Travel and Dish

Years ago, I was lucky enough to live in Old Town Alexandria. Strolling past the charming homes and waterfront parks, I would pop into a cute bistro or find unique treasures at the independently owned boutiques. As a history buff, it was enchanting to see the quaint 18th and 19th century homes with their tiny gardens. Old Town’s history precedes the founding of the United States. Excavations in the area uncovered artifacts from pre-colonial Tribal Nations and maritime exploration, along with Free Black settlements and Civil War. You can see these discoveries at the Alexandria Archeology Museum.

Old Town has gone through revitalization of its waterfront over the last few decades, but thankfully held fast to the integrity of the historic architecture designed during America’s colonial era. But among these centuries-old buildings are upscale hotels and miles of scenic trails and parks. There’s a tapas bar literally floating in the Potomac River called Barca Pier and Wine Bar and modern art installations on the waterfront.

It’s fun to learn about Old Town’s storied past. George Washington celebrated two birthdays at Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria, and in many ways, the first president would find the places he frequented unchanged. As you walk the cobblestone streets past the colorful doors, you can imagine members of America’s gentry waiting for their carriages for the ride back to Mount Vernon. To feel like you visited that period, have dinner at Gadsby’s Tavern, watch a presentation at the creepy-cool Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Museum or take the Colonial Tours & Graveyard Tour.

Waterfront Activities

When it warms up outside, there’s a hub of activity at Alexandria City Dock, with live music performances almost nightly. You can board the Tall Ship Providence, take a Potomac Water Taxi, or watch the whitecaps on the Potomac blow toward the Capitol Dome. Art lovers adore shopping at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions factory that houses working artists studios. 

Boutique Shopping

Old Town is especially charming in the winter when the city is draped in twinkling tea lights and wreathed doors welcome shoppers to find that perfect tartan scarf or jar of Virginia honey. Alexandria is known for having great local retailers, vintage stores, bookstores, and DIY shops like AR Workshop where you try your hand at a range of crafts from woodworking to candle pouring. For people who love fashion, Old Town has everything from classic clothing at Donna Lewis or bohemian styles at Gossipya and 3 Sisters. Check out this link to find more details.

Black History

Black History Month is the perfect time to exploring Alexandria’s rich and diverse African American history, with cultural experiences that offer a better understanding of today’s challenges. Visit Freedom House to learn how Alexandria’s Black community both suffered and also reached some of the country’s highest achievements. Alexandria has historic markers identifying landmarks and there are guided tours with Manumission Tour Company recalling the lives of heroic freedom seekers and abolitionists who assisted on the Underground Railroad.

Where to Stay

Old Town has lots of great places to stay from modern stylish hotels to historic refurbished luxury accommodations. I like the regal Morrison House Old Town, chic Archer Hotel & Spa, and the new 31- room Hotel Heron, which opened in the spring of 2024. Although, anywhere you stay in Alexandria is a good jumping off point to visit Northern Virginia, whether you’re coming for a Broadway show at Capital One Hall, or touring Mount Vernon by candlelight.

Old Town also has a free trolley and the King Street Metro stop. This means you’re only a quick subway ride to the National Mall’s monuments and the museums.

This beautiful city is like the perfect gift: there are beautiful layers to unwrap, and you’ll love what’s inside. (PS The photo above is of my daughter Danielle)