Independence Day in Alexandria is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July around your Alexandria luxury apartment community. Source: MorgueFile

Independence Day in Alexandria marks the birthday of both our country and city. Join the free festivities at Oronoco Bay Park, a short 15-minute drive from our Alexandria apartments.

The July 13 event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. when the mayor will present the 2013 Parks and Rec Commission’s Civic Awards recognizing local volunteers. Attendees will then share birthday cake before the 8:30 p.m. performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The 30-minute fireworks show capping the evening is accompanied by the 1812 Overture, with cannons by the U.S. Marine Corps Basic Training School.

Come early and enjoy an afternoon walking or biking through the scenic riverfront park. It’s a perfect place for a picnic, or you can partake from the food and beverage vendors on site.

Are you planning on attending this festive July 4th event? Share your plans with us in a comment below or on our Facebook page!

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the best museums and art galleries found around your Alexandria luxury apartment community. Source: Facebook

The purpose of art museums is to put the whole complexity of the human experience on display for all the world to see. The art museums near Arlington do just that, and a prime example is the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s exhibition A Democracy of Images.

A Democracy of Images celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the beginning of the museum’s ground breaking photography collection. The exhibition, which runs from June 28, 2013 through January 5, 2014, explores the beginnings of photography in the United States and the many ways it has captured the American experience.

With the museum so close to your Alexandria apartment, it’s fortunate for you to be able to explore powerful images created by American photography icons such as Timothy H. O’Sullivan, Walker Evans, and Diane Arbus. The exhibit is centered around themes of American photography that include:

• American Characters - Showcases how American photography captures the American persona.
• Spiritual Frontier - Explores images of the American wilderness that symbolized American awesomeness.
• America Inhabited – Presents images of America’s steady and fast industrialization and urbanization.

What are some of your favorite art museums near Arlington? Tell us below or on Facebook!

The National Memorial Day Parade is the central point in the D.C. area Memorial Day celebration.

Memorial Day is widely celebrated throughout our country with parades and ceremonies, but there is no parade held anywhere quite like the one in our Nation’s capital. If you are still looking for something to do on Monday, come line the streets for the 2013 National Memorial Day Parade.

Patriotism abounds as more than an anticipated quarter of a million people line the parade route to pay honor to those that have sacrificed so much for our country. Located less than 15 miles from our Alexandria apartment homes, the parade route runs down Constitution Avenue past the White House.

With more than 200 units participating in this year’s parade, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. This year will include a special commemoration of the anniversaries of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The parade begins at 2 pm and includes notable guests J.R. Martinez, Robert Griffin III, Gary Sinise, Trace Adkins, Joe Mantegna, Mallory Hagan, and Taylor Hicks.

With marching bands, floats, musical performers, and thousands of veterans, this is one parade that you won’t want to miss. How do you plan to spend your Memorial Day? Please share it with us by leaving a comment.

Photo via Facebook.

Here are some great tips for anyone looking to grill out this Father’s Day here at your Alexandria luxury apartment community.

It’s that time of year again — Father’s Day. So why not honor your dad this Father’s Day with a cookout at our Alexandria apartments.

Plan a menu around the grill that Dad will love. Try ribeyes and asparagus with pistachio butter. Use these tips to make sure it’s grilled to perfection. Keep Dad’s heart healthy with some citrus herb grilled veggies or fire-roasted vegetable salad. Grilled stuffed Portobello mushrooms are a hearty side, or try skewering summer vegetables for shish kabobs; allow to slightly char for enhanced taste.

But don’t stop there. Dad deserves a delicious dessert on his special day. Little two-bite chocolate cream pies will be a sure hit for all chocolate lovers, or maybe he’d prefer a double coconut cream pie instead. Or break out the berries with this strawberry tropics cake or no-bake strawberry and banana cheesecake.

Whatever menu you choose, Dad’s sure to enjoy Father’s Day 2013 celebrating with the whole family, relaxing by the pool and grilling out at our Alexandria apartments.

Photo via Flickr.

This blog, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages, is a great resource for everyone looking to stay up-to-date with what’s going on at your Alexandria luxury apartment community.

Social media puts a wealth of news and information at our fingertips. Be sure to ‘like’ our Ridgeleigh at Van Dorn Facebook page and ‘follow’ us on Twitter for all the latest on activities around our Alexandria apartments.

Residents learned how they could go green and pay rent online for a chance to win prizes. We also shared tips on DIY decorating ideas and organizing your CDs and DVD. Those of you who love to entertain can use our links to holiday menus and other festive ideas.

We’re fortunate to live in the metro DC area with its wealth of social events. Find out how you can go out to dinner without breaking the bank or where to go to celebrate International Pillow Fight Day!

Is there an event or activity you’d like to suggest for our Alexandria apartments near the Metro? Tell us in a post on our Facebook page!

Photo via Facebook.

The FREE shuttle to the Van Dorn Metro is just one of the outstanding amenities found here at your Alexandria luxury apartment community.

Our Alexandria apartments near the Metro feature several community amenities, including being located within walking distance to the Van Dorn Metro.

While you can technically walk there on a nice day, we provide a complimentary shuttle service to the transit station so you won’t have to worry about walking in inclement weather. The Van Dorn Metro is located at the cross streets of S. Van Dorn St. and Eisenhower Ave. The station offers 20 bike racks and several all-day parking spots for those that prefer riding the bus to work.

The station opens up at 5 am Monday through Friday and at 7 am on weekends.The metros runs until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights. Fares range anywhere from $1.70 to $5.75 a ride, depending on distance and peak hours. Bus transfers are free if you pay with a SmarTrip fare card.

What’s your favorite community amenity? Let us know in the comments!

Photo via Facebook.