A short Metro ride from Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia is the
perfect escape from the fast-paced capital. First settled in 1695, the city
retains its colonial spirit, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings in
the Old Town, Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant serving food since 1770, and
centers of learning like the Black History Museum. For a more contemporary side
of Alexandria, wander the streets of the stylish Del Ray neighborhood, where
local artists operate boutiques and studios.
What to see in Alexandria’s Old Town
Carlyle House
121 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA
Tel. 703 549-2997
Former home to a successful local merchant, the house served as the
headquarters of British Maj. Gen. Braddock before his ill-fated 1755 campaign
in western Pennsylvania. The house also served as the site where several
colonial governors met to discuss financing of the French and Indian War, and
later, the state of affairs with the Brittish Crown, leading to subsequent
meetings at Annapolis, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, where the Declaration of
Independence was drafted. Supposedly the only house in town that's not haunted
because Carlyle had a cat entombed in a wall.
Gadsby's Tavern
134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA
Tel. 703) 548-1288
There is a museum and a restaurant next door. The museum is open for
guided tours only. Admission $5.
George Washington used to hang out often at Gadsby's whenever he was
in town.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 North Union St, Alexandria VA
Tel. 703 838-4565
10AM-5PM daily; additionally 6PM-9PM every second Tu.
Free Entrance.
A former World War I munitions depot that once housed the Nazi war
archives after World War II , the Torpedo Factory has been turned into an
artist studio/learning center for local artists. With over 80 artist studios
and 6 galleries, strolling through the 3 level Torpedo Factory is an inspiring
way to spend the afternoon. The artists are often working in the studios and
are usually pleased to have the opportunity to interact with their studio
patrons. Their work is sold from their studio and from the galleries, so this
is also a wonderful option if you are looking to buy a unique souvenir.
Old Town Alexandria Harbor by Potomac River
N Union St, VA
Christ Church Alexandria
118 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA
Tel. 703 549-1450
The first church in the city; George Washington, George Mason, and
Robert E. Lee were members of this historic church. Although, some three to
four hundred headstones disappeared during the Union occupation of the city,
the churchyard has headstones dating from 1771. On 1 January 1942, President
and Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt, along with Winston Churchill, attended a service
at Christ Church for a National Day of Prayer in the wake of Pearl Harbor.
Cameron Street
The section just east of Washington St near Christ Church. At 508
Cameron is the location of George Washington's town home and office.
Washington's original town house burned down in the 1850s and was reconstructed
from plans in the 1960s. Also on this block are the homes of Henry "Light
Horse Harry" Lee, a famous cavalry officer of the American Revolution and
father of Robert E. Lee, and Lord Fairfax. Please respect the fact that all the
homes are private residences.
George Washington Masonic Memorial
101 Callahan Dr, Tel. 703 683-2007
1 Apr–30 Sep: 9AM-4PM daily; 1 Oct–31 March 10AM-4PM
Admission $8.
Guided tours: 10AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 3PM.
Designed and built by Freemasons in the 1930's, this monument to
George Washington was made to resemble the lighthouse at Alexandria, Egypt, one
of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Tours are available daily except on
major holidays. The tour takes visitors through a unique series of rooms each
designed to illustrate some element of Freemasonry and presents visitors with
artifacts from the group's past. At the end, visitors are taken to the top
level and treated to an outstanding view of Washington D.C. and Old Town
Alexandria.
Lee-Fendall House
614 Oronoco Street, Alexadria, VA
Tel. 703 548-1789
Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-4PM
A few blocks north of King Street. Three houses east of the
Lee-Fendall House on Oronoco Street is a state historical marker in front of
the boyhood home of American Civil War General Robert E. Lee. The home itself
is now a private residence.
Old Presbyterian Meeting House
321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA just south of Duke Street
Tel. 703 549-6670
A memorial service for George Washington was moved from Christ Church
to the Meeting House because of bad weather. In the courtyard to the west is
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from American Revolution.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary
105 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA
Tel. 703 838-3852
A local museum which recreates the apothecary/pharmacy that stood at
this location from the late eighteenth century through the early twentieth.
The Spite House
523 Queen St., Alexandria, VA
2 blocks north of King Street Dating from around 1830, this
private dwelling is only 7 feet wide and about 33 feet deep. It was built in an
alley to prevent people using the alley without permission. Because of its
diminutive size, this house has been featured on HGTV, and other similar shows
and publications. Please respect the fact that the home itself is a private
residence. There are several other spite houses in Old Town, but they're more
difficult to spot than this bright blue house.
The Ice Well
Located on the southwest corner of Cameron and Lee Street. Renovations
at this spot uncovered a previously unknown underground ice well. Until the
invention of refrigeration, large blocks of ice were brought down the river and
kept here for storage. Small blocks of ice were cut and presumably sold to citizens.
There is no sign or other marker at the site - just a small staircase and
guardrail that from the street, does not appear to go anywhere.
Captains Row and Gentry Row
Located on the 100 and 200 blocks of Prince Street
(respectively) 1 block south of King Street. Captains Row contains many of
the oldest residences in the city, mostly consisting of Federal style houses
built by wealthy merchants and sea captains. Complete with cobblestones and
charming architectural details, this is probably one of the most picturesque
colonial village blocks anywhere. The 200 block of Prince Street is Gentry Row
where you will see house after house marked with Historic Alexandria Foundation
plaques. Houses along this block were owned by such prominent figures as William
Fairfax, one of Alexandria's founding trustees, and Dr. James Craik,
surgeon-general during the American Revolution as well as George Washington's
personal physician.
Alexandria
Black History Museum
902 Wythe
St., Alexandria, VA
Tel. 703
746-4356
The mission of the Black History Museum is to enrich the lives of
Alexandria's residents and visitors, to foster tolerance and understanding
among all cultures and to stimulate appreciation of the diversity of the
African American experience.
Summer vacation gives endless
opportunities to explore the world and learn innovative and old-fashion things.
