Alexandria Restaurant Week, War of 1812, Bats and Old-Fashioneds

By Sharon McLoone

Alexandria Restaurant Week serves up many dining opportunities from Aug. 23 through Sept. 1. Participating restaurants serve a $35 dinner for two or a $35 three-course fixed-price meal. See the restaurant week website for more information on participating restaurants.

Inova Alexandria Hospital is hosting its 3rd Annual Emergency Management and Safety Fair on Saturday at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital parking lot on Howard Street in Alexandria. Families are invited to learn easy ways to be ready and safe in the case of emergency events like natural disasters and terrorism. Admission is free, but registration is requested at www.inova.org/safetyfair or by calling 1-855-MY-INOVA (694-6682).

Alexandria and the War of 1812 is in the spotlight as historians guide visitors through the difficulties encountered by Americans during what has been termed “America’s Second War for Independence.” Topics such as the burning of Washington, the U.S. Navy and the role of Alexandrians in the war will be discussed. Lectures and tours of Carlyle House are included in the admission fee of $10 per adult and $5 per child ages 5-12. Lectures at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The lecture program will take place next to Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. in Old Town Alexandria at the Bank of America building.

Get a whole new outlook on local nightlife at the Gulf Branch Nature Center Bat Festival. This Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. enjoy live bat shows, a festive lantern parade, games, crafts and more. The nature center is located at 3608 N. Military Rd. in Arlington, Va. Register online at https://registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747. There is a $7 fee per participant.

Six bartenders compete to make the best Old-Fashioned at Bourbon Steak's 3rd annual summer block party, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington, DC, on Sunday at noon. The $70 fee includes bison dishes, oysters, wine and of course Old-Fashioneds. A prize for best-dressed cowgirl or cowboy. For more information call 202-944-2026.