Market Friday goes to Old Town, Alexandria

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Today is #MarketFriday initiated by @dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) Join me as we share our markets across the globe. I always look forward to this day, and, what you send me! It is amazing to see the different markets and cultures of our friends here on Hive.

Welcome to Old Alexandria, Virginia, just across the Potomac River at the southernmost point of Washington, DC. Incidentally, you can take your yacht or boat from here and swim it over to any of the clubs in Washington, DC, in case you needed to know. It was founded in 1749, and, maintains mny of its 18th and 19th-century buildings. Fondly known as Old Town, this quiet piece of real estate is a stone throw from the capital of the United States. The cobblestoned and brick streets are lined with once-upon-a-time taverns and old markets.


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This is actually the backside of a 200-year-old renovated warehouse that serves Chesapeake-style seafood. (With the Chesapeake Bay here at our disposal, it is expected to have some of the best crab cakes, or the soft shell variety and raw oysters, clam chowder, and fish 'n chips. Like many of the other eateries here, it is a classic tavern style with the dark wood. A lovely experience. Maybe next time, we will go in from the front.


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The streets are lined with cafes and boutiques and even has an apothacary museum, but, due to Covid, it is not open right now, as is true of many of the popular attractions. There is an old naval munitions factory, hence the name, Torpedo Factory, which has been converted to an Art Center was a naval munitions factory located right in front of the yacht club.It is a working artist studio, has several workshops and close to a dozen studios. Closed.


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Narrow bricked sidewalks are still the same as they were several centuries ago. The beauty of this is not lost on me. I love wandering down these little alleys, in search of lunch. Oh, perhaps a little Ben and Jerry on the way home.


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I spotted the pub that I was looking for. Lunch is always wonderful here and I am truly looking forward to the fish'n chips. There used to be a hitching post here, once upon a time, not, the horse that has a permanent station here dons a mask for protection, as does the server. If I didn't have company in town, I wouldn't have even gone. It feels so very impersonal and remote. Or perhaps that is just me> Still, I have always loved coming here. And they truly make you feel very welcome, going out of their way to meet your needs.


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Most everyone in the place seemed very pleased with their food. I give it another thumbs up and perhaps even two for putting a smile on every person I saw. You just cannot put a price on good service and excellent food. I actually never eat out when I am home. I have a habit of eating at my home. Do you have a special place you like to eat at?



STOP!! BRAIN TEASER AHEAD!!


Question:I have keys, but no locks and space, and no rooms. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?

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Answer! Can you guess??? A keyboard!

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Stepping back out and heading back towards home. It truly was like taking a #WednesdayWalk on #MarketFriday, wasn't it? I stopped for a moment and read the sign. It was meant to shock you a little so you would stop and read it. Who doesn't want the forbidden? Show me!


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Banned Books week is now an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Usually held in the last week in September to the first week in October, it shines the spotlight on books from the present and past that were banned/censoedr in lour ibraries and public schools. These books below were banned at one time and, now, are very much assigned reading is school. So, what has changed in them? I bought To Kill a Mockingbird to celebrate it.

Brave New World.
Of Mice and Men.
To Kill a Mockingbird.
The Catcher in the Rye.
The Harry Potter series.
Fun Home.


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After picking up my formerly banned book,I stopped at my Christmas store to see it was no longer open. Never again.That broke my heart. Some of my prettiest ornaments came from here. I actually even won a Christmas Village made by Dept 56 (for you real village enthusiasts!)the first year I moved back here. This virus has killed so many businesses.


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Old Town is reknowned for its cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. There is so much charm in this little town... and yet, I can never show it off properly in pictures. You must have to come see the real thing. I will have to do a real tour of it when things start opening again. So much is still closed, seven months later.


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Rules of the Road

Go to the market, or anywhere that you pay money for a service.
Take pictures! Be creative (or not, we don't judge!)
Tell us a little bit about the market, what brought you here?
Post the picture(s)
Use the MarketFriday Community Platform to post #hive-196308
Or drop the link into the MarketFriday post so I can find it
Have fun!

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Please leave the link to your post here so it can easily be found by others. It helps you and me to have them in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤


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And just like that, this post is done. I hope you had a good time and learned a little something new. As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit and just remember, #MarketFriday loves you! Thank you for supporting the challenge! Have a most fabulous day! Cheers!!


As always, there must be flowers to color my world. #alwaysaflower


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I have been discovering new places, every day! I love to share and be shared with by you! I am intrigued by different cultures. It is exciting and yes! I would love to see you! Don't forget to take photos wherever you happen to be shopping - whether it be the grocery store, the local marketplace, or even an art gallery, a kite festival! Wherever money is exchanged for a service or for merchandise. Be different if you wish! It does not have to be a traditional market! We will love it! Don't forget to use the Market Friday Community page #hive-196308 or hashtag #MarketFriday and @dswigle.


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Christ Church was built as the main church in the Church of England's Fairfax Parish. George Washington and Robert E. Lee were some of the more notable people to be members. It was also tradition for a sitting President to attend a service there.

