Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.

Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path.  Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings.  Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhogs and fox sightings are frequent.  Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.

 Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.

Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to rent a bike, tone up at Curves or take karate lessons.  Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink.  Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.

Local communities such as River Towers, Porto Vecchio and Belle View also offer their residents tennis, swimming and basketball facilities as well as their own in-house gyms.

Cities are wealth-generators. That is to say, good jobs and opportunities are found in cities like Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington. Though we all enjoy wealth opportunities, many of us don't enjoy concrete and asphalt. There is something to be said for the greenery of the rural living. Even in New York City, folks enjoy Central Park. If you're one of those folks who need to live within easy commute of Washington D.C., Alexandria or Arlington, but you also need your little piece of nature, then you may owe yourself a visit to River Towers.

River Towers is found at the end of a looping horseshoe drive tucked between Belle View and a national wildlife preserve. Like all the homes of New Alexandria, River Towers has easy access to the Potomac and Belle Haven Marina, as well as the shops of Belle View Shopping Center.

My office is located at River Towers, because River Towers provides to the city but is an oasis of greenery. In the summer the shade of mature oaks provides pleasant vistas into the forest beyond. I personally have witnessed deer, foxes, racoons and various waterfowl and birds without getting up from my desk. To the rear of the 6641 building is a water drain that was long an eyesore to some at River Towers.

The landscaping committee set themselves to the task of transforming an eyesore into an asset. They have surrounded the drain with flowering shrubs and decorative grasses to provide a screen and focal point for the eye when seated at the nearby bench.

The paths at River Towers are punctuated with benches and places of beauty. The flowers have already started blooming at this new landcaping feature. I expect that as the planting mature, the storm drain will be difficult to spot, but the flowers will still provide a treat for the eyes.

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo 1 Alexandria and Will Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

At the nearby Sherwood Hall Library every Tuesday the Farmer's Market gathers many River Towers locals.

Get your flowers and veggies!

A selection of homemade pies and pastries.

Something for Everyone

The farmer's market has locally grown organic fruits, vegetables and pies & pastries, all natural free-range meats, as well as crafts and other interesting items brought to us by farmers near the area.

Fresh squash & zucchini in early summer!

Just off the stalk corn and freshly picked beans.  

New Alexandria has small town atmosphere.  Northern Virginia and the Washington Metro area is big city hustle and bustle, but at River Towers, you'll know your the local businesses and they'll know you. Don't forget to say hi to the staff at River Towers. Meanwhile, let's meet a few of the businesses in River Towers. Area businesses are invited to join the River Towers Business Association.

Mark Pierce and Jim Flock have years of experience and
Boulevard Barber (703 765 3752) is there when you need them!.

Julie Nesbitt (703 765 0300) owns and
operates a mortgage company at River Towers.

Will Nesbitt is a realtor with an on-site office.

Come visit Dave's frame shop All About Frames.

The deli makes fresh and tasty food and has a convenience store.

Sh'alon Hair Salon is on site and ready to serve.

Belle View Shopping Center

One of the greatest conveniences to River Towers is the nearby Belle View Shopping Center. Just a few blocks away, not even a traffic light separates River Towers from a host of shops that supply many of the necessities of life. Safeway, Radio Shack, Roy Rogers, Subway, Dishes of India, Texaco, and Primo's Italian Restaurant are just a few of the handy businesses within walking distance.

River Towers is located near the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac River. Here's a link to some of the many bike trails, jogging paths and hiking trails in the surrounding park system.

The trails and roads at River Towers tie into a network of scenic routes that follow the river from Mount Vernon (5 miles south) to National Airport (5 miles north) and thence to Washington DC and beyond.

The nearby bike/jog paths are closed to motor vehicles..

On the bike paths

Serious bikers often ride on the Parkway itself, but recreational bikers prefer the easy bends of the local bike trails. Some residents actually use these trails to bike work or to the Metro.

Bikers, joggers and bird watchers enjoy trails.

 

The bike trail weaves between the Parkway
and the River through woods and meadows.

Many bikers enjoy a trip to the marina.

Old Towne is filled with shops, restaurants and fun things to do!

The Best of Two Different Worlds

River Towers is just a short walk from the Potomac River, dining and shopping, and public library and recreation center. River Towers is about a mile from the Metro and from Olde Town Alexandria entertainment and nightlife. Yet over the bridge and awaits a quieter island realm of forested sunsets, good neighbors, private recreation and a well-tended home.

