A Quick Guide to Alexandria, Virginia
Seven miles south of Washington D.C. the quaint Old Town of Alexandria, Virginia hides peacefully. Walkable, approachable, and right on the Potomac River, the town charms locals and tourists alike. Up and down the main strip, King Street, one will find artisanal shops, renowned eateries, and quiet side neighborhoods. If you’re looking to get away from D.C. for the day or just want somewhere fun and different to visit in Northern Virginia, Alexandria is the perfect place.
Population: 155,000+
Where To Eat & Drink
Virtue Feed & Grain – Rustic 1800s building now transformed into a modern tavern
Stomping Ground – Get your brunch on at this local spot
Bilbo Baggins – Cozy, quirky pub away from the main street
Captain Gregory’s – Alexandria’s very own speakeasy (and handcraft cocktail bar) hidden behind a wall in a donut shop
La Fromagerie Cheese & Wine Bistro – Choose from a large wine selection whilst dining on lovely cheese and meat boards. There are so many interesting and local cheeses to choose from!
Where To Stay
Hotel Indigo – prime Old Town location with chic rooms just a stone’s throw from some of the best spots
Airbnb – find options under $100
What Else Is There To Do?
Visit George Washington’s home – Mount Vernon is just a few minutes away
Jump on the craft beer trail – Visit Port City Brewing Company, Portner Brewhouse, or join one of the many historical beer walking tours of the area
Wander up and down King Street
Visit Carlyle House – a historic mansion featuring elegant gardens
I hope you found this helpful for your visit to Alexandria OR I hope this piece inspires you to plan a semi-spontaneous weekend getaway like I did!
If you’re interested in reading about how I spent a single day in Washington D.C. here is some further reading: 24 Hours in Washington DC
Sooo I literally just found an old blog post (from a private blog) when I moved to Alexandria for a DC internship just a few hours ago. And now this!! Nostalgia. I love Alexandria and I’m glad you captured its beauty in a guide.
Aww! Did you love it there?
That drink looks great! I love visiting small towns, especially if they are near big cities, I find its the perfect mix.
I totally agree, you get the best of both worlds!
I’ve never heard of Alexandria, Virginia, so this was a fun read. Some nice photos here, and good suggestions too!
Thanks! Hopefully it inspires you to see a new place if you’re ever in the area!
This will serve as a guide for my next trip to America!
Yay! I have so many other places in the USA I’ve written about (and haven’t yet written about). Stay tuned!
Sounds very quaint, the cheese board looks delightful. I would love to visit Bilbo
Baggins. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!