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Welcome to the blog! I’m getting there…
Hello! Welcome!
I’m in a bit of a soft-opening phase of the new blog. As well as the Patreon and social media. So please bear with me as I tweak the technical. I’ve already got lots of old travel articles and such loaded that you can have a look at as I polish-up the rest of the blog with new categories, links, etc.
The blog will never look or be perfect. No one is perfect (though my husband and doggie come close! โค๏ธ).
I’m actually tired of the look of perfect. I want to see real, wholesome, joyous content. And that’s what I want to create.
There’s gonna be people in the background of our pictures. And I’m ok with that. Because you know to get the “perfect” shot you have to get up at the crack of dawn, and I like my sleep way too much.
There’s a living / posting balance that I’m still figuring out. Like many of you. But I can tell you some things I’m tired of. I’m tired of the cultural obsession with the perfect shot. And I’m so sick and tired of so many Reels.
Sometimes. Yes! But not every single post.
So I’ve decided to go back to mostly pretty pictures versus video. And I’ve decided to go back to blogging. Simply. Artfully. Joyously.
I want this to be a special place you come visit that’s uplifting, inspiring, merry and bright โ all year long, not just at Christmas time.๐
Cheers! ๐ Jennifer-Marie
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Trip-Flix: Washington DC
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Summer Sidewalk Sale โข 12 Aug 23 โข Old Town ALX & Beyond lol…
FYI Sidewalk Sale Lovers. The 14th Annual Alexandira Sidewalk Sale is just 10 days away.
As a slow-living side note, I don’t tend to shop “sales” because I’ve been known to buy things I otherwise wouldn’t even think of or desire. I do shop sales for beauty and cosmetics because those deals are freekin’ incredible! But hey, no judgment if you’re a sale shopper, some peeps are brilliant with the deals and discounts โ if they work for you have fun and have at it! I know lots of people make fun girls days of it!
If you’re concerned about unnecessary or silly-what was I thinking-consumption here are some thoughts for you. Ya know, some questions to ask yourself before tapping the plastic:
- Is this something I’d want if I wasn’t caught up in the magic of the sale? The frenzy. The event. The people. The spectacle of it all!??
- Does this fit my personal style? My wardrobe? My dรฉcor?
- Is having this on my body a story I want to tell the world.
- If this item was in my home will it bring more beauty into my life?
- Will I still want this in a day, week, month, year?
If it’s a no-no consider leaving it for someone where it’s a gleeful heck-yes!
Here’s Visit ALX’s Calendar Listing along with their Sidewalk Sale link. Though, note, only businesses that buy into the Visit Alexandria organization’s membership will be featured as a participant. And that’s good news! I bet there will be lots more stores that step-out of their storefronts with some sale items…
Also, kinda exciting this year are the musical acts! All those deets & more in the Visit ALX link…
Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale
August 12, 2023
Throughout Old Town and beyond
AlexandriaSidewalkSale.comOne of the longest running summer shopping events returns to the D.C. regionโs Shop Small destination for independent boutiques, Alexandria, Virginia, with the annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale happening Saturday, August 12, 2023, throughout Old Town and beyond. The event features more than 40 Alexandria boutiques stepping out of their storefronts and offering deeply discounted summer merchandise. Plus, enjoy live music along King Street and shop pop-up vendors along the 0 block of King Street. In Alexandriaโs Del Ray neighborhood, browse unique finds at the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market and more. Learn more at AlexandriaSidewalkSale.com.
๐ธs: Sarah Marcella Creative for Visit Alexandria
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Ongoing Exhibits & Happenings in Old Town ALX โ Now Through Autumn 2023
Bonjour Beauties!
Here’s a list of some ongoing things happening in Old Town through the fall. Happy memory making!
๐ Jennifer-Marie
Ongoing Happenings & Exhibitsย
Floriography in the Victorian Era at Lee Fendall
I love stuff like this! Weโll definitely walk over and see this a few times.
Now through 30 August โข Daytime // Admission: Free
Lee Fendall House Museum & Gardens โข 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Victorians used flowers to send messages of love, empathy, and even disinterest. Learn how they did it by wandering through the Lee Fendall garden. Theyโve put signs next to the planted flowers that explain more about this โsecretโ intriguing language.
Art Night in Old Town ALX
Iโm excited about this! We happened upon a night like this in chichi Bozeman, Montana โ note, this western town earned the nickname Bozeangelous due to their glittery costal guests. Anyhow, while on our Western roadtrip we spent a little time there and happened upon the art night on their Main Street. It was fun! We didnโt purchase any art on the spot, but we did take some artist’s cards, and got some chic westernware. lol.
Third Thursday Each Month โข May to October โข 5 โ 8 pm // Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, 22314
You can get more info at -> oldtownbusiness.org
Explore fine art and studio crafts found in the boutiques and galleries of Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites
Oh this sounds like fun! We won’t do it. lol. But it sounds fun! And it’s a 21 and up activity.
Tuesdays, 9 June – 18 August (bi-weekly) / 7 o’clock / $10 includes snack & beverage (additional drinks available for purchase at the bar)
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Gardens โข 614 Oronoco Street โข Alexandria, VA 22314
Limited capacity so register early! Registration must be done in advance. Age 21+ only. And teams are limited to 6 people.
Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum team up for some fun-filled Tuesday nights. Every other week throughout the summertime the Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall staffs host trivia night in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Everything from pop culture to history is on the table.
Dates & Themes -> June 9th: British Royal History / June 23rd: Presidential History / July 7th: Alexandria History / July 21st: Mythology / Aug 4th: Pets / Aug 18th: 1980s
Each trivia night is themed with weekly prizes for the winning team and a grand prize for the team that wins the most points over the entire summer!
Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson โ Current Public Art Installation in Waterfront Park
Every year, there is different public art at the foot of King Street, by waterโs edge, to be enjoyed by the tourist and locals alike. This piece is inspired by pieces discovered in 2015 & 2018 on Old Townโs own Potomac waterfront. I have a greater respect for the piece after learning of the inspiration leading to itโs creation, versus just the aesthetic alone.
Late March to November 2023 // Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314visitalexandriava.com/public-art
โIn late March, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson will be unveiled as the fifth temporary public art installation on Old Town Alexandriaโs waterfront, part of the City of Alexandriaโs Site See: New Views in Old Town series. Created by Jamaican-born, New York-based award-winning artist Nina Cooke John of Studio Cooke John, the installation is inspired by the ships uncovered on Alexandriaโs waterfront in 2015 and 2018 and the many layers of history that are not readily seen. The installation forms an abstracted shipโs hull with steel vertical elements that rise and bend, referencing the curve of the hullโs frame. Visitors can stand within the space and imagine a time in Alexandriaโs history when the ships carried not only cargo like tobacco, molasses, rum and limes, but also enslaved people who were traded as part of the transatlantic and domestic slave trades. The outer blue of the installation is contrasted with an orange inner surface depicting text pulled from shipsโ manifests listing items like herring, coconuts and gin, alongside names and descriptions of enslaved people, such as โJane Tailor, female, 5โ 2โ.โ Also listed are โtwo boxes of orangesโ and โAdmonia Jackson.โโ โ Visit Alex
Art, art instillation, Art Night in Old Town ALX, Lee Fendall, Old Town, Old Town Alexandria, Old Town Alx, public art, Trivia, Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson โ Current Public Art Installation in Waterfront Park -
Jackie O’s Brilliant 30k Monthly Clothing Allowance โข Story from Nancy McKeon’s Memoir โ Jackie’s Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family
The first time I heard about Jackie’s clever shennanagins with her clothing allowance was in Kathy McKeon’s Memoir, Jackie’s Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family. Kathy immigrated from Ireland to America in 1964 at just nineteen years old. She then snagged the job as Jackie’s private assistant, and occasional nanny, for the next decade.
Among Kathy’s many stories about Jackie and life with the Kennedy’s, she speaks of Jackie’s clothing allowance from Aristotle Onassis. Jackie received $30k a month for clothes. Jackie and Aristotle married in 1968 โ 30k at that time is over $261,500 today.
Evidently Aristotle didn’t fancy Jackie’s spending habits overall, but he didn’t mind her dropping a pretty penny on plenty of fabulous frocks. As a side note, I remember a story about Jackie not understanding how JFK balked at spending 1k for a painting but would spend enormous amounts on campaigns.
I guess people prioritize spending differently โ though I think many can definitely identify with Jackie!
Anyhow, I appreciate how a lady of her time and generation cleverly took matters into her own hands to get some spending freedom. lol.
She took Aristotle’s 30k a month. And bought fabulous clothes. Some she wore. Some she didn’t. Some even had the tags on them. Fully conscious of her plan, and with the assistance of others, Jackie would consign her clothes. And make a significant amount of money on them!
Keep in mind, 30k a month in 1968 is over 3 million annually in todays dollars. Just brilliant.
We were recently at a talk by Monte Durham, of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta & Salon Monte. He fancies himself Jackie’s biggest fan, and recently donated his entire collection โ including a replica of Jackie’s wedding dress to JFK โ to the First Ladies Museum. He brought up the consignment story too, and I learned that Jackie actually was able to sell the clothing for more than she paid because people were so excited to own something that was Jackie’s.
I love stories like this!
If you like stories like this too check out Kathy’s book Jackie’s Girl, Miles and I both recommend it. We were visiting family in Grosse Pointe, and Miles read Aunt Sheila’s copy. Mummy read it too. It’s a really easy, fascinating, fun read about a poor girl from Ireland who ends up working for American royalty.
Jackie’s Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family
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Summertime Memory Making in Old Town ALX โ June-August Curated Calendar
Hey beauties! Here’s my curated calendar for the summer. Lots happening in Old Town ALX! Sending y’all lots of love and wishing you many happy summertime moments. See ya around town.
xxx โข Jennifer-Marie
p.s. If you’re just seeing this post and the event has already passed. Have no fear! It will probably happen again next year.
Summertime Memory Making
Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair โ Presented by Volunteer Alexandria
I tend to like more art fairs than crafts. And this sounds like it has a diverse mix. Especially if you’re going with girlfriends or folks with different tastes.
Saturday 3 June 2023, 10am – 6pm โข Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Local and regional artists and crafters showcase pieces across various mediums. Merchandise will include pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more.
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival sponsored by Ting
This sounds nice. I’ve got high hopes for this one. Especially with the Jazz on Friday. I really hope they can keep the busking far enough away so the musical acts don’t compete with one another โ can’t stand it when you’re hearing more than one act at once down there!
Friday & Saturday, 16 & 17 June 2023
Time: Friday 16 June 6 to 9 pm โข Saturday 17 June 1 to 9 pmโข Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314More info at -> PortsideFestival.com
Portside in Old Town Summer Festival (now sponsored by Ting) returns to Waterfront Park. There will be an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company, and family fun on the Potomac’s edge. Friday evening features jazz performances and poetry readings by Alexandria poets. On Saturday, there will be more of eclectic musical lineup, local food, plus hands-on art and history activities.
Lots of folks behind this one. Portside in Old Town Festival props go to: Visit Alexandria, Ting, ALX Jazz Fest, City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts (a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities).
Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour with Manumission Tour Company
We really like John Chapman. This is his company, Manumission, doing the tour. Manumission also has additional African American History tours that you can check out here.
