specialty. The service is also good. I consider this a place to catch up with friends or for meeting people after work, but not a place for lunch or dinner. Rating 3.5 of 5 Circles
4. McCormick and Schmicks - This national restaurant has a nice Crystal City location. The fish is fresh and the meat is nicely paired. The service is above average. It's reliable, but there's nothing special. Rating: 3 of 5 Circles
5. Ted's Montana Grill - This is also another national restaurant chain know for its Buffalo steaks and burgers. It's also another family-oriented restaurant serving heartier fare. Every time we go there, its usually crowded. There's nothing special about this place either, but its worth a visit if you feel like a rustic meal, burger or bison-steak. Rating 3 of 5 Circles
We'll review other neighborhood restaurants in upcoming weeks. Thanks for reading.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Shirlington Village: Hip or Hype?
Neighborhood pride is very important to me, yet I sometimes have a very mixed reaction every time I cross into Shirlington Village. The huge sun-blocking megalith Shirlington Condo (once a parking lot) and IO Piazza (once a plain lot of land) came to town and brought folks who have adopted the Village as their own. More restaurants and now a hotel have turned Shirlington from a local hangout to a mini-town center. Having lived in the neighborhood (both in and around) for almost 8 years (before it was "cool") and a staunch defender of most things Shirlington, these changes are both good and bad. In my opinion, here is some of the hip and some the hype:
The Hip:
1. Harris Teeter - Shirlington needed a supermarket, and Harris Teeter is one of the best. The parking lot is sometimes a challenge since many non-Harris Teeter shoppers park in short term places reserved for the store and opt to spend long term hours eating in a restaurant (instead of parking a floor up or across the street).
2. Signature Theatre - A new face for the Shirlington stalwart (no more Four Mile Run Dr!), but very high quality productions. Not all their stuff is Tony Award winning caliber, but it's definitely worth seeing.
3. Hilton Garden Inn - I'm excited that a hotel/motel has moved into the neighborhood. I also think it's a tasteful size. Maybe it'll bring some restaurants and stores that are able to stay around for a while.
4. Shirlington 7 (Movie Theater) - One of my favorite movie art house theaters in the metro region. I think it competes favorably with the E-street Cinema in DC. The concessions could be more diverse or more upscale and the interior could use an update, but it's still great to have right down the street.
1. Federal Realty Corporation - Over the years tenants to the Village have come and gone, and Federal has tried to keep the stores filled. I don't know what their lease rates are, but they must be pretty high. There are quite a few storefront vacancies, and at least three tenants have vanished in the past 12 months or so. It looks like there's no movement on replacing the lost tenants or bringing new ones to fill the new empty spaces. The "it's the economy" argument doesn't work here in DC, in my opinion, especially in Arlington County. I wonder if Federal has utilized all its options to make Shirlington more attractive to business. Right now, I'm of the opinion that they haven't, but I'll have faith that they'll hopefully figure it out . Crystal City, Clarendon, and Pentagon City are all more successful models.
2. Extra Virgin -The second most expensive restaurant in Shirlington (behind Carlyle). I was initially exited a few years ago when an Italian restaurant came to town, but after I saw the prices I couldn't believe anyone would frequent it.
3. Carlyle Grand - the most OVERRATED restaurant in the DC metro. It's expensive, the service could be less pretentious, and the food is just average for the price you pay. The decor and their bread (from Best Buns) are the best thing about it. It's ironic that Best Buns and Carlyle are from the same restaurant group. I've been finding better overall restaurants in other close by NOVA neighborhoods and near by in the District. It's about time they took reservations too, call ahead lists don't accomplish the goal of reducing customer wait time. I try going back now and again to see if things change, but they never get the experience totally right.
The Hip:
1. Harris Teeter - Shirlington needed a supermarket, and Harris Teeter is one of the best. The parking lot is sometimes a challenge since many non-Harris Teeter shoppers park in short term places reserved for the store and opt to spend long term hours eating in a restaurant (instead of parking a floor up or across the street).
2. Signature Theatre - A new face for the Shirlington stalwart (no more Four Mile Run Dr!), but very high quality productions. Not all their stuff is Tony Award winning caliber, but it's definitely worth seeing.
3. Hilton Garden Inn - I'm excited that a hotel/motel has moved into the neighborhood. I also think it's a tasteful size. Maybe it'll bring some restaurants and stores that are able to stay around for a while.