The landscaping is designed so that each season brings new flowers.

River Towers is strategically located between the shops
of Old Towne and the big box stores of suburban Northern Virginia.

You're just minutes away from shops, restaurants at River Towers.

One of the single greatest attractions on the west side of the Potomac River is the George Washington Parkway.  This parkway stretches along from Mount Vernon Estates through Belle View and Old Town up north of Arlington.  Along the shore are scattered a bevy of parks from Theodore Roosevelt Island, the LBJ National Grove, Gravelly Point Park, Fort Marcy, and Turkey Run Park.  The GW Parkway even boasts a view of a rare Bald Eagle and its nest on the Belle Haven Country Club just south of Old town.  Learn more about great boons to property in Northern Virginia.

About the Author ---  Ben Fornshell is a licensed real estate agent with Condo 1 Alexandria.  To learn more about available rentals and purchases in the area check out our free search.

Belle View is a residential condominium community on the Potomac River just outside Old Towne Alexandria Virginia. Belle View offers 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences for sale or rent in a pet-friendly neighborhood that is a throw-back to a quieter time. 

For more information about Belle View condominiums please contact Condo 1 Alexandria, an independent real estate brokerage, committed to providing outstanding service and value to buyers and sellers. We specialize in condominiums and properties in and around Belle View, New Alexandria and Old Town. We are known for developing quality working relationships with our clientele; relationships based on respect, integrity, and trust.

Condo 1 Alexandria is proud to have developed beneficial relationships with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and a wide range of housing professionals. We pride ourselves on building a solid foundation for your home to rest upon. Whether you are purchasing, selling, or both...we ensure that you have the support you need to make to make sound decisions and receive the best deal possible. We go the extra mile for you!

If you need assistance, please contact Will Nesbitt. He will take the time to listen to your needs and dreams. Will works tirelessly to facilitate your goals without compromise. Will Nesbitt and Condo 1 Alexandria are committed to treating every client as if they are our #1 priority.

Whether you are buying, selling, or simply considering a move, we will be happy to speak with you.

We specialize in condominiums and the area surrounding Belle View!

Belle Haven Marina is found on the George Washington Parkway just south of historic Old Town Alexandria. Belle Haven Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. The Belle Haven Marina is a short walk from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats are available for rent. Sign-up for sailing lessons and your package will include a limited number of free hours of sailing.

The Marina has a short pier and the George Washington Parkway has many points to fish the Potomac River. Many anglers rent or own boats which ply more serene and secluded spots nearby. The ramp fee is only $5.

From the marina, one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

• Basketball
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Cinema
• Diving
• Farmer's Market
• Fitness Center
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical
• Game Club
• Jet Skiing
• Library
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center
• Monuments
• Museums
• Racquetball
• Restaurants
• Roof Deck
• Sailing
• Swimming
• Shopping
• Sports Events
• Tennis
• Theatre
• Volunteering
• Water-skiing
• Wildlife Viewing
• Windsurfing

Flowers, trees and shrubs bloom
through-out the growing season at River Towers.

The Neighborhoods of Fort Hunt Road

The nieghborhoods surrounding Fort Hunt Road are generally low-crime, high-income and well-maintained. Despite these commonalities, there are many differences between these neighborhoods depending upon the geology, location and builders in that neighborhood. This information is provided to give one an idea of the many choices offered along Fort Hunt Road, as well as give you an idea of what sort of activities are available here.

