Full moon and fireworks too

We had a great time walking down to Belle Haven to watch fireworks last week, and there’s an opportunity this weekend for repeat performance: a moonlit evening stroll to watch Alexandria’s birthday fireworks! The first hour of the event is dedicated to politicians making speeches, so I’m thinking we should arrive after that. With luck, we'll find a nice seat just in time for the start of the fireworks at 9:30, accompanied by the "1812 Overture," performed by the USMC Basic Training School.

The route: Starting from the bus stop at N. West and Madison Streets, in front of the Braddock Road Metro Station, we’ll walk south on N. West Street, turn left onto Wythe Street, and follow it east eight blocks to N. St. Asaph Street, where we’ll turn right and make a pit stop at Teasim, where we can pick up any beverages and snacks desired, as well as take care of any other necessities. After the break we’ll continue two blocks east on Wythe Street, turn left onto N. Royal Street and walk five blocks north to Third Street. At Third Street we’ll turn right and walk east to the waterfront and follow the shoreline south though Tidelock Park to find a seat for the fireworks display. While the fireworks are at Oronoco Bay Park, the steps leading from the waterfront up to the "Promenade Classique" fountain (see below), in between Tidelock and Rivergate Parks, should make excellent seating, facing southeast towards the fireworks. The walk east takes about 30 minutes, so depending on how long we spend at Teaism, we should arrive at the waterfront between 8:30 and 9:00 pm.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/3/a/8/600_278605512.jpeg

After the fireworks, we’ll return west along First Street to N. Royal Street, turn left, and walk a block south to Montgomery Street and turn right. We’ll follow Montgomery Street west five blocks to N. Columbus Street, passing by T.J. Stone’s along the way. (T.J. Stone’s kitchen is open until 11:00 if anyone wants a late snack; otherwise, it’s a handy spot for a pit stop as required.) We’ll turn left on Columbus Street, walk south a block to Madison Street, turn right, and follow it the remaining six blocks to our starting point.

The hike is about 2.5 miles of smiles and depending on the length of the fireworks display, we should be back at Braddock Road Station by 10:30 pm. The surface is sidewalks throughout, and will be lit by a full moon. This is an easy hike.

Google map: http://tinyurl.com/os7ssn8

How to get there: From I-395 (either direction) take the King Street exit (5) and follow King Street one mile to West Braddock Street. Follow West Braddock Street east for 2.2 miles, passing through the tunnel under the railroad. Immediately after the tunnel, turn left on N. West Street. The start point is on your left, a half a block north. Parallel park anywhere in the area.

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and a flashlight, which probably won’t be needed. I do not recommend bringing your furry friend due to the fireworks. Consider bringing a blanket to sit on, but if things work out as planned, the steps at the "Promenade Classique" fountain should be better than sitting on the grass. The forecast is cloudy and a low of 71 degrees.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms and beverages/ snacks available at Teaism, on our way to the waterfront, and at T.J. Stone’s, on our way back to Braddock Road Station. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.

Notes:

• Alexandria fireworks at About.com: http://tinyurl.com/o4u3zmb

• Teaism, 682 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 684-7777, https://www.teaism.com/

• T.J. Stone’s, 608 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 548-1004, http://www.tjstones.com/