There’s no better remedy than taking a much-needed vacation after a long week and with “micro-cations” on the rise, it has never been easier to get away. Sometimes a mini-vacation is all you need to unwind and no place is more refreshing than one of the Northeast’s best-kept secrets – Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Full of charm, history, and endless things to see and do, Alexandria offers something for everyone.
*Word to the tribe: Alexandria sits just outside of Washington DC, so get the most out of your getaway with a trip to the nation’s capital which is as easy as a water taxi ride across the Potomac River.
Our favorite accommodations in town are sister properties, The Alexandrian and Morrison House, two Autograph Collection hotels. Both hotels are conveniently located in the center of downtown along the legendary King Street bustling with restaurants, shops, and some of the oldest and most beautiful architecture in the country.
Historically posh, The Alexandrian is rooted just a few blocks away from the beautiful Potomac waterfront with a spacious outdoor courtyard that is perfect for lounging, even on a chilly day. The newly revamped restaurant, Jackson 20, is one of the hottest spots in town for brunch or a casual dinner any day of the week. Chef Peter McCall’s newly crafted menu features elevated southern comfort cuisine like the sensational Shrimp and Grits served with scallops and mussels in a savory and spicy shellfish broth.
One of Alexandria’s hidden gems, Morrison House is located inside a Federalist mansion decorated with details that nod to Alexandria’s Colonial past while embracing sleek modern design. Literary touches can be found throughout the 45-room boutique hotel which features a library-style lobby, elegant in-room writing desks in select rooms, and a Bedside Reading program where guests can take home a rotating selection of available books. Chef Peter McCall of Jackson 20 is also the culinary genius behind Morrison House’s latest dining concept, The Study. Here, you can get lost in exquisitely paired dishes served in a sophisticated setting then enjoy live music with a craft cocktail in hand.
Venture into Old Town Alexandria where you will find more than 200 local restaurants and boutiques, historic museums, and stunning views of the Potomac River. Make time to stop by the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum before treating yourself to Lost Boy Cider — Northern Virginia’s first urban cidery. For some much-needed retail therapy, you can find stunning vintage barware at The Hour, the perfect paper goods and gifts at Penny Post, and stylish sustainable fashion at Threadleaf. For a fun night out, make sure you book a reservation at Captain Gregory’s, Alexandria’s famous donut shop speakeasy featuring a rotating monthly menu of 15 creative cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. An after-hours donut treat here is optional (but highly encouraged).