Saturday 17 June 2023 โข 11 am & 1 pm โข Admission: $35 per person
Meets at The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Manumission Tour Company has an annual Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour. The tour is 90 minutes and visits various historic sites โ telling the story of African Americans in early Alexandria. Some of the historic sites include several African American churches in the city (such as Alfred Street Baptist Church), Barrett Library (site of the 1939 Library Sit-In), as well as Freedom House and more.
Father’s Day
Sunday, 18 June 2023
Juneteenth
Monday, 19 June 2023
USA / Alexandria Birthday Celebration
This one is personal for us. It’s our anniversary weekend! So we always appreciate the fireworks!
Saturday, 8 July 2023 โข 6 to 9:45 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday 9 July) โข Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria, VA 22314
More info here -> alexandriava.gov
It’s Alexandria’s 274th birthday and the USAโs 247th! The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will preform and the fireworks act as a finale to the ASO at half passed 9 o’clock. Enjoy the big birthday experience including cupcakes, local vendors and live music.
10th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl hosted by Port City Brewing Company
A pub crawl is not my thing. But I’m sharing it because it’s a way to support so many small and local business.
Saturday 15 July 2023, 1:30 to 6 pm โข Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town, Alexandria, VA 22314
portcitybrewing.com 703-797-2739
“The Port City Brewing Company team will be at local restaurants and bars near the Alexandria waterfront, stamping pub crawl passes (available at participating locations) and handing out swag from 1:30 to 6 p.m. If you complete your Pub Crawl Pass, you will get a limited-edition pint glass. Participating restaurants include Blackwall Hitch, Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar, Chadwicks, Daniel O’Connell’s, The Fish Market, Union Street Public House, Virtue Feed and Grain and Volaโs Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge.” – Visit Alex
Beats, Bites and Brews in Old Town Alexandria
Doggies are welcome! We love that!29 July 2023, from 11 am to 6 pm
Admission: Free
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria, VA 22314
thecarlylecommunity.com
John Carlyle Square is hosting a day of outdoor entertainment, with music, shopping, food, and cold beves. Visit Alx says, “local bands, food vendors, wineries and breweries, as well as other local small businesses will be on site. Tasting will be provided by the wineries and breweries, and you can purchase the tickets onsite from them directly.” And most importantly this event is pet friendly and will happen rain or shine.Around the World Cultural Food Festival
August 26, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. // Admission: Free
Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Take an afternoon trip around the world! The Around the World Cultural Food Festival showcases the culture, traditions and cuisine of dozens of countries. This festival is pet-friendly event will occur rain or shine.
Ongoing Exhibits
Floriography in the Victorian Era at Lee Fendall
I love stuff like this! Weโll definitely walk over and see this a few times.
Now through 30 August โข Daytime // Admission: Free
Lee Fendall House Museum & Gardens โข 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Victorians used flowers to send messages of love, empathy, and even disinterest. Learn how they did it by wandering through the Lee Fendall garden. Theyโve put signs next to the planted flowers that explain more about this โsecretโ intriguing language.
Art Night in Old Town ALX
Iโm excited about this! We happened upon a night like this in chichi Bozeman, Montana โ note, this western town earned the nickname Bozeangelous due to their glittery costal guests. Anyhow, while on our Western roadtrip we spent a little time there and happened upon the art night on their Main Street. It was fun! We didnโt purchase any art on the spot, but we did take some artists cards, and got some chic westernware. lol.
Third Thursday Each Month โข May to October โข 5 โ 8 pm // Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, 22314
You can get more info at -> oldtownbusiness.org
Explore fine art and studio crafts found in the boutiques and galleries of Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites
Oh this sounds like fun! We won’t do it. lol. But it sounds fun! And it’s a 21 and up activity.
Tuesdays, 9 June – 18 August (bi-weekly) / 7 o’clock / $10 includes snack & beverage (additional drinks available for purchase at the bar)
Lee-Fendall House Museum & Gardens โข 614 Oronoco Street โข Alexandria, VA 22314
Limited capacity so register early! Registration must be done in advance. Age 21+ only. And teams are limited to 6 people.
Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites
Carlyle House Historic Park and the Lee-Fendall House Museum team up for some fun Tuesday nights. Every other week throughout the summertime the Carlyle House and Lee-Fendall staffs host trivia night in the beautiful gardens of the Lee-Fendall House. Everything from pop culture to history is on the table.
Dates & Themes -> June 9th: British Royal History / June 23rd: Presidential History / July 7th: Alexandria History / July 21st: Mythology / Aug 4th: Pets / Aug 18th: 1980s
Each trivia night is themed with weekly prizes for the winning team and a grand prize for the team that wins the most points over the entire summer!
Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson โ Temporary Waterfront Public Art Installation
Every year, there is different public art at the foot of King Street, by waterโs edge, to be enjoyed by the tourist and locals alike. This piece is inspired by pieces discovered in 2015 & 2018 on Old Townโs own Potomac waterfront. I have a greater respect for the piece after learning of the inspiration leading to itโs creation, versus just the aesthetic alone.
