Old Town Alexandria
 Alexandria is a Colonial seaport located down-river and within eyesight of Washington DC. Alexandria was George Washington's hometown. The city's roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby's Tavern; Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church. The Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings, outstanding examples of early American architecture that now house small businesses and gracious homes, all waiting to give you a modern welcome. Old Town is characterized by brick sidewalks that line historic structures. Elegant modern structures are carefully planned to fit with the feel of Old Town.
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Shopping in Old TownAnne Taylor, Banana Republic, the Gap, Birkenstock, Brooks Brothers, & Talbot are just a few of the nationally recognized retailers with a presence in Old Town. In addition a wide variety of boutiques and shops provide clothing, jewelry, books, home furnishings and more.
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Dining in Old TownAlexandria has a plethora of cuisines available in local restaurants. Prices range from fast-food to fine-dining, but most of the restaurants in Old Towne offer upscale fare at reasonable prices. Also, you'll find the variety and selection you would expect at any tourist spot: ice cream parlors, specialty bakeries, taverns and public houses.
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Evening in Old TownThroughout the year Old Town Alexandria remains a popular night-spot for locals and tourists alike. Old Town has a unique vibe though. You won't find frat-style keg parties, or sweaty after-hours discoteques in Old Town. The evening starts with families and tourists and the dancers and drinkers show up late. The atmosphere is subtly more upscale than other nightspots in the DC area. The partiers are laid-back and approachable but well-dressed with impeccable behavior.
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King Street Metro & Free Trolley
The King St. Metro is a great station for commuters, day-trippers or tourists. Near the Metro, one will find many interesting things to fill an afternoon, an evening or an entire day.
The King St. Metro serves both the Yellow and Blue Lines. It is a hub for many bus routes and the King St. Trolley. Most hours there are cabs waiting at the station to serve as needed.
In addition, this station links the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak to the Washington Metro Transit Authority. There are a variety of fun things to do here, just a few blocks from the new Patent and Trademark Office, and I'll describe a few below.
The King St. Metro stops at the foot of the Shooters Hill, the location of the "Alexandria Lighthouse" (aka the George Washington National Masonic Memorical.)
This structure is visible from miles around owing to its great size and strategic position atop the hill just outside Old Town Alexandria. The George Washington Masonic Memorial performs many functions. First and foremost, it is a Masonic Memorial, honoring and perpuating the memory and character of a fellow mason, George Washington.
In addition this edifice serves as a tourist attraction and destination for many. The building hosts a research center and masonic library. The facilities can be rented for the purpose of community activities including performing arts and concerts.
The building houses banquets hosts celebrations. It regularly serves as a meeting site for Masonic and appendant Bodies. If you have never toured the building, it's an interesting and fun way to get a new perspective on Alexandria, Old Town and Masonry.
The King St. Metro stops at the foot of the hill where King St. veers away from Old Town. From the Memorial, and from the Metro, one can look down King St. toward the Potomac to the unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and activities of Old Town Alexandria. The area has some of the shops you would expect in an upscale mall, but many of shops and restaurants you'll find only here.
Old Town Alexandria was a Colonial seaport. It is located down-river and within eyesight of Washington DC. Alexandria was George Washington's hometown. The city's roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby's Tavern; Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church.
The Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings, outstanding examples of early American architecture that now house small businesses and gracious homes, all waiting to give you a modern welcome. Old Town is characterized by brick sidewalks that line historic structures. Elegant modern structures are carefully planned to fit with the feel of Old Town.
Real Estate in Old Town is generally pricey and prestigious. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, especially in touristy areas along King St. Therefore, a great way to explore the area is to take the Metro to King St. and then hop a ride on the King St. Trolley. The trolley runs its route from 10 am to 10 pm every day. A printable map is available for those who know nothing about the area.
There is no charge to ride the trolley and it makes stops about every two blocks between the King St. Metro and the Potomac. The length of this circuit can be walked in about 20 minutes, so many choose to take the trolley to the Potomac and then walk back to the Metro through Old Town.
The Trolley makes it final stop before returning to the Metro near the Torpedo Factory. Just as the name implies, the Torpedo Factory was torpedo factory in the early part of the last century. Today it is a world-renowned art center with three floors of open studios and galleries. Here, one can observe artists and purchase original artwork. The Torpedo Factory is on the waterfront where street musicians and entertainers play nearly every night.
The Trolley was designed to compliment service by the National Harbor's new Water Taxi. The National Harbor is located across the Potomac in Maryland and is the site of a brand new convention center. The convention center and many restaurants are already open in this brand new area landmark. Additionally boat service is available up and down river from the Strand in Old Town.