Alexandria Things to Do

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When I can, I like to include information of city halls since so much is in direct relation with them as far as the tourist industry and activities. We came upon this night while they were having a evening concert here in the City Halls court yard. I couldn't help take the picture of that wonderful glorious flag.

Alexandria's city hall was founded in 1749. The tall, steepled tower, which contrasts with the building's Second Empire-style massing and detailing, is a reconstruction of a tower designed by Benjamin H. Latrobe that was part of Alexandria's 1817 town hall. That hall burned in 1871. In 1960-61, an addition was built on City Hall, filling in the old courtyard. The building was reoriented toward the south with the new entrance facing King Street and Market Square, an open, landscape plaza with central fountain, completed in 1967 as part of the Gadsby Commercial Urban Renewal Project. Beginning in 1981, the building was renovated to link the 1871 building and the 1961 addition with new elevators, stairs and corridors.

Washington drilled troops here for both the French and Indian and the Revolutionary Wars. At Arell's Tavern, once located on this site, Washington chaired a committee in 1774 that adopted the Fairfax Resoves.

Hours of Operation: M-F 8 AM to 5 PM

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I did not anticipate stopping at this house but as I was waiting for some of the other tours I decided to stop here. It was a beautiful house, although I had no idea who this Carlyle person must be. :)

However, I had some time so I went on a tour led by a nice guide. It was just her and I so it was more of a private tour. :) You begin the tour in the gift shop/basement/slave quarters. Then you see a video about John Carlyle and his upbringing. After the video you tour his living areas and bedrooms. Each room has lovely artifacts and are decorated in time period antiques.

Monday CLOSED
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Ages 4 and Under Free
Age 5 - 12 $3.00
Age 13 & Over $5.00

History copied from the website:

Carlyle House stands as a reminder of Alexandria’s prosperity and growth during the mid-eighteenth century. One of the founders and first landowners in Alexandria, John Carlyle and his first wife Sarah Fairfax, moved into their completed house on August 1, 1753. That same night, she gave birth to their first son, prompting John to write to his brother George “its a fine beginning.” Sadly, John's beloved wife Sarah died on January 22, 1761 after giving birth to their seventh child, a daughter named Anne. On October 22, 1761 John then married the daughter of town trustee, Hugh West.

The story of Carlyle House parallels the early history of Alexandria, colonial Virginia, and America. Restored during the statewide celebrations for the Bicentennial, the house is owned and operated by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Carlyle House interprets the lifestyle of an 18th-century Virginia family and their servants and slaves.

This is the home of the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). It features a variety of art programs, to include painting, photography, architecture shows, theater, music, storytelling, and more.

This Greek-Revival building was built in 1851-52. It was originally the Bank of the Old Dominion. Many prominent locals, including General Robert E. Lee, banked here. During the Civil War, it became a Union commissary, and later a field hospital. It later served as an apothecary, and as a church. It was purchased by the NVFAA in 1964.

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This historic tavern was a popular watering hole for many local residents during the 18th century. This included General George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. It was here that he gave his last official order as the commander of the Continental Army. It also had a small inn. This is now a restaurant and museum (see my Restaurant tips for more).

Inside the museum are exhibits on the life of early colonial taverns. People came here not only to drink, eat, and socialize but often to stay. Travelers slept in the rooms upstairs--often crammed in three or more to a bed. There was no indoor plumbing; they had to use the chamber pots provided or the outhouse.

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The Lyceum was built in 1839, as a concert, exhibition, and lecture hall. The building also served at different times as a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building, and other functions. Since 1985, it has been the Alexandria History Museum.

Inside are exhibits on the city's long history, including the life of George Washington, the colonial days, the Civil War era, and more recent history. There are also special events, so check the website below for more.

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday: 1 pm to 5 pm. It's closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

The marina is surrounded by parks, walking/bike trails, quaint restaurants, shops, historic sites, host to summer concerts, boating enthusiasts which includes pleasure boats and commercial vessels. For boaters who wish to stay over night, restroom and shower facilities are available.

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Short history up until 2008 the Woodrow Wilson Bridge was one of the worst bottlenecks on the East Coast causing massive traffic jams in the DC area. 6 lanes 3 each way just wasn't enough. In 2008 we finally got a new bridge with 10 lanes of traffic and for walkers, bikers and rollerbladers a very wide walkway. The Virginia entrance is very close to the Old Town section of Alexandria and the Maryland entrance is 1/2 mile from the new National Harbor shopping entertainment complex. You also get great views of the skyline of Washington with all of the famous sites including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol

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I really enjoyed the Museum at Mount Vernon. It was fun, interactive and very educational. They had numerous displays on Washington from his early life until his death. They highlighted his life as a farmer, soldier and eventually President of the United States.

I especially enjoyed a film they had highlighting some revolutionary battles. They even had special effects such as snow falling into the auditorium during winter battle scenes.