Top 10 Places To Visit In Old Town, Alexandria

Here are the top 10 places to visit in Old Town, Alexandria. Named the Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2021 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Old Town is a busy, historic district along the Potomac. It is highly accessible via water taxis, Metrorail, bikes and more. 

1. Torpedo Factory Art Center

The Torpedo Factory Art Center houses 82 artists’ studios, the largest collection of art studios in the U.S. with seven galleries, two workshops and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. Patrons get to appreciate a variety of media such as ceramics, jewelry, painting and printmaking.

2. Tiny Spite House

Spite House in Old Town, Alexandria is America’s skinniest historic house. It is a must-visit for Instragrammers and photographers. It is a private residence located at 523 Queen Street built in 1830.

3. King Street Mile

Explore the centuries-old architecture and cobblestone alleys of the King Street Mile, deemed as one of the “Great Streets of America”. Take a ride on the free King Street Trolley and visit the 100-plus independently-owned boutiques and restaurants. Find everything from designer shoes to exquisite vintage cocktail ware to home décor.

4. Historic Landmarks 

Alexandria houses a number of historic landmarks such as the Carlyle House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Barrett Library and the City Museum.

The Carlyle House is a Georgian manor and 1700s social hub. 

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum hosted the first five U.S. presidents.

5. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

Founded in 1792, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum showcases over 15,000 herbs and medical devices used throughout the 1800s. 

6. George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Tour the mansion of George Washington located eight miles south of Old Town. Take snaps of the lush gardens, the Pioneer Farm, the distillery and gristmill. 

7. Oldest Farmers Market in the U.S.

Situated just behind the City Hall every Saturday morning, the Old Town Farmers’ market is the nation’s longest continually operating farmers’ market. Choose fresh produce from 70 vendors offering fruits, vegetables, breads, cheeses, meats, etc. 

8. Waterfront

Dine al fresco at Alexandria’s waterfront park restaurants while enjoying the views of the Potomac River. 

 

There are a variety of riverside options to choose from. Notable restaurants include Hummingbird that serves clambakes, crab boils and oyster roasts, Vola’s Dockside Grill for fresh shucked oysters and crab cakes.

9. Breweries

Check out Alexandria’s award-winning craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and head out to the brewery in Alexandria’s West End to experience the tasting room or sip outside. You may also visit Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery, Lost Boy Cider. 

10. Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Alexandria to the national monuments and landmarks in Washington, D.C. The trail, a favorite among runners and cyclists, is nearly 18 miles long, spanning 900 plus acres of protected space including eight waterfront parks.  

If you need help in selling your home or buying one in Northern Virginia, reach out to 571-481-4888 or email [email protected]. We’ve got your six! 

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