We arrived at Thomas Stone National Historic Site with about 30 minutes before the afternoon tour…read morebegan. The visitor center volunteers greeted us warmly. We spent a few minutes talking with them before watching the park film, which gave a great overview of the site's significance. Afterwards, we walked the grassy path from the visitor center to the historic house, Haberdeventure. The path led us past the family cemetery, where old gravestones marked the resting places of generations. The Stone family lived on this estate from the 1700s to 1936. Their contributions to Maryland and the nation were remarkable. The ranger met us at the house for our tour. As we stepped inside, he explained that this was considered a mansion by colonial standards. He shared stories of the Stone family and pointed out original pieces. His wealth of knowledge enabled him to answer all of our questions. After the tour, we spent some time exploring the grounds and taking photos.

If you're into history, the Thomas Stone National Historic Site is worth visiting, but you need to…read morego into it with the proper mindset- one of mourning. The property is well preserved and managed by the National Park Service. There's a parking lot with a dirt path leading to the actual house dating back to 1771 where Thomas Stone, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, lived with his family. In fact, the property stayed within the family until 1936. However, you must know that the grounds were a plantation and enslaved people. It would be wrong to enter the space without acknowledging that tragic fact and grieve as you visit. It's a sad testimony to why systemic racism still exists and it should push us to fight for justice for all today.

Mount Air was the home of a member of the Vestry of Historic Pohick Church. It was the church home…read moreof George Washington ( the father of the United States - our country) Visit the Church for a self guided tour and Docent tours are also given!

Is visiting the Mount Air Historic Site a destination? I don't think so, but I appreciate the…read morededication of activists to preserve history. Located in a subdivision, park on the street and follow the path to the ruins. There are three places with ruins- the foundation of the 18th century house, what's left of old Greek Revival columns, and two small wooden structures. All except the columns are fenced off. Several signs are scattered throughout the space, but half are almost impossible to read due to wear and tear. It's worth noting that even though the land was used as a plantation whose owner enslaved people, there is no mention of that and how evil that was. It's a huge miss since acknowledgement and condemnation is one small step toward creating a more equitable society for all.

I'm a big fan of libraries. Love 'em. And this new location…read morefor the Kingstowne branch of the Fairfax County Public Library system has got some upsides over the old branch at Landsdowne plaza. Buuuut it's also got some aspects that make me go 'whaaaa?' Sunday hours - great. Bigger and roomier and far more natural light - great. More seating - great. Green roof - love it. The library opened a little over a week ago, and an elevator was out of order? I assume that'll be up and running soon? There's an entrance on the ground floor, but it's locked? In the children's section, there's a ledge that looks like a big slide. Kids were playing on it. There are signs that say don't sit or slide on the window ledge. Don't make a fixture that looks like a slide *in the children's section* if it's not to be used that way. Also, signage in the parking garage says to park on the 2nd floor for the library entrance. You enter, go up a level, park, enter .... that's not the library entrance. You're actually supposed to keep going up in the garage, park in the roof. THAT's the parking garage entrance level to the library. Aesthetically, I like the library. I like the expanded hours. But some signage and design choices leave me a bit flummoxed. 3.33 stars

My first library to visit in Alexandria. I went to a book sale here and received my first library…read morecard in Virginia & 5 years. I was amazed at the self checkout and the free hiking kits with state park pass to use for free. Most of the books I looked for were checked out or unavailable. Books were priced at $3 but you could purchase a bag of books for $7 after 2 pm. I found a book I was looking for on Irish nationalism and other books. The staff was very pleasant and helpful in assisting me. I noticed most books were new and in good condition in the library. The library was clean, and the new books displayed were impressive. Finding this library was east to drive to, find, and park at despite the busy traffic in the area. Definitely a library I will visit in the future.