Alexandria Travel Magazine

Alexandria holds a special place in my heart because it was one of many stops on my very first SOLO trip in 2009, driving from my home in Houston, Texas up to Connecticut. I had wanted to travel with friends but, at the age of 25, many of my friends were busy starting their careers, families, or simply didn’t have the interest. But I knew in my heart I was meant to explore. So I picked up my favorite American travel book, 1,000 Things to See Before You Die - USA Edition and set off to find adventure. I stopped in Alexandria while driving up the Eastern coast. It looked like an easier location to park my car at the hotel and walk around the city, visiting all the locations in “The Book,” as I call it. I found the city to be very welcoming, safe, easy to navigate on my own, and perfect for a weekend away. The travel guide here is by no means an extensive list of what Alexandria has to offer. It’s more of a 48-hour guide. It showcases my love for history and enjoyed learning a lot about the foundation of our country and some early American political leaders. I hope you enjoy your time in Alexandria, exploring the cobble streets! Brandy

Places where physical accessibility was addressed and/or accepted. Carlyle House Christ Church City Hall and Market Square Gadsby’s Tavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum George Washington Masonic Lodge Memorial King Street Morrison House Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Torpedo Factory Art Center

Places I visited alone that I felt safe and would recommend to others. Carlyle House Christ Church City Hall and Market Square Gadsby’s Tavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum George Washington Masonic Lodge Memorial King Street Morrison House Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Torpedo Factory Art Center

Places I visited while on a road trip that had easy & affordable Carlyle House parking access. Christ Church City Hall and Market Square Gadsby’s Tavern Gadsby’s Tavern Museum George Washington Masonic Lodge Memorial King Street Morrison House Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum Torpedo Factory Art Center



Gadsby’s Tavern Museum One of my favorite stops in the city was Gadsby’s Tavern, known both as an active museum with guided tours and as a candlelit dinner spot with great food. George Washington even ate here! Gadsby’s Tavern is also a nice dinner spot, see it in the food portion of this guide. Though my photography skills nor camera grabbed top shots back in 2009, I can remember tons from this tour. I was really surprised when we entered this huge ballroom where US Presidents hosted events, including inaugurations. I also appreciated the tavern’s inn where you saw pillows and mattresses made of animal hair.

Christ Church Robert E Lee attended as a boy in this family box. Visit the historical church where President Washington & Robert E Lee attended and all but 3 US Presidents have traditionally visited while in office. Famous pews While walking along the historical district, be sure to step inside the Christ Church. They have short tours, a nice gift shop, and you are offered a good insight into church services that have continued since its President Washington’s family commencement in 1767, before the USA was an box and pew, where most Presidents in office sit during official country. their visit.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum One of the more interesting historical tours for me was the Apothecary Museum. There was lots of information about ailments in the early centuries of the area and quite a bit about early medical practices and pharmaceuticals. Though the tour is only 30 minutes you do visit multiple floors and get a glimpse of life in the early years of the USA. There’s also an order of castor oil from Martha Washington. It’s relatively cheap to visit with tickets only $5 for adults. When planning, make sure to click on the title link for tour times. It takes some scheduling to fit them all in! Bonuses: They had a nice gift shop and it’s within walking distance if you’re staying in the historic district.

Carlyle House Though not in my original plan to tour, I did really like the look of this historic 1753 home of the Alexandria founder, John Carlyle. I enjoyed seeing the many rooms in their 1800s splendor. The timing worked out perfectly as I waited for other plans, and for $5 it was a great deal for the guided tour.

Torpedo Factory Art Center Right on the riverfront is this amazing artist center that was a former torpedo factory. Construction began in 1918 at the end of WW1 & the building ended up being used for various military purposes until 1974 when the City Council voted to host The Art League. It is made of independent art studios where you will see people creating pieces right in front of you. Some of the spaces are used for more sales, like shops, while other spaces look like active galleries. It’s a really interesting experience that I still remember to this day. I would love to return!

King Street King Street had many independent shops to One of my favorite things to explore and even a movie do in a new city is just walk theater but there were also along the historical streets. just as many name brand Here they are lined with stores, including a CVS, cobblestones, so be Walgreens, Gap, and thoughtful about yours Chipotle. It takes away from shoes! Streets like the the historical aspect but infamous King Street there is plenty of history to provide a lovely stroll, go around in the city for sure. especially with headphones in (if that’s your jam).

City Hall & Market Square At the corner of Royal St and Though the first use of the space for local King St you’ll government was 1752, the building find the pictured was erected in 1871 making a U beautiful City shape. It’s still used today as a farmer’s Hall & Market market on Saturday and other seasonal Square. It’s a festivities. Make sure to check for events great place to here before heading to Alexandria! eat a sandwich, journal, do a social media post or draw. It’s so beautiful!



George Washington Masonic Lodge Memorial Looming in the background of Alexandria is the masonic lodge celebrating George Washington and the organization’s profound influence on American history. Just a 10-15 minute drive outside the historical district, it’s worth a visit. The giant murals and paintings were incredible to walk amongst, stories high!

I felt the $18 admission ticket was steep in a town who worships George Washington but the museum included many historical pieces of Freemason history and their political involvements as well. Some of the things I learned here have stayed with me a decade later, including Texas history learned here.



Gadsby’s Tavern This historical restaurant in the middle of old town Alexandria is famed to be a stop for George Washington and other notable politicians. The dark atmosphere and staff in period clothing creates a fun night where you feel transported back in time, without compromising on taste.

I enjoyed the food both times I dined here, years apart. I really like their salmon and the crab cakes were great. They also allowed substitutions for the sides which I appreciated. The wine list was nice, too. Overall a unique, fun experience. When you sit down at your table, you will notice the details in the place settings that add an additional layer to the ambiance. The candlelit tables in the evenings really make you feel like George Washington could walk right around the corner. I’ve been here twice now and both times the service timing was lacking, but the friendliness was lovely. If road trippin’ there’s lots of street parking available.



Morrison House Pet-Friendly Before there was the #treatyoself movement, I knew I was meant to splurge sometimes! While in Alexandria I booked two nights at the Morrison House, recommended in my ultimate travel guide, 1,000 Things to See Before You Die - USA Edition. I wish I had taken more pictures of the hotel. The room was so lavish! It was so comfy after a long day on your feet wandering the cobblestone streets.



Water Taxi The water taxi is a fun way to get to DC. For $12, we got 1-way tickets that included about a 30-minute ride on the Potomac River. I love the water so it was fun to sit back and relax on the lower back deck and feel the wind in my hair. The harbor you arrive at (pictured) has lots of places to eat within walking distance or take a quick Uber/Lyft to more popular sights found in my DC guide on the next page.

Baltimore Travel Guide Click HERE

Washington, D.C. Travel Guide Click HERE

About the Author Brandy Alexander is an educator in the Houston area. Her passions include reading, training teachers across the country, going to dog parks with her rescue pup Ellie, and exploring this beautiful world. Where is Brandy began as a blog in 2009 when Brandy traveled across the country to New England, from Texas, on her own adventure. Her posts were merely to prove to her family that she was still alive. Now, she loves chronicling her journeys to help others maximize their own experiences when traveling, regardless of their circumstances!

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