Late March to November 2023 // Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314visitalexandriava.com/public-art
โIn late March, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson will be unveiled as the fifth temporary public art installation on Old Town Alexandriaโs waterfront, part of the City of Alexandriaโs Site See: New Views in Old Town series. Created by Jamaican-born, New York-based award-winning artist Nina Cooke John of Studio Cooke John, the installation is inspired by the ships uncovered on Alexandriaโs waterfront in 2015 and 2018 and the many layers of history that are not readily seen. The installation forms an abstracted shipโs hull with steel vertical elements that rise and bend, referencing the curve of the hullโs frame. Visitors can stand within the space and imagine a time in Alexandriaโs history when the ships carried not only cargo like tobacco, molasses, rum and limes, but also enslaved people who were traded as part of the transatlantic and domestic slave trades. The outer blue of the installation is contrasted with an orange inner surface depicting text pulled from shipsโ manifests listing items like herring, coconuts and gin, alongside names and descriptions of enslaved people, such as โJane Tailor, female, 5โ 2โ.โ Also listed are โtwo boxes of orangesโ and โAdmonia Jackson.โโ โ Visit Alex
Tiki Bar โ Throughout Boating Season โข Old Dominion Boat Club (Private Club)
The Friday night tiki bar tradition has migrated from the luscious lawn and docks of One King to the swanky rooftop of Zero Prince. Old clubhouse. New clubhouse. Doesnโt matter. Itโs been proven the clubโs tiki nights are filled with good times, good people, good drinks, and good music!
Fridays throughout the Summer โ 6 โ 11pm โ 6pm Bar Opens / 7-11pm Musical Entertainment
The Rooftop Tiki Bar has musical entertainment every Friday evening throughout boating season. Please see the Clubโs website for specifics.
Curated Calendar, Curated Calendars, Old Town, Old Town Alx, Old Town Post, Old Town Post / Pineapple PostsArt Night in Old Town ALX, Carlyle House, Curated Calendar, Floriography, Lee-Fendall, memory making, Old Town Alx, public art, Summer, Summer 2023, Trivia, Trivia Nights at the Historic Sites, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson โ Current Public Art Installation in Waterfront Park, Washington DC -
Press Preview & Opening โ Beyond Camelot: The Life & Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Exhibition โข Donated by Monte Durham to The First Ladies Museum in Canton, Ohio
Postcard from Jiles
Canton, Ohio โข Home of the National First Ladies Library & Museum โข DoubleTree by Hilton
1 May 2023
Bonjour Jet Setters!
The Jackie Kennedy exhibit at the First Ladies Museum is opening. And we got tickets! Beyond Camelot: The Life & Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Exhibition was donated by Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta & Le Crรฉateur of Salon Monte in Old Town, Alx (where I get my hair done!).
We’re in our room at the DoubleTree by Hilton, right across from the museum. Warming up a bit from the bone chilling rain outside. Relaxing after the the early afternoon press event, and before tonight’s champagne reception. I’m on the bed, with doggie and blanky, and the heat on in the room.
I thought I’d break from pondering how to do my hair in this bone chilling rain (talk about pressure โ it’s my hairdresser’s event!), and pop on and write a postcard to let y’all know what was going on. Give you a little behind the scenes, so to speak . . .
The first time I went to Salon Monte, the salon’s namesake told me all about his love for Jackie, his prolific collection, and how he was donating his all of his Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis artifacts to the First Ladies Museum in Canton, Ohio.
Did you know one of those artifacts is an exact replica of Jackie’s wedding dress to JFK? I’ve seen it in so many photographs, but it was so special to see it replicated, up close. So beautiful with such a story!
This is the only replica of the iconic dress in the world. Monte went to great lengths to have it recreated. There’s a whole story. And to hear it, you’ll have to wait for our “official” content on the exhibit. This is just some behind the scenes stuff!
I actually got a little emotional seeing everything on display. I have my suspicions as to why the emotions. I think it’s connected to beauty, luxury, leisure, intentional living, and creating conscious memories. Which I’ll muse about in a later post.
I’m actually sensing a lot of content from this tiny sojourn to the heartland. In addition to our Jet Set Jiles platforms, we’re excited that we’re doing a piece for the next Zebra (June 2023)! Mary Wadland, the “Good News in Alexandria Newspaper” publisher, wants us to really dive into a sold story about the exhibit and dig into Monte’s passion for collecting Jackie memorabilia.
So it’ll be exciting to see our byline in black and white (and read all over!). Miles & Jennifer โ husband – wife – photographer – reporter duo. With their little side kick, Chou Chou (a French term of affection pronounced Shoe Shoe). lol.
Doing Zebra stuff is gonna be some new memory making for us. And, as I say all the time, conscious memory making is so important! It enriches your life and nourishes your soul.
Check it out, we even got Zebra press passes! Which made us giggle . . .
The media event was really cool. And you didn’t feel super self-conscious and like a weird-o taking pictures and videos because that’s the purpose of the event! Everybody was doing it! It was really nice to have the camaraderie of “fellow reporters” to help you out. lol.
I joke, but seriously, people were swapping cameras to get the shots for other people. A reporter went up to Miles to say hi and that he thought that they worked together before. Miles said, he was from DC, here for the Zebra Press in Alexandira, Virginia. lol. One guy asked me to go take my pictures again of the fireplace and portrait so he could video it for his station.
Here’s my picture of him doing the same thing he asked me to do! lol.
The whole experience was really neat!
And Monte, well, he’s just a gem. A true southern gentleman making everyone feel at home among his treasured collection. And making sure everyone got their info and their photos. He is the master selfie taker!
You think this is a picture of Monte taking selfies with these ladies. And he is. But what you don’t know is I thought it would be a good picture. So I asked Monte to take the pictures again so I could “get the shot”. lol.
Monte gave a talk at the press event. One of the things he was touching on was Jack and Jackie’s wedding. And how Joe Kennedy really jumped into the planning (and the paying for) the wedding. Pushing Jackie to look “bride”, versus the clean lines she craved.
I’d say that sounds sooo familiar โ parents jumping into the planning of your big day – their wants, wishes, and wardrobe – but with the political agenda surrounding her wedding this was a whole other level!
Anyhow, in addition to the dress, Joe also went around to all the neighbors at Hammersmith Farm and asked them to have their livestock out grazing in the background of the festivities. Talk about picture perfect!
Monte then wrapped the story concluding how Jackie had the original chic farm wedding! (And we just left one, at Miles’ Grandmother’s farm!)