Thank you for stopping by @MarketFriday!!! Have a great week!




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63 comments
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Thank you for taking me through places I have not been before through these lovely picture, I like the peace and calm I see, I would definitely appreciate a meal at that pub, especially one served with sauce and love.
Come to think of it, why were those books banned because I can also spot Harry potter, though I watched the movie and not the book?.
I hope to visit Virginia someday

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I am glad you had a nice visit. I like it there because it is right over the bridge to Washington, DC. It has a definite peaceful quality to it. I never go out to eat, but, once in a blue moon, I may. Fish and seafood in general are my favorites! If it swims for a living, I'll eat it! :) Especially with sauce! (and love!!)

Books are generally banned or challenged to protect people, who are oftentimes children from inappropriate sexual content or language or even ideas. Harry Potter delved into magic, which some parents didn't like... I have read them all (they are no longer banned) and thought they were awesome. I didn't take it serious, it was a fun book.

The books were definitely better than the movie. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words. Have a great weekend!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Nice cloud cover on the first shot.
Ok, who's the wise guy who put on the mask on the "horse"? 😎

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Thank you so much. It was a glorious day! I love how the clouds look on the water. Always so pretty. The mask made me laugh! Isn't that funny? I'm sure it was one of the waiters.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words.

#MarketFriday loves you!

!tip

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You're welcome.
Thanks for the tip.

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Looks like a lovely place! I love the idea of Banned Book week!

It's a bit gloomy here in central France: damp and cold! Here are pictures from our market: https://peakd.com/hive-114105/@felt.buzz/-ra3b3ea8gwcurqmpwm0hw3fficss51yv

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Don't you?? It is a real thing here! :) It has been raining everywhere, it seems. Today is a bit less blue than yesterday, but, fall is on the way! I hope you get some blue for this weekend!

Thank you so much for stopping by to read the post and leaving your words and link behind!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Very interesting old town with lots of history. Oh! So sad to hear that the old Christmas ornaments shop has closed down! This is grave news indeed! I do hope others could find a way to remain in business.

It’s a grey and wet day here!! But your flowers always lift up out spirit!

Stay strong and cheerful.

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I was sad! They ran two stores. The Christmas Tree Shop and Grandma's Attic. First, they combined stores, and then, they just close a week ago. Some of my best ornaments came from there.

Le Sigh

Oh, I am so happy they lift your spirit! That makes me happy!!! Thank you for stopping by an saying hello!!!

#MarketFriday loves you!!

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I feel like I was there with you what a cool place and one I would love to visit sometime

I stretched the term Market Friday yet again this week in this post https://peakd.com/hive-174578/@tattoodjay/market-friday-fishing-boats

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Oh, that is cool! Did we have fun?? :) I hope you do get to Old Alex, although, it is very much like New England as the timeline is similar.

Thanks for stopping by with your kind words and for dropping the link! Have a great weekend!!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Oh! I would love to see the delicious dishes from Chesapeake-style seafood.

And I think I would love to eat at home too, If I'm not at home regarding some work/home emergencies then I prefer it to two/three restaurants where I'm a regular visitor. We don't have that much options here 😁

I love the message out there on the door of the old book store 😊 , thinking of suggesting it to my neighboring stores.

Taking a walk with you on market friday is always lovely @dswigle 😃

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Thank you so much! It was fun having you come along. The seafood served here is always delicious! I prefer seafood over meat, most times. Eating out sometimes is nice, but, especially now, it has been no fun with the restrictions from Covid.

The book store was so fun!!! :) Thanks for dropping by today! I hope you have a great weekend!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Welcome and you too 😃

Thanks for the tip!

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(Edited)

Yes, I've been to Alexandria... it is every bit of the place as you have described. It is a place where good seafood puts a happy smile on your face!
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Hello, beauty. ❤️ I love Old Alex, but only the old town, the rest of Alexandria is busy streets, except for the upscale neightborhoods.

Lots of seafood! You are so sweet for making your way over here. I have not felt myself and just laying low for a bit. Not doing much posting, but, I need to get back to life. I find myself at a loss with his death and covid out there and just so much going on in the world.

Thank you for stopping in... you have been more than kind. I jut wish I could show you ladies a little more support. In time. xo

#MarketFriday loves you!

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I love those cobblestone streets! That place seems to have a nice vibe. I bet it would really be fun once the virus is not so much of a threat.

I wonder if old Huck Finn made the banned list. Perhaps it still is.

Well they closed, or rather changed my fave place to eat. Used to be a buffet in an old Tavern/Inn, now it is a coffeeshop. I rarly get to eat out and I do miss it. One of my fave chains is Bob Evans. Best biscuits and brown gravy that I know of. Mmmm.

I hope to do a MF in a bit if the site allows it LOL.

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Truly, Old Town has a chic vibe. I think you would like it. It is still fun now, but, there is more open and things to do normally. It feels weird to have all the little museums and the apothecary closed down right now.

