Day Tripping

Alexandria may very well be one of my new favorite cities.  It's super cute like I said last month, and there are some serious foodie destinations there.  This trip around I found a pie/gelato/coffee shop.  I'm not sure who came up with that combo, but it totally works.  I felt like I was back in England, with my English Breakfast Tea and my Nutella Banana hand-pie.  Yum!  

Then from Alexandria, it was on to Fairfax, to the Mosaic Shopping Area, which is basically just a shopping area.  But it's a shopping area with some serious foodie destinations too: a bakery that kicks major butt (Boston Cream Cupcakes - Delish!) and a Mexican restaurant, that completely beats any chain we have here in MD, from decor to food.  To die for!

Old Town Alexandria

Even though I live very close to VA, I'm hardly ever down there.  There are loads of fun places to go I've learned, but I never think to go to them.  Until today, I'm not sure I'd ever actually been to Alexandria.  But I'm sure it won't be my last.  It's such a cute little city.  It really reminded me of Boston, with the old town feel and main street shops.  Of course, stores and streetlights decorated in Christmas garland and ornaments, can make any city gorgeous.  But in Alexandria's case, I'm pretty sure it's adorable in the spring, summer and fall as well.

 My attempt at creativity went awry...

 Heehee, see what they did there?

 Best cupcake ever!

 Think Misha Collins owns this place?

 Uppy Shot!

International Steeplechase Race

I had the pleasure of attending the International Gold Steeplechase Race today in Marshall VA.  Before I got there, I had no idea what to expect or what steeplechase even was.  Visions of Ben Hur were playing in my head.  I was not expecting a Kentucky Derby-esque atmosphere.  There were funny hats, fancy dresses and lots of food and drink. 

The best part was the locale.  The race took place over 3 1/2 miles in the VA countryside that was absolutely gorgeous.  With the leaves and trees changing colors and temps in the 60s-70s, you couldn't have asked for a more pleasant place to spend a Saturday.  Watching the horses race (0ver little fences and water, contrary to my original thought) took a backseat to people watching.  Although, the Jack Russel Terriers that were racing were super cute and fairly enjoyable to see race, that is if you were quick enough to catch them: those little buggers run fast!  I wasn't originally looking forward to it (I hate being cold and a day in the VA countryside seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to freeze!) but I ended up having a fabulous time!  Also, in my head, this is what Londoners do on their weekends so, it's good practice : )

Announcer's Tower

 Course before horses

 When I started to take this picture there were definitely Jack Russels in my shot.  By the time I snapped, not so much.

Best picture my little rinky-dink camera could get

 Would be such a pretty pic without the darn speaker!

 Trying on funny hats is more amusing than it should be!

 My final decision, can't wait for winter to actually wear it.  By the time the sun came out, even I was roasting wearing it : )