St. Patrick’s Day is a great reason to get out and have fun this weekend! There are many ways to celebrate without having to venture too far from your EYA Neighborhood. Here are some local special events and activities for St. Patrick’s Day 2013.
Old Town Alexandria, VA
Don’t worry if you missed the Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year, there are still many ways to celebrate within steps from EYA’s Old Town Commons Neighborhood and The Oronoco Condos!
First, stop by The Irish Walk on King Street and pick up some St. Patrick’s Day garb. This beloved Irish gift shop has everything from decorations and shamrock sunglasses to traditional Irish jewelry and teas.
Then, walk down by the river and join local restaurant Virtue Feed and Grain for their St. Patrick’s Day Party in Wales Alley from 11:30AM-10PM. There will be live music, Irish dancers, not to mention Irish Feast specials, like Steak and Guinness Pie, Irish Lamb Stew, and Corned Beef and Cabbage.
Or, if you are just looking for a tall pint of Guinness and some live music, you can choose between two local Irish pub favorites, Murphy’s Pub on King’s street or Ireland’s Own Pub (formerly Pat Troy’s) - Both St. Patty’s Day celebrations are offering live music, dancing, and food and drink specials starting bright and early at 9AM.
Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA
Start out your St. Patrick’s Day weekend on Friday night at O’Malley’s Irish Pub. This Tyson’s Corner favorite, will feature food and beverage specials and live music all weekend starting Friday night for St. Patrick’s Day! Indulge in an Irish microbrew beer tasting from 4-6PM and stay for live music until 10.
For a more traditional take on St. Patrick’s Day, have a delightful cup of Irish Tea in historic Hunter House as part of Fairfax County’s Parktakes Series. Beginning at 2PM on Saturday, March 16, feast on savories, Irish soda bread and strawberry jam, seasonal fruit and green cupcakes.
If beer is your preference this holiday, stop in at local Falls Church Brewery Mad Fox Brewing Company for St. Patrick’s Day specials of their featured home-brews, St. James Irish Stout and Rock Star Irish Red Ale, running all weekend long!
And to top off your St. Patty’s Day in Fairfax, spend your Sunday at Ireland’s Four Provinces Restaurant and Pub for “K’Eggs.” Northern Virginia’s favorite Irish joint opens at 8AM with a traditional Irish breakfast, or an American breakfast, an Irish Coffee, Bloody Mary or a 4P’s Mimosa. Live music will be playing all day!
Chancellor’s Row in Brookland, DC
Located just a few miles from EYA’s Chancellor’s Row Neighborhood, local pub Shaw’s Tavern is hosting their first annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival! The festival begins at 11AM on Sunday, located on 6th Street NW between Florida and S St., and will feature an expanded patio with food and beverage, live music, activities for the kids, as well as booths filled with community vendors and information. It is free and open to all ages.
Travel a bit further to Constitution Ave to view the annual Nation’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The parade begins at Noon and runs along Constitution Ave from 7th to 17th Streets NW. This family friendly parade will sport floats, marching bands, pipe bands, military, police, and local fire departments. Local Irish pubs will sponsor parade parties featuring Irish musicians, dancers and singers.
On your way home, stop by the Boundary Stone in Bloomingdale. This neighborhood locale is a place where locals can come to “relax, drink and nourish their souls.” Sample their fish and chips and sip on an Irish Whiskey to complete your St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Little Falls Place in Bethesda, MD
Begin your weekend not too far from EYA's Little Falls Place with a hearty brunch at Redwood Restaurant and Bar. Redwood’s annual Local Eggs N’ Fresh Kegs special starts at 10AM and goes until 3PM on Saturday, March 16. Enjoy their outdoor bar, seasonal and locally grown food, and tasty beers. The brunch buffet is only $15 (includes one complimentary pint) and the Guinness special is just $5! What a steal!
Need a sweet treat? Stop by Georgetown Cupcake - Bethesda and choose (if you can) between their delectable Irish Crème, St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate or St. Patrick’s Day Vanilla cupcakes.
Sunday morning, be sure to head to Tommy Joe’s St. Patrick's Day Party and enjoy a FREE breakfast buffet and incredible drink specials from 9AM-12PM. Then, later that evening, continue the celebration with a seated dinner, drinks, Irish dancers, and even bag pipers at Bethesda’s traditional Irish Pub Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle!
However you choose to celebrate this year, we hope you have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend!
And now, to end with our favorite Irish joke – At an Irish wedding reception, someone yelled, "Would all the married men please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living." The bartender was almost crushed to death.
Sláinte!