4. Shirlington 7 (Movie Theater) - One of my favorite movie art house theaters in the metro region. I think it competes favorably with the E-street Cinema in DC. The concessions could be more diverse or more upscale and the interior could use an update, but it's still great to have right down the street.
The Hype:
2. Extra Virgin -The second most expensive restaurant in Shirlington (behind Carlyle). I was initially exited a few years ago when an Italian restaurant came to town, but after I saw the prices I couldn't believe anyone would frequent it.
3. Carlyle Grand - the most OVERRATED restaurant in the DC metro. It's expensive, the service could be less pretentious, and the food is just average for the price you pay. The decor and their bread (from Best Buns) are the best thing about it. It's ironic that Best Buns and Carlyle are from the same restaurant group. I've been finding better overall restaurants in other close by NOVA neighborhoods and near by in the District. It's about time they took reservations too, call ahead lists don't accomplish the goal of reducing customer wait time. I try going back now and again to see if things change, but they never get the experience totally right.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Restaurant in town - Pizzaiolo Cafe on Fern
Pizzaiolo has a few restaurants in the area. I noticed a new one on Fern St (google map link) in Alexandria last weekend. It's called Cafe on Fern. I plan to check it out: http://www.cafepizzaiolo.com/cof_home.html
I've been to Cafe Pizzaiolo on 23rd street a couple of times. They're always crowded and they've made the Washingtonian Magazine...I think it's nothing to rave about, but it's ok for a quick sandwich or bite to eat.
If anyone's been to the Cafe on Fern, post a comment and let us know what you think.
Thanks for reading.
I've been to Cafe Pizzaiolo on 23rd street a couple of times. They're always crowded and they've made the Washingtonian Magazine...I think it's nothing to rave about, but it's ok for a quick sandwich or bite to eat.
If anyone's been to the Cafe on Fern, post a comment and let us know what you think.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Winter Art Classes in Arlington County - Check out the Schedule
I was asked to post this by Arlington County. Here are a few winter art classes you might find interesting. That are open to everyone. For more information follow this blog: http://www.arthubnews.blogspot.com/
Home Post #2: Renovation Recommendations
ShirlingtonCircle (SC) has done quite a few renovations in the past year, from heaters, a full kitchen and bathroom renovation. So have some NOVA relatives. Here are some solid recommendations:
1. Sears Home Improvement: Yeah, you heard right. They do great work, and they have some great products (cabinets are better than Home Depot and Lowe's and counter surfaces were very comparable) . And the people (planners to contractors)are top notch. I was completely surprised at their quality, to be honest. We had our kitchen totally gutted, with new cabinets, stainless, and granite. Their options are semi-custom, so if you want made to measure $100K cabinets, then don't look here (but if you put $100k into a kitchen, I think you didn't watch the right HGTV show). They were competitive (we had 4 bids), fast, and come with a 100% guarantee (no kidding). They also offer discounts on appliances, from Bosch to LG to Kenmore Elite. Their website doesn't to them justice: http://www.searshomepro.com/. They aren't a totally rip out walls contractor, they're more a remodeling/upgrade place. Biggest challenge is making sure you're organized.
2. Grimsley Renovations (http://grimsleyrenovations.com/index.html): Jarrod Grimsley does great work. He has great attention to detail and is very competitive price-wise. He'll use just about any materials you want, and rip out walls if you want. He did our bathroom and had some great suggestions. Biggest challenge is getting on his calendar!
3. Studio 57 / Michael and Sons (http://studio57design.com/): The design professionals are great. Pretty reasonable, but you can really go high end ($$$) with them really quickly. A wide variety of products and finishes. These guys will tear it up and rip it out any way you want. However, you have to stay on them to make sure they finish things to your liking (since you're paying). Biggest challenge, keeping to a budget. My brother used this company for a bathroom and partial kitchen renovation, they did great work.
1. Sears Home Improvement: Yeah, you heard right. They do great work, and they have some great products (cabinets are better than Home Depot and Lowe's and counter surfaces were very comparable) . And the people (planners to contractors)are top notch. I was completely surprised at their quality, to be honest. We had our kitchen totally gutted, with new cabinets, stainless, and granite. Their options are semi-custom, so if you want made to measure $100K cabinets, then don't look here (but if you put $100k into a kitchen, I think you didn't watch the right HGTV show). They were competitive (we had 4 bids), fast, and come with a 100% guarantee (no kidding). They also offer discounts on appliances, from Bosch to LG to Kenmore Elite. Their website doesn't to them justice: http://www.searshomepro.com/. They aren't a totally rip out walls contractor, they're more a remodeling/upgrade place. Biggest challenge is making sure you're organized.
