Planning a trip to Alexandria, Virginia, has a plethora of things to take into account as there are countless attractions in this city. From its rich history that can still be felt through the cobblestone streets and the thousands of stories across town to its proximity to Washington D.C. and Arlington, the city of Alexandria, VA, is an idyllic destination not only for history lovers. Lovers of all types will find their passions sprinkled throughout the city. The charming King Street waits to be discovered by any visitor of Old Town Alexandria and feel the rich history through the ghosts of the Founding Fathers. Step into their shoes and sit where they sat, eat, drink and aspire to greatness as they once did at several of the over 200 locally-owned restaurants, shops, and businesses.
Once you see the way life feels in this city, you’ll be looking for real estate agents in Alexandria VA, and they’ll be more than happy to oblige. We asked them for a few traveling tips for all who want to discover and experience the authenticity of Alexandria, Virginia, and the pointers they shared will get you to fall in love with their city in no time. If you want to experience the city of Alexandria like an authentic Alexandrian, follow the following directions and have as much fun as possible.
Where to Find Accommodations in Alexandria, VA?
An elegant and respectful atmosphere can be found at the Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria. With only 40 rooms available, this quaint but luxurious hotel is located in a Federalist mansion, allowing the 4-star hotel to blend in with the neighboring buildings while also standing out. The Colonial-styled rooms blend perfectly with flat-screen TVs and other high-end technology. Morrison House is the ideal location for those who want to be close to Old Town and the shopping areas while enjoying this historic structure, quiet, and tranquility.
The Alexandrian, a sister hotel of Morrison House, is larger, with more rooms and more amenities, but a similarly central location, just on King Street. The secret garden and luxurious spa are additional benefits for those who choose The Alexandrian. Still, both of these hotels strive to emulate history in all aspects of their client’s experiences. The combination of history, modern and contemporary blend well together for the benefits of those who choose to book accommodations here.
How to Savour every Bite in Alexandria, VA?
For breakfast, if you want to skip your hotel’s buffet, you should stop by La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe, just across Alexandrian street. For an authentic parfait and french toast, this restaurant will not disappoint you. From their first order to their last, La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe always keeps their customers happy and satiated at an affordable price.
For lunch or brunch, you can stop by Mia’s Italian Kitchen. It is located at the end of King Street with a waterfront view and plenty of room inside this fancy restaurant. The atmosphere is welcoming and exciting, making for a great combination of Italian and American decor with an elegant touch that perfectly fits the quirky elements of design. The chicken parmigiana will have you coming back in no time.
Being a special meal for the evening, Dinner can take you a little out of Old Town Alexandria to Cedar Knoll, the city’s best-kept secret. The food is delicious, and seeing the sunset from the edge of the water is the absolute best.
There are plenty of options to choose from depending on the type of cuisine you like best, the atmosphere, and the location. Depending on the area you find yourself in at that time of day, the vast majority of restaurants in Alexandria, VA, won't let you down, so take your time and find the one that fits best for you. The ones mentioned above have been selected based on ratings and reviews from recognized food critiques.
How to Relish in the Beauty of Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon is a destination that should not be missed whenever you come to see this charming historical emblem of Virginia. It’s a great place to start your trip as you can easily find accommodations in the area as well. While it is in Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon is a must-see for any history enthusiasts, as it was the home of George Washington. If you like to exercise, and if you packed light for the trip, you should skip a rental car and get bikes. Mount Vernon Trail offers gorgeous scenic views and takes you all the way to Old Town. The trip, obviously, goes both ways and is perfect for active families that don’t shy away from a 10-mile journey.
Once you’re there, you can take the opportunity to learn a bit more about the area while you tour the mansion, the onsite farm, and at least a few of the over 20 museums and exhibits on site. For a quick bite and selected drinks, don’t miss the happy hour at the Mount Vernon Inn that starts at four and lasts till 8 p.m.
Where to Celebrate in the City?
The city of Alexandria, VA, deserves to be enjoyed in any way, shape, or form possible. Make sure to reserve some time on your trip to toast the town properly. Depending on your drink of choice, there are diverse options for relaxation and some liquid courage across Old Town. The best IPA’s can be found at Aslin Beer Co., a brewery with a history and a touch of arcade games for nostalgics. The People’s Drug isn’t what you might think, but it has some fantastic Moscow mules. A wide variety of craft cocktails are also available, and a lunch counter for those who want to munch on something while enjoying a drink. Urbano 116, the Mexican restaurant, serves some of the best Margaritas in town, but the most adventurous destination for honoring the city’s explosion of life is The Light Horse. There you shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to order the Pixie Rainbow Fancy Bubbles just for the fun of the name.
Conclusion
We can not take out the history of this city regardless of the topic of discussion. The city of Alexandria, Virginia, got to where it is today because of its past, the people that walked those cobblestone streets, and their actions. Having the opportunity to see Alexandria for the first time should not be limited to one activity or one restaurant. This city is meant to be explored by treasure hunters because it is a treasure itself. The little locally-owned restaurants that stood the test of time, even as chain restaurants gained momentum, is something to be valued about in this city. That is the spirit that built this city and, in truth, the whole country, so don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at its beauty, its history, and everything else that makes Alexandria, Virginia, such a fantastic place to live.
This city’s story did not start and will not end with this article, but you can help other people discover Alexandria’s hidden beauty by sharing this content. First-time visitors or those that need to return and refresh their minds might find this article helpful, so spread the word through your social media and allow others to ignite their imagination for their next trip.
