2018 Official Visit Alexandria Visitors Guide 2018_Visit_Alexandria_Official_Visitor_Guide-v5

Most known for its colonial heritage, the timeline of Alexandria’s history is filled with events that helped shape the United States. Founded by Scottish merchants in 1749, Alexandria was a vital seaport during colonial times, is George Washington’s hometown and was part of the original Washington, D.C. Here’s a look at the neighborhoods waiting to be discovered in Alexandria today. Old Town On the Potomac River waterfront, Old Town Alexandria is the heart of the city, ﬁlled with beautifully-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture and picturesque cobblestone alleys. The brick- lined sidewalks hum with an energy that attracts everyone from presidents to pet lovers, who enjoy the city’s best restaurants, arts and live music, events, shopping and historic attractions. Walkable King Street, recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America, stretches one mile from the waterfront marina and the renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center toward the iconic George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Dine, shop and stroll at more than 200 independent boutiques and rest- aurants along the way. Here you’ll ﬁnd seasonal parades and festivals year-round, from Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend to the King Street Art Festival. On Saturday mornings, stop by the Old Town Farmers’ Market at Market Square. It’s one of the longest operating farmers markets in the country and where George Washington once traded goods. Need a break? Hop on the Free King Street Trolley and enjoy the ride to your next destination. SEE & DO • Alexandria Colonial Tours • Carlyle House • Gadsby’s Tavern Museum • Old Town Boutique District • Old Town Farmers’ Market • Potomac Riverboat Company • Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum • Torpedo Factory Art Center Del Ray “Where Main Street still exists,” Del Ray features made-for- strolling Mount Vernon Avenue, buzzing with locally owned eateries that have food critics raving, eclectic shops and unique community events. Vibrant murals, Vibrant murals, Art Deco architecture and signature festivals like Art on the Avenue lend an artsy vibe to the area. Art Deco architecture and signature festivals like Art on the Avenue lend an artsy vibe to the area. The neighborhood is also known as “Well Ray” for its many yoga, barre and wellness businesses. Del Ray is the place where neighbors know each other and you can still ﬁnd a local butcher, hardware store and pharmacy, all on one street. SEE & DO • Cheesetique • The Dairy Godmother • Del Ray Café • Evening Star Café • First Thursdays • Junction Bakery & Bistro • Pork Barrel BBQ • St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub • Swings Coffee Carlyle & Eisenhower West End In the southwestern part of the city, Carlyle and the Eisenhower Valley is Alexandria’s contemporary counter- point to historic Old Town. Known as the “economic engine of Alexandria,” with scores of businesses taking root here, the neighborhood celebrates the spirit of science and innovation. The National Science Foundation is located in Carlyle, along with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which is home to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Take in Alexandria’s history at the African American Heritage Park and the Edmonson Sisters sculpture. Outdoor spaces host community events and pop-up shops, and the dining scene keeps the mix of old and new fresh, with local favorites like Delia’s and Sweet Fire Donna’s anchoring new spots like Whiskey & Oyster. SEE & DO • Cameron Run Regional Park • Delia’s Mediterranean Grill • National Inventors Hall of Fame • Sweet Fire Donna’s • Ted’s Montana Grill • Trademark Drink & Eat • Whiskey & Oyster • Whole Foods Market Alexandria’s West End is home to one of the top small breweries in the U.S., Port City Brewing Company, which offers tours and tastings, plus events like Beer Yoga and Pedals and Pints. New to the neigh-brew-hood is Portner Brewhouse, a brewery, restaurant and Craft Beer Test Kitchen™ serving up historic recipe beers and more. The West End is known for international dining, including some of the best Thai, Vietnamese and Ethiopian food in the region. You’ll also ﬁnd outdoor spaces like the 45-acre Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Dora Kelly Nature Park and Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center. SEE & DO • City Kitchen • Clyde’s • Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site • Port City Brewing Company • Portner Brewhouse • Rocklands Barbeque • Tempo Restaurant • Thai Lemon Grass • Schlesinger Concert Hall VIS ITA LE XA NDR IAVA.COM 11

2018 Official Visit Alexandria Visitors Guide 2018_Visit_Alexandria_Official_Visitor_Guide-v5 | Page 13