Located on the Potomac River waterfront just six miles from the hustle-bustle of Washington, D.C. , Alexandria is renowned for its acclaimed restaurants, bustling boutiques and dynamic arts set against a backdrop of 18th – and 19th century architecture still intact from the city’s days as George Washington’s hometown. Here are some top experiences for you to try:
CIGAR CITY: Alexandria is a haven for cigar lovers. And the city’s largest cigar store and the best place to buy cigars is the Cigar Palace. Not only does the place have a humungous selection of cigars, but also a knowledgeable staff, all the accessories like lighters and cigar cutters plus a lounge where you can lean back and enjoy your purchase.
SHOP SMALL HEADQUARTERS: Alexandria is known as the capital region’s Shop Small headquarters, where you can find independent boutiques run by owners who are behind the counters offering their expert advice about their own merchandise as well as about other arts & crafts activities in the neighborhood.
STROLLING DOWN KING STREET: This is your chance to step back in time and stroll down a street lined with centuries-old architecture or sidestep thru cobblestone alleys. Strolling down King Street is by many considered the number one thing to do in Alexandria because it is so atmospheric. Remember also to explore the dozens of independently owned restaurants and boutiques and finish by taking a ride on the free King Street Trolley.
EXPLORE THE WATERFRONT: Down by the waterfront of the Potomac River is the place to kick back, enjoy the view of the river and DC monuments on the skyline, just watch people or hop on a Potomac Riverboat Company cruise. While there make sure you dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants. As of 2017, you may also stay over-night right on the waterfront at Alexandria’s first waterfront hotel, Hotel Indigo.
THE TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER: One thing is to see art in its finished form, but at The Torpedo Factory Art Center you can actually watch art being made. With 82 resident artists, seven galleries, two workshops, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum and The Art League School of working-artists, this is the largest open studios art center under one roof in the entire nation. The admission is free.
MARKET SQUARE MUSEUM PASS: If you are into history you can purchase a Key to the City museum pass for just $15 at the Alexandria Visitor Center. This will give you access to eight historic sites, including the three museums all within one block of the Market Square. They are Carlyle House Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.
DINE IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS: With more than 20 new restaurants opened in 2016, Alexandria is a dining destination. The city is filled with restaurants housed in repurposed buildings, from Columbia Firehouse, once the 1871 Columbia Steam Engine Fire Company, to Virtue Feed & Grain, a former feed house that is now one of the hottest spots in Old Town. These are dining experiences hard to beat for historic atmosphere.
THE OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET: Almost everything you do in Alexandria is historic. When you for example visit the old town farmers’ market, you are visiting the oldest farmers’ market in the entire country. Every Saturday morning year-round farmers set up shop to sell their fruits, vegetables or handicraft. Even George Washington sold his produce here more than 200 years ago.
BEST SMALL BREWERY IN THE U.S: Whether you head to the brewery for a tour or find the beer on the menu of local restaurants, you have to try a pint of Old Port. Why? The award-winning brewery Port City Brewing Co., was named the Best Small Brewery in the U.S. as late as in 2015.Even though the brewery is only seven years old, it is the oldest craft brewery in the capital region.
MOUNT VERNON: The first US president, George Washington’s home is on the outskirts of town, only eight miles or a 10 minute drive from downtown Alexandria. The mansion has been turned into a museum where you can learn about the life and times of the very first president or participate in numerous events, like the annual George Washington Patriot Run. The 2018 run will take place on September 9.
