Alexandria and then some
Sights to See
When traveling, I normally research my destination and look for unique places to visit. Here is a list of places that I would visit (and I still do on a regular basis!) if I were you - ones that in my opinion best represent the area with respect to history, culture, cuisines, and people.
Since the official planting of cherry trees took place on March 27, 1912, the cherry blossom festival has grown into a 4-week celebration. The annual cherry blossom festival begins on March 20 this year and will last through April 16. The peak bloom days vary year to year based on weather conditions; search for “cherry blossom watch” to get the latest awesome bloom updates!
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Приливный бассейн
20245 National DrSince the official planting of cherry trees took place on March 27, 1912, the cherry blossom festival has grown into a 4-week celebration. The annual cherry blossom festival begins on March 20 this year and will last through April 16. The peak bloom days vary year to year based on weather conditions; search for “cherry blossom watch” to get the latest awesome bloom updates!
In the Georgetown neighborhood, you will find many unique residential homes with varied architectural design details. The nearby Georgetown University and the George Washington University offer a glimpse of what it is like to study and live in the city. For those who love watersports, check out https://www.paddlethepotomac.com/ and https://boatingindc.com/. If you happen to be in town end of October, you may find a few "sur-BOO-rises" at the Halloween parade along the Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown!
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Georgetown
In the Georgetown neighborhood, you will find many unique residential homes with varied architectural design details. The nearby Georgetown University and the George Washington University offer a glimpse of what it is like to study and live in the city. For those who love watersports, check out https://www.paddlethepotomac.com/ and https://boatingindc.com/. If you happen to be in town end of October, you may find a few "sur-BOO-rises" at the Halloween parade along the Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown!
Plan on spending a full day at the historic George Washington estate, walking the grounds where the founding father had, and listening to stories told by the Dosen.
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Mount Vernon
Plan on spending a full day at the historic George Washington estate, walking the grounds where the founding father had, and listening to stories told by the Dosen.
It's not the National Gallery of Art, but the Torpedo Factory Art Center is one our own in Old Town. Here, you can meet and talk to the local artists who create their masterpieces and contribute to the culture scene for the City of Alexandria.
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Художественный центр Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N Union StIt's not the National Gallery of Art, but the Torpedo Factory Art Center is one our own in Old Town. Here, you can meet and talk to the local artists who create their masterpieces and contribute to the culture scene for the City of Alexandria.
This year, the Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of the first production at the current location (600 Wolfe Street). It has been a favorite place to go for past US Presidents, local patrons, theatre enthusiasts and alike. If you happen to be in town in December, catch a performance of the classic "A Christmas Carol" and experience the oldest award-winning theatre in the Washington metropolitan area. Click the link below to see a full list of performances at the LTA.
http://thelittletheatre.com/performances/
The Little Theatre of Alexandria
600 Wolfe StThis year, the Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of the first production at the current location (600 Wolfe Street). It has been a favorite place to go for past US Presidents, local patrons, theatre enthusiasts and alike. If you happen to be in town in December, catch a performance of the classic "A Christmas Carol" and experience the oldest award-winning theatre in the Washington metropolitan area. Click the link below to see a full list of performances at the LTA.
http://thelittletheatre.com/performances/
The Potomac Heritage Trail is a diverse network of trails that routes through Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. From the Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria, you can walk along the Potomac river bank and the trail to the National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery, or cross the river to the National Mall in DC.
The area offer trails with varied terrain, frequently following the banks of the Potomac River through land explored by George Washington.
Potomac Heritage Trail
Potomac Heritage TrailThe Potomac Heritage Trail is a diverse network of trails that routes through Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. From the Waterfront Park in Old Town Alexandria, you can walk along the Potomac river bank and the trail to the National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery, or cross the river to the National Mall in DC.
The area offer trails with varied terrain, frequently following the banks of the Potomac River through land explored by George Washington.
