Story Ideas
Morrison House
Elegant Alexandria
America's Colonial seaports were known for elegance and cosmopolitan sophistication, drawing visitors with exotic wares from around the world. That tradition continues today throughout the Old Town historic district. Stay in style at a one of many hotels within walking distance of shops of King Street, Old Town's main street. Pamper yourself at a soothing day spa. Enjoy an elegant dinner at one of Alexandria's four-star restaurants, or board Nina's Dandy for dinner and dancing along the Potomac River.
Shopping in Style
The seaport tradition of bounty continues with offerings ranging from contemporary clothing, jewelry and crafts by American artists to luxurious linens and toiletries, adorable children's wear, amazing artistry in glass, home décor accessories and chic clothing and accessories. Antique lovers know to visit in March and November for two very special antiques shows.
Shopping in Old Town
- Richard Nowitz
Performing Arts
Be serenaded by the Alexandria Symphony or see professional live theater at MetroStage. Experience the charm of the City's oldest theater—the Little Theatre of Alexandria, a community theater presenting popular and traditional productions.
Alexandria is for Art Lovers
Home to the famed Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria has been named one of the Top 25 Arts Destinations by American Style magazine. During its annual Fall for the Arts season, the Alexandria Festival of the Arts is held in Old Town the second weekend in September, and Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood hosts Art on the Avenue during the first weekend in October.
Alexandria's Love Affair with Dogs
No one loves dogs like the people of Alexandria. Where else do dogs have scheduled playtime, enjoy Happy Hour at a local nightspot or pick up dog biscuits at a bakery that caters only to them? The Olde Towne School for Dogs has a school bus for its students, and the local bank, florist and Starbucks all offer treats biscuits for their favorite clients.
Dog Friendly Alexandria
- Richard Nowitz
Parades and Festivals
Alexandria celebrates its Scottish heritage with the Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk followed by the Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights during the first weekend in December. In February, the City celebrates the birthday of hometown hero George Washington with the largest GW parade in the country. In early March, the St. Patrick's Parade fills to the streets of Old Town. Throughout the year, ethnic festivals and events celebrate the diversity of the City.
Home to America's Patriots
As George Washington's hometown, Alexandria was where our first president lived, worked, worshipped and socialized. Many early patriots, including George Mason, spent time here, and Thomas Jefferson celebrated his presidential inaugural here. The famous Lees of Virginia were from here with the most famous member of the family, Civil War General Robert E. Lee, growing up here.
Historic Seaport
From the late 18th through the mid-19th centuries, Alexandria was one of the nation's most important seaports. Cargoes of tobacco, wheat, sugar and other commodities traveled up the coast to other colonies or across the Atlantic to Europe. The Alexandria Seaport Foundation today offers insight into this historical industry with boat building and studies of the Potomac River.
Alexandria's Marina
- ACVA Photo
Alexandria's rich African American heritage is nationally recognized...
with the listing of seven of its historic properties on the National Register of Historic Places. They are but a few of the more than 20 sites connected with Alexandria's African American heritage, which are described in the free, self-guided tour booklet, "A Remarkable and Courageous Journey," available through the Ramsay House Visitors Center and on www.FunSide.com.
Civil War Alexandria
On May 23, 1861, Alexandrians voted to withdraw from the Union. The following morning, the city's troops mustered at Prince and Washington streets to be followed shortly by Union forces overtaking the city. They commandeered homes, warehouses and churches to use as barracks, hospitals and prisons. To protect the U.S. capital from attack, the Federal government built forts, including Fort Ward, which is now open to visitors. In the end, Alexandria had the dubious distinction of suffering the longest occupation of the Civil War.
Alexandria Embraces its Civil War Heritage...
in its publication Occupied City: Portrait of Civil War Alexandria, Virginia. This 50-page, illustrated guide helps visitors to trace the steps of Union soldiers, resurrect the spirit of Confederate defiance and discover first-hand some of the little known yet defining episodes of our nation's history.
Old Town Garden
- Erik Kvalsvik
Alexandria's Architecture
With more than 250 18th-century buildings and 4,000 19th-century buildings preserved, Alexandria has one of the largest historic districts in the country and was, in fact, the third such city to designate an historic district. Today gracious homes on tree-lined streets contrast with the lively shopping areas. Throughout the historic district are churches and meeting places that recount the history of both the city and the nation.
Idyllic Alexandria
During Virginia's famous Garden Week in April, several private homes and gardens, representing the city at its most elegant, are open. But, with its temperate climate and strong tradition of English-style gardening, the city is a lovely destination many months of year. Visit River Farm, once one of George Washington's properties and now operated as headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. The exuberant gardens of Mount Vernon and the 400-year-old boxwoods at Gunston Hall Plantation are also well worth the trip.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2007, the George Washington Memorial Parkway stretches 16 miles from George Washington's beloved Mount Vernon Estate to Great Falls, running through Alexandria as it connects the estate to the District of Columbia. Today it is one of the most scenic roadways in the region, and in 2005, the Parkway was named an America Scenic Byway. The surrounding 7,600-acre national park and paved walking/biking trails make this a memorable experience for nature lovers.
Along the Potomac River
- Erik Kvalsvik
Outdoor Adventures
Although Alexandria is elegant and urban, the outdoors are right at hand. Bike rentals are available through Wheel Nuts in Old Town Alexandria for a self-guided trip south to Mount Vernon or north to Arlington National Cemetery. And for the ultimate in summer cool, Cameron Run Regional Park attracts all ages with its giant wave pool.
