Nestled on the shores of the Potomac River, just a short distance from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria is as much a part of the D.C. metro area’s past as it is of its present. Founded in 1749, Old Town is one of the D.C. region’s oldest neighborhoods and the third oldest locally designated historic district in the United States.
In this storied hood steeped in history, charming European-style cobblestone streets and alleyways like the iconic Captain’s Row, the oldest cobblestone block in the city, intersect with the 244-year-old Murray-Dick-Fawcett House, one of the earliest and least-altered homes in Alexandria, the existence of which can be traced back to the American Revolution.
Likewise, Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, one of the oldest taverns in the United States and the oldest restaurant in the City of Alexandria, first opened its doors in Old Town back in 1792 and frequently played host to George Washington and the first five presidents. Even the local newspaper, the Alexandria Gazette Packet, one of the oldest continually published newspapers in America, was originally founded in 1784.
However, if there was ever a case of the past serving as prologue for a destination, Old Town Alexandria most certainly fits the bill.
Today Old Town is more than an homage to the past. It is instead a vibrant hub and dynamic part of contemporary life in Alexandria seamlessly interwoven with a nationally designated historic district on a dramatically reimagined Potomac River waterfront. All of which helps to explain why Old Town was recently voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. as well as a Condé Nast Traveler Top 5 Best City in the U.S. 2022.
One of Old Town’s main draws is King Street, home to the largest collection of independent boutiques in the D.C. region. Along this walkable mile lined with centuries-old architecture, visitors and locals alike flock to the more than 200 restaurants and boutiques concentrated dab smack in the heart of downtown. From curated collections of antiques, stationery and vintage barware to jewelry, sustainable fashion and high-end consignment shops, expect to find a diversity of shopping options on or just off King Street. Correspondingly, and in keeping with the ‘old meets new’ ethos of Old Town, also expect to find popular national brands like Simon Pearce, West Elm, Lululemon and Warby Parker commingled with local favorites along this historic thoroughfare.
Shopping aside, Alexandria’s bustling and ever-evolving waterfront is perhaps the area’s most seductive attraction. Blending historical authenticity with a multitude of new developments, Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront offers a magnificent vantage point from which to enjoy a stroll, take in scenic views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. or simply enjoy a cocktail while dining al fresco at one of the many exciting new restaurants and bars that have taken up residence along the shores of the Potomac. And if looking out at the view isn’t stimulation enough, set sail and get a change of perspective with water taxis and river cruises by City Cruises anchored by Hornblower, which offers scenic commutes between Alexandria and the National Mall, The Wharf, Georgetown, Nationals Park, George Washington’s Mount Vernon and National Harbor.
Also located on the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town Alexandria is the world-famous Torpedo Factory Art Center. Built in 1918, this former naval munitions plant once manufactured torpedoes during WWII. Today, however, it is home to the nation’s largest number of publicly accessible artists’ studios under one brilliantly creative roof comprising 82 studios, seven galleries, and more than 160 juried artists working in a diversity of media, from painting to ceramics and from fiber to printmaking. While the studios offer patrons the opportunity meet and mingle with artists and get an up close and personal look at their work, the Target Gallery serves as the Torpedo Factory’s own exhibition space, which rotates exhibitions featuring national and international work. Meanwhile the Post-MFA Residency Studio allows patrons to explore the work of up-and-coming artists and the New Project Studio provides a destination for exploring the work of under-represented voices. So whatever your artistic bent or inclination, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a venue rife with possibilities for discovery.
Speaking of possibilities and discovery, Alexandria encompasses more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated green outdoor public spaces, several of which are located in and around Old Town on the historic Potomac waterfront and begging to be explored. Founders Park, for instance, is a peaceful riverside garden in Old Town Alexandria just three blocks north of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where the public can stroll along the shore, walk their dogs, play volleyball, have a picnic and generally enjoy the splendid scenery of Northern Virginia. There’s also the dockside Harborside/Shipyard Park with its views of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and National Harbor; Jones Point Park, located just south of Old Town Alexandria on the Potomac River where you’ll find the last remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia dating back to 1855; Waterfront Park, in the heart of Old Town, a peaceful respite with a statue of a ship builder, old anchors, and a monument to fallen policemen; and Tide Lock Park home to the “Promenade Classique,” a neoclassical sculpture among waterfalls and pools by French sculptors Anne and Patrick Poirier.
When it comes to accommodations in Old Town, the options reflect the neighborhood itself -ranging from the truly historic to the thoroughly modern. Among the more historic offerings is the famous George Washington Town House in the center of Old Town, just a one block walk away from King Street and a short walk to the waterfront, the museums, restaurants, shops, public library, farmer’s market and City Hall. Though the house itself is a reproduction of the original town house built by George Washington in 1769 (the original was unfortunately demolished in 1855), the property does sit on the original site used by George Washington primarily before the revolution. The town house offers three levels with two bedrooms on the top level, a living room and dining room on the main level, and a kitchen and family room on the English basement level. As an added bonus, the property also offers two parking spaces on the far side of the storage shed (formerly a stable) and off of “Washington Way” where Washington himself was known to have approached the property by horse.
How’s that for history?
Just around the corner on King Street, the past meets the present yet again as the cobblestone streets and storied buildings give way to the modern luxury of whimsical retreats like the Lorien Hotel & Spa and its award-winning restaurant, BRABO Brasserie; the stylish Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, a boutique hotel bubbling over with yesteryear period charm; and The Grace, a thoroughly contemporary apartment hotel, ideal for extended stays.
Meanwhile, over at the waterfront, the boutique Hotel Indigo takes a cue from Old Town’s original residents who found inspiration in the Potomac River. Perched on the banks of what was once one of the busiest ports in early America, both the Hotel Indigo’s sleek guest rooms and its rustic chic Hummingbird restaurant overlook the water taking full advantage of the history and majesty of the property’s environs.
Finally, continuing the theme of old meets new, a multitude of buzzworthy dining options reflect both sides of the coin in Old Town. At King & Rye on King Street, a menu of seasonal Southern American cuisine made from scratch with the highest-quality regional ingredients, served alongside a fine selection of whiskeys and bourbons hearkens back to the simplicity of a different time albeit with a modern twist. Ditto for the waterfront’s Ada’s on the River, which draws inspiration from the ingenuity of Ada Lovelace, one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century, and features a menu highlighted by wood-fired prime steak and fresh seafood prepared in a custom wood-burning oven.
In contrast, BARCA, one of Old Town Alexandria’s newest riverfront restaurants, brings a fresh Catalonian coastal influence to the neighborhood with a menu of Spanish-Mediterranean small plates, wine, sangria, and cocktails. While the acclaimed Vermilion helmed by chef Ben Pflaumer offers deceptively simple modern American cooking using local, farm-raised products in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.
Something old, something new – Old Town Alexandria provides a shining example of why the two make a perfect marriage.