3 of the Best Museums to Visit Near Alexandria, VA

January 07, 2022 · 3 min read

Alexandria, VA has a very deep connection to our nation's history. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and many other famous citizens lived or visited here and left their imprint. We are very proud of our history and want to share with you some of our best museums.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

This famous apothecary once served both George Washington and Robert E. Lee and was a working family-owned business for 141 years. Shortly after it closed, it was transformed into a museum. Many of the original contents have been faithfully preserved, and the museum is very much a time capsule of life in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

The tour guides have a fascinating collection of lore regarding the history and practices of the business over the centuries. There is also a gift store filled with unique items. The Apothecary is located at 105 S Fairfax Street #107 and is open daily.

Gadsby's Tavern Museum

This tavern and hotel was the most exclusive hotel in the 18th century in Alexandria, and the center of political, social, and business life. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both visited and stayed here, and numerous famous people have followed suit. The collections are amazing, from furniture to ceramics, and an additional feature of interest is the Ice Well outside, which was also used in the making of ice cream.

The grand ballroom has been recreated in its splendor, and there is fascinating information you can learn about food, drink, and life in the 18th century. There are both self-guided and guided tours available, a museum shop filled with interesting souvenirs, and a restaurant. Gadsby's can be found at 134 N Royal Street.

The Lyceum

Located at 201 S Washington Street, this museum was opened in 1839 and serves as the official museum of the city. This beautiful building, built in Classic Greek Revival style, focuses on the local history of Alexandria from colonial times to the present. The collections available include artifacts from George Washington, a large collection of photographs of local worship in Alexandria, and numerous other fascinating historical memorabilia.

Exhibits cover life in our city through different periods, from the Civil War to the 20th century. Furniture, clothing, and other fascinating artifacts give wonderful glimpses into the past. Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated. There is also a gift store with amazing souvenirs of Alexandria.

These are just some of the amazing museums in our beautiful city, there are many more scattered across the city and the surrounding area. While you can visit the museums on foot, it's far more comfortable to travel in style and comfort. Give us a call today at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria, and see the finest vehicles available in the area. We have new and pre-owned cars and some amazing special offers. After you've chosen your vehicle, our finance department can help to get the best deal for your new car.

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Jul 07, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

5 Japanese Restaurants Worth the Drive

From sushi to expertly grilled meats, Japanese cuisine never ceases to amaze and delight with its exotic flavors. If you're in the Alexandria, VA area, there are many excellent Japanese restaurants worth trying. And with a car like the bold and sporty 2023 Dodge Challenger, grabbing some sushi can easily turn into a fun and memorable date night! Top Japanese Restaurants Worth the Drive near Alexandria, VA Zento Japanese Restaurant Zento Japanese Restaurant is a popular lunch and dinner spot in Old Town West. Located at 693 N Washington Street, this modern restaurant offers dine-in and carryout options. The selection of fresh seafood will win over the most discerning sushi and sashimi lovers, and you can also order ramen, soups, salads, bento lunch boxes, and more. The small portions are great for sampling different dishes. more Nasime Japanese Restaurant Nasime Japanese Restaurant immediately creates an upscale feel with its classy decor and beautiful plates. This chic restaurant offers a rotating menu based on ingredient availability, but you can expect creations inspired by Japanese and other cuisines, such as ox tail ramen, miso gratin, or otsukuri. We recommend trying the tasting menu to discover new flavors. It includes six dishes and a dessert prepared with fresh ingredients. The restaurant is at 1209 King Street. Momo Sushi & Cafe Located at 212 Queen Street, Momo Sushi & Cafe is an Old Town institution. It's easy to see why this family-owned restaurant is so popular with its cozy atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. The cafe has a small but varied menu that includes items like seaweed soup, budget-friendly appetizers, sushi samplers, and more. The seafood is fresh, and the food feels authentic. Hinata Sushi Bar & Grill Hinata Sushi Bar & Grill is known for its daily specials and huge selection of seafood. From tuna to sea urchins or crab, this Japanese restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients. The menu includes lunch boxes, sushi combos, vegetarian options, and more. We recommend trying the tempura if you're in the mood for something light and crispy! Located at 909 N Saint Asaph Street, this spot is popular for takeout, but it's also an excellent option for a sit-down dinner in a contemporary setting. Kisso Asian Bistro Kisso Asian Bistro is a Pan-Asian restaurant that emphasizes quality and service. Located at 300 King Street, it's a convenient option for grabbing a quick bite after shopping at the Old Town Farmer's Market that takes place across the street on Saturdays. This bistro has some excellent Japanese food, including a popular sushi bar and some sushi and sashimi available a la carte. With so many quality options to choose from, it's no surprise that Japanese food is a favorite among locals in Alexandria. If you need a new vehicle to access the best takeout and dine-in options in the area, stop by Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM of Alexandria! Image by Design n Print from Pixabay.

