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Join us for the second annual Alexandria Book & Craft Festival: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 • 10am to 4pm

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

About Elaine’s, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.

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About Made in Alexandria, 415 King St., Alexandria, VA: Made in ALX is a unique marketplace rooted in Alexandria, VA, dedicated to showcasing and selling art and handmade products crafted by local artists. Founded in 2020, as a response to the pandemic’s impact on local artists, Made in ALX quickly evolved from an online market to a seasonal pop-up shop to a permanent fixture in Old Town Alexandria. Its mission to connect the community with local creators has fostered both a marketplace and a meeting point for art lovers and artists alike.

• Hours:
  • Weekdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10a.m. – 6p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• In addition to our retail boutique, Made in ALX hosts classes, events and more.
• If you’re interested in joining Made in ALX as an artist, please click here.
• If you’re interested in teaching classes at Made in ALX, please use the Contact Us form here.