I think Huck Finn was the first book that was banned. It is always spurring controversy. It has now been banned 8 times. :) They called it trashy and inelegant and mindless, to name a few. Trashy and suitable for the slums.

I bought a previously banned book. :)

Oh, you know how I love biscuits and gravy. Yum. Yum.

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Yeas funny that about old Huck. One would have thought Letters from the Earth would have been a much more likely candidate.

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I have to agree with you on that one, but, I still like Mark Twain. :)

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Well I finally got my Market Friday done. It is pretty weak, but its all I got. Still have fun with this tag every week :)

https://peakd.com/hive-196308/@old-guy-photos/more-halloween-on-a-market-friday

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that this was excellent! Thank you so much I'm pretty sure I didn't find it weak at all, and I am happy that you took the time to put one in. I'm not even sure I'm not blurring the lines of Market Friday with mine, but I encourage everybody to use to use what they have to use what they have.

It's always good to see you in the tag.

#MarketFriday loves you!

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I really do love walking but in time and places like that i could spent hours wandering around and ending up with hundreds of photos and the food looks yummy thanks for showing this beautiful part of the world. Have a great weekend @dswigle ♥️

https://ecency.com/hive-163772/@bigsambucca/bangkok-wat-intharawihan-thai-chinese-temple

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I do love places like this and although it is nothing nearly as out of this world as you have there, it is a place that I could easily live. It has a nice little Vibe a hand on the water and it's actually really close to where I live. Spending hours here is just as you say so do you think you could go through hunger's pictures. I'm so used to moseying through this town to go shopping oh, I don't ever think of taking pictures. Now what kind of thinking is that?

Thanks always for taking the time to post into Market Friday! It is so very much appreciated! Thank you for dropping the link!

#MarketFriday loves you!

Upped and reposted

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I agree it would bit a very pretty and convenient town to live in so close yet feeling like your in a different country and you wouldn't be able to help yourself not taking any photos...lol 🤣

Have a great week ahead my friend 😊

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What a lovely Market Friday & Wednesday Walk, Old Town really looks so quaint! My very later contribution is Magnets at Mac Banana, hope you enjoy it:)

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Not at all!! I am always so glad to see you in the tag!! It is close to my house and I do love going there, especially their spice market and tea shop!

I am off to check out your bananas!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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Thanks my dear @dswigle for showing the great places to hanging around in another part of world. I really enjoy reading. Below my contribution #marketfriday, a temple trip @ Bangkok. Thank you.
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https://hive.blog/hive-163772/@cherryng/silver-and-dazzling-temple-in-wat-muang-ang-thong-thailand

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Thank you!!! I am excited to take a look at this! I am really loving Thailand! Every picture I get!! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your words, dropping your link behind.

#MarketFriday loves you!

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https://ecency.com/hive-148441/@kaminchan/market-friday-local-market-in-nongkhai-after-the-morning-rain

This is my link to this week post.

There’s something funny with the blockchain. Things just keep disappearing!!

Have a nice warm day!

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The blockchain was not nice to me either! It took me almost 5 hours to get my post to read on Thursday night (my time) It has lots to do with the HF and changing the nodes sometimes helps.

The day is beautiful and I feel the sun warming my face. Autumn is almost upon us. I can feel it coming. Thank you for stopping in and for dropping the link! Have a wonderful week!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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So glad to hear that you had a nice day with warm sunshine. Waiting to see your autumn photos.

Have a wonderful and relaxing time!

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We have a place caled Alexandria in Romania too. Unfortunately, it's a very poor city with not too much to be seen. But the name made me feel really familiar with your journey :)

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How cool!!! Fortunately for this Alexandria, it is a very rich city, where the per capita income is way above the national average.

It is not far from my home and I can just take a metro/subway a couple stops. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words! Which part of Romania is Alexandria in?

#MarketFriday loves you!

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That's nice! I'm happy to hear it! Alexandria from my country is in the south of Romania, in Teleorman County :)

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Now, I will have to look it up! Thank you!

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Sounds really delicious i would feel right at home there with a menu of seafood like that and only a stone throw from the capital of the United States how awesome that is very handy for a weekend getaway you would feel like your on holidays in a modern old fisherman's town.

https://ecency.com/hive-190931/@kohsamui99/on-the-hunt-for-letter-v

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It is only a couple Metro stops from where I live, but, it is fun to go to, especially their farmer markets and tea and spice shop. The pubs all have the very best food! :)

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your link!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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How nice and so convenient to get away from the city for a few hours 👍

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What a pleasant walk! These streets are very beautiful and cozy. It is sad that the Christmas store is no longer working. Maybe they can still come back?

I love "To Kill a Mockingbird" very much, I have reread this book many times. I love the movie too. This book was not banned in Russia (I am not quite sure, but I remember this book from childhood), but many other books were banned.

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I do not remember it being banned as a child, but, my mother did. :))

I wish the store would come back, but, I know it won't. They cleared the store of all their merchandise. :(( Thanks for stopping by!!

#MarketFriday loves you!

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