I had such a nice time wandering around the historic neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria on a beautiful April day. I started my adventure at the Visitor Center located at 221 King Street. After gathering brochures on all the nearby attractions, I wandered along King Street and took in the shops and restaurants. Then I headed down to the waterfront. Along the way, I meandered down the brick sidewalks of a few side streets. The houses are maintained beautifully, retaining their historic charm. Peeking down a cobblestone alley, I could almost imagine the horses and carts that traveled the well-worn path.
I was in Virginia to visit family, so I only had a few hours to spend exploring. I am already planning my next visit to Old Town. I’ll start at the Visitor Center again and purchase what they call Alexandria’s “Key to the City”. It’s a pass to 9 historic sites for $10. It’s a good deal. The pass includes tours of the Carlyle House and the Lee-Fendall House that each charge $5 admission, so it pays for itself. If I have time, I’ll visit the Gadsby Tavern and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, too. There are even more sites to visit with the pass, but those might have to wait for another visit. The nice thing about the pass is that it doesn’t expire.
I’ll be sure to plan my next visit around the dates and times for the tours that interest me. Always check the websites or call before you go. There are walking tours, boat tours and even ghosts tours in Old Town Alexandria. There’s so much to see and do and I haven’t even mentioned that it’s only a metro ride away from Washington, DC.
For More Information:
Alexandria’s Key to the City Pass
http://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/historic-attractions-and-museums/key-to-the-city/
The Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-549-2997
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park
- Restored 18th century home of John Carlyle, wealthy merchant and one of the founders of Alexandria.
- Guided tours available Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Tours given on the hour and half hour. Closed Mondays.
- Check website for holiday hours.
Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, 614 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Tel: 703-548-1789
http://www.leefendallhouse.org
- House built in 1785, home to several prominent families.
- Guided tours available on the hour Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Last tour begins at 3:00pm.
- Visitors should call ahead or check the website to confirm that the museum is open. The museum is occasionally closed during posted museum hours for private functions. Winter hours may vary.