Welcome to Alexandria
A city known for its rich history and beautiful, historic architecture
Alexandria is a city in the Commonwealth of Virginia located on the western bank of the Potomac River. The city is also located a short seven miles away from downtown Washington, DC The area is heavily influenced by DC, and many residents find employment there. With many job opportunities in the city itself, one of the largest employers is the U.S. Department of Defense.
Originally, and unofficially, called Belhaven, the then town would eventually be incorporated in 1779. The area was also chosen to be included in the District of Columbia by George Washington in 1791. Over time, however, a movement to separate from DC gained momentum. The city as it is today was chartered in 1852.
What to Love
- A historic area with beautiful buildings
- Character, charisma, and charm
- Lively and energetic with plenty to do
Local Lifestyle
With old-time charm and a lively atmosphere, Alexandria is an active place to live. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do around the city. Best of all, many of these things are within walking distance of one another, making them incredibly accessible. History is alive in the area, as sites such as Mount Vernon and countless other beautiful historical buildings still stand around the city.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Alexandria has several great places to stop by for dining and shopping. The historic district of Old Town is the place to go if you’re looking for a large concentration of shops and restaurants.
One popular choice for dining in Alexandria is Landini Brothers. A comfortable Italian restaurant, Landini Brothers serves a delicious menu of classic Italian dishes. Another great choice is Oak Steakhouse, a classic American steakhouse serving Prime Certified Angus Beef alongside soups, salads, and sides. For your sweet tooth, try heading out to Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. This long-running ice cream parlor, with history as Eleanor Roosevelt’s favorite ice cream, has been in business since 1940 and has over 30 flavors to choose from.
As for shopping, The Old Town Farmers Market is a lively stop. Its oldest farmers’ market is held on the same site in the United States and offers over 70 vendors for produce, meat, home goods, crafts, and much more. The Old Town Shop is a relatively new gift shop offering local artists’ goods as well as historical themed items, homewares, and decor. Another great local choice is Red Barn Mercantile, a home goods store with furnishings, decor, health and beauty items, and paper goods.
Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do in Alexandria. Whether you want to go to a local event or spend a day enjoying a park, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
When looking at various events, one of the most popular in Alexandria is the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Taking place in Old Town, the Scottish Walk includes marching units with music, dancing, classic cars, and much more. A great place to go for more events is The Birchmere, a music hall hosting a ton of concerts throughout the year.
If you love spending time outdoors, try going to the Old Town Waterfront. Located within Waterfront Park, this park is perfect for those who want to launch a boat, go for a walk, or look at statues and monuments. For a piece of history, try checking out George Washington’s Mount Vernon, where you can explore the grounds and structures. If you’re looking for a fun way to travel to Nationals Park or the National Harbor, try using the Potomac Water Taxi.
