A Visitor’s Guide to Old Town Alexandria

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

With history steeped into every cobblestone and building lining its streets, Old Town Alexandria is alive with stories from the past, while the more than 200 shops and restaurants that stand amidst museums keep the district bustling with life. From annual festivals to weekly events, the walkable waterfront downtown is the perfect place to see the city buzzing with activity that celebrates the heritage of the community and the culture of the people who make it so colorful. We’ve got the scoop on some of the best things to see and do on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront.

Credit: The City of Alexandria

Credit: The City of Alexandria

King StreetKing Street

Considered to be the very heart of Alexandria, Considered to be the very heart of Alexandria, King Street comprises a walkable mile of King Street comprises a walkable mile of centuries-old architecture that now houses restaurants, boutiques, and museums—all of which are serviced by the free King Street Trolley. centuries-old architecture that now houses restaurants, boutiques, and museums—all of which are serviced by the free King Street Trolley. Cruises and Water Taxis As a historic port city and a hub for City Cruises, As a historic port city and a hub for City Cruises, Alexandria is the launch point for water taxis Alexandria is the launch point for water taxis and sightseeing boats that board at Old Town’s and sightseeing boats that board at Old Town’s marina. Take a cruise to see national landmarks marina. Take a cruise to see national landmarks on the narrated Washington Monuments Cruise on the narrated Washington Monuments Cruise or hop on a water taxi to venture out to DC, the or hop on a water taxi to venture out to DC, the National Harbor, or George Washington’s Mount National Harbor, or George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Vernon.

Credit: IG @oldtowntwo

Credit: IG @oldtowntwo

Credit: Visit AlexandriaCredit: Visit Alexandria

Historic DiningHistoric Dining

With its renowned culinary scene and a wide With its renowned culinary scene and a wide variety of new restaurants, Alexandria is a food variety of new restaurants, Alexandria is a food lover’s paradise. Alexandria’s food scene is lover’s paradise. Alexandria’s food scene is amazing—heightened even more when the amazing—heightened even more when the restaurants have a waterfront view. Enjoy restaurants have a waterfront view. Enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River while dining stunning views of the Potomac River while dining al fresco at Alexandria’s waterfront restaurants, al fresco at Alexandria’s waterfront restaurants, feasting on a wide range of delicious dishes feasting on a wide range of delicious dishes that showcase local talent and the bounty of the that showcase local talent and the bounty of the region’s waters. Restaurants away from the water region’s waters. Restaurants away from the water are just as impressive too. Visit independent are just as impressive too. Visit independent and chef-driven restaurants—many of which are and chef-driven restaurants—many of which are located in centuries-old historic buildings that will located in centuries-old historic buildings that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the past.make you feel like you’ve stepped into the past.

Farmer’s MarketsFarmer’s Markets

Like much of Alexandria, the Saturday morning Old Town Farmer’s Market has history—260 years of it, in fact, making it one of the longest continuously-operating farmer’s markets in the nation. During the height of growing season, the market hosts more than 70 vendors offering fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, meats, and more, all from local growers and makers. Like much of Alexandria, the Saturday morning Old Town Farmer’s Market has history—260 years of it, in fact, making it one of the longest continuously-operating farmer’s markets in the nation. During the height of growing season, the market hosts more than 70 vendors offering fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, meats, and more, all from local growers and makers.

Shopping

If you’re looking for something unique rather than run-of-the-mill, shopping in Old Town is the perfect way to spend a day. More than 100 independentlyowned boutiques and shops line the historic streets on and around Kind Street, offering everything from designer shoes and clothing to home décor and luxurious gifts. Ask about in-store activities like DIY workshops and trunk shows, and plan a shopping trip you’ll never forget.

Credit: Bosch Studios Credit: Visit Alexandria

Instagrammable Moments

If you love a good selfie opportunity, check out the latest installation in the City of Alexandria’s “Site See; New Views in Old Town” annual public art series. Running until November 2021 at Waterfront Park, the installation is a must for Instagrammers and photographers, as well as anyone who just wants a unique shot to post. Be sure to stop at Spite House, the skinniest historic house in America, and the Old Town Art Photo Walk. The city is filled with Insta-worthy stops, so go explore!

Black History

At the heart of what was once Colonial America, Alexandria is steeped in African American history. The city offers tours, historic landmarks, and more that focus on African Americans who have shaped the history of Alexandria and the U.S. Go on the eight-sight Courageous Journey driving tour, walk the African American Heritage Trail, or check out the art that showcases Alexandria’s African American history. If you love food, take the Soul Food Saturday walking tour to learn about the African culinary influence on American cuisine, then explore some of the area’s Black-owned businesses.

Credit: R. Kennedy

Credit: George Washington’s Mount Vernon Alexandria has some amazing landscapes, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. 20 miles of trails and more than 900 acres of protected open space, including eight waterfront parks, make it perfect for intrepid explorers, while the nearly 18-mile-long Mount Vernon Trail that stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon alongside the scenic Potomac River to the monuments and memorials in DC make it a must for cyclists and runners. Rental bikes are available.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

George Washington spent a great deal of time in Alexandria, so the city has more than 140 locations associated with our first president. Head eight miles south of Old Town to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the mansion, beautiful gardens and grounds, fascinating museum galleries, and the distillery and gristmill. You’ll feel like you’ve walked through a part of history.

Credit: lovicarious.com

Ghost Tours

Founded in 1749, naturally Alexandria has a haunted history. Take one of the many guided ghost tours and roam through graveyards, explore haunted neighborhoods, and visit historic spots famous for their supernatural legends.