Ok folks, it sure was fun giving you a little behind the scenes. So many cute stories are going to come out of this trip. We can’t wait to share them with you!
But for now. Off to do my hair, and put on a little Dolce for Beyond Camelot’s Champagne reception!
A bientรดt!
Kisses,
Jennifer & Miles & The Furry Princess
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We Made It! We’re at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Canton, Ohio โ Just Across the Street From the First Ladies Library & Museum
Postcard from Jiles
Canton, Ohio โข Home of the National First Ladies Library & Museum โข DoubleTree by Hilton
30 April 2023
Hello friends!
We’ve been on the road since Friday! Zoom Zoom. And there’s a kinda wedding theme throughout our road trip! Chin Chin.
We were at Miles cousin’s chic farm wedding in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Saturday’s celebration: clear skies, sunshine, twinkling stars in the sky above the fireworks display! Every other second of this trip: rain!
Earlier today we hopped back into our little Mercedes with our little princess and drove in our Burberry check raincoats to Canton, Ohio.
Waze had a breakdown and kept circling us back to West Virginia for an hour and a half. As if its not bad enough going the wrong way, she kept doing it so we’d see the: Welcome to West Virginia Wild and Wonderful sign over and over and over again!
We never had a real problem with Waze before. Even driving across the country. But I’m reminded that we did have paper maps with us too. Though we never used them. Might be a good idea to put them back into the car.
Anyhow, we finally made it. Just before eleven o’clock. And just as the hotel bar was closing. Oh well.
Why Canton, Ohio, you ask?!!!
We’re here for the opening of the new exhibit โ Beyond Camelot: The Life & Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Exhibition โ donated by Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta & Le Crรฉateur of Salon Monte in Old Town, Alx.
Told ya there was kinda a wedding theme to our weekend travels. lol.
Okie dookie. Big day tomorrow. A bientรดt beauties!
xxx – Jennifer Miles & Mia
Post Script โข A little more about the hotel . . .
DoubleTree by Hilton โข Canton, Ohio
For some reason I didn’t take any pictures of the hotel. So all of the photos are from the gallery on their website.
3 May 2023
Ok. We’re pleased with the hotel. Good bed. Cozy crisp white sheets. Big television. Decent pillows!
The staff is friendly and fab. This is the perfect hotel if you’re visiting the First Ladies Museum. It’s just across the street. And there is a covered sky bridge that you can take from the hotel to the parking garage just next to the museum.
There’s a gym and indoor pool. But sadly no hot tub. Which kinda surprised me as the hotel is somehow affiliated with the Football Hall of Fame that is also in Canton. So there are football players that live & stay there. We would have loved a little soak in the hot tub after being around that bone chilling rain! But c’est la vie.
We ate lunch at their restaurant, 330. Everything was delish.They have a soup of the day, or SOTD, and a YSOTD. What a YSOTD? Why, yesterdays soup of the day, of course. The menu says that soup always tastes better the next day so you should as your server if there are any leftovers. I found that so charming!
We had a nice big hightop table overlooking the McKinley House and the rain. And we went back for a night-cap after Beyond Camelot’s Champagne Reception. It was a great bar experience. A stellar, engaging, and personable bartender, by the name of Julie. It reminded us of the old Overwood days!
If your staying here, I’d ask for a room in front. We had no view unless you go right to the window and look side to side. And our criticism of the room is there was not a cozy chair or couch. While lounging and writing, I was set-up bed with doggie and blanky in the bed. And Miles make a makeshift chair and ottoman out of the not-so-comfortable chair in the corner and the desk chair to put his legs up on. That said, the lobby and lounge area has some nice seating with a modern fireplace! We could have easily gone down to the lobby and been quite comfortable with Mia in her stroller.
We always stay the night in Ohio when we drive to visit Grandma in Illinois. And we’d stay here again, for sure!
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A Chic Farm Wedding Reception at What Was Once Miles’ Grandmother’s Working Dairy Farm
Postcard from Jiles
Harrisonburg, Va โข Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley โข Hotel Madison
30 April 2023
Bonjour friends,
We’re about to hit the rode. But I just wanted to write a quick postcard and tell you a tiny bit about last night. . . .
We had a super time celebrating Bonnie & Andy at their chic farm wedding venue! The farm used to be Mile’s grandmother’s working dairy farm. Bonnie purchased the property in the early 2000’s and has been making it current and fab โ seriously the spot is like you’d see in a movie with beautiful white farm fences and a bunch of bee hives saving the planet.
Among the property’s buildings is a beautifully renovated barn โ the picture perfect spot for the swanky cocktail reception. It used to be filled with hay and cows that Grandmother Shuler milked at sunrise. And the cousins spent hours playing in there as children. So there’s lots of happy memories. Now it’s elegantly and intentionally decorated for amazing celebrations.
The farm is at Naked Creek. Miles said no one outside the family will know where Naked Creek is, but he said y’all might know Elkton. Anyhow, we stayed a little further away then that โ about 30 minuted from the venue at the Hotel Madison, in Harrisonburg. Which is lovely!
Hotel Madison is dog friendly! And actually run by co-ed’s in the Hospitality Management program at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg. Also, here’s a fun family tidbit for ya, JMU is where Miles’ mom studied Home Economics AND the university his grandmother and all of her sisters attended. It’s a co-ed university now, but at that time it was a teachers college.
Ok. Back to the wedding . . .
The attire was festive, fun, glamorous, farm. I didn’t know what that meant but after a call to the bride earlier in the week, I found out there was no right or wrong. She was going to be glamorous (and boy was she in her knee length white sequenced long sleeve gown with a low back!) and her husband was going to be festive. The attire was going to be eclectic. And that made it really fun! I loved seeing how people interpreted the attire. Everyone was so different.
