Spend an Afternoon in Old Town

If you’re living or traveling in Fairfax, Virginia, it’s a worthwhile venture to take a 15-minute drive eastward to Old Town Alexandria. Situated along the scenic Potomac River, this designated National Historic District was voted one of the South’s Prettiest Cities by the Southern Living magazine and a Top 5 Best Small City in the U.S. by readers of Conde Nast in 2018. Founded in 1749, Old Town is home to over 200 boutique stores and restaurants as well as numerous historic homes and museums. Enjoy these four activities during your visit.

Take a Stroll Along King Street Mile

Right in the heart of Old Town is the bustling King Street. This walkable mile-long street has been named one of America’s “Great Streets.” Featuring centuries-old architecture, brick-lined roads, and cobblestone alleys, it offers excellent photo opportunities around every corner. Shop and dine in one of its dozens of shops and restaurants, and take a free ride on the King Street Trolley.

Visit Historic Sites and Museums

If you’re interested in history, you’ll have a grand time in Old Town. Within the district, you’ll find many historic sites and museums that offer an intimate experience of early American history. Some of the attractions you should visit include the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, which hosted the first five U.S. presidents; the Carlyle House Museum, a mid-18th-century Georgian manor built by one of Alexandria’s founders; and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a historic pharmacy established in the late 18th century.

If you’re planning to visit many museums, it’s a good idea to get the Key to the City museum pass, which includes admission to eight historic attractions and a 40 percent discount for the nearby George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This pass costs only $15 and helps you save more than $30.

Enjoy a Relaxing Ride On a Sightseeing Cruise or Water Taxi

Alexandria was an important port city in the past, and it now serves as a hub for the Potomac Riverboat Company. Old Town’s bustling marina, which features great outdoor dining and street performances, is the launching point for water taxis and sightseeing cruises. You can cruise to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, see famous landmarks in Washington, D.C. on the Washington Monuments Cruise, or take boats or water taxis to Nationals Park, National Mall, National Harbor, The Wharf, and Georgetown.

Dine In Centuries-Old Buildings

In recent years, Old Town Alexandria has become a favorite destination for food lovers. Besides diverse culinary options, it also gives you the rare opportunity to dine in historic buildings. Enjoy an unforgettable meal at Columbia Firehouse, which was occupied by the Columbia Steam Engine Fire Company in the late 19th century, or Virtue Feed & Grain, an American-style tavern situated in a 19th-century feed house.

There are virtually endless things to do in historic Old Town Alexandria. Whether you’re a history buff, avid shopper, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be able to find many attractions and activities in the district that suit your fancy.

Image via Pixabay

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