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 a 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 a vibrant hub and dynamic part of contemporary life in Alexandria and is seamlessly interwoven with a nationally designated historic district on a dramatically reimagined Potomac River waterfront . All of which helps 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 smack dab 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 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 offer 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 munition 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 to 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 upand-coming artists and the New Project Studio provides a destination for exploring the work of under-represented voices . 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 in and around Old Town on the historic Potomac waterfront and are 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 shipbuilder , 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 one block 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 .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 44 SPRING 2023