It was a great night celebrating. Delicious dinner. Pretty sustainable centerpieces. Four different musical acts and a DJ for after the fireworks.
So happy for the newlyweds. What a great celebration to mark the beginning of their happily ever after.
Ok. Ciao Ciao, folks. Miles is done packing the car. We’re headed to Canton, Ohio. In the rain.
A bientรดt.
xxx, Jennifer Miles & Mia
p.s. Here’s some more photos Miles took . . .
Hotel Madison images from their website: https://www.hotelmadison.com
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Springtime Memory Making โ May’s Curated Calendar
Here’s this months curated calendar to help you live a beautiful life and create some new conscious memories in Old Town ALX.
Sending lots of love and wishing you many happy moments. See ya around town. xxx
Hello Spring! Hello Neighbors! Hello Friends!
It’s springtime in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. Our hometown. Aren’t we lucky?!!!
I was thinking of where we live and describing it to someone in Vienna โ the Austria Vienna, not the one down 123. I was trying to explain: it’s like Old Town is somehow simultaneously a Washington DC neighborhood, and an alluring small town with a unique charm all our own. It’s the kind of place that you’re so proud to live in you’ll correct people when they say: Oh, you’re from Washington DC?! Yes. Well, Old Town, actually, Alexandria, just outside DC.
I think Spring is my favorite time of year here. The cherry blossoms. The green. Boats getting ready to start the season. Flowers perfuming our antique streets.
I love to sit and stare at the pretty that is our home. Soak in the beauty. The spring cleaning on it’s way to being finished. Lillies of the Vally, cut by moi, in a Waterford salt shaker vase. An iced cuppa royal blend from Fortnum’s, the King’s Grocer, for sipping โ big month for the royal fans! Soft French instrumental music in the background. Doggie on my lap. Ready to read or write the afternoon away. C’est manifique!
At home in Old Town is fantastic. But so is being out and about town. We’ve got so many fabulous events not just in the city, but right here in our neighborhood. And I love doing things in the spring.
This is the organic new year, new life is blooming, the weather is glorious, and my hair isn’t all frizzed-up or crazy curly from our tropical summertime climate. I want to walk around, eat alfresco, and spend a bunch of hours outside.
I curated a calendar of some local and global things. I hope this will help you create some conscious memories this May! And hope to see you around Old Town!
xxx – Jennifer
p.s. If you’re just seeing this post and the event has already passed. Have no fear! It will probably happen again next year.
Springtime Flowers, Festivals & Frolics
May Memory Making
Coronation of King Charles III
I confess I’m a sucker for British pomp, circumstance, and pageantry! And given this is the first time we’ve seen a coronation in my and Miles’ lifetime, I’d love to have an open house of sorts. Come watch. Grab a tea sandwich, or breakfast quiche. Processo in a juice glass. Ya’ know, share this extremely rare occurrence with friends. But honestly. I take this stuff so seriously. It’s just going to to have to be me, Miles, and our petite furry princess. Otherwise I’d be shushing people the whole time! lol.
Saturday, 6 May โ 11am London / 6am Old Town Time (note Charles & Camilla will be in a procession to Westminster Abby so the coverage starts even earlier then 6 in the morning)
Here’s a Town & Country article on where to watch. All major US networks have coverage. Also, here’s a BBC article if you happen to be in London and are looking for where to stand on the procession route! The BBC also has some good info about the whole weekend โ the concert, big lunch, big help out, etc.
The 149th Kentucky Derby
The Derby is a great time for a fun party. I’ve been to informal ones at places like Overwood when that blessed place was still around. And I’ve been to more elaborate parties at the Boat Club where you plan out your outfit and get judged for your hat. And honestly, if we didn’t have a Boat Club party this year, I’d be all over throwing a Derby Party. With finger sandwiches, Prosecco, and hats!
Saturday, 6 May, Churchill Downs โข Watch on NBC & Peacock โข Race is at 6:57, coverage begins at 2:30pm on NBC & noon to 2:30 earlier on USA Network
Here’s the official Derby Link -> https://www.kentuckyderby.com โ you’ll be able to find lots of info including for entertaining and wagering ideas.
My favorite wagering is when everyone picks at random. This way the race gets a little more heightened as all the spectators have a sense ownership in the race. I like this for a party, everyone kinda gets a fair shot in the betting. People that actually follow horses, and all the stuff that goes into a race, odds, and that I have no idea about don’t get an advantage when you’re picking at random. Here’s how I’ve done the wagering in the past: Write down all the names of the horses on individual cocktail napkins. And let people pick at random from the hat. Charge the amount you want for the draw โ $2, $10, a quarter, whatever. Winner takes all. You could also do it for a prize if you didn’t want to put money in a pot.
Kentucky Derby Party โข Old Dominion Boat Club (Private Club)
Who doesn’t love an excuse to wear a derby outfit! Miles’ is allready all picked out and ready to go. I’ve still got to find a hat!
Saturday, 6 May, Old Dominion Boat Club Ballroom, 5 o’clock
This sold out event is sure to be a splendid spectacle. Members and their guest gather at 5 o’clock for a festive party celebrating the greatest two minutes in sports. For the second year in a row, Monte Durham will award the Derby Hat and Attire content winners (6pm). This years categories are: Most Colorful Outfit, Most Unique Hat, Biggest Hat, Best Theme, and Best Dressed Man & Woman. Michael Catts is managing the Derby Pool Station (5-6:45pm). And Chef Miguel is preparing derby appetizers (6pm). The live Kentucky Derby 2023 race will be on all the screens at 6:30.
Secret Language of the Fan and Chocolate Bon-Bons at Carlyle House
We’re booked already. But I think this would be a great event. I’ve seen them offer it before so I’m sure it’ll be back soon!
