The second half of August is a time like no other, the proverbial lull before the storm that is September when school begins, and the pace of work picks up.

In August, families fit in last weekends at the beach. College students gather with friends before heading away to school. Parents buy school supplies and clothes for their children in anticipation of returning to the classroom.

The summer, and August in particular, can be a low point for Alexandria’s businesses. Fortunately, local business associations are partnering with Visit Alexandria and our city government to provide boosts to both retail stores and restaurants in Alexandria this month.

First up is the annual Sidewalk Sale this weekend, where shops and boutiques throughout Old Town and Del Ray will display deeply discounted wares in front of and inside their stores. This Saturday and Sunday, almost 70 stores throughout the city will participate in this long-running summer extravaganza that is spearheaded by their business associations: Old Town Boutique District, Old Town Business Association, Old Town North and Del Ray Business Association.

If you’re hesitant to venture to Old Town because of increasingly scarce street parking, never fear, as the city will provide free parking in four Old Town garages this weekend: Courthouse Square at 111 S. Pitt St.; Market Square at 108 N. Fairfax St.; USP Parking Garage at 220 N. Union St. and Thompson’s Alley Parking Garage at Thompson’s Alley.

Also important for shoppers and city residents alike to know: the 700 to 1100 blocks of King Street will be closed to vehicular traffic this weekend. In addition, a tent at the corner of King and Fayette streets will offer maps and bottled water to shoppers. There will also be live music at various times on both Saturday and Sunday on King Street and in Del Ray.

And remember, many shops on side streets, not just King Street or Mount Vernon Avenue, are participating – so check out The Enchanted Florist on South Fairfax Street, Monday’s Child on North Lee Street, Vintage Mirage on South Columbus Street along with many others this weekend.

The Visit Alexandria website at visitalexandriava.com has more details about the Sidewalk Sale. Or view their pdf map of participating stores and locations at https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/alexandria/AVA500_Map_2021_08_04_75d9a831- 858b-45a3-bd61-2b7320910397.pdf.

Later this month, for 10 days and two weekends, Visit Alexandria is sponsoring Restaurant Week, where more than 70 participating eateries will offer special, discounted menus. Each August, Restaurant Week is a wonderful opportunity to check out new places you’ve heard of but never tried, or to revisit old favorites at affordable prices.

Between Aug. 20 and 29, participating restaurants will offer either in-person or to-go meals for two diners for $49, and some offer meals for one person for $25. Most restaurants offer one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert for two in the package.

Check out the participating restaurants and menus at Visit Alexandria’s website, or click on https://www.flipsnack.com/BCB58CCC5A8/2021-summer-alexandria-restaurant-week/full-view.html to view the menu book.

As we bake in this heat wave and perhaps dream of cooler days this fall, don’t forget to take advantage of these two opportunities to shop and dine locally at discounted rates.

You’ll simultaneously save money and help Alexandria’s small businesses, which are the backbone of our city’s economy.

Now that’s a win-win.