2. Grimsley Renovations (http://grimsleyrenovations.com/index.html): Jarrod Grimsley does great work. He has great attention to detail and is very competitive price-wise. He'll use just about any materials you want, and rip out walls if you want. He did our bathroom and had some great suggestions. Biggest challenge is getting on his calendar!
3. Studio 57 / Michael and Sons (http://studio57design.com/): The design professionals are great. Pretty reasonable, but you can really go high end ($$$) with them really quickly. A wide variety of products and finishes. These guys will tear it up and rip it out any way you want. However, you have to stay on them to make sure they finish things to your liking (since you're paying). Biggest challenge, keeping to a budget. My brother used this company for a bathroom and partial kitchen renovation, they did great work.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Best Neighborhoods for House Hunting
When it comes to house hunting in Northern Virginia it can be tricky. It seems the housing market and the mortgage market are in perfect alignment at the moment. We at Shirlington Circle are NOT real estate agents and were settled in our home at the moment, so our opinions are less biased than those of some real estate bloggers out there on the "internets." So here are our favorite micro-neighborhoods (all with good school systems) by price range for move-in ready 2+ bedrooms:
0-$350,000
1. Parkfairfax (Alexandria, VA): Great deals for 2 Bedroom 1 Bath units (average $320-350K). On the National Historic Register, more greenspace than Fairlington, walking distance to Shirlington Village restaurants and supermarket. Less than ten minutes to pentagon city metro by bus or car.
2. Kingstowne (Alexandria VA): More suburban, south of Beltway community. Nice option for a little longer commute to DC, but not epic. Newer construction.
$350,000-$450,000
1. Fairlington (Arlington): Another close in neighborhood at the south end of Arlington County. Like Parkfairfax, it's on the National Register, also a few years ago it made Washingtonian Magazine's best neighboroods. Also 5-10 minute commute to nearest metro on public transit or by car. 3 bedroom places start at this level in the Fairlington area.
2. Shirlington Village (Arlington): A mini-town center with great transportation. Short commute times to DC. A bit more urban than Fairlington and Parkfairfax, but you pay for convenience. Fewer families (i.e. with children), but very professional.
$450,000-$750,000
1. Del Ray (Alexandria): A great bedroom community. Diverse housing stock. Very active and proud community. Very family oriented.
2. North Arlington: Another great bedroom community. Great landscaping and very green. Driving through one often forgets their in the DC metro.
$750,000+
1. Beverley Hills/Rosemont (Alexandria): The best bang for your buck in NOVA, if you can afford it. Just Trulia search 22301.
2. Falls Church: Small enclave in the middle of NOVA between tawny Mclean and Alexandria and Fairfax County. A bit militant in terms of outsiders and neighborhood compliance, however.
OVERPRICED NEIGHBORHOODS:
Clarendon/Ballston: Don't get me wrong these are great neighborhoods to live NEAR or RENT in. Homes, for the price, are small and neighborhoods are overrun by visitors.
Old Town: Great place to live, if money is no object, but you pay a lot of money for houses you can barely put your arms across. Again, a great place to live NEAR.
McLean: You're paying for the zip code and a McMansion next to a MEGA-MALL. I'm kind of glad they're getting 2-3 metro stops OVER Ground.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Return to the Circle...and to Training
Just like the butterflies return to San Juan Capistrano. We are returning to blogging after a busy six months of home renovations and traveling.Readers might notice ShirlingtonCircle has started a blog about triathlons, which gives us the idea of which gyms are the area's best.
Here they are:
Here they are:
Best Gym without a pool: Energy Club (Shirlington). They have a climbing wall, more personalized serivce, than those bigger gyms in the area.
Best Gym with pool: Xsport (Fairlington/King St). The gym is huge, and has a few lap lanes.
Best local low-cost option (non-governmental): Alexandria YMCA. Clean facilities, safe neighborhood...and a pool too.
Best big-chain gym: Sports Club (Bailey's Crossroads/Crystal City). Both are large-scale gym complexes, but have plenty of machines and a pool too.
Let us know what you think. Thanks for reading!
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