Just south of Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River, quaint and historic Old Town Alexandria looks much the same today as it did hundreds of years ago with its (restored) homes and shops. Cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks feature boutiques, book stores, art galleries, restaurants, historic buildings and gardens. Over one million people visit Alexandria each year and discover Colonial taverns, specialty shops, walking tours, waterfront dining, and scenic boat tours. When visiting the nation’s capital, it’s a trip across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to this historic town with 2,000 buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Accommodations from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels include the Almost Heaven Bed and Breakfast, Alexandria Hotel-Pentagon South, Best Western Old Colony Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Embassy Suites-Old Town, Hilton Alexandria, Morrison House, and Sheraton Suites.
Dining options include the Fish Market, Clyde’s at Mark Center, Cedar Knoll Inn, Bilbo Baggons Restaurant, Le Gaulois Café Restaurant, Bistrot Lafayette, Chez Andree, Blue Point Grill, Captain John’s, and dining cruises on the Potomac River like Dandy Restaurant Cruise Ship and the Spirit of Washington. There’s also the Mystery Dinner Theatre.
Attractions and museums include the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern, the Lyceum-Alexandria’s History Museum, Black History Museum, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, Christ Church (where George Washington and Robert E. Lee worshipped), Gunston Hall, George Washington National Masonic Memorial, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, and the Carlyle House Museum & Park. Nature parks, scenic biking and walking trails include the Alexandria Heritage Trail, Mount Vernon Forest Trail, and the Civil War Trails.
Annual events include the Civil War Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern, George Washington Birthnight Ball, St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade, Civil War Camp Day, Juneteenth Celebration, Alexandria Scottish Games, Friendship Firehouse Festival, and Seaport Days.
Written by: Natasha Lawrence