Around 8 miles south of Washington D.C. and about an hour’s drive from Vienna, you’ll find Alexandria, Virginia. Since its founding in 1749, it has thrived as a tobacco trading post, a port city, a Union supply center during the Civil War, and more. Today, though it’s a small city of only 15.75 square miles and around 140,000 residents, Alexandria oozes charm and offers many of the same amenities as a larger metropolis. If you’d like to discover what spectacular sights you can enjoy there, consider our recommendations for ways to spend a fall weekend in Alexandria.
Lodging in Alexandria, VA
Since you’ll be spending the weekend, you’re going to need someplace to stay. Lucky for you, Alexandria is home to several unique and beguiling hotels. Here are our picks:
The Alexandrian
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a group of independent upscale hotels around the world, The Alexandrian is a highly regarded boutique lodging establishment in Old Town Alexandria. From the outside, the handsome Federalist-era architecture hints at the elegance within. The rooms are bright and stately, with classical touches providing a sense of luxury, and the onsite restaurant and cocktail garden mean that tasty fare and libations are never far away. What’s more, The Alexandrian is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry family members along for the trip.
Address: 480 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Morrison House
Morrison House is another Autograph Collection hotel that is almost certain to impress. Here, the Federalist architecture is in the style of a period mansion, with dual stoops leading up to a columned entrance. The interior design has a formal sophistication, and the bed-and-breakfast-style approach to the establishment further lends to its coziness. The rooms, named after artistic vocations (Illustrator’s Room, Author’s Room, Editor’s Room), feature touches such as high-quality linens and marble bathrooms, thus providing a sense of luxury. When you get hungry, you can dine on New American fare at The Study. Pets are welcome here, too.
Address: 116 S. Alfred St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Dining in Alexandria, VA
Dining at a world-class hotel can be great, but there are oodles of other great eateries in Alexandria. So when you’re in the mood to dine out, try checking out any or all of these establishments:
Chewish Deli
For a casual breakfast, it’s hard to beat Chewish Deli. What began as a bagel-based food truck saw immense success during the pandemic, so much so that owner Gregg Linzey was able to open the first brick-and-mortar location in 2020 and then a second spot in 2022. At Chewish Deli, you have all of the well-loved bagel and bagel-related offerings you’d find in the Northeast. What better way to start your day than with a hot coffee and with a classic lox, whitefish salad, or B.E.C. sandwich?
Addresses: 807 Pendleton St. and 1640 King St., Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Hen Quarter
If you love brunch, Hen Quarter is the place for you. Every Saturday and Sunday, this purveyor of Southern fare offers bottomless family-style brunch. For $29.95 per person ($12.95 for children under 10), you can choose two appetizers, one salad, and three brunch favorites. Classic cocktails, brunch-oriented and otherwise, also feature on the menu. Moreover, Hen Quarter strives to support the sustainable farming community around Alexandria, so you can be sure your food consists of the highest-quality ingredients.
Address: 801 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Old House Cosmopolitan
Old House Cosmopolitan heads a lot of “best Alexandria restaurants” lists. You can attribute the popularity of this German eatery to a couple of factors. One is that it uses the highest-quality ingredients, much of them locally sourced and organic. Another is that the food is just comforting. It’s simplicity executed with passion and care, and that translates through the tastiness of the dishes.
Address: 1024 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Fall Activities
The fiery warm colors of fall accentuate the rustic character of Alexandria, and the season also features a variety of fun and family-friendly activities. Here are just a few great ideas to round out your weekend in Alexandria:
Old Town Art Festival
The annual Old Town Art Festival takes place on Sept. 17 and 18 at John Carlyle Square — 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria. This year marks the 20th iteration of this well-loved cultural event. Considered one of the finest art festivals by Sunshine Artist, a periodical devoted to arts and crafts shows, this event showcases works by talented artists from around the country. Admission is free for all.
Leaf-Peeping
One of the best fall-time activities is entirely free. Some of the largest trees in the state grow in Alexandria, and come mid-October they’re shedding some seriously vibrant foliage. Stroll around the Ford Ward Park and Alexandria Cemetery areas for the ruddier leaves, and around Jones Point Park or Monticello Park for the more amber and golden hues. The riot of colors amid the backdrop of historic homes is the stuff of top-notch photos.
Ghost & Graveyard Tour
The Ghost & Graveyard Tour is a package offered by Alexandria Colonial Tours. Dressed in colonial garb and wielding a lantern, an expert guide leads you through Old Town Alexandria while expounding on the multitude of ghost stories, mysteries, and other eerie legends associated with this historic city. The tour lasts approximately one hour and is appropriate for ages 9 and up. Tours are available from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.
So, there you have our suggestions for getting the most out of a fall weekend in Alexandria, Virginia. If you like our list or feel that we’ve left something out, we’d love to hear your thoughts. To get in touch with us, complete the inquiry form on our contact page with your name, email address, phone number, and comments. Once we receive your message, a member of our team will respond to you as soon as possible. If you’d prefer, you can call us at 703-940-0107 instead.
If you happen to be interested in a new set of wheels to get you to and from Alexandria, you’re in luck. We carry a tremendous stock of brand-new Toyotas of various models and trims. We also have a broad selection of used vehicles spanning a diverse range of makes, including certified pre-owned Toyotas. Feel free to browse our inventory online. When you find something you like, come down to our dealership at 8610 Leesburg Pike for a test drive. We can’t wait to show you why we’re one of the top Toyota dealerships in the D.C. area.
The Buildings at Old Town by Ryan Ledbetter is licensed with Unsplash License
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