Saturday, 6 May โข 7 o’clock (doors open at 6pm) // Admission: $40 per person
Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314 // 703-549-2997 // novaparks.com
“Discover the secret language of the fan as many women in the 19th century did. While practicing fan skills, enjoy different flavored chocolate bon-bons from Potomac Chocolate. Tours of the first floor of the house will run from 6 to 7 p.m. with the program starting promptly at 7 p.m.” – Visit Alex
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Art Night in Old Town Alexandria
I’m excited about this! We happened upon a night like this in the very chichi Bozeman, Montana. Note this western town is nicknamed Bozeangelous due to their glittery costal guests in cowboy boots. Anyhow, while on our Western roadtrip we spent a little time there and happened upon the art night on their Main Street. It was fun! We didn’t purchase any art on the spot, but we did take some artists cards, and I got some chic westernware. lol.
Thursday, 18 May, 5 – 8 pm // Admission: Free // Various locations throughout Old Town, Alexandria, 22314.This is the kick-off of the monthly event that will take place the third Thursdays every month, 5 o’clock to 8 pm, from May to October!
You can get more info at -> oldtownbusiness.org
Explore fine art and studio crafts found in the boutiques and galleries of Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
Mother’s Day
Sunday, 14 May
Always the 2nd Sunday in May in the United States, this breakfast-in-bed / brunch-well holiday celebrates mom’s across America. It’s a day to honor mothers with cards, flowers, chocolates, larger gifts (like jewelry!) or or some smaller yet meaningful tokens of appreciation (like handmade works of art!). Also, as a side note, I’m also a huge fan of pajamas and matching dressing gowns as Mother’s Day giftwares.
And Mother’s Day is no longer just for the mom’s of human children. Not around here, anyway. Alexandria, VA โ the most dog friendly city in America! So many Old Town restaurants, bistros, and cafรฉ will have special brunch and other offerings. And so many places have fantastic outdoor dining. Also, since everyone is all prettied up for this special Sunday it’s a great day to do a photoshoot around Old Town.
If you’d like a little more history on Mother’s Day you can check out History.com’s write-up -> History.ComMothersDay
Tiki Bar – Season Opening โข Old Dominion Boat Club (Private Club)
The Friday night tiki bar tradition has migrated from the luscious lawn and docks of One King to the swanky rooftop of Zero Prince. Old clubhouse. New clubhouse. Doesn’t matter. It’s been proven the club’s tiki nights are filled with good times, good people, good drinks, and good music!
Friday 19 May โ 6 – 11pm โ 6pm Bar Opens / 7-11pm Musical Entertainment
The Rooftop Tiki Bar season kicks off with musical guest: Black Moon Tonics. For the season opening, the ballroom has been reserved in case of inclement weather. The Rooftop Tiki Bar will continue with musical entertainment every Friday evening throughout boating season. Please see the Club’s website for specifics.
George Washingtonโs Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
This sounds lovely. But we’ve not done it. I think if there was a Watertaxi or Trolly chauffeuring back to Old Town I’d be more inclined to get tickets for Miles and myself. Also, this could possibly be a fun boating party if you’re a fan of Mount Vernon and the vino.
Friday – Sunday, 19 – 21 May โ 6 – 9pm
Admission: Friday: $49 for members; $59 for non-members; Saturday: $53 for members; $63 for non-members; Sunday: $43 for members; $53 for non-members
George Washingtonโs Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000 // MountVernon.org // event link -> mountvernon.org
This is Mount Vernon’s most popular event. Bring a blanket and relax on George’s lawn and enjoy tastings from Virginia’s finest wineries. This year’s musical guests include Bruce Ewan and the Solid Senders.
Blessing of the Fleet
Save the date! This event is great for creating a little boating party. With drinks and appetizers, or finger sandwiches.
Saturday, 20 May โข 11:30am – 2pm
Port of Washington Yacht Club // Info & Registration Website
The Blessing of the Fleet is a time honored tradition that’s been taking place for centuries. Originating in predominantly Catholic, Southern European fishing communities, the local priest would bless the seafarers and their vessels. Prayers made for safe travels and a bountiful season. There’s also a reminder to stay humble to the mighty and mysterious power of the sea. This centuries old tradition continues in our hometown. Modern day boaters participate in an annual boat procession in the Potomac River where boats, their crews, and guests are blessed and baptized for the season.
Discovering Alexandria Architecture Walking Tour
One day we’re gonna do this! But we’re already booked this month with the Blessing of the Fleet.
Saturday, May 20, 2023 โข 2 pm (was also held on 18 March & 22 April at 10 am)
Admission: $20 per person
Carlyle House // 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314 // 703-549-2997 // novaparks.com
“Alexandria has grown from a small town in the 18th century to a bustling small city in the 21st century. Join for a tour of Alexandria and explore the various architectural styles that adorn the city streets. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please wear comfortable shoes for this 1.5-hour guided tour. Tours are held rain or shine unless there is severe weather.โฏ” – Visit Alex
147th Running of the Preakness Stakes
This could be a fun time for a party too. Especially if you know people that already have Derby attire. And it falls on a three day weekend! And it’s held in Baltimore so if you wanted to experience a day at the races it’s not that far away.
Saturday, 20 May โข Watch on NBC & Peacock โข Coverage starts at 4:30 on NBC Race is at 6:50
Here’s the website -> https://www.preakness.com
Preakness is a thoroughbred horse race held annually on the third Sunday in May (Armed Services Day). It’s held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the second, and shortest just One and 3/16 miles, of the Triple Crown Races in the USA.
