Blog Posts

Best Hiking Trails in Alexandria

Here in Alexandria, Virginia, we are lucky enough to be surrounded by the beauty of nature, and with the warm sunny weather, summer is the perfect time to spend more time outside. To encourage residents of our Edlandria apartment community to get outdoors, we are highlighting some of the best hiking trails in and around our city. Dora Kelley Nature Park (9 mins away) This park is also a wildlife sanctuary and encompasses 50 acres of oak-hickory forest, stream valley floodplain, and freshwater marsh. Visitors are encouraged to hike along the self-guided nature trail that meanders through the park. The Buddie Ford Nature Center is located within the park which exhibits live animals, holds nature instruction classes, and leads guided park walks with the Park Naturalist. Huntley Meadows Park (16 mins away) Here you will find a paved one mile hiking/biking trail. The park is also home to a nationally significant historic house, majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. It is one of the best spots in the area to observe the native wildlife. Jones Point Park (17 mins away) Jones Point Park is located on the Potomac River, just south of Old Town Alexandria. It was a critical piece of the city of Alexandria's history as one of the largest centers for shipping, manufacturing, and transportation in the nation. Its lighthouse, built in 1855, is the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia. The 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail runs through Jones Park. Scott’s Run Nature Preserve (20 mins away) Scott's Run Nature Preserve is part of the Potomac Gorge. You will find several different trails here. Some of the park’s trails are gentle and wind quietly through forest. Other trails require hiking up and down precipitously steep hills and cliffs. Some trails descend sheer bluffs, and visitors must carefully pick their way down rocky cliffs. However, the rugged terrain is part of the park's charm. Where is your favorite place to go hiking in the area? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading our post. We hope you get the chance to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors this summer!

Super Satisfying Ice Cream Recipes

It’s always fun to go out for ice cream, but did you know that you can easily make your own ice cream at home? In this Edlandria Blog post, we are sharing some incredible homemade ice cream recipes that we found online. Try one out this month at your apartment right here in Alexandria, VA. Apple Pie Ice Cream from Celebrating Sweets It’s common knowledge that ice cream goes great with apple pie, but did you ever think that apple pie might be just as great in ice cream? This recipe is perfection. Ingredients include brown sugar, unsalted butter, apple pie spice or cinnamon, granny smith apples, sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, heavy cream, and crunchy oatmeal cookies. Cookies & Cream Nutella Ice Cream from A Dash of Sanity Ordinary cookies & cream ice cream gets an upgrade with this Nutella enhanced chocolate ice cream. Here’s what you will need to make it: heavy whipping cream, chocolate milk, Nutella, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and Oreo cookies. Extreme Chocolate Ice Cream from Wonky Wonderful This easy extreme chocolate ice cream can be made without an ice cream maker. Use heavy whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, baking cocoa, brownie chunks, and semisweet chocolate chips to make it. Pair this decadent ice cream with your favorite waffle cone and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Strawberry Cheesecake Easy Ice Cream from Something Swanky This recipe uses easy pre-made ingredients to make some seriously mind-blowing ice cream. The base is pretty standard — in fact, you could use it to make any number of flavors. For this recipe, you use store-bought strawberry filling and cream cheese to make the “cake” part of the mixture and Golden Oreo® cookies to make the crust. Mix it all together and freeze overnight for a treat as fresh, light, and breezy as a summer’s night. Cake Batter Ice Cream from Like Mother Like Daughter If you're the type to lick the bowl clean after mixing up cake batter, you'll love this sweet, colorful ice cream. Here are the ingredients you will need: milk, sugar, salt, yellow cake mix, and rainbow sprinkles. Disclaimer: this particular recipe does require an ice cream machine. Have you ever tried making homemade ice cream? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments. Thanks for reading our post.

Celebrating Independence Day in Alexandria

Are you looking forward to celebrating Independence Day on July 4th? In case you aren’t quite sure how to celebrate, the Edlandria Blog is here to help with a few ideas for ways to celebrate here in Alexandria, VA. Get out of your apartment and enjoy the celebration. George Washington’s Alexandria Tour Take a step back into the past. This tour “covers Alexandria's colonial and revolutionary period from the town's establishment in 1749 to Washington's death in 1799. Guests learn about Alexandria's founding, its role during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution and George Washington's life in the community.” Visit Mount Vernon “Salute the first commander in chief during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day event! Watch dazzling made-for-daytime fireworks shoot off over the Potomac River and listen to the roar of cannon fire while viewing special military re-enactments throughout the day. “Observe an inspirational naturalization ceremony for new citizens with a special keynote address, daytime fireworks, military re-enactments, and a wreathlaying ceremony. Enjoy free birthday cake (while supplies last), a visit from General and Mrs. Washington, and a performance by the National Concert Band during its ‘Red, White and Blue’ concert. Spend a truly inspiring day at a truly inspiring place.” National Independence Day Parade “Historic Constitution Avenue and the Monuments in Washington, D.C. form the setting for America’s biggest and best Independence Day Parade. Nowhere is there greater excitement on America’s birthday than in our nation’s capital!” The parade begins at 11:45 am on July 4th and goes until 2 pm. Alexandria/USA Birthday Celebration Join the party on Saturday, July 7th to “celebrate America’s 242nd birthday and Alexandria’s 269th along the Potomac River waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park and enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, patriotic birthday cake, food vendors and a dazzling fireworks display.” How do you plan on spending your Independence Day this year? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading our post.

