The city of Alexandria, Virginia, is steeped in history, from the earliest settlers through the American Revolutionary War and Civil War and to present day. Alongside the area’s famous landmarks are some more unique attractions that are off the beaten path. Here are four that are worth seeking out.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Located on top of a hill overlooking Old Town Alexandria is The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, which is dedicated to the first President who was also a renowned mason. The 333-foot tall nine-story building was constructed to resemble the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. The construction began in 1922, but it wasn’t until 1973 that the interior was fully completed.
Tours of the memorial take in the grand Memorial Hall, the Replica Lodge Room, The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit, the George Washington Museum, and the Knight Templar Chapel. The ninth-floor observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views. The memorial is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 and children aged 12 and under enter free.
Winkler Botanical Preserve
A well-kept secret of Alexandria is the Winkler Botanical Preserve on Roanoke Avenue. It’s a secluded 44-acre natural oasis in the city where you’ll find wooded trails, cabins, bridges, and a large pond with waterfalls cascading into it. The preserve showcases the natural beauty of Virginia with many native species of flowers and plants. You can often spot deer, geese, ducks, and turtles. The gates are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
The Gadsby’s Tavern Museum on North Royal Street consists of the 1785 tavern and 1792 hotel named after Englishman John Gadsby who was proprietor from 1796 to 1808. The tavern was the center for social, business, and political life in early Alexandria and prominent customers included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, James Monroe, and Marquis de Lafayette. It was also the setting for theatrical, dancing, and musical performances.
Now a museum, the building has been restored to how it would have looked in its Colonial heyday. You can take a self-guided tour or learn the in-depth history of the site with one of the guided tours that are offered at select times throughout the day. You can also book a candlelit meal at the Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant with its Colonial era-inspired menu. Hours vary according to the season. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 5 to 12 years.
Hollensbury Spite House
An easy to miss landmark is the Hollensbury Spite House on Queen Street in Old Town Alexandria, which is the narrowest house in America at just 7 feet wide. It was originally an alleyway between two properties owned by brickmaker and city councillor John Hollensbury. By 1830, Hollensbury was so incensed by wagons gouging the walls of his houses and boisterous loiterers in the alley, that he bricked it in and put on a roof, creating the tiny two-story residence. The house is now privately owned.
These are just a few of Alexandria’s lesser known spots. A little exploration of the historic city can reveal many more.
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