Flag Raising โข Old Dominion Boat Club (Private Club)
When Miles and I started going together this gathering often fell on Mother’s Day. It’s the one event in the year when the ODBC breaks out the silver. So it really looked like we were doing something super special for our moms. But it was the club’s pomp, not ours. lol.
Sunday, 21 May โข 2 – 4pm
Old Dominion Boat Club officers and invited dignitaries raise the new flags for the year. Followed by fancy hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Alexandria Old Town Springtime Art Festivalโฏ (3rd Annual)
This one is double edged for me. I like the theory of an art exhibit lining up and down King Street. I think an art event on King Street exudes the kind of unique artistic flair and charm that tipped the scales for Old Town to become an international travel destination. I do like that the multimedia piece above our bed I bought on the street in front of The Fish Market. But I can also see why neighbors think closing King Street is a pain if you actually want to do anything other then go to the art festival.
Anyhow here’s the festival in John Carlyle Square. I’d walk or Uber, maybe even try your hand at the DASH bus (they’re free!). Also, couple places on my list to try over there โ Laporta’s with live jazz nightly, and the French place Bistro Sancerre. If you go let us know how it is!
Saturday & Sunday, 20 & 21 May โข 10 am – 5pm // Admission: Free
300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, VA
“The Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2023. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show was rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.” – Visit Alex
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
We’ve missed this every year. Traveling. So I don’t really have much to say. I did hear that Monte Durham is now involved with the charitable event, and he’s a super guy.
Sunday, 21 May โข 10am – 3pm // Admission: Free
200-400 blocks of King Street, and the 100 blocks of North Royal and North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Style, history, architecture, art, delicious food, fabulous people, and fanciful energy โ just some of the unique offerings that make-up Old Town Alexandria โ come to the forefront in the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style. Our portside town displays dozens of cars made famous by their elegance, performance, and speed. Participants view rare and exotic cars up-close. The event also has live music and a presentation of fashion and style. Over 40 local merchants are involved and all proceeds benefit The Campagna Center and ALIVE!.
Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day
Monday, 29 May (Memorial Day weekend 2023 is Saturday – Monday, 27-29 May)
Originally known as Decoration Day following the Civil War, Memorial Day became a Federal Holiday in 1971. It’s always the last Monday in May, and honors those in the military that passed on in service to our country. It’s also a time when many participate in parades, and go to cemeteries or memorials to pay their respects to loved ones that are no longer with us โ both military and civilian.
People gather with family and friends, often holding cookouts, and the weekend has become known as the kick-off of summertime in the USA. Pools are open. People are picknicing. And while we don’t have a Memorial Day parade in Old Town Alx, we sure do have lots of other stuff going on….
Ongoing Exhibits
Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson โ Temporary Waterfront Public Art Installation
Every year, there is different public art at the foot of King Street, by water’s edge, to be enjoyed by the tourist and locals alike. This piece is inspired by pieces discovered in 2015 & 2018 on Old Town’s own Potomac waterfront. I have a greater respect for the piece after learning of the inspiration leading to it’s creation, versus just the aesthetic alone.
Late March to November 2023 // Admission: Free
Waterfront Park, 1A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314visitalexandriava.com/public-art
“In late March, Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson will be unveiled as the fifth temporary public art installation on Old Town Alexandriaโs waterfront, part of the City of Alexandriaโs Site See: New Views in Old Town series. Created by Jamaican-born, New York-based award-winning artist Nina Cooke John of Studio Cooke John, the installation is inspired by the ships uncovered on Alexandriaโs waterfront in 2015 and 2018 and the many layers of history that are not readily seen. The installation forms an abstracted shipโs hull with steel vertical elements that rise and bend, referencing the curve of the hullโs frame. Visitors can stand within the space and imagine a time in Alexandriaโs history when the ships carried not only cargo like tobacco, molasses, rum and limes, but also enslaved people who were traded as part of the transatlantic and domestic slave trades. The outer blue of the installation is contrasted with an orange inner surface depicting text pulled from shipsโ manifests listing items like herring, coconuts and gin, alongside names and descriptions of enslaved people, such as โJane Tailor, female, 5โ 2โ.โ Also listed are โtwo boxes of orangesโ and โAdmonia Jackson.โ” – Visit Alex
Floriography in the Victorian Era at Lee Fendall
I love stuff like this! We’ll definitely walk over and see this a few times.
Now through 30 August โข Daytime // Admission: Free
Lee Fendall House Museum & Gardens โข 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
The Victorians used flowers to send messages of love, empathy, and even disinterest. Learn how they did it by wandering through the Lee Fendall garden. They’ve put signs next to the planted flowers that explain more about this “secret” intriguing language.
Art Night in Old Town ALX
I’m excited about this! We happened upon a night like this in chichi Bozeman, Montana โ note, this western town earned the nickname Bozeangelous due to their glittery costal guests. Anyhow, while on our Western roadtrip we spent a little time there and happened upon the art night on their Main Street. It was fun! We didn’t purchase any art on the spot, but we did take some artists cards, and got some chic westernware. lol.
Third Thursday Each Month โข May to October โข 5 – 8 pm // Admission: Free
Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, 22314
You can get more info at -> oldtownbusiness.org
Explore fine art and studio crafts found in the boutiques and galleries of Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia.
๐๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ณ๐ต ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ญ๐ช๐ท๐ช๐ฏ๐จ โ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ข๐ถ๐ต๐ช๐ง๐ถ๐ญ๐ญ๐บ ๐ด๐ญ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ญ๐บ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ณ๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ด๐ฆ๐ญ๐บ ๐ณ๐ฐ๐บ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐บโฆ
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Pip Pip Lovies
Did you know โpip pipโ is an upperclass British colloquialism for farewell? It mimics the double honk on an early 20th century motorcar. I know that because... I โค๏ธ Downton Abbey!