TRAVEL: Old Town Alexandria
Posted by: Scott W. Graves | 03/02/2008 5:47 PM
By Kenneth Schwarz
A typical vacation to the Washington DC metropolitan area usually includes touring the famous museums, monuments, and government buildings. However, far too often visitors to the nation's capital miss out on visiting one of the true gems in the region that offers beauty, history, and nightlife, all of which can be found right across the Potomac River from its big city neighbor.
"Old Town" Alexandria, Virginia, located just 8 miles from downtown DC, stretches from the King Street Metrorail Station to the Potomac waterfront and is extremely welcoming to tourists. Visitors can choose to cruise to their destination on the city's inexpensive DASH shuttle buses or travel by foot down the aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. Those who walk down King Street, the main artery of the community, will pass charming specialty shops, art galleries and an eclectic array of cultural restaurants that range from fine-dining, to old-fashioned ice cream parlors and small outdoor cafes. Unlike much of Washington DC, the relatively uncrowded streets in Old Town allow pedestrians to fully appreciate the brick sidewalks, abundant colonial homes and cobblestone side-streets that complement the city's rich history.
The charming and affluent community takes its name of "Old Town" from its designation as the historical center of Alexandria. The city was founded in 1749 by Scottish settlers and the city was later frequented by some important luminaries of American history. The famous Christ Church located in the heart of Old Town features plaques honoring its most famous parishioners: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Not far from the church, visitors in search of a unique local history lesson can find it by candlelight as guides dressed in colonial garb lead lantern tours at dusk while sharing the city's lore and even a few ghost stories.
At nightfall, the streets of Old Town take on a more youthful atmosphere as the local taverns come to life with sounds of contemporary music, salsa, and even bluegrass spilling out into the streets. Inside, patrons dance, watch the bands, and in some cases participate in "open mike" contests. Visiting Orange County conservatives may take a special interest in Pat Troy's, an Irish pub, which offers a special tribute to former President Ronald Reagan. Photos of the former president's 1988 visit adorn the wall and the table and paycheck with the former president's signature are encased in glass which completes a fitting tribute to the Gipper.
Finally, those looking for family friendly activities in Old Town can certainly find them in the variety of festivals and summer concerts hosted by the city. During the summer, residents and guests alike can attend events like Red Cross Waterfront Festival where guests can enjoy carnival rides and tours of tall ships complete with a pirate demonstration. Meanwhile, music enthusiasts may take in a variety of free concerts which are offered throughout the summer in various parts of the city. However the most popular event, the annual Festival of the Arts, takes place in early September on the lower half of King Street. The event, voted one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, draws nearly 250 artists from across the country who showcase nearly $15 million dollars worth of paintings, life-sized sculptures, jewelry and photography. Attendees have the opportunity to buy some items for prices ranging from $20 to $20,000. Considering that the picturesque surrounding area is practically living art in itself, it's hard to think of a more appropriate setting for this event.
While most visitors may not immediately think of adding Old Town to their list of sights to see during their trips to the Washington DC area, a quick adjustment of a trip itinerary would be well worth the investment in time. With history, culture, beauty and a break from the large DC crowds, this area of Alexandria truly earns its nickname as "the fun side of the Potomac."
A typical vacation to the Washington DC metropolitan area usually includes touring the famous museums, monuments, and government buildings. However, far too often visitors to the nation's capital miss out on visiting one of the true gems in the region that offers beauty, history, and nightlife, all of which can be found right across the Potomac River from its big city neighbor.
"Old Town" Alexandria, Virginia, located just 8 miles from downtown DC, stretches from the King Street Metrorail Station to the Potomac waterfront and is extremely welcoming to tourists. Visitors can choose to cruise to their destination on the city's inexpensive DASH shuttle buses or travel by foot down the aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. Those who walk down King Street, the main artery of the community, will pass charming specialty shops, art galleries and an eclectic array of cultural restaurants that range from fine-dining, to old-fashioned ice cream parlors and small outdoor cafes. Unlike much of Washington DC, the relatively uncrowded streets in Old Town allow pedestrians to fully appreciate the brick sidewalks, abundant colonial homes and cobblestone side-streets that complement the city's rich history.
The charming and affluent community takes its name of "Old Town" from its designation as the historical center of Alexandria. The city was founded in 1749 by Scottish settlers and the city was later frequented by some important luminaries of American history. The famous Christ Church located in the heart of Old Town features plaques honoring its most famous parishioners: George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Not far from the church, visitors in search of a unique local history lesson can find it by candlelight as guides dressed in colonial garb lead lantern tours at dusk while sharing the city's lore and even a few ghost stories.
At nightfall, the streets of Old Town take on a more youthful atmosphere as the local taverns come to life with sounds of contemporary music, salsa, and even bluegrass spilling out into the streets. Inside, patrons dance, watch the bands, and in some cases participate in "open mike" contests. Visiting Orange County conservatives may take a special interest in Pat Troy's, an Irish pub, which offers a special tribute to former President Ronald Reagan. Photos of the former president's 1988 visit adorn the wall and the table and paycheck with the former president's signature are encased in glass which completes a fitting tribute to the Gipper.
Finally, those looking for family friendly activities in Old Town can certainly find them in the variety of festivals and summer concerts hosted by the city. During the summer, residents and guests alike can attend events like Red Cross Waterfront Festival where guests can enjoy carnival rides and tours of tall ships complete with a pirate demonstration. Meanwhile, music enthusiasts may take in a variety of free concerts which are offered throughout the summer in various parts of the city. However the most popular event, the annual Festival of the Arts, takes place in early September on the lower half of King Street. The event, voted one of the top 100 art festivals in the country, draws nearly 250 artists from across the country who showcase nearly $15 million dollars worth of paintings, life-sized sculptures, jewelry and photography. Attendees have the opportunity to buy some items for prices ranging from $20 to $20,000. Considering that the picturesque surrounding area is practically living art in itself, it's hard to think of a more appropriate setting for this event.
While most visitors may not immediately think of adding Old Town to their list of sights to see during their trips to the Washington DC area, a quick adjustment of a trip itinerary would be well worth the investment in time. With history, culture, beauty and a break from the large DC crowds, this area of Alexandria truly earns its nickname as "the fun side of the Potomac."
CATEGORY:
Magazine (Winter 2008)
