the Quixotic Chica: old town alexandria

September 24, 2013

Project DC: Old Town, Part 2

Old Town Alexandria is cute. There is just no denying it. But as the hubs and I looped through the colonial streets, the sun started to set, and we found ourselves in golden hour. Suddenly, the streets seemed a bit more still, and everything pulsed with a soft, warm glow.

Eventually, we made our way to the waterfront, passing by the seafood restaurants and dining crowds. It was a bit congested, but still a pleasant way to end the day. There's something wholly soothing about looking out at the water in the dimming light. Even with the throngs of people everywhere, it was nice to watch the ducks splashing around and enjoy the warm, end-of-summer air.

Is Old Town a must-see? I think so. I'm glad that we went and walked around at our leisure, and I am especially relieved that for the most part, we avoided tourists crowds. It's a cute little place to spend a few hours, and it's nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city every now and again. I think that was the magic of Old Town-- the fact that it seemed very content to exist on its own and could carry its own history. And the sunsets aren't too bad, either.

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Want to read more about having fun in DC? Follow along as I embark on Project DC:

~~1. Go to the Air and Space Museum.~~

2. Go for a leisurely hike in Rock Creek Park.

3. Go on a White House tour.

~~4. Buy DC artwork at Eastern Market.~~

~~5. Visit Old Town on a day trip. (Part 1)~~

6. Take a day trip to Annapolis.

7. Go to the Newseum.

8. Go back to Jazz in the Garden when it starts up again in the spring.

9. Go to the Holocaust Museum.

~~10. Eat at Ben's Chili Bowl.~~

11. See the FDR Memorial.

~~12. Take the hubs to the Lincoln Memorial.~~

13. Go to the National Portrait Gallery.

14. Go to the Corcoran.

15. Visit the Vietnam Memorial.

~~16. Go inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.~~

17. Go to more embassy events.

~~18. See a show at Rock & Roll Hotel.~~

19. See the drum circle at Malcolm X Park.

20. Mini golf at H Street Country Club.

21. Evening drinks at POV.

22. Visit the National Archives.

~~23. See a Washington Ballet performance.~~

24. Walk through the National Arboretum.

September 17, 2013

Project DC: Old Town, Part 1

When I first moved to DC in the summer of 2008, I heard a lot of people raving about how cute Old Town Alexandria was and how I absolutely needed spend time there. I also remember thinking, "Virginia? Ugh."

I can't help it, readers. Even though DC is nestled right beside the Commonwealth, Virginia seems so very far away. And rural. And Virginian.

Still, though, it seemed silly not to check it out when so many people seemed to love it. I've hopped over to various places in NoVA over the past few years, and my trip to Old Town was long overdue. On a whim fueled mainly by the fact that we had a rental car to use for the weekend, the hubs and I took a drive down south for dinner in Old Town.

The rich colonial history is the obvious appeal. Every house seems to have a plaque posted outside proclaiming its connection to George Washington, and the streets are charming. The hubs and I ambled our way through town in the golden evening light, and I started to get it. The quaint historical town with all the beauty of Georgetown without the crowds? It's a keeper.

I could have walked around those brick sidewalks forever. But I have a secret. As enchanting as the old colonial homes are, the real beauty of Old Town comes alive as the sun starts sinking in the sky. The bricks turn a bit golden, the streets take on a bit of a sparkle... it's all very beautiful.

More on Old Town's secrets in Part 2. :)