Virginia's Historic City Along The Potomac River Offers Cute Local Shops & Restaurants

Washington, D.C. is known for incredible world-class museums, gorgeous monuments, and charming neighborhoods with scenic views and an exquisite dining scene. And just across the Potomac River, you'll find Alexandria, Virginia. One of the city's best suburbs, Alexandria is bursting with history and local charm, holding its own with beautiful architecture, a burgeoning food scene, and hundreds of unique shops. The town was first settled in 1669 by a man named Robert Howson who later traded it for three tons of tobacco to John Alexander, a Scotsman who eventually became the city's namesake. 

Alexandria has a unique place in American history where travelers can trace the footsteps of George Washington, as well as learn more about the painful legacy of the slave trade and the fight to equality for African Americans. Moreover, Downtown Alexandria is also one of the first three nationally registered Historic Districts in the nation, as well as one of seven in the city. No matter where you go, though, you'll likely find a mix of old-world charm, natural scenery, and a youthful vibe. On a summer or fall evening, it's common see people jogging, walking their dogs, enjoying the city's 900 acres of parks and outdoor space, or rushing into one of Old Town's eclectic ice cream shops.

Getting into town is also a breeze. If you're flying in, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located just 3 miles away in Arlington. For travelers arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport, simply hop on the Silver Line to Rosslyn Metro Station before transferring over to the Blue Line, which will ride into town. Alternatively, Amtrak also provides train service to Alexandria Station, which is located just a 10-minute walk from downtown, or an easy transfer to the King St-Old Town Metro station.

King Street runs through the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is one of the city's best-preserved commercial districts. It's home to Colonial architecture that's been standing there since the 18th century, as well as cobblestone streets that were once walked by America's Founding Fathers — including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. American history buffs shouldn't miss touring nearby Mount Vernon, one of America's oldest whiskey distilleries and Washington's former estate.

At the core of Old Town, explore Market Square. Home to one of the oldest farmers' markets in the nation, it takes place every Saturday from 7 a.m. until noon. Grab yourself a coffee from Black House Coffee Company and stroll through where America's founders frequently met, now a showcase area for 70 local artisans to display their finest foods, flowers, and art. In addition to local agricultural and food products, you'll also find 300 boutiques, bookstores, and home good shops dotted around town, including a thriving community of Black-owned businesses. No matter what you're after, you'll find one-of-a-kind products and unique keepsakes to meet your individual needs.

When you're running low on energy, you won't have to walk far to find a bite — no matter what you're craving. One of King Street's main attractions is its wide-ranging food scene, meshed with the outdoor museum-like environment. Facing the Potomac, Vola's Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge serves fresh seafood all day and weekend brunch, including high-quality lobster rolls and oysters. Previous diners recommend making a reservation in advance. If you're out celebrating a special evening, 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood has an incredible story to match the environment and flavor. That said, although the restaurant has a relaxed dress code outside on the patio and bar, shorts and a t-shirt aren't allowed in the dining room.

A large portion of Alexandria's thriving arts scene is centered along Union Street in the city's Torpedo Factory Art Center, a former munitions factory constructed near the end of the World War I. After World War II, the space was used to store documents from the Nuremberg Trials in the 1960s. And in 1974, a group of  local artists transformed the factory into the largest free network of living art studios in the United States. Inside the 80-plus independent studios and galleries, you'll find everything from pottery and jewelry to the unique Multiple Exposures Gallery — the longest-running fine art photography gallery in the DC area — and ToySphere, a  real-life take on virtual toy sharing.

Although Alexandria may be far from Portland, home to the best coffee in America, it still holds its own with a diverse mix of cafes and coffees from around the world. Visit Turkish Coffee Lady and take your taste buds on a trip to Turkey with an authentic Turkish breakfast, or tuck into some baklava alongside your favorite beverage. If a Parisian morning is more your style, Café du Soleil serves up crêpes and quiches with delicious coffee. Later in the day, visitors can enjoy an afternoon glass of wine during happy hour.

Those driving to Alexandria will be happy to know there are multiple parking garages throughout Old Town, with lower hourly rates on weekends and in the evening. During weekdays, locals recommend looking in nearby residential areas if you'll be staying more than a few hours. For travelers using public transportation, which the city recommends, hop on the free King Street Trolley or DASH bus from King Street-Old Town metro station. Trolleys run to and from Market Square every 15 minutes daily from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.