How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Old Town Alexandria, VA

There’s nothing better than a weekend getaway full of historic charm, especially if the vibe is quaint with small-town-meets-metropolitan perks. Old Town Alexandria understands the assignment with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old homes, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC. It’s a place where Southern sensibilities meet a mid-Atlantic style, and America’s history is on display at every turn. We’ve put together the perfect weekend itinerary for exploring the best of Old Town Alexandria, complete with special activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Pin

Where to Stay

Skip the generic hotels and opt for a boutique stay at one of two sister properties right in the heart of the historic action. Both the Morrison House and The Alexandrian are stylish, well-appointed hotels that channel the city’s storied past with a chic, sophisticated twist.

The intimate 45-room Morrison House was built to resemble a grand Federal-style mansion, complete with a cozy library, a welcoming parlor, and a moody restaurant aptly named The Study. For a slightly larger boutique vibe, The Alexandrian offers 241 rooms, each with a funky, modern take on classic federal decor. The jewel in the property’s crown is the King & Rye, a delicious Southern dining destination.

Pin

To celebrate America’s landmark 250th anniversary in style, both properties are rolling out exclusive historic packages. Morrison House’s “The Room Where It Happened” package includes a two-night stay in the luxurious one-bedroom Publisher Suite, a behind-the-scenes tour of Mount Vernon (with transportation), a six-course tasting menu at The Study, and a private tour of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.

The Alexandrian’s Washington’s Legacy package includes a two-night stay, a behind-the-scenes tour of Mount Vernon (with transportation), a guided tasting and distillery dinner at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, and a three-course dinner at King & Rye.

Pin

Day One

Fuel up for a busy day of exploring at The Greenery Coffee + Shop. Tucked just off the beaten path, it offers the perfect excuse to wander down quiet side streets and take in Old Town’s iconic architecture. Grab a healthy latte made with ingredients like maca root, cayenne, and oat milk, and pair it with a pumpkin flax muffin to start your morning right.

Old Town is a treasure trove of independent shops and boutiques, all easily walkable along the brick sidewalks. Check out Red Barn Mercantile for charming kitchenwares and gift items, Penny Post for the perfect stationery, or The Hive and The Shoe Hive for chic shoes, clothing, and accessories.

Crème de la Crème is a must for all things home, from imported dishware to beautiful linens, while Lowery’s Dial offers a perfectly curated combination of unique vintage finds and new treasures.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the Old Town Farmers’ Market. As the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market, it welcomes more than 70 vendors — ranging from bakers and artisans to farmers — in the same historic spot every single week.

Pin

Northern Virginia is known for its Asian food scene, and you don’t have to leave Old Town to experience it! For a quick and delicious lunch, head to the beloved Cà Phê Bánh Mì for an authentic Vietnamese sandwich. On a sunny day, grab a seat outside to enjoy your lunch while soaking up the local street style.

Find a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at the Turkish Coffee Lady, where you can sip rich, traditional, unfiltered Turkish coffee and treat yourself to a few of their delicious homemade pastries.

Pin

Next, immerse yourself in the creative scene by visiting the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, a multi-studio space where more than 70 individual artists actively work and display their art. Chat with the creators about their process, and maybe pick up a new original piece or two to take home.

Wrap up your first day with dinner at Josephine Brasserie and Bar, a chic French eatery housed in a beautifully restored historic firehouse. Order the classic steak frites, then slip upstairs to the sophisticated Bar Jo for an after-dinner cocktail.

If you’ve still got some energy to burn, channel it into a hauntingly good time with Alexandria Colonial Ghost Tours. It’s a delightfully spine-tingling way to experience the centuries-old history of the city after dark.

Day Two

Day two begins with a delicious breakfast at Fontaine Caffe, a charming all-day crêperie serving up a mix of sweet and savory brunch crêpes, along with coffees, and cocktails. Conveniently located right on South Royal Street, it’s the perfect starting point for another day of exploring Old Town.

Next, dive into the city’s rich past by touring some of its most significant sites, including Gadsby’s Tavern, a Georgian watering hole dating back to the 1700s, and frequented by many of the Founding Fathers and early presidents. History buffs won’t want to skip Carlyle House, a historic Georgian mansion completed in 1753.

The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, and the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, which tells the story of Alexandria through those who lived and worked on the property, are also must-stops for learning about the city’s past.

Pin

Grab lunch at Virtue Feed & Grain, a former grain house located on historic Wales Alley. The industrial-inspired interior is the perfect backdrop for the American tavern menu, and it’s the perfect spot to fill up on crowd pleasers like the Old Town crab dip or duck poutine.

If you’re into secondhand shopping, Old Town is rich in options. In addition to old-school antique shops (like Henry Street Antiques), you’ll also find an impressive lineup of consignment and vintage clothing stores. Pop into Mint Condition, Encore Consignment Boutique, and Vintage Mirage for a fabulous mix of high-end and budget-friendly treasures.

End your historic weekend on a high note with a table at Vermilion, a classic Old Town restaurant. Here, the farm-to-table menu is filled with mid-Atlantic-inspired dishes like crispy Chesapeake oysters, shaved country ham bruschetta, and a tender, slow-cooked beef short rib with Virginia peanuts. After dinner, wrap up your getaway with a leisurely stroll down the centuries-old brick sidewalks, soaking in the ambiance as the sun sets on a perfect Southern weekend.

**********

For more Southern getaway ideas, subscribe to StyleBlueprint!