Located along the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia, Old Town is a historic neighborhood known for its 18th-century townhouses, boutique stores, and independent cafes. If you’re looking to spend a fun afternoon in Old Town, be sure to check out some of these top things to see and do.
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Stroll Down King Street
King Street is the major road in Old Town and where you’ll find some of the neighborhood’s top attractions. As you stroll down the street, you can take in the charm of the stunning architecture, cobblestone alleys, brick-lined streets, and twinkling lights hanging from the trees. King Street is also the perfect place to do some window-shopping or get a bite to eat. If you don’t feel like walking, you can hop on the King Street Trolley to take a free ride.
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Tour a Museum
Some of the earliest history of colonial America occurred in Old Town. To get a glimpse of this fascinating history for yourself, explore a few of the museums in the neighborhood. During a tour of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, you can learn more about the economic, social, and political life of early America and see where George Washington and the first five presidents visited. At the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, you can see authentic items used when the apothecary was in business from 1805 to 1933.
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Enjoy a Great Meal
If you’re searching for some of the best dining in Alexandria, you need to take a trip to Old Town. The area is home to a variety of chef-driven and independent restaurants housed in centuries-old historic buildings. One of the hot spots in Old Town is Virtue Feed & Grain. This hip tavern is housed in an 18th-century granary and offers a dynamic bar scene and elevated pub grub. Some of the popular menu items include the Old Town crab dip, duck meatloaf, and sweet potato tacos.
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Do Some Shopping
Old Town is home to more than 100 independently owned boutiques, making it a great spot to do some shopping. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Old Town. At The Old Town Shop, you’ll discover a nice selection of gifts and novelties, including plenty of goods made by artists in Virginia. If you’re looking for something for your home, Red Barn Mercantile specializes in home decor, furniture, and essentials for the bathroom and kitchen.
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Unwind With a Drink
After a full day exploring Old Town, you can kick back and relax with a cold one at one of the great places for a drink around Old Town. For something different, head to Sugar Shack Donuts. You’re not here to sample the delectable pastries. Instead, slip behind the secret sliding wood wall inside the doughnut shop to discover Captain Gregory’s. This 25-seat speakeasy serves up delicious small plates and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Whether you’re interested in doing some shopping or you want to discover some fascinating history, you can create a perfect day in Old Town with these fun things to do.
Image via Flickr by Ken Lund. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 (Some rights reserved) / cropped from original
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