Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, there are plenty of things to do in Alexandria. You can explore historic taverns, Cameron Run Regional Park, and Old Town. If you are looking for something to do in Alexandria with your kids, consider visiting the acclaimed Torpedo Factory Art Center. Once a naval munitions factory, the historic site is now home to more than 80 artist studios, two workshops, and seven art galleries. The center welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There are various classes and workshops available for everyone, from toddlers to teens, to adults and seniors.
Old Town
When planning a trip to Alexandria, Virginia, make sure to take time to explore Old Town. This city is full of history and charm. Don’t miss the Spite House, the narrowest historic house in the US! This photogenic spot is a perfect opportunity to take some fantastic pictures.
One of the oldest attractions in Old Town Alexandria is the Carlyle House. This 1793 home was once the home of the Carlyle family. Today, the house is open for public tours. The tour guides give tours of the home and tell stories about the family. Visitors can also check out the Carlyle House’s gardens and benches.
Another historic landmark in Old Town Alexandria is the Stabler-Ledbeater Apothecary Museum. The museum was originally an apothecary store, and its interiors and furnishings are decorated in gothic revival style. The museum offers tailor-made tours for all ages. For the kids, there are activities and Harry Potter-themed tours.
Cameron Run Regional Park
There are many things to do in Alexandria, VA, from hiking and biking to dining and shopping. The city is also home to the Old Town Farmers’ Market, which has been held in the Market Square since 1753. Visitors can also attend the city’s First Night celebration, which consists of entertainment in Old Town and fireworks over the Potomac at midnight. The city also celebrates George Washington’s birthday twice a year, which means there are plenty of ways to celebrate the President’s birthday.
One of Alexandria’s most popular parks is Cameron Run Regional Park, which is great for families and adults alike. The park is large enough to accommodate a variety of activities, and is best enjoyed with friends and family. During the summer, families and groups can enjoy a day of playtime at the park together.
The park’s Great Waves Waterpark is a popular destination for families, and it is an excellent place to have a fun day out. During the winter, the park hosts Ice and Lights, which includes light displays and an ice skating rink. The park serves more than 100,000 visitors a year, and is an important part of the city’s recreation and entertainment scene. However, a recent accident in the park resulted in 60,000 gallons of chlorine accidentally spilling into nearby Lake Cook. Multiple animal species were killed.
Fort Ward Park
One of the many reasons to visit Fort Ward is to learn more about its history. The park was built by the Confederacy during the American Civil War and a large portion of its territory is considered historical. While the site is surrounded by shopping centers, restaurants, churches, car dealerships, and other commercial establishments, it still retains its unique cultural heritage and history. You can also learn about the city’s new Fort Ward Interpretative Plan, which aims to enhance the cultural interpretation of Fort Ward.
The Alexandria Archeological Museum offers an educational tour of the past. This museum showcases the history of community digs and preservation. The museum is a National Historic Landmark. It is a great place to see local talent at work. You can also visit the Alexandria Museum of African American History, which displays period photographs and documents.
The Fort Ward Museum is another place to visit. Its replica building has an impressive collection of Civil War-era artifacts. In addition to its displays, the museum offers interpretive programs, tours, lectures, and living history activities. The exhibits include uniforms, diaries, weapons, and photographs and films.
Historic taverns
Old Alexandria, Virginia, is home to several historic taverns. The Gadsby’s Tavern is a prime example. It is located at 134 and 138 North Royal Street, at the corner of Cameron Street, in Alexandria’s Old Town. The tavern dates back to 1785. A hotel was added in 1878.
Gadsby’s Tavern was the first tavern in Alexandria and is one of the oldest. It was in operation for over a hundred years and gained a reputation for elegance and fine dining. Today, the historic building serves as a restaurant and museum. A visit to Gadsby’s will provide you with an insight into life in the 18th century in Alexandria.
The Columbia Firehouse is another historic restaurant located in Alexandria. Its renovation has retained the historic architecture, while adding a contemporary flair to its menu. It serves homemade meals. Gadsby’s Tavern, which opened over 250 years ago, started as a Colonial dining room. It now serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Nature preserves
If you are looking for green space in the middle of Alexandria, you will want to head to one of the local nature preserves. There are many to choose from. The Winkler Botanical Preserve is one such spot. The preserve has a waterfall, streams, and trails. It was founded by the Winkler family in 1981. It is open to the public and is used as a teaching resource for local Alexandria public schools. Visitors can hike the trails through the preserve and view many types of native plants and animals.
Another nature preserve in Alexandria is Huntley Meadows. This beautiful park is located in Hybla Valley and is popular with visitors. Birdwatchers will love this location, where they can observe over 200 species of birds. This nature preserve offers plenty of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Virginia Nature Park is a wildlife sanctuary where visitors can take a guided tour of the preserve. The park also offers self-guided tours for small groups. This place is among the best spots in the region for bird watching. Visitors should bring binoculars and a camera to capture their favorite creatures.
Museums
There are a number of museums in Alexandria. Whether you are interested in Ancient Egypt, Classic American history, or human origins, you’ll find a wide variety of exhibits at Alexandria museums. The Alexandria National Museum is housed in a 19th century Italianate mansion that was once the home of a wood-salesman. The building is designed to showcase the history of Alexandria, and features a basement, a spacious garden, and multiple floors.
The Alexandria Museum of Egyptian History is a small but interesting museum that showcases a range of artifacts from the pharaonic period – from the Old Kingdom to the later period. A replica of the Valley of the Kings tomb is also on display, complete with mummy and tomb equipment.
For families, there are several museums to choose from in Alexandria. For the most part, museums are free and are located in the historic district. However, if you are traveling with children, you can check out the children’s museum, which features a variety of exhibits.
Festivals
Festivals in Alexandria are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city and to enjoy the arts, music, and food. From the largest outdoor beach parties to crazy music festivals, Alexandria has something for everyone. Listed below are a few of the annual Alexandria festivals that you can attend.
First Saturday in May: The Alex River Fete, which combines art, music, and food, is free and open to the public. There are also dragon boat races and an art and classic car show. The best part is that you can enjoy all of this for FREE. Another free event is the Little Walter Music Fete, held on Memorial Weekend, which honors Little Walter.
If you’re interested in film, the Alexandria Film Festival has a number of screenings for local, regional, and international filmmakers. The film festival also has special pricing for young professionals. The festival is held over four days, and the films are screened both in person and on the internet.
Restaurants
You can find many great dining options when visiting Alexandria. Some of the best restaurants serve seafood dishes, while others serve American favorites. A few of the restaurants in Alexandria have full bars and happy hours, so you can get the perfect drink or eat dinner without worrying about going out of your way. Whether you’re visiting Alexandria for business or pleasure, you’ll find a great restaurant for your dining needs.
Try out new places regularly, and don’t forget to visit your old favorites. These dining spots often offer a wide range of food, from traditional to international fare. You may find a restaurant that you enjoy and want to visit again. In Alexandria, you can try new restaurants and discover which ones are worth visiting.
The Warehouse, located in the Old Town area, is another good option. The chef here combines French, Asian and Cajun influences to create delicious dishes. The restaurant also serves brunch on weekends. The menu is complemented by several wines by the glass, and happy hours run from 4pm to 7pm.
