Old Town Alexandria is crammed with historical goodness: cobblestone streets are flanked by 18th–and 19th–century townhouses. The oldest farmers market in America sells fruits, veggies, and other tasty things. There are cool, third-wave coffee spots next to lauded bistros next to book shops with creaky floors.
Alexandria is loaded with so much charm that it can easily justify jumping on the metro in DC and making a day (or two) of Old Town Alexandria, a seriously underrated East Coast town. It may even inspire a walking tour.
And so when you’re in Alexandria, here are the best things to see and do.
Things to do in Old Town Alexandria
Carlyle House: Colonial life
The historic Carlyle House dates back to 1753 when America was still a colony of Britain and the idea of being an autonomous, independent nation was merely and barely a glimmer in the eye of colonialists.
This elegant stone structure is one of the best examples of Georgian architecture and style in North America. It is also a nice example of Paladian-inspired architecture. In the 1750s King George II sent Edward Braddock to Virginia to plan and fight the French and Indian War.
It was here at the Carlyle House where Braddock strategized. George Washington was also a frequent visitor to the house. Today visitors can take tours of Carlyle House nearly every day of the week.
Torpedo Factory: Bombs away!
The Torpedo Factory sounds ominous. But it’s only ominous if you hate art. Opened in 1974 in an old munitions plant—hence the name—the Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts the largest collection of working artists (and their studios) in the United States.
Each year about 500,000 visitors gravitate here to see artists in their studios and also to roam around the galleries. The third floor is home to the Alexandria Archeology Museum.
King Street: Shop ‘til you (almost) drop
Known as the “King Street Mile,” this stretch of downtown pavement boasts the largest collection of independently owned boutique shops in the DMV—Wasington, DC, Maryland, Virginia.
Browse the racks of clothes at An American in Paris or at Gossypia. At Boxwood, you can pick up some cool homeware or a very unique gift for someone special.
At Old Town Books, you can pick up a new beach read or discover a new author. Don’t miss popping into the Antique Guild to see if you can find a buried treasure.
Potomac River: Relish in refreshments
The Potomac waterfront is crammed with great restaurants, all of which have al fresco options, particularly during the warm-weather months. Jula’s on the Potomac has a four-floor balcony, ideal for grazing on crab dip and seared tuna while taking in the view.
At lauded Hummingbird, you can tuck into a bowl of lobster bucatini or shrimp risotto with river views. Ada’s on the River has a wood-burning oven that should be reason enough to nab a table here, but the views are just as delicious for the eyes as the wood-fired aged meats are for the palate.
Meet the Devil Bat
In 1817, a new three-storey brick building was constructed in the place that would become Alexandria’s city hall. This particular building, though, was a steepled bell tower which also became the home of the region’s Masonic Temple awards Hall. But this is no ordinary clock tower.
It is home to the legendary devil bat. The beast was first mentioned generations ago when people began telling the tale of how a cadre of rowdy drunks were marching down King Street, throwing things and smashing windows. Apparently, they got the attention of the devil bat.
As the story goes, the devil bat appeared to the rowdy men and scared them away. Since then, visitors should be mindful of rowdy behavior in Old Town Alexandria, lest they want to anger the infamous devil bat who lives in the belfry.
Apothecary Museum: Herbal history
Herbal botanicals and hand-blown glass have never been more interesting. Seriously. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is probably the most interesting pharmacy in the country, if not the planet.
Owned by a Quaker family—no word if they sold oatmeal—the pharmacy shut down during the Great Depression because patrons could no longer afford medicine and herbal concoctions. But in 1939, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary re-opened as a museum.
What makes the museum so fascinating is that it displays thousands of artifacts, all left here from the 1930s, giving visitors a sense of what a pharmacy was like a century or so ago.
Where to eat in Alexandria
George Washington slurped here
Gadsby’s Tavern has been roasting meat, making soup, and fileting fish since the 1770s (or 1785, depending on who you ask). George Washington was a regular patron. And famous historical figures John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe stuffed their faces here too.
And so can you. The tavern serves up a menu of colonial-era fare, so if you want to eat like George, Thomas, or James, or anyone else who lived at the beginning of America’s infantry, this is the place for you.
Graze at the Farmers Market
Alexandria is home to the oldest farmers market in the United States. Located on King Street and happening every Saturday, Old Town Farmers’ Market has been selling seasonal fruits, veggies, and other edible delights for over two and a half centuries. Even George Washington used to send the extras from his garden at nearby Mount Vernon to be sold here.
It’s doubtful you’ll get to partake in a future president’s garden delights, but every week there are 70 merchants here.
