OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, VA

qvc chick · ‎03-10-2010

I am going for a weekend to Alexandria. Staying at a hotel in town.

Any thoughts on what to do, restaurants, etc.? I won't have a car, so looking to do something in the town.

We are foodies, wondering if there are any food tours, cooking classes, etc.

Thanks!

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

Check the weather. If the Potomac River is high due to Hurricane Florence, the historic waterfront in Old Town could be underwater. Businesses along the waterfront will have sandbags in front as a rather meager form of protection and get flooded regularly, and coud be even worse now.

As for restaurants, Bilbo Baggins, The Wharf and The Fish Market were some that I used to visit. Check TripAdvisor website for ratings and info on many Old Town eating places.

It's a charming town with many quaint shops. Many of the tiny townhomes lining the streets date back to the 1700's. It's a good place to walk around and browse.

stevieb · ‎03-10-2010

@novamc1 wrote:
Check the weather. If the Potomac River is high due to Hurricane Florence, the historic waterfront in Old Town could be underwater. Businesses along the waterfront will have sandbags in front as a rather meager form of protection and get flooded regularly, and coud be even worse now.

As for restaurants, Bilbo Baggins, The Wharf and The Fish Market were some that I used to visit. Check TripAdvisor website for ratings and info on many Old Town eating places.

It's a charming town with many quaint shops. Many of the tiny townhomes lining the streets date back to the 1700's. It's a good place to walk around and browse.

I'd add Landini Brothers to the restaurant list... Love The Wharf and The Fish Market is good, if a bit more boisterous... So many restaurants in Old Town you could never hit all the good ones... All three of these are close to each other at the river end of King Street...

In my pantry with my cupcakes...

Jannyg · ‎03-10-2010

Gadsby's Tavern. If it was good enough for George Washington, I figured it was good enough for me. It's historic and I was surprised that the food was quite good

qvc chick · ‎03-10-2010

We are not going until next month. So there should be no problem with flooding.

Hooty · ‎03-09-2010

@qvc chick, if you're not going till Oct., the weather should be really great for walking tours, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, many of the streets are brick and cobblestone! If you love Greek food, my favorite is Taverna Cretecu, and yes Gatsby Tavern is also a great place!

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

my daughter used to live there

tons to do

Torpedo Factory it's a gallery

lots of restaurants

the Masonic Temple https://gwmemorial.org/

there was a wonderful wine/cheese place we went to can't remember the name La Fromagerie Cheese and Wine Bistro

Hen Quarter for low country food

There are many restaurants and it's a lovely place to walk

you could probably get a bus or taxi to take you to DC if you want

have fun

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@qvc chick

La Tasca for Tappas...within walking distance from the Alexandria Hilton & metro station, etc.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

Bhvbum · ‎07-18-2010

If you are staying in a hotel in Alexandria, check for daily parking charges for your car. The rates are from about $15-$35 a day. It can be hard to find this information on their website so you may have to give them a call.

Also having a car is a big liability up there so walking is easy to do in old town Alexandria, you will leave your car parked. If you want to get into DC you could easily take the metro or get a taxi/Uber.

Note from years and years of experience, there is absolutely no place to park in the city of Washington DC!