Travel back in time to America’s iconic 18th-century world at Old Town in Alexandria, which was founded in 1749 and once home to the former president, George Washington. Within Old Town you can find more than 200 local restaurants and boutiques, fascinating historic museums and leafy parks on the Potomac River.
This award-winning dining, history and entertainment district also boasts cobblestone streets and red-brick sidewalks leading to the central King Street. It’s here you’ll find most of the neighbourhood’s restaurants and attractions, including the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and The Creamery ice-cream shop. Don’t miss the delicious Italian cuisine at Landini Brothers Restaurant.
Art lovers should head to the Torpedo Factory Art Center to browse paintings, photos and sculptures in a former factory. Waterfront Park is perfect for afternoon strolls past statues and monuments, while the circa-1753 Carlyle House Historic Park boasts lush gardens and period furnishings.
Getting there
Old Town is located in Alexandria, about 10 minutes’ drive from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or 20 minutes from Washington, D.C. You can also get to Old Town by catching the Metro’s Blue Line from Farragut West Station to Braddock Road Station.