Lincoln Memorial Washington Dc photo and picture

Apr 07, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

Drive on Over: The Top 4 Tourist Attractions in Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA

There's no doubt about it: Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA have some of the best tourist attractions in the country. But even if you're a local, you should drive over to the local monuments and historical sites for a visit. Make it a family tradition to pack up the Jeep and enjoy the countless experiences that the capitol has to offer. more 1. Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria is a charming part of Alexandria that has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. To drive over to this weekend getaway spot, you can fit the whole family and their luggage with ease in your 2023 Jeep Cherokee. While you're in town, you can walk around on the cobblestone streets and taste delicious foods at the local restaurants. The nightlife has plenty to offer for couples who want a night out in a place full of history. 2. Lincoln Memorial Everything that you've heard about how stunning the Lincoln Memorial is true! You will be breathless when you see the statue of Lincoln, the United States' 16th president, up close. The monument is full of inscriptions of things that Lincoln has said. Many people believe that the best time to visit the memorial is at night because it is surrounded by lights. 3. National Air and Space Museum Get lost for hours in the National Air and Space Museum. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy learning something new here. There's a planetarium, different kinds of planes, and even Neil Armstrong's space suit! Get to look at the original flyer from the Wright Brothers and a model spacecraft from the Star Wars movies. Tickets are free, but you need to book one online beforehand. 4. Library of Congress The Library of Congress is a dream for book lovers, but you'll still be impressed even if you haven't cracked open a novel since you were in school. It has over 100 million items displayed throughout over 500 miles of shelves. The sheer amount of detail, from the mosaics to the statues, will keep you occupied for hours. If you plan on staying in the area, it's definitely worth it to get your library card. Everyone deserves to play tourist for a while, especially when they're exploring areas as interesting as Alexandria and DC. Take a drive in a comfortable and practical vehicle for the whole family: a vehicle you can find at Ourisman CJDR of Alexandria. Contact our team at Ourisman CJDR to find out more about our new and used inventory.

Feb 10, 2023 in Alexandria, VA

4 Favorite Stadiums and Sports Teams in Driving Distance of Alexandria, VA

With close proximity to a range of nearby big cities, Alexandria, VA has a lot of great attractions closeby. This is especially true when it comes to stadiums. Read on to learn about some of the area's must-visit sports teams and where you can see them play. more 1. Nationals Park Take me out to the ball game! Nationals Park is just a 20-minute drive from Alexandria, and it's home to Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals. Watching a Major League Baseball game is a unique experience, and every American should try it at least once. Nationals Park boasts over 40,000 seats and amazing views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol building. Tickets can be bought relatively inexpensively for certain games, and with 14 sanctioned parking lots surrounding the stadium, you're unlikely to struggle to find a place to park. 2. Cooper Field Cooper Field is a 3,750-seat stadium situated on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington D.C. It is the home venue for Georgetown Hoyas' football, soccer, and women's lacrosse teams. It features a small grandstand and impressive floodlights. Cooper Field is around half an hour's drive away from Alexandria. It is in use for different sports throughout the year and rarely reaches its capacity. This is the perfect budget option, with tickets often available for under $1o. 3. West Potomac High School Stadium If you want to support some high school sports, West Potomac High School Stadium is a great option. Located just a 10-minute drive from Alexandria, it is the home venue for the West Potomac Wolverines and features over 1,000 seats. What could be better than taking a short drive out on a fall evening and watching the hometown heroes play their hearts out? You can take the whole family and enjoy watching the band and cheerleaders too. Go team! 4. Audi Field Whether you're a fan of football, soccer, or a range of other sports, Audi Field could be the place for you. Although it serves primarily as the home venue for DC United of Major League Soccer, it also plays host to the DC defenders of the XFL and occasional lacrosse games. This 20,000-seat venue is located in Buzzard Point, Washington D.C. It's just a 20-minute drive from Alexandria and depending on the event, tickets can be found for well under $20. Soccer and XFL games alike are said to have an amazing atmosphere, with the compact stadium echoing the sounds of the crowd. With the right vehicle, you can visit all of these amazing venues in style. Come on down to Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria and get a great deal on an amazing vehicle.