Alexandria is a gorgeous city just south of Washington DC. Not only is it known for fantastic architecture and well-preserved 18th-century buildings, but it also has tons of fun boutiques and specialty shops.
This town has a hand in history, from some of the founding fathers dining at Gadsby’s Tavern to the amazing museums and historic parks that will keep anyone entertained. These are the top things to do while you’re in town.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5 stars.
If you’re ready to feel surprised for a couple of hours, it’s time to check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center. This once-munitions-factory is now a fantastic museum and art gallery. Home to over eight galleries with nearly two hundred artists in it currently, you can look at art in a myriad of mediums, from sculpture to painting and even jewelry. This is a stop everyone should make just for the beautiful play between old and new.
Carlyle House Historic Park
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 stars.
While looking at Alexandria houses for sale, there’s no doubt this beautiful mansion will catch your eye- unfortunately, it’s not for sale! Built between 1751 and 1752, this historic building is architecturally unique as the only stone 18th-century Palladian Revival-styled home in Alexandria. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1960s, it’s a staple in the area.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5 stars.
If you want to be served a drink and food in one of the most historically interesting buildings in the country: it’s time to check out Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. With exhibits explaining historically important people who have dined here, including some founding fathers, to the growth and wars and how they affected the city, this is an awesome place to get to know Alexandria better than anywhere else. Although it’s an amazing landmark, it’s one you’ll miss if you don’t look for it.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 stars.
Apothecaries are an interesting part of American history that’s still visible in places like the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. Although it was once a running shop, it’s now been perfectly preserved to look exactly how it would have all those years ago. Originally run by a Quaker family, it eventually ran out of business during the Great Depression and became a historic landmark in the 1980s.
Jones Point Park
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 stars.
This interesting park in Alexandria is where the Jones Lighthouse used to sit. Here you can see a clear view of what was once part of Washington DC across the water and enjoy the calm and gorgeous air and atmosphere. The water is almost completely still here most of the time, making it look like an endless mirror that’s gorgeous to visit.
Alexandria Has Something for Every Visitor
Alexandria is an amazing city that has ties in history, art, music, and anything else you could want. Although it’s not Washington DC, it has so much more to offer.
