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5 Days of History, Art, and Food in Alexandria

Discover American history and Southern charm in Alexandria, Virginia.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Alexandria, you can step back in time and explore historic Old Town, lined with charming boutiques, restaurants, and cobblestone streets. Visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a stunning neoclassical monument to the first president of the US, or take a stroll along the scenic Potomac River. Whatever you choose, Alexandria is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Travel plan

• Check-in at the charming Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria, with its colorful and hip decor.
• Take a stroll down King Street, the main drag, and admire the colonial-era architecture.
• Pop into one of the many boutique shops along the way, like the quirky Periwinkle or the artsy Red Barn Mercantile.
• Walk to the waterfront and catch a glimpse of the Potomac River, with its sailboats and seagulls.
• Have dinner at Virtue Feed & Grain, a rustic-industrial spot with farm-to-table fare and tasty cocktails.

• Visit the iconic George Washington Masonic National Memorial, a towering tribute to the founding father and Freemasonry.
• Check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions plant turned artists' hub, and peruse the paintings, sculptures, and crafts.
• Discover the fascinating Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, with its antique medicines and potions.
• Take a guided walking tour of Old Town's historic sites, like the Carlyle House and Christ Church.
• Savor a seafood dinner at the elegant Blackwall Hitch and enjoy the harbor views.

• Drive to the charming town of Mount Vernon and tour the sprawling estate of George Washington, including his mansion, gardens, and tomb.
• Take a scenic boat tour of the Potomac River and learn about its natural and cultural history.
• Check out the Gadsby's Tavern Museum, a restored 18th-century tavern that hosted guests like Washington and John Adams.
• Have lunch at the cozy and charming La Fromagerie, known for its cheese and charcuterie plates.
• Attend a performance at the dazzling and historic Birchmere music hall, which has hosted legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and Ray Charles.

• Hit up the bustling and diverse Del Ray neighborhood and chow down on some of its eclectic eats, like the vegetarian mecca St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, the Cajun hotspot RT's Restaurant, or the funky Cheestique gourmet cheese shop.
• Check out the Torpedo Factory's monthly Second Thursday art walk, with free admission to the studios and live music and performances.
• Admire the colorful and quirky murals and street art in the Eisenhower East and West neighborhoods.
• Catch a flick at the historic AMC Hoffman Center movie theater, with its plush seating and Imax screens.
• Treat yourself to a decadent dessert at the whimsical Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee.

• Have a leisurely breakfast at the cozy and colorful Killer E.S.P. (), known for its coffee and pastries.
• Explore the serene and picturesque Green Spring Gardens, with its blooming flowers, ponds, and trails.
• Visit the nearby Arlington National Cemetery and pay respects to the fallen heroes and historic figures.
• Have a late lunch at the hip and imaginative Mason Social, with its creative cocktails and pub fare.
• Bid adieu to Alexandria and promise to come back, before heading to the airport or train station.