Located on the Potomac River, Alexandria is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities. The city is famous for its Old Town, which has preserved many of its 18th and 19th century buildings. This area is also known for its brick sidewalks and specialty shops along King Street.
Old Town Alexandria
Located along the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia, is a city with a rich history and plenty of cultural attractions. Aside from the historic homes and museums, Old Town offers an array of restaurants and shops. It's a great place to explore, whether you're traveling to the area or already live here.
The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront has been a bustling seaport for centuries. Today, visitors can take a boat trip to explore the waters or simply enjoy the scenic views. If you're a fan of the Potomac River, you'll love the view from the Alexandria Waterfront Walk. You'll also find a number of restaurants, shops, and cafes to relax in.
You'll find a number of boutiques and galleries on King Street. These shops offer unique jewelry and clothing, as well as home decor and furnishings.
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Gadsby's Tavern Museum is a historic landmark that has played a prominent role in the social, economic, and political history of the American colonies. The tavern has been restored to its original 18th-century appearance. The tavern is a popular dining and entertainment location that has been serving meals to patrons since the 1700s. The tavern offers several educational programs. These programs include information on the enslaved labor force employed at the tavern, as well as insight into the political and business life of America.
In the late 1700s, the tavern was a popular watering hole for America's leading political, social, and economic elite. The tavern hosted a variety of cultural events and music performances. The tavern also functioned as a boarding house, auction houses, and lawyers' offices.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Torpedo Factory Art Center is a contemporary art space that hosts over 160 resident artists. In addition, the facility is home to The Art League School and the Alexandria Archeology Museum.
The Art Center opened in 1974 and serves as a model for successful art centers across the nation. It is the largest community of publicly accessible working artist studios in the United States. It is a hub for creatives of all ages and backgrounds, offering opportunities to see and interact with artists.
The facility is also known for its two-story atrium, complete with a dramatic balcony and canary yellow hanging lights. The atrium is a popular venue for public events and can accommodate up to 220 seated guests.
While Torpedo Factory is well-known as an artist's dream come true, it has also been a victim of special interest groups and politics. A group called Torpedo Factory for All has been pushing for the revitalization of the facility. The group hopes to transform the space into a more vibrant arts center, bringing more visitors to local businesses and increasing property values in the surrounding areas.
Serapeum
During the Ptolemaic dynasty, the Serapeum in Alexandria was built. This temple was one of the most famous pagan sanctuaries of antiquity. Among the symbols of the cult were the Apis bulls. In fact, the bulls were considered sacred by Ancient Egyptians.
The cult of Serapis spread throughout the Roman Empire. The temple was reconstructed during the reign of Domitian. Several statues of the gods were melted down. This led to the construction of a new religious building in Alexandria. The pagan images were then used as pots in the new temple.
When the Christian mob came, they led by patriarch Theophilus, destroyed the Serapeum. This is a famous archaeological site that was one of the last temples to be destroyed in the Ancient world.
Del Ray
Located just northwest of Old Town Alexandria, Del Ray is a popular neighborhood in the heart of the capital. Del Ray has a unique vintage feel and is packed with a variety of dining and cultural activities. In addition, there are plenty of shops and specialty stores along Mount Vernon Avenue, the main thoroughfare of the neighborhood.
Del Ray is home to a number of local and award-winning restaurants. Some of these include The Evening Star Cafe, which serves brunch and dinner on the weekends. They have a friendly atmosphere and a unique rooftop garden. They also offer small plates and seasonal cocktails.
Del Ray also hosts a variety of annual festivals. Their Del Ray Holiday Festival features a holiday tree lighting, a scavenger hunt, and a Candy Cane Bar Crawl.