Out of DC: Alexandria

Tourists visit DC all the time but rarely get out of the capital city. But just a short Metro ride away on the blue or yellow line is the amazingly historic city of Alexandria, VA. At one point, Alexandria was part of the District of Columbia and there are a couple of original city markers still left around the city. The city was officially established in 1748 but has history that dates back even farther.

Torpedo Factory artwork :)

Nicknamed the Port City, Alexandria had and still has a thriving waterfront. Part of the Old Town historic district, the waterfront has restaurants, shops and art galleries. 

A must visit is the Torpedo Factory on Union Street. This three story building, which originally built torpedoes during WWI has been turned into not just an art gallery but houses studios for the artists and holds classes. There are all types of artists from paint to ceramics and stained glass to textiles, wood to jewelry. It's a great place to pick up a unique piece of artwork.

If you're into history, there are loads of historic houses, small museums and other sites to visit in the Port City.

Original Apothecary in Old Town

Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum - Fairfax St
This is an amazing place that exists exactly as is was on the day it closed. It operated from 1796 until 1933 as a compounding pharmacy and distributor. It made drugs for sale in their retail shop, along with paint and anything else that involved chemistry. It also sold chemicals and drugs to other smaller apothecaries and doctors, not to mention directly to individuals. The upstairs laboratory is very cool with jars, cans, drawers and boxes that still contain various medicines and chemicals. They have a letter on display from Martha Washington requesting castor oil. 

Lee-Fendall House

The Lee-Fendall House on the corner of Washington and Oronoco Streets is off the beaten tourist path but well worth a visit. This historic house has original furniture, architecture and remained in the Lee (as in Robert E Lee) Family from the acquisition of the land in the late 1700s to 1903.  







If you are in Old Town on Sunday, visit 219 Restaurant for brunch. Cuisine is somewhat southern but beautifully presented and well executed. Eggs Benedict with Salmon, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Grown Up Mac n Cheese... all come with mimosas and great service!  Located at, where else? 219 King Street.

There are over 40 sites in Alexandria that are National Register of Historic Sites, including those mentioned above, a slew of African-American sites and other buildings and districts. Not to mention the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the country that dates from 1752.

So the next time you visit DC, take a trip across the Potomac to Alexandria, VA. You won't be disappointed, unless you don't have enough time to see everything!