A Day in Old Town Alexandria
Morning
Begin at Christ Church (
),
a handsome Georgian-style building completed in 1773. George
Washington’s box pew has been preserved. Then turn right onto Cameron
Street toward the harbor. Continue three blocks and turn right onto
North Royal Street. The two buildings on your right comprise
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
. The half-hour tours are a fascinating introduction to colonial life in the city.
Head back to the harbor,
turn left just before the Chart House Restaurant, and continue a half
block to the Torpedo Factory Food Pavilion, with its Italian and
Oriental specialties, and coffee bar. Take-out food can be eaten on the
Pavilion’s deck with its river views, or, a few steps upriver, in the
lush Founder’s Park.
Christ Church
Afternoon
Heading out of the Food Pavilion, directly ahead is the ticket booth for the Potomac Riverboat Company, which operates the Admiral Tilp. It provides a narrated 40-minute tour of the waterfront and nearby points of interest.
To the right of the tour boat kiosk is the
Torpedo Factory
. It takes at least an hour for even a
quick inspection of the studios of the over 164 artists here, so take a
leisurely late afternoon deciding which piece you’d like to take home.
Shops
-
ADC Map and Travel Center
Maps
and travel guides detail everything from the streets of Jakarta to the
interstates of Iowa. Many are beautiful in themselves, and all are
practical.
-
Old Print Gallery
The
gallery presents a huge collection of fine art prints arranged by
themes. An outstanding source for political cartoons, city views,
sporting prints, and historical subjects.
-
Politics and Prose
A
bookstore with a large selection of works on politics, culture, and
government. A cheerful place, despite its serious selection, with a
coffee bar.
-
Capitol Coin and Stamp
The
shop has a variety of coins and stamps – in a correspondingly huge
price range. For non-specialists, the colorful political campaign
stamps, buttons, and posters will be of interest.
Capitol Coin and Stamp
-
Affrica – African Art
This
Dupont Circle gallery specializes in authentic African artifacts of the
finest quality. The fabrics are astonishing in design and execution.
Masks, sculptures, and jewelry are equally fine.
-
Torpedo Factory Art Center
The
building was originally a factory to manufacture torpedoes. Today, the
site contains 83 studios where artists and craftspeople create work and
offer it for sale on site. Prints, ceramics, photography, painting, and
sculpture.
Logo, Torpedo Factory Art Center
-
Balducci’s
The gourmet ingredients here are of extraordinary quality, and the selection is astonishing. The wine choice is excellent.
-
Sullivan’s Toy Store
There
is such a range of playthings here that it is as fascinating for adults
as for children. The real stars are the items with a link to the past:
model kits, craft supplies, board games, and kites.
-
Copenhaver
In
Washington there remains an appreciation of the formalities of
communication. Copenhaver sells the tools: elegant writing paper,
envelopes, and pens.
-
Kron Chocolatier
This
store is famous for its molded chocolate items – bears, sports cars,
even the US Capitol. They also sell greeting cards made of chocolate.
Places to Eat
-
Farrah Olivia
Iron
Chef contender Morou Ouattara named this acclaimed restaurant after his
daughter. He has crafted a menu that reflects his African heritage and
French techniques while incorporating locally-sourced American
ingredients.
-
Austin Grill
The inexpensive Tex-Mex food here is a cut above similar places. Even the tortilla chips are flavorful. Tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, of course, but also good grilled fish and shrimp.
Austin Grill
-
Bacchus Restaurant
The mezze
at this Lebanese restaurant are delicious. Marinated chicken, eggplant,
hummus, and squid fill numerous little dishes with flavor.
-
Passage to India
The Indian menu here does not limit itself to any particular region of India. The dal and butter chicken are rich and smooth.
-
Ray’s the Steaks
A
favorite among steak-and-potatoes fans and insiders, this no-frills
steakhouse is known as one of the best dining bargains in the area.
Enjoy fine cuts of meat for a lower price than you expect.
-
1725 Wilson Blvd
-
703 841 7297
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Green Papaya
At this Vietnamese restaurant, lemon grass beef and chicken are popular.
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Bilbo Baggins Restaurant
The menu fuses dishes from around the world. Try crêpes with ham mousse and Gruyère.
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Jackie’s Restaurant
Housed
in a redesigned auto parts garage, Jackie’s adds a touch of fun to
eating out. Enjoy a modern American menu including free-range meats,
organic produce, and seafood.
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Restaurant Eve
Wood
and amber create a cozy ambience here. There is a cocktails and nibbles
lounge, a bistro, as well as a tasting room. Don’t miss the Musovy duck
leg with lentils.
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Taverna Cretekou
Fantastic Greek food, ouzo, and traditional dancing can be found at this popular restaurant.