Summer Nail Art

Summer is a time to embrace bright colors, new styles, and new experiences. Today on the Edlandria Blog, we are sharing some fun and exciting summer nail art ideas that we discovered online. Put your art skills to the test by trying out some of these cool ideas on your own nails this summer at your Alexandria, VA apartment. Rainbow Blur Bright colors mean rainbows. To master this look, you'll need a super-skinny, flat nail art brush to achieve this rainbow blur — moving the brush horizontally across the nail pushes two nail polish hues into each other, blending them seamlessly. Before you get started, watch the video tutorial to see how it is done. Watermelon Nails We love this fun and fruity idea from The Nailasaurus that transforms your nails into miniature watermelon slices. Impress your friends with this adorable look that is sure to make your hands stand out. You will need pink or red nail polish, green nail polish, black nail polish, white nail polish, a skinny paintbrush, and clear coat. Crab Print and Nautical Mix Love the beach? This fun beach themed idea comes from Chalkboard Nails . With a steady hand and a little creativity, your nails will be ready for any summer party. We love the anchor themed accent nail. Summer Sunset Nails Master the ombre look with these stunning nails that look just like a breathtaking summer sunset. Use black nail polish and a skinny brush to add on the silhouettes of palm trees to solidify the beach theme. Under The Sea This fun idea comes from Make Nail Art . Start by painting your nails blue like the ocean and then stamping or painting on images of things you might find in the sea, such as seashells, seaweed, or fish. Share your own summer nail art with us in the comments. Thanks for reading our post. We hope your summer is filled with adventure and new experiences!

Movies Coming to Theaters in June

Going to the movies is a classic summer activity! Get ready for some exciting new releases hitting the theater this June by reading today’s Edlandria Blog post. Get your tickets online in advance and head to your favorite movie theater here in Alexandria, VA to watch one of these exciting new releases! June 1st Adrift — Action, Adventure, Drama Based on the true story of survival, a young couple's chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. June 8th Ocean’s 8 — Action, Crime, Thriller Danny Ocean's estranged sister Debbie attempts to pull off the heist of the century at New York City's star-studded annual Met Gala. Her first stop is to assemble the perfect crew: Lou, Rose, Daphne Kluger, Nine Ball, Tammy, Amita, and Constance. June 15th The Incredibles 2 — Animation, Action, Adventure Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for Jack-Jack while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world. June 22nd Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom — Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Four years after the Jurassic World theme park was closed down, Owen and Claire return to Isla Nubar to save the dinosaurs when they learn that a once dormant volcano on the island is active and is threatening to extinguish all life there. Along the way, Owen sets out to find Blue, his lead raptor, and discovers a conspiracy that could disrupt the natural order of the entire planet. Under the Silver Lake — Crime, Thriller Centers on a man named Sam (Garfield) who becomes obsessed with the strange circumstances of a billionaire mogul's murder and the kidnapping of a girl. Riley Keough as Sarah, Sam's new neighbour. Topher Grace as Sam's friend who helps him with an investigation surrounding a missing woman. Which of these films are you most excited to see? Let our apartment community know in the comments. Thanks for taking the time to read our post!

Mouthwatering Burger Recipes

It’s time to celebrate National Burger Month at your Edlandria apartment! We’ve got a few mouthwatering burger recipes that you can make at your apartment right here in Alexandria, VA. Skip the restaurant and enjoy a homemade burger in the comfort of your apartment. Caprese Burgers from Food & Wine Enjoy all the flavors of a fresh caprese salad on your burger! You will need ground beef chuck, ground beef sirloin, fresh mozzarella cheese, brioche hamburger buns, sliced tomatoes, ground pepper, pecorino-romano cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic clove, and basil leaves. Grilled Adobo Chicken Burgers from Cotter Crunch These chicken burgers are full of flavor, healthy, easy to make, and gluten-free! You will need ground chicken, olive oil or avocado oil, tamari sauce or gluten-free soy sauce, garlic cloves, dried oregano, dried red pepper, sea salt, crushed or ground black peppercorn, cumin, coconut sugar or cane sugar, fresh parsley or one bay leaf, almond flour or gluten free flour, gluten free burger buns, onion, lettuce, and adobo sauce. Cheesy Salsa Burger from Nutmeg Nanny This burger is loaded with an incredible amount of flavor. Here is everything that you will need: ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, Sabra homestyle salsa, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, chipotle chile powder, pepper jack cheese, soft buns, and sliced avocado. Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Burger from Joyful Healthy Eats Try something different by making this fish burger! You will need the following ingredients: Mahi Mahi fillets, cajun seasoning blend, garlic powder, roasted piquillo peppers, mayo, garlic powder, fresh lime juice, hot sauce, salt, fresh pineapple slices, green leaf lettuce, whole wheat buns, and pickled onions. The Ultimate Mexican Nacho Burger from Veggies Don’t Bite This incredible burger is loaded with veggies and completely meatless! To make this veggie burger, you will need cooked brown rice, black beans, pinto beans, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeno slices, cornmeal, Himalayan pink salt, burger buns, queso or cheese sauce, guacamole, fresh salsa, sour cream, tortilla chips, and lettuce. Which of these recipes are you most excited to try out? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading our post about National Burger Month!