This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Weekend Planner: Model Trains, Scavenger Hunts, and Fine Dining

Local events in our area Friday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 15.

Posted Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 7:47 pm ET|Updated Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 6:03 pm ET

Making plans for the weekend? Patch has got you covered with a list of the top events happening in our area this Friday through Sunday.

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week

Where: Various locations in Alexandria
When: Begins Friday, Jan. 13 and through Sunday, Jan. 22.
Why Go: This 10-day dining event celebrates Alexandria’s culinary diversity. Participating restaurants, locations and more information are available at http://www.visitalexandriava.com. If you go to one of the restaurants, be sure to review it in the Patch Places directory on Old Town Alexandria Patch or Del Ray Patch!
Price: $35 per person.

Local Library Book Sales

Basic Gardening: Garden on a Shoestring

Where: , Alexandria
When: Friday, Jan. 13 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Why Go: Create impressive flower and vegetable gardens on a budget with the help of a Master Gardener. Registration is requiredfor this event.
Price: $10 for Fairfax County residents; $12 for non-residents

Exploring the Artist in You! Youth Arts Symposium

Where: , Alexandria
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Why Go: Kids from ages preschool to teen are invited to explore a wide array of visual and performing arts, including dance, drawing, painting, candy making, and more. Participants will showcase their new artistic talents at the end of the day.
Price: FREE

”

Where: , Burke
When: Friday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: Bring the kids and enjoy Aladdin Jr., a musical stage production based on the Disney classic.
Price: Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Masterworks Concert

Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. (Pre-performance lecture at 7 p.m.)
Why Go: Featuring Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11, as well as Russian cellist Sergey Antonov performing Glazunov’s Chant du Menestrel and Haydn’s Cello Concerto.
Price: Adult tickets range from $25-$55; students ages 6-18 are $5

G Gauge Model Train Display

Where: , Fairfax Station
When: Sunday, January 15 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Why Go: This Garden (G) scale display is provided by the Washington, Virginia and Maryland Garden Railway Society.
Price: Adult tickets are $3; children $1

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here