If you’re looking to buy real estate in Virginia, then tell your listing agent in Mount Vernon, VA, to look up Old Town Alexandria. It’s not just a great historic town, but it’s got some great outdoor spots.
Biking Rentals and Tours
Old Town Alexandria is a great place to explore on two legs or even two wheels. There are some great bike rentals and tours you can book to explore the city. You can get an extra boost from the electric bikes to rent there.
You can even take the Old Town at Night route, which is specially carved out to take in the beauty at night. There’s also the Pedals N’ Pints tour which is guaranteed to be a beer lover’s delight.
Old Town Alexandria also has over 30 Capital Bikeshare stations which will help your group explore the historic Old Town. You can cruise along waterfront bike trails for as long as you want.
Other bike rental businesses include Unlimited Biking, Pedego Electric Bikes, and Wheel and Nuts Bike Shop. Also, Alexandria is the halfway point between Mount Vernon, the 18-mile trail path between Washington DC and George Washington’s Estate. You can take in the natural landscapes and the beauty of the waterfront route while you bike there. It’s a great way to exercise and also boost your Instagram with beautiful photos.
Other tours include the Mount Vernon by Bike and Boat tour. You can start in Alexandria and then cycle to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. There you can board the Potomac Riverboat Co.’s, Miss Christin. While you’re there, you can tour the historic estate and the museum as well as the grounds.
One great recommendation is Pedego Electric Bikes which gives you access to some of the best electric bikes available. It even offers guided tours which begin from the Old Town storefront.
Other trails include:
- Eisenhower Trail: The trail extends 1.8 miles from Cameron Run Regional Park. It heads towards the Eisenhower Metro Station.
- East Coast Greenway: This is the longest trail originating from the Old Town Alexandria area. It is a 3000-mile urban bicycle and walking route. It connects hundreds of communities from Calais to Key West, Florida. If you’re ever in the mood for a long trip with a loved one, a friend, or even a colleague, we suggest this trail. It’ll at least give you a good story to tell your children or grandkids. It’s an adventure that you’ll be talking about for a long time.
- Area Trails: There are several other trails in the Washington D.C region.
Of course, you’ll need the right bike maps if you’re going to embark on any one of these trails. This isn’t just, so you don’t get lost, but so you don’t miss any of the right attractions. You can, of course, use GPS, but certain bike maps single out landmarks that Google maps may not have.
You can use the City Bike Map, which you can get at the Alexandria Visitor Center or City Hall, or any recreation center. The best part is, the map is free.
Ask any listing agent in Mount Vernon, VA, and they’ll recommend these bike tours for sure.
Outdoor Dining Spots
Whether you’re strolling along the King Street Mile or really any other street in Old Town, you’re bound to run by some restaurants. The entire town has great outdoor dining options, from patios to rooftop terraces.
Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden
St. Augustine is the Augies in the name. Since he was the patron saint of brewers, it’s only fair that you get a huge collection of fresh mussels in unique flavors at this restaurant. You can get flavors like green curry and spicy grapefruit. In the outdoor space, which is called the Beer Garden, you can sit at patio tables and try any of the 70 beers that this restaurant serves.
Café 44
Away from King Street, Café 44 is one of the few places in Alexandria where you can marvel at the unobstructed beautiful panoramic views of the Potomac River. Of course, the food here is impeccable too.
It was named the Single Best Outdoor Restaurant in Virginia by “Eat This, Not That!” They also received the prestigious OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award for “Ambience, Outdoor Dining, Scenic View, Brunch and Cocktails.”
They rebranded the rooftop terrace as Bar 44 recently. The restaurant is complete with a new walk-up bar and a private party section. This is a great spot your listing agent in Mount Vernon, VA, may bring up.
Cedar Knoll
Cedar Knoll is a fine dining experience for any and all occasions. It’s a great culinary experience for the new and uninitiated as well as the experienced. The historical atmosphere and seasonal cuisine, as well as the serene waterfront views just complement each other.
The garden patio is also something to marvel at. The greenery and historic charm will blow you away. Not only that, but you will feel a calming presence here.
Barca Pier and Wine Bar
The Barca serves up alfresco dining, which features the Mediterranean, Moroccan, Greek, and Italian flavors. It has seating for over 200 guests and a lounge and a bar. There is a spot nearby which is called the Barca Wine Bar. It offers very intimate spaces with small plates and craft cocktails, and unique wines.
Blackwall Hitch
At the edge of the city of Alexandria Marina boardwalk, right beside the Torpedo Factory, is the Blackwall Hitch. It offers a beautiful patio view with a classic seafood dish menu. American cuisine is also available. The back of the patio is lined with beautiful couches and fire pits.
You can enjoy a great selection of local oysters and fresh seafood, as well as river sunset views of the Potomac River. The front patio is complete with an outdoor bar and offers a scenic view of Old Town. You can also see the Capital Wheel and National Harbour.
Evening Star
Evening Star is considered to be somewhat of a neighborhood gem that is nestled cozily in the Del Ry area. Though it’s not relatively old compared to the other restaurants in the area (est. 1997), it has fresh American cuisine. There is a fresh, warm toned interior and a Front Porch.
It has a spacious backyard and serves Edith’s famous Bourbon Slushies. Both areas are open from Wednesday to Sunday. Of course, it’s outdoor dining, so the weather is a factor too.
Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar
If you’re looking to head somewhere to commemorate Saint Patrick’s Day, then Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar is it. You will see the Irish antiques lining up the restaurant and will make any guest feel at home.
The patio on the rooftop can serve as a place of solace with a colorful garden. Guests can enjoy a good beer and good company, and great Irish cuisine. The tables are shielded from the hustle and bustle of King Street Below. It’ll be like your own sanctuary. That’s something which is in short supply these days.
You can even find options with the new streateries option. You can take advantage of the waterfront dining destinations after you take some tours on the water taxis (see below).
Sightseeing Tours by the Water
Do you enjoy tours by the water? Or do you just plain enjoy taking a ride on the water? Well, you can live in Old Town Alexandria, where that’s not a luxury but a commonality. Alexandria is a city hub for cruises which are anchored by Hornblower, Alexandria.
That’s the launching point for sightseeing cruises and water taxis. You can see national landmarks on the way and look at a scene of the bustling marina. You’ll get to see street performers and outdoor dining, and historical landmarks galore.
Parks and Trails
There are 900 acres of parks in beautiful Old Town Alexandria. There are also 8 waterfront parks, which all have ample green space and beautiful views. From nature parks to preservation areas to trail networks to national monuments and memorials, you name it, they’ve got it.
The Ghost Tour
If you’re into the eerie and creepy, then you can take a literal Ghost Tour in Old Town. The Ghost and Graveyard Tour in Alexandria is available to everyone. It’s a 2-2.5 hour walking haunted pub tour. You will be taken on a tour by a costumed guide who will treat you to all the terrors of the night.
You will be given a tour of some of the most haunted locations in all of Old Town Alexandria. The pubs which will be visited on the tour are small and crowded at times. Hence the guides will tell you most of the stories on the outside.
The pubs on the tour also have a large beer selection. The tour is incredibly popular for casual nights out as well. It will begin on King Street and end just a few blocks from it. Hence, it will literally take you on a round trip through the town. The tours meet by the fountain in front of Alexandria City Hall and end at Chadwicks. You can take the Free King St Trolley to the starting location if you wish.
Want to own a home that is surrounded by all this natural beauty and great lifestyle choices? Give us a call. We at Michael Gailliot Homes will find you the right home at the right price. So, what are you waiting for?
