Early Hours for Trolley Service Attracts Additional Shoppers

More than 250 additional shoppers took the trolley during the special early Black Friday hours on Friday.

More than 250 additional shoppers took the trolley during the special early Black Friday hours of 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., according to the City of Alexandria. Starting the King Street Trolley on Black Friday at 6 a.m., instead of the normal 11:30 a.m., brought an additional 264 shoppers to Old Town Alexandria’s shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the hours before the trolley service usually starts. In total, 3,028 passengers rode the King Street Trolley on Black Friday.  Average Friday ridership in November is about 1,900 riders. “DASH is very excited to see a 63 percent increase in trolley ridership on Black Friday," said DASH General Manager Sandy Modell. "Hopefully, that translated to a strong shopping day for Old Town business owners." …

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Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to Host Black Friday Adoption Event

Adopters will be able to decide on and pay their adoption fee for the animal of their choice.

If a new pet is on your shopping list this Black Friday, you're in luck: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will host a Black Friday Adoption Special for homeless animals at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter next week. The event will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. As part of the event, potential adopters can name their own adoption fee for all animals ages six months and older, according to a press release. Animals five months old and younger will be available for adoption at the normal fee. The minimum adoption fee required is $10. Adoption fees for adult dogs and cats usually range around $150 and $120, respectively. The cost includes: spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, health screenings, microchipping, and more…

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Green and Simple

8 Great Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving

Being green is about more than being eco-friendly; it's about being a good citizen of the earth in ways that go far beyond the environment.

When I think about being green, eco-friendly or earth-minded, I don’t just think about being kind to the environment. Sure, I think about conservation, preservation, and about embracing a lifestyle that embodies sustainable living; but I also think about simple things individuals can do to make the world a better place.  It is in that spirit that I offer these eight great green ways to express thankfulness as we head into Thanksgiving week:  Have a fun, festive and filling Thanksgiving!

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Alexandria Aims to Attract Black Friday Shoppers

Boutiques have banded together to offer big sales and the city is offering free parking on Nov. 23, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year.

Shops in Old Town Alexandria are offering enticing deals seeking to lure Black Friday shoppers to the neighborhood. Additionally, the city is offering incentives like free parking and expanded public transit hours. The free King Street Trolley will begin operating at 6 a.m. Shoppers can board a trolley every 15 minutes and hop on and off at 20 stops between the King St./Old Town Metro station and the waterfront. The city is offering free parking at parking meters and in all city-owned garages and parking lots as a special incentive for shoppers to visit Old Town. The following garages and lots are opening at 6 a.m., with free parking all day: Many of Alexandria’s independently owned shops are offering special discounts, with early and …

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Extended Hours for Trolley on 'Black Friday'

Free trolley service will begin at 6 a.m. on the biggest shopping day of the year.

Alexandria's free trolley service running from the King Street Metro down to the waterfront will have extended hours on Black Friday, the big shopping day after Thanksgiving. On Nov. 23, the trolley will begin its first run at 6 a.m. instead of its usual 11:30 a.m. It runs every 15 minutes, with 20 stops to encourage residents and visitors to explore the shops, restaurants and attractions throughout Old Town.

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Free Adoptions at Animal Shelter on Friday

Alexandria's animal shelter waiving all fees on adoptable pets on Friday.

Alexandria's Vola Lawson Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees on all animals, Friday, Nov. 25. The center, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., also will open early at 10 a.m. The day's events include a surprise guest and a gift basket for the first dog and cat to be adopted that day. See the shelter's photo galleries of adoptable cats and adoptable dogs as well as other pets ready to be taken to a good home. Additionally, the shelter's new 2012 calendars are now available at the Eisenhower Ave. location and various local stores such as Old Town's K Aubrey Flowers, Diva Designer Consignment, Olde Towne School for Dogs and Del Ray's Your Dog's Best Friend. They are $15 each or two for $25.

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Green and Simple

Green and Simple: Avoiding Big-Box Madness on Black Friday

Want to steer clear of the madness on Black Friday? Take advantage of opportunities to get great deals in Old Town without the big-box stress. Or, avoid shopping altogether!

I’ve never been much of a Black Friday shopper. I know, the deals can be amazing, but I still can’t bring myself to do it. A decade or so ago, when the economy was stronger and before we had kids, my husband and I would take advantage of the sales to buy things we needed, mostly clothes. But that was at the end of the holiday season … after Christmas, and back when retailers over stocked to such a degree that one didn’t even have to rush to get a good deal. In recent years, retailers have been offering deals and steals so grand that shoppers sometimes come to blows. This year, some outlets are even bringing back lay-away. I haven’t heard that term since childhood! But these enticements only increase my resolve not to participate. I’m just …

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Old Town Boutiques Offer 'Black Friday' Discounts

Shop Local Alexandria project seeks to lure shoppers to the smaller, more specialized stores.

The Shop Local Alexandria project has coordinated Black Friday early-bird hours and discounts at dozens of independently owned stores to lure shoppers away from big box stores. Two dozen retailers in Old Town Alexandria will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, with discounts on all merchandise starting at 30 percent off. As the morning continues, the discounts will decrease. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., shoppers will enjoy 30 percent off; from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., discounts will drop to 20 percent; and 10 a.m. to close, customers enjoy 10 percent off. Additional stores will be offering sales and special promotions throughout the day.   Stores opening at 6 a.m. are as follows although other boutiques may join in this promotion: Apple Seed Maternity …

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