Our Favorite Things to Do in Alexandria
Apr 18, 2023 at 8:00 AM in Things to Do
One of our favorite things, period, is simply spending time in Alexandria, VA. With its rich colonial history, 18th-century architecture, mouthwatering restaurants, antique shops, unique boutiques, and thriving art scene, what’s not to love?
Read on to discover a number of our favorite things to do in this captivating city.
A Historical Walk Through Old Town
Start your trip with an old-timey vibe by taking one of several Alexandria Colonial Tours. There's the Ghost & Graveyard Tour, where a colonial-costumed guide leads you through Old Town by lantern light. You'll hear tales of legend, unsolved mysteries, folklore, and plenty of ghost stories.
Another option is an Alexandria History or African American History tour. On the former, learn how "Alexandria has been the scene of many ‘firsts’ in American history.” On the latter, explore America's original sin, the role Alexandria played, stories of those involved, and how the glory of freedom affected the community.
Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/TourAlexandria/
Tour George Washington’s Old Stomping Grounds
When in Alexandria, paying a visit to George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a fascinating thing to do. As one of the nation’s most visited historical sites, you’ll find no shortage of things to do.
Tour the mansion, which is ten times the size of the average colonial Virginia home. Explore over a dozen historic outbuildings in the historic area, including the Blacksmith Shop, Spinning House, and Greenhouse. Next, explore four gardens where Washington delighted visitors with offerings of fresh fruit and vegetables and long after-dinner walks.
Don’t miss The Farm on the banks of the Potomac, which demonstrates Washington’s farming methods which were way ahead of the times.
A Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing tours are a lot of fun, but have you ever taken your sightseeing by boat? On the Monuments Sightseeing Tour From Alexandria and Georgetown, you’ll travel along the Potomac River on a narrated cruise. You’ll see several famed landmarks and monuments and learn about their history and national importance.
Experience jaw-dropping reflective views of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and more.
Check out the linked website for info on where to meet, dress code, and the schedule. Please note that the docks for the tour are not ADA compliant.
Photo courtesy of https://www.cityexperiences.com/washington-dc/city...
Tunnel Time
Old Town Alexandria is full of historical sites and reminders of a bygone era. At the corner of Wilkes and Royal Street, visit the Wilkes Street Tunnel. Once a railroad tunnel completed in 1856 by Orange & Alexandria Railroad, the tunnel was a primary connector between Washington, D.C., and Richmond during the Civil War and World War I.
People love the tunnel for its unique design and appearance. The long entrance slopes downward and cuts through the middle of Wilkes Street. This forms an upward slope on either side of the tunnel delivering a charming effect for the eyes.
After removing the train tracks in 1975, the tunnel underwent a 6-month restoration giving this intriguing passageway a second life as a one-of-a-kind pedestrian walkway. It's 170 feet long, well preserved, well lit, and has curved walls of irresistible gray sandstone.