When searching for your perfect home, the house itself isn’t the only factor in your final decision. The area surrounding your home plays a huge part in your lifestyle. For example, you need to have a handful of ways to unwind after a long day. So, if you’re looking at Old Town Alexandria homes for sale, here are some ways to relax around this beautiful Virginia neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of Vogue
The Arts
If you’re an art lover, look no further than Alexandria’s famous Torpedo Factory Art Center. This conglomeration hosts 82 artist studios, seven galleries, two workshop spaces, and the Alexandria Archeology Museum. It’s open to the public, and while there, you can see a finished collection by a painter or an ongoing masterpiece. If you find creativity relaxing, it’s the perfect place to stop and clear your mind. You can even take inspiration from the artists while looking for Old Town Alexandria homes for sale if you already live nearby!
If you want a few other options, the Principle Gallery is a popular spot to visit, as well as the public art installations in Waterfront Park. Here, you can walk through artistic pieces in the open air.
Not everyone just wants to see art, though. Sometimes, what you crave on a relaxing afternoon is to get your own hands dirty. In that case, anyone interested in Old Town Alexandria real estate would be pleased to know that local artists often hold workshops in town. Locals have held creative gardening classes, pottery courses, and painting classes, among other interests.
Culture & history
Sometimes, one of the best ways to relax and gain perspective is to connect with history. Lucky for culture lovers, Old Town Alexandria real estate is surrounded by historic locations. Are museums your favorite comfort stroll? Well, Alexandria has an abundance! The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum serviced colonial figureheads from the 1700s, like Martha Washington and the Alexandria Black History Museum, offers guests a dynamic perspective on the area’s past. However, one of the most famous Alexandria locations is Mount Vernon—George Washington’s home.
For something a little more unconventional, though, get comfortable at the Gadsby Tavern Restaurant. Not only is it a great place to dine and has been serving food since 1770, but the restaurant also functions as a colonial museum showcasing how people lived during the American Revolution.
Since Alexandria is one of the oldest European colonized cities in the country, the neighborhood bursts with spooky ghost tales. If this excites you, a ghost tour is an essential part of your stay in Alexandria.
Food for the soul
Alexandria offers a diverse selection of restaurants. The best spots to relax and indulge in delicious meals include Fountaine, offering classic crêpes, Taverna Cretekou, a family-run Greek eatery open for more than 50 years, and Don Taco, famous for top-tier Mexican street eats.
For some, a home-cooked meal is a better way to unwind. Luckily for them, any Old Town Alexandria real estate they invest in will have a nearby farmers’ market, which is pretty standard in this area. The most famous one is the Old Town Farmers' Market. It’s been running every Saturday for almost 260 years and, during the most crowded times of the year, they host over 70 vendors.
Parks & recreation
Nature is the best place to rest and relax, and all Old Town Alexandria homes for sale benefit from the greenery in the area. Old Town Alexandria boasts diverse views and stunning scenery, from the Potomac River to its riverside parks. South of Old Town Alexandria real estate is the famous 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, which follows the Potomac River for a beautiful hike with a stunning view. Explore Old Town’s Jones Point Park, home to the historic District of Columbia Boundary Stone and the Jones Point Lighthouse for something a little less urban. The Jones Point Lighthouse is the only lighthouse left on the Chesapeake Bay, a unique and iconic area staple.
While exploring these beautiful natural landscapes, you can also kick your feet up on a Potomac boat tour or practice yoga or tai chi in the park. Your nature-based rest should be rooted in whatever you love to do.
Music & entertainment
Old Town Alexandria has no shortage of entertainment — the neighborhood hosts concerts and plays year-round. For example, in January and February 2022, the Little Theater of Alexandria hosts Bright Star, a Tony-winning musical, and Blue Stockings, a moving historical drama about women’s education. If you prefer to try a little theater yourself, the Little Theater is in the center of Old Town Alexandria and offers year-round acting classes for children and adults.
If you love trivia and athletics, Old Town Alexandria has you covered. Luckily for anyone interested in Old Town Alexandria real estate, The Light Horse Restaurant hosts a weekly Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Port City Brewing Company does something similar, except they offer a runners group, hosting mile runs and beer-tastings each month.
Community events
Alexandria takes event-hosting seriously when bringing the community together over the holidays. Locals have multiple annual events to look forward to each season, like the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade or the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
If you’re interested in making Old Town Alexandria your new home, contact experienced local agent Chris Fraser to get started. With over 13 years of experience, Chris and his team offer unparalleled service to help you meet your real estate goals. Contact them today to find your next dream home in Alexandria!
