The Twig — Announcements

The Thrift Shop is now closed for the holidays.  We reopen on January 7, 2026, at 10 AM!

The Twig thanks its many donors for their generosity.  We ask that your new or gently used seasonal donations be dropped off at the shop between the hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, when the shop is open.  Since we are a small shop, we also appreciate donations that are of a manageable size.  

Twig Makes the “Top Ten” list of the best massive thrift stores in Virginia where you will lose track of time finding bargains that you just can’t live without! They said that “The Twig’s charming white brick facade and flower boxes elevate thrifting to an art form. Martha Stewart would approve.”

10 Massive Thrift Stores In Virginia Where You’ll Lose Track Of Time

By Author:

Christina Rado

Posted on

July 12, 2025

Destinations, News, USA, Virginia

Looking for treasure-filled thrift stores in Virginia where time seems to fly by?

The Twig Thrift Shop charms instantly with its historic white brick building in Old Town Alexandria.

Window boxes bursting with colorful flowers welcome visitors to this boutique thrifting experience.

Inside, the carefully curated space feels more like an upscale boutique than a typical thrift store.

The clothing section showcases higher-end brands and quality pieces selected with a discerning eye.

Their housewares department gleams with crystal, china, and decorative items of exceptional quality.

Vintage lovers will appreciate the carefully preserved items from bygone eras.

The jewelry selection sparkles with both costume pieces and occasional fine jewelry finds.

Seasonal displays transform throughout the year, making each visit a fresh experience.

What makes The Twig special is its historic connection to Alexandria’s Inova Hospital.

The all-volunteer staff brings knowledge and passion to their roles as curators and salespeople.

Their sidewalk displays on nice days create an inviting atmosphere that draws in passersby.

Plan for at least an hour of browsing – though the boutique size is smaller than others on this list, the quality demands attention!

Where: 106 N Columbus St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Virginia’s thrift stores offer more than just bargains – they’re gateways to adventure and discovery.

Alexandria Hospital: Women Mobilize the Community

Alexandria Hospital, Duke Street 1918.

 

This 2023-24 exhibition marked the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Alexandria Infirmary — today’s Inova Alexandria Hospital. Women established and sustained the hospital by fostering community support, making it one of Alexandria’s most community-based enterprises.Healthcare in Alexandria took a big step forward when a group of Alexandria women led by Julia Johns met to organize the Infirmary in December 1872. Through their efforts, townspeople were no longer required to go to Richmond or Washington, D.C. to receive hospital care.

 

Alexandria, VA, December 12th, 1872

 

At a meeting of ladies called by Miss Julia Johns to meet in the lecture room of St. Paul’s P.E. Church in this City, with a view to the formation of a Society, to establish and control a Hospital for the sick among the respectable laboring classes.  There were present, the following named persons:

 

Miss Julia Johns	Mrs. John Stuart
Miss Lucy Dorsey	Mrs. G.Y. Worthington
Miss M.V. Smith	Mrs. D.F. Sprigg
Rev. Dr. Norton	George R. Hill

Minutes Book, Alexandria Infirmary

 

Julia Johns’ group became the Board of Managers, also called the Board of Lady Managers. From the institution’s beginning and throughout its history to the present, women have played a key role in the hospital’s administration, patient care, and support.

Landmark Groundbreaking Ceremony

On September 30th, a group of more than seventy people composed of Inova Hospital leadership, architects, builders, elected leaders from the community, Foundation members, and other philanthropic groups including the Twig and the Board of Lady Managers, met underneath a white tent to celebrate the beginning of our new hospital. In spite of the gloomy day, our spirits were high and the speeches celebratory.  

The Twig and the Board of Lady Managers were acknowledged for their years of dedication and support for our community hospital since its inception.  The street in front of the hospital will bear the name of Julia Johns, a nod to the role of the ladies of Alexandria in the founding and support of the early hospital.  

The Twig was well represented by President Rachel Bishop; Hospital Liaison Mary Schoen; and Past Presidents Jennifer Kilmer, Kathy Hirsch, Seema Nawaz, and Janet Hawkins, all members of the Foundation Board.  President Barbara Wells represented the Board of Lady Managers.