Neighborhoods

• Belle Haven --- Belle Haven is one of the Northern Virginia's most prestigious neighborhoods because of it's proximity to services, high quality of construction and commanding position near Fort Willard.
• New Alexandria --- Between the Belle Haven Country Club, Belle Haven Marina and Mount Vernon Rec Center, you'll find New Alexandria. This one little neighborhood includes garden apartments, cottages, houses, townhouses and luxury homes.
• River Towers --- River Towers is a one of a kind place near the marina, the Metro and shopping, but surrounded by 26 acres of park lands.
• Bucknell --- "Bucknell" includes both Bucknell Manor and Bucknell Heights, and is a neighborhood of Cape Cods, duplex townhouses situated on the uplands behind Fort Hunt Rd. Some of the most affordable homes along Fort Hunt Road are found in Bucknell.
• Villamay --- Villamay, Westgrove and Marlan Forest are situated half-way down Fort Hunt Road along the Potomac. The homes here are general upscale, but lacking pretension.
• Mason Hill --- Mason Hill was one of the last subdivisions to be developed along Fort Hunt Road and as such its homes are generally newer than most neighborhoods in the area.
• Hollin Hills --- Hollin Hills is yesterday's vision of tomorrow. This is one of Northern Virginia's most remarkable neighborhoods because of its unique setting and architecture.
• Hollindale --- Sometimes called Hollin Hall because if its proximity to the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Hollindale is mostly traditional single family homes on rolling wooded lots.
• Waynewood --- Americana at its best. Tree-lined streets, churches and schools frame a community where families are welcome.
• Arcturus --- Estate homes, manors and luxury houses are most common along the Potomac in Collingwood and around Arcturus. There are a few more modest homes as well in Wellington and Collingwood.
• Stratford --- The last stop on Fort Hunt Road neighbors Mount Vernon. Large river homes with excellent views are found here.
• Area Shopping --- The area is well served by a wide range of shops and services.

Winter in Northern Virginia can be a little bleak at times. The foliage is gone from the trees and the grass is a little beat.

But River Towers is teaming with life. A flock of Canadian geese winter here at the creek which surrounds River Towers.

Winter berries add some color to the scenery.

Ducks are here year-round, as they like the gentle waters of the canal.

It's not a great time for a picnic, but it's always pleasant to walk through the natural areas surrounding River Towers.

Belle View Shopping Center

Do you like shopping where your grocer knows your name? Do you like having a video store that's on this side of the stop light? How about a sampling of family restaurants and conveniences at your disposal?

	Primo Family Restaurant 1636-A Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-6766
	CVS / Pharmacy #1394 1636 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 Pharmacy 703-768-7044 Store 703-765-2372
	Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry 1632-A Belle View Boulevard Alexandria VA 22307 703-660-9494
	The Virginia Florist 1632 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-3355
	POWER VIDEO The Video Superstore 1628-A Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-2877
	Kathy's Corner Hallmark A Gold Crown Hallmark Store 1628 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-4139
	US Post Office Belleview Branch 22307 1626 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-4100
	Safeway 1624 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-3434
	Belle Haven Decorating 1618 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-4340
	Nails America 1616 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-1182
	Beauty Salon of Belle View 1614 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-8050
	Radio Shack 1612-B Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-7575
	Healthway 1610 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-8603
	Belle View Barber & Hair Stylist Men - Women - Children 1608 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-9623
	Parcel Plus Global Shipping and Communications 1606 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-0080
	Belle View Jewelers 1604 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-4900
	VA ABC 1524 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-9303
	Hodges Galleries Restorations & Custom Framing 1520 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-0948
	Hulda Antiques 1518 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-5159
	Buck's Shoe Repair 1516 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-2358
	Karate Masters For Men and Women * Self Defense * Fitness and More 1514 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-5309
	Brenner's Bakery of Alexandria Wedding Cakes, Cakes, Cookies, Bread, Pastries and Donuts 1512 Belleview Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-4688
	Dishes of India Fine Indian Cuisine 1510 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-6085
Picture Not Available	Subway Sandwiches & Salads 1510 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307
	Magic Wok Cafe Szechuan - Hunan Cuisine Delivery & Carry-Out 1508-A Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-7587
	1 Hour Cleaners 1508 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-9898
	Dale Photo Imaging Center Photographic and Digital Services Graphics - Signs - Poster - Exhibits 1506-A Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22306 703-660-9533
	Friendly Travel 1506 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-6020
	Roy Rogers 1506 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-1264
	Spokes Etc. Bicycles Best Wheels Goin' Around 1506 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-8005
	Alexandria Music Company Sales - Instruction - Repairs - Rentals 1502 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-660-6025
	Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins   1500 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307
	Family Dentistry Richard J. Godlewski, D.D.S. Marty Legum, D.D.S. 1500 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-768-4777
	Belle View Texaco Complete Auto Services & Repairs 1800 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-765-2500
	BB&T 1640 Belle View Boulevard Alexandria, VA 22307 703-718-0095