Places to Visit
Hard to miss a few places, like the Capital of the Unites States, Arlington Virginia, and Bethesda Maryland, when they are just a few miles away. Time permits, check out the listing here for a planned visit.
Besides politics, what makes Washington DC. special is its rich history, turn-of-the century architecture, vast monuments and museums, and most of all, world-renowned restaurants. The annual Cherry Blossom festival in April attracts millions of people world-wide. You can easily spend a week or two immersing yourself in its culture and history.
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Washington
Besides politics, what makes Washington DC. special is its rich history, turn-of-the century architecture, vast monuments and museums, and most of all, world-renowned restaurants. The annual Cherry Blossom festival in April attracts millions of people world-wide. You can easily spend a week or two immersing yourself in its culture and history.
Harpers Ferry is a small town in West Virginia, about 70 miles or 112 kilometers from Old Town Alexandria. It's a good day-trip for a change of scenery. There you will find hiking trails up the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; it will give a sweeping view of where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet while overlooking states of Maryland and Virginia.
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Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry is a small town in West Virginia, about 70 miles or 112 kilometers from Old Town Alexandria. It's a good day-trip for a change of scenery. There you will find hiking trails up the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park; it will give a sweeping view of where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet while overlooking states of Maryland and Virginia.
Something Old and Something New
Old Town is full of old time/antique charms, but it also has plenty of new, or "new-to-you" items that can remind you of your visit of the area for years to come. The selection here is merely based on my own experience and interaction with the shop owners, i.e., they do not pay me for being listed here.
Don't want to face those puppy eyes when you get home from your trip? Stop in The Dog Park, grab a few goodies from the store for your furry friends, and they will love you like you'd never left^_^
The Dog Park
705 King StDon't want to face those puppy eyes when you get home from your trip? Stop in The Dog Park, grab a few goodies from the store for your furry friends, and they will love you like you'd never left^_^
Exceptional quality leather good store with knowledgeable and friendly service. Window shop or step in, maybe you will find something fantastica/fantastico for you or a special someone!
Serafino Fine Italian Leather & Accessories
1127 King StExceptional quality leather good store with knowledgeable and friendly service. Window shop or step in, maybe you will find something fantastica/fantastico for you or a special someone!
AR workshop, conveniently located on King Street a block and a half away, offers do-it-yourself projects that are fit for all ages. You can pre-register for classes or just pop in and try your hands at a DIY craft!
AR Workshop Alexandria
1212 King StreetAR workshop, conveniently located on King Street a block and a half away, offers do-it-yourself projects that are fit for all ages. You can pre-register for classes or just pop in and try your hands at a DIY craft!
Something new? How about an unique way of exploring the neighborhood on an electric bike?! Stop by 210 N Lee Street; helpful staff there will help you with bike rentals and tours to make your visit of Alexandria an even more memorable one!
Pedego Electric Bikes Alexandria
210 N Lee StSomething new? How about an unique way of exploring the neighborhood on an electric bike?! Stop by 210 N Lee Street; helpful staff there will help you with bike rentals and tours to make your visit of Alexandria an even more memorable one!
Treat yourself; after all, you are on vacation!
Places I list here are from my personal experience, e.g., I dined at the restaurants, had a drink in one, sipped a cup of coffee or two, or let the ice cream sweeten my journey. Will update the list as I continue exploring the city as you will be doing!
It's cold, it's creamy, it's tasty, and it's practically in our backyard!
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Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato
111 S Payne StIt's cold, it's creamy, it's tasty, and it's practically in our backyard!
It's cold, it's creamy, it's tasty, and it's right out the front door; enjoy the blooms, too!!
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Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
200 Commerce StreetIt's cold, it's creamy, it's tasty, and it's right out the front door; enjoy the blooms, too!!
Grab a cup of coffee three blocks away at Misha's; no worries, before you see the Potomac River a few blocks down King Street, you will see at least two more Starbucks!
