A Perfect Sunday in Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Old Town Alexandria is the perfect place to spend a Sunday: the walkable neighborhood is perfect for strolling, window shopping, art, street music, delicious dining, and people-watching.
Place you live: Alexandria, Virginia (a suburb of Washington, DC)
Place your photo was taken: Old Town Alexandria, VA, USA
Can you sum up Alexandria? Founded in 1749 by Scottish tradesmen, Alexandria used to be part of the District of Columbia, which sits directly across the Potomac River. A busy American port, tobacco trading post, and Civil War supply center for Union troops, it was the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. Now, the quaint, partially-preserved neighborhood of Old Town bustles with shopping, dining, art, and history.
Occupation: Editing
Preoccupation: Photographing, running, traveling
What is a perfect day Alexandria? If you arrive via the King Street Metro Station, you’ll be greeted first with an impressive view of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, which sits at the top of King Street, presiding. If you have time to walk up to the front steps of it, you’ll be rewarded with a view straight down the main drag of King Street, all the way to the water — one mile. It’s a good place to get your bearings. From there, start walking down toward the river. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to peek inside used bookstores, antique shops, wine bars, art galleries, thrift stores, and restaurants serving all types of food from around the world. (Don’t miss the side streets — some gems are hidden there!) Once you get to the river, you can check out the many artist studios and galleries inside the converted Torpedo Factory Arts Center, or skip right to the waterfront to watch boats sail by. You can also take a water taxi to National Harbor in Maryland, or up to Georgetown in DC. When the day is done, take the free King Street Trolley back to the metro and head home.
If someone was visiting, what must they do? Once it gets dark, take a ghost tour of Old Town led by guides in period dress carrying lanterns; highlights are the cemetery and the candy shop!
A perfect meal in Alexandria? An intimate restaurant called The Majestic serves a family-style Sunday dinner. What’s better than platters of delicious home-cooked food shared with those you love?
What is the best thing about your spot? The view of the river, the quaint cobblestone streets, and the people-watching. In a place littered with historical trivia, my favorite sign is on a newer townhouse on my street: “In this place in 1837, nothing happened.”
What is the worst? Street parking on a Saturday night.
A little known fact about where you live? King Street is strikingly beautiful very early in the morning, when most people are still asleep and there are no cars parked on the streets.
Where is your favorite place in the world? Woah, that’s a big question. I loved the combination of mountains and cacti in Cafayate, Argentina, and the hot springs and travertines of Pamukkale, Turkey.
Who are your favorite photographers? Impossible! I tend toward a minimalist perspective and smooth, muted tones, but I love all types of subjects, from street photography to vast, deserted landscapes!