Alexandria VA

Old Town

The historic and geographic center of Alexandria is Old Town, an official historic site, originally laid out in 1749. This lively district contains over 2000 restored 18th and 19th homes, listed on the National Register. Centered along King and Washington Streets, the district contains traditional 18th century pubs, cobblestone streets, Robert E Lee’s boyhood home, and Christ Church, an 18th century English Georgian style church attended by both Mr. Lee and George Washington.

One of the highlights of the district is the Torpedo Arts Center, a former munitions plant during World Wars I and II, which has been converted into artists lofts, studios, and galleries. This unique building is also home to the Alexandria Archaeology Program and its exhibits of excavations around the city. Also worth visiting is Gadsby’s Tavern, a 1792 tavern and favorite of Mr. Washington, which serves traditional 18th century fare accompanied by live period entertainment. Old Town is also noted for its antique shops and on Saturday mornings the neighborhood erupts into a street market, filled with high-end crafts, fresh flowers, and local produce.

Masonic Temple

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, known locally simply as the Masonic Temple, dominates the Alexandria VA skyline. The neoclassical building contains exhibits about the Masonic organization and contains the furniture from the first Alexandria lodge, of which George Washington was a member. The ninth floor observation deck rewards visitors with a sweeping view of the city and Washington beyond.

Mount Vernon

Down the Potomac River from Old Town lies Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington and his family. The home, garden, and outbuildings have been carefully restored to their original appearance and visitors can tour the elegant, yet understated main house, including George’s study and library and the stately blue dining room. The gardens at Mount Vernon are extensive and have been restored using the original landscape designs. George and Martha Washington are buried on the 500-acre estate.

Adjacent to the Mount Vernon estate is the Mount Vernon Inn, a historic 18th century inn that serves hearty lunches and dinners by candlelight. There is also a new visitor’s center that tells the story of the property and showcases Virginia crafts and products.

Other Alexandria VA Sights

Connecting Mount Vernon with downtown Alexandria is the Mount Vernon trail, a scenic 9 mile hiking and biking trail, popular with Washington sports enthusiasts. The scenic trail hugs the Potomac and continues another 9 miles past Alexandria into Washington DC.

Related Virginia Travel Sites

• Arlington National Cemetery
• Monticello
• Williamsburg VA