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Misha's
917 King StGrab a cup of coffee three blocks away at Misha's; no worries, before you see the Potomac River a few blocks down King Street, you will see at least two more Starbucks!
Excellent food in a small and intimate setting. The vegetarian pasta dish is delish, and so is the Penne a la Vodka. This is a second location of the original Vaso's Kitchen 1.5 miles away at 1225 Powhatan Street.
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Vaso's Mediterranean Bistro
1118 King StExcellent food in a small and intimate setting. The vegetarian pasta dish is delish, and so is the Penne a la Vodka. This is a second location of the original Vaso's Kitchen 1.5 miles away at 1225 Powhatan Street.
Here at the original Vaso's Kitchen, you will find more Greek flare in the Greek Sampler, Lamb Kapama, and the classic Baked Moussaka. Don't be fooled by the Dixie Pig on the roof of the restaurant!
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Vaso's Kitchen
1225 Powhatan StHere at the original Vaso's Kitchen, you will find more Greek flare in the Greek Sampler, Lamb Kapama, and the classic Baked Moussaka. Don't be fooled by the Dixie Pig on the roof of the restaurant!
Oh, there are so many dishes to sample at this quaint little place. If/when you do decide to go there, which is 0.5-mile away on Royal Street between King and Prince, you must try the cheese plate, with a glass of Chateau de Fontenille, the Quiche du Jour (they are all delicious), the dark chocolate crepe, and a cup of latte or cappuccino to top it off. Yum!
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Fontaine Caffe & Creperie
119 S Royal StOh, there are so many dishes to sample at this quaint little place. If/when you do decide to go there, which is 0.5-mile away on Royal Street between King and Prince, you must try the cheese plate, with a glass of Chateau de Fontenille, the Quiche du Jour (they are all delicious), the dark chocolate crepe, and a cup of latte or cappuccino to top it off. Yum!
Fantastic French country food and wine, and if you don't mind the occasional revving of the engines on Washington Street, a little table for two right out front may just add the Old Town character to your dining experience. The beet salad with walnut and goat cheese was refreshing, the sea scallops were cooked to perfection, and my favorite, Crème Brûlée, did not disappoint, either.
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Le Refuge Restaurant
127 N Washington StFantastic French country food and wine, and if you don't mind the occasional revving of the engines on Washington Street, a little table for two right out front may just add the Old Town character to your dining experience. The beet salad with walnut and goat cheese was refreshing, the sea scallops were cooked to perfection, and my favorite, Crème Brûlée, did not disappoint, either.
Hearty and traditional American breakfast favorites, some with a Southern twist, offered all day long. Opposite from the beautiful, historic Shiloh Baptist Church (over 150 years old), the restaurant is spacious and has outdoor seating, too.
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The Executive Diner
1400 Duke StHearty and traditional American breakfast favorites, some with a Southern twist, offered all day long. Opposite from the beautiful, historic Shiloh Baptist Church (over 150 years old), the restaurant is spacious and has outdoor seating, too.
We were hungry for breakfast one Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised to find tasty brunch menu items at this Pizzeria! The eggs benedicts were full of flavor, and so was the spinach and cheese frittata. We ordered a margherita pizza just to "test" it out, and it met the expectation!
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RedRocks Old Town
904 King StWe were hungry for breakfast one Saturday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised to find tasty brunch menu items at this Pizzeria! The eggs benedicts were full of flavor, and so was the spinach and cheese frittata. We ordered a margherita pizza just to "test" it out, and it met the expectation!
Not a fancy place by any means, but the food and service may persuade you to give it a try. Ask for a sample of four different kinds of Chili before you order. Beware of the humongous portions offered at this restaurant; one order of Chicken Alamo can literally feed three or four people!
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Hard Times Cafe
1404 King StNot a fancy place by any means, but the food and service may persuade you to give it a try. Ask for a sample of four different kinds of Chili before you order. Beware of the humongous portions offered at this restaurant; one order of Chicken Alamo can literally feed three or four people!
