Alexandria Old Town

Address:Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria Old Town, in Virginia, looks much like it did when it was first settled more than 200 years ago. Alexandria's many museums highlight different parts of Alexandria's history from its days as an important colonial trading post and a busy port to its role in the Civil War. Alexandria Old Town was chosen by AAA as one of the top ten Best Walking Cities in America, and the town is known for its accessible, historical charm.

Many of the buildings from colonial times still stand in Alexandria Old Town. George Washington's home at Mount Vernon is a good example of this Colonial Period architecture. Carlyle House, on North Fairfax Street, is a 1752 manor house that was home to five royal governors. The Lee-Fendall House on Oronoco Street belonged to the famous Lee family, and contains many of their possessions. And Christ Church on North Washington Street, built in 1773, was where George Washington often prayed.

In order to learn more about how Alexandria Old Town has developed over the years, visit to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum or Alexandria's History Museum. Visit the Alexandria Black History Museum, to learn how African Americans were influential in shaping Alexandria. And the sculptures at the African American Heritage Park commemorate African Americans' contribution to Alexandria. Honor this heritage by visiting the 21 graves in the 19th century African American cemetery, many of which are unidentified. A bookstand in the park contains a visitors' guide, which identifies the names of African American citizens and sites etched on the sculptures.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum on North Royal Street consists of two buildings, a 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel, where famous historical figures and everyday people ate and slept. At this museum you will learn about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food and clothing of a bygone era. You can walk around the museum yourself or take a tour. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, on South Fairfax Street, is one of the oldest pharmacies in the nation that today promotes understanding of historic public health issues. The museum has an expansive collection of shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, and archival materials, many of them still in their original location. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, a renovated former torpedo factory built during World War I, is now three floors of artist studios, galleries, workshops, an art school, and an archaeology museum.

King Street is the center of town. Off the main thoroughfare are the town's original cobblestone side streets, giving the area an old-time feel. Further along King Street towards the newer part of town is the George Washington National Masonic Memorial, which is visible for miles around. Shopping on King Street includes antique stores and galleries as well as contemporary shops. For additional shopping, visit the Crilley Warehouse mall on North Lee Street.

The Friendship Fire Company was the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria, and exhibitions and tours are offered of the firehouse, built in 1855. The annual Firehouse Festival, on the first Saturday in August, features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, live music, food and drinks. Kids get free fire helmets, play with the department's Dalmatian, and get a supervised visit inside Alexandria Old Town's fire trucks.

Alexandria has many trails for biking and hiking. Bikes can be rented at several locations along the Potomac River and at points along the more heavily- frequented bike routes, some of which offer bike tours.

Restaurant options on King Street vary with Italian, Thai, Greek, Indian and Tex-Mex. Alexandria Old Town has an active nightlife with Tapas bars, clubs and restaurants. There are a few terrific theaters if you want to catch a movie or a show. Alexandria is a city with plenty to do and it can get very expensive, very fast. If you choose a more relaxed evening, take a leisurely stroll by the Potomac River.

Alexandria is located 30 minutes south of Washington D.C. across the Potomac River and 12 minutes from Ronald Regan Airport. Other ways to get to Alexandria include two Amtrak stations and major interstate highways. To get to Alexandria by car, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway.