When you visit Alexandria, Virginia, you can experience various things. It is a city located on the Potomac River and just south of Washington, DC. One of the best things to do in this area is to check out the city’s Old Town.
This part of the city is filled with beautiful, well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings and brick sidewalks. Another great place to see is the Carlyle House Historic Park. This restored Georgian mansion will allow you to experience some history.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA, is an art center that was once a munitions plant. Since then, it has become a renowned national and international destination for working artists. It has a unique set of features that make it a must-see.
The building was initially built as an industrial facility for manufacturing munitions in World War I. It was later converted into a Federal Records Center. The Nuremberg War Crimes trial records were held in the building.
When the Federal Records Center moved, the torpedo plant stayed intact. It was used as a storage facility for completed torpedoes and as the location for the Navy’s Mark III. The City of Alexandria then purchased the facility in 1969.
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront has existed as a bustling seaport for centuries. Today, the area offers a variety of activities. It’s a prime location for people-watching, romantic strolls, and window shopping. You’ll also find restaurants on the water, many events, and scenic views of Washington, D.C.
Alexandria is one of the premier spots for City Cruises and sightseeing boats. You can board a boat at the marina in Old Town. There are also water taxis that bring you to other locations.
A new waterfront restaurant will open soon. BARCA will offer Spanish-Mediterranean small plates and cocktails. In the fall, it will become a year-round establishment.
The City of Alexandria has several restaurants and bars in the Old Town area. Among them is Chart House, which has a menu with an array of seafood. It also serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, the menu includes a hot chocolate lava cake a la mode, slow-roasted prime rib, and house specialty desserts.
Waterfront Park
In a historic port city, Alexandria offers visitors and residents a quiet and serene space to enjoy the water. Located on the Potomac River, the city has many attractions, including several waterfront parks.
One of these parks is the Waterfront Park, part of a linear park system lining the Potomac. The park features open lawns, boat docks, and walking trails. It is dog-friendly and a great place for outdoor recreation.
Next year, the park will receive a public art installation. In addition, the City of Alexandria has selected New York-based artist Nina Cooke John to create an art piece inspired by Alexandria’s port and maritime history.
The artwork will be installed in a steel structure that will abstract the hull of an 18th-century ship. In addition, the installation will include painted text on the ground to identify the cargo carried on the vessel.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a historical landmark in Alexandria, Virginia. It was built in the 1920s to honor the First President of the United States. It is also a performing arts center, museum, and community center. It is open seven days a week. There are five daily tours.
The ancient lighthouse inspired the memorial’s design in Alexandria, Egypt. Its main entrance features a Parthenon-inspired portico. Above it is a pediment that contains a medallion in Washington’s profile. The entry is supported by eight fluted columns of pink Conway granite.
The memorial is a nine-story neoclassical structure. The exterior is made of solid concrete. The pillars and doors are bronze. The interior is decorated with stained glass windows and a glittering Ark.
Jones Point Park
Jones Point Park is a 65-acre natural preserve and former naval base in Alexandria, Virginia. It is located on the banks of the Potomac River. It is open year-round and provides plenty of recreational activities. The park includes a fenced-off area for the historic lighthouse, a hiking trail, a community garden, and a canoe/kayak launch.
The lighthouse, a national historic landmark, is one of the most exciting attractions at the park. It was built in 1855 when Alexandria was a major shipping and manufacturing center. The National Park Service in the 1960s restored it.
The Mount Vernon Trail runs through the park. It is a scenic multi-use path connecting museums, restaurants, and other exciting sites.