Old Town Crier Regional Magazine

12/20/2025

Washington D.C. may have Ben’s Chili Bowl, but Old Town Alexandria has Hard Times Café. With winter on its way and the holidays fast approaching, we decided that a visit to Hard Times Café for some chili and a sandwich was a perfect fit for a cold day and will make for a good place to take a break from shopping.

By the Gastronomes In this age of transparency and full disclosure…or not…when we sat down to pen this column we decided to see when we had last written about Hard Times. It was February of 2019. T…

12/19/2025

If you are still looking for some last-minute plans to ring in 2026 and your savings account hasn’t been depleted from the US Government shut down, one of these amazing villas might be just the ticket to welcome in the New Year.

By Guy Britton If you are still looking for some last-minute plans to ring in 2026 and your savings account hasn’t been depleted from the US Government shut down, one of these amazing villas might …

12/19/2025

Happy holidays! Or should I say Merry Christmas? According to Pew Research’s Landscape Study, 62% of Americans identify with the Christian faith. Of those, the greatest number identify as Evangelical Protestant [23%]. Other Protestant categories include: Catholic [19%]; Mainline Protestant [11%] and Historically Black Protestants [5%]. Twenty-nine percent of Americans claim no religious affiliation.

By Sarah Becker Happy holidays! Or should I say Merry Christmas? According to Pew Research’s Landscape Study, 62% of Americans identify with the Christian faith. Of those, the greatest numbe…

12/19/2025

The holiday season has arrived. That means you will be on the giving or receiving end of a poinsettia, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, amaryllis or other holiday plant. Extend the beauty and longevity of these holiday beauties with proper care.

By Melinda Myers The holiday season has arrived. That means you will be on the giving or receiving end of a poinsettia, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, amaryllis or other holiday plant. Extend the beau…

12/19/2025

We know what else would look good under your tree or wrapped up as the perfect gift.......

By Erin Shackleford Sassy the wonder pup is ready to join you on your weekend adventures! This 8-month old dog loves to run and play, then settle down for cozy cuddles with her person. She is very …

12/19/2025

Shopping for anglers is frustrating; but for people on the receiving end there’s a guaranteed stint in return lines! Choose gifts for on and off the water! Quality, comfort, and durability in a variety of enhanced materials make for long lasting gifts.

By Steve Chaconas Shopping for anglers is frustrating; but for people on the receiving end there’s a guaranteed stint in return lines! Choose gifts for on and off the water! Quality, comfort, and d…

12/19/2025

It’s time to celebrate the holidays and time to find that perfect gift. If you are one of those people who struggle to think of gift ideas, you should consider something fitness-related. Here are a few things that I recommend.

By Ryan Unverzagt Wow…It’s hard to believe that 2025 is almost over – thank God. This year has dragged on for what seems like forever. However, now it’s time to celebrate the holidays and time to f…

12/18/2025

Getting to be that time of the holiday season for us to visit clients for a bit of holiday cheer and our friends at RT’s didn’t disappoint with the decor. Maria and George are amazing hosts on top of it all!!

12/15/2025

What a treat to personally be invited to the matinee Holiday performance by the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra! It was amazing! Full disclosure, neither of us are officianados of classical music, the legit classical music was great, however, the Jean Ellison portion of the program was fantastic! Her voice is very reminiscent of Judy Garland! She was amazing. Check out the songs she sang and imagine the full orchestra behind her. I didn’t record since it’s not allowed.

12/14/2025

If you are taking vacation or skipping holiday parties, this is a fun time to delve into the work of V.E. Schwab. About ten years ago she began the Shades of Magic trilogy, comprising A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows, and A Conjuring of Light. She eventually created the first book in a sequel trilogy. The Fragile Threads of Power triumphantly fulfills the promise of the first series seven years into the future.

By Miriam R. Kramer Who is writing fantasy accessibly and well these days for those of us wishing to immerse ourselves? If you are taking vacation or skipping holiday parties, this is a fun time to…

12/11/2025

The OTC is proud to be a media sponsor for all things Santa Claus Yacht Club! The 2025 “Ugly Sweater” Party/fundraiser was a big success!!

12/11/2025

A shout out to Frankie’s Kitchen and Cocktail Bar on their “Welcome Home” cocktail! This is a fine concoction of Bulliet Rye Bourbon, Domaine De Canton, Cinnamon & Anise simple syrup and Mexican Chocolate Bitters!!