Food scene
The baby back ribs is one of the reasons that keeps us coming back to Southside 815. The Caesar Salad, Meatloaf, Gumbo, and the Jambalaya Pasta are just a few of their delicious entrees! The restaurant is located just under a mile down south on Washington Street, and it's next door to the ever helpful Ace Hardware people:-)
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Southside 815
815 S Washington StThe baby back ribs is one of the reasons that keeps us coming back to Southside 815. The Caesar Salad, Meatloaf, Gumbo, and the Jambalaya Pasta are just a few of their delicious entrees! The restaurant is located just under a mile down south on Washington Street, and it's next door to the ever helpful Ace Hardware people:-)
Two blocks from the waterfront park on King Street, The Warehouse has been the staple of the food scene in the Old Town area for ages. Variety offered at this place are more for people with "matured" taste, in my opinion, so if you are family with small children, the kids may get more kick out of seeing the caricatures on the stairs than trying what's on their plates.
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The Warehouse
214 King StTwo blocks from the waterfront park on King Street, The Warehouse has been the staple of the food scene in the Old Town area for ages. Variety offered at this place are more for people with "matured" taste, in my opinion, so if you are family with small children, the kids may get more kick out of seeing the caricatures on the stairs than trying what's on their plates.
The new location at 818 N. St. Asaph St. offers a much bigger venue including a rooftop bar/dining area. Raw oysters are not my thing, but the Old Fashioned and Shrimp Cocktail have delighted me consistently.
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Hank's Oyster Bar
818 North Saint Asaph StreetThe new location at 818 N. St. Asaph St. offers a much bigger venue including a rooftop bar/dining area. Raw oysters are not my thing, but the Old Fashioned and Shrimp Cocktail have delighted me consistently.
I can absolutely vouch for the delicious salad and pizza at Faccia Luna! The beet and goat cheese salad (arugula) is always fresh, makes you feel so healthy eating it. There is a variety of topping options for pizza and a good selection of classic pasta dishes. A local favorite and highly recommend.
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Faccia Luna (Alexandria,VA)
823 S Washington StI can absolutely vouch for the delicious salad and pizza at Faccia Luna! The beet and goat cheese salad (arugula) is always fresh, makes you feel so healthy eating it. There is a variety of topping options for pizza and a good selection of classic pasta dishes. A local favorite and highly recommend.
Sightseeing
Check out its website or purchase tour tickets in advance for a visit, for the opening hours vary based on days, seasons, and special events. The observation deck is a great place to get a bird's eye view of the City of Alexandria, National Airport, or the Capitol in DC on a clear day!
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Национальный мемориал масонов Джорджа Вашингтона
101 Callahan DrCheck out its website or purchase tour tickets in advance for a visit, for the opening hours vary based on days, seasons, and special events. The observation deck is a great place to get a bird's eye view of the City of Alexandria, National Airport, or the Capitol in DC on a clear day!
Рекомендации для путешественников
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Old Town Farmers' Market
You don't want to miss the Old Town Farmers' Market, the oldest farmers' market in the country; George Washington even sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold there. Located at 301 King Street in front of Alexandria’s historic City Hall, the Market is open year round on Saturdays, rain or shine, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Транспорт
So many options!
Walking: you get the best view of the city when you walk!
Driving: sometimes it is faster walking if you drive on King Street:-)
Trolley: you can hop on and hop off the King Street Trolley easily; more info at https://www.visitalexandriava.com/plan/maps-and-transportation/king-street-trolley/
Metro/Train: the King Street-Old Town metro station, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the AMTRAK station are 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away from the property. Grab a map at https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps/index.cfm
Как сэкономить
Parking
Check out this helpful website with details for parking in the city. https://visitalexandria.com/plan/parking/
Some information may be outdated, for example the USP Henry/Patrick lot seems to have extended their hours.