After our long winter’s nap, Jim and I finally roused ourselves from a month-long self-induced coma of endless HBO series on-demand, hanging out at our local haunts in the evening, endless ipad games, sleeping late and general efforts not to think about writing anything. We finally climbed back on that ever temperamental travel writing steed and headed north on US 81 for a quick four day jaunt to our nation’s capital.
Jim and I have been to Alexandria Virginia many times because we love the history, architecture, shopping and fun late night dining and entertainment found in the Old Town. Fortunately for us, it’s only a 6 ½ hour drive from our home in Tennessee.
The plan was, to blow the cobwebs from our minds and indulge my affection for fine art museums at the National Gallery and Jim’s favorite haunt of Irish Pubs. Of course some of the best Irish Pubs in the DC area can be found in Old Town Alexandria, VA, so there was really no other choice but to stay in that beautiful, historic part of the city. How can you not love spending time in the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee? Imagine walking the same streets where our founders and rebels walked and hanging out where some of them may have hoisted a beer or two?
My favorite part of visiting the historic 18th century city is that you can stroll up King Street which is lined with restaurants, pubs, art galleries and shops for blocks and blocks, most of which are located in beautiful Federal Period buildings. If you wish to get off the main busy avenue, and wander back a street or two, everything becomes much more peaceful and you can enjoy the intricate brick architecture, stonework lintels and delicate fan windows of the row houses along the quiet residential streets dotted with the occasional antique store, tiny restaurant or shop, almost hidden among the rows of ornate steps leading up to the colorful doors of the houses.
Jim and I have been to Alexandria Virginia many times because we love the history, architecture, shopping and fun late night dining and entertainment found in the Old Town. Fortunately for us, it’s only a 6 ½ hour drive from our home in Tennessee.
The plan was, to blow the cobwebs from our minds and indulge my affection for fine art museums at the National Gallery and Jim’s favorite haunt of Irish Pubs. Of course some of the best Irish Pubs in the DC area can be found in Old Town Alexandria, VA, so there was really no other choice but to stay in that beautiful, historic part of the city. How can you not love spending time in the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee? Imagine walking the same streets where our founders and rebels walked and hanging out where some of them may have hoisted a beer or two?
My favorite part of visiting the historic 18th century city is that you can stroll up King Street which is lined with restaurants, pubs, art galleries and shops for blocks and blocks, most of which are located in beautiful Federal Period buildings. If you wish to get off the main busy avenue, and wander back a street or two, everything becomes much more peaceful and you can enjoy the intricate brick architecture, stonework lintels and delicate fan windows of the row houses along the quiet residential streets dotted with the occasional antique store, tiny restaurant or shop, almost hidden among the rows of ornate steps leading up to the colorful doors of the houses.
Who knew that while walking along one of these quiet back streets, Queen Street, that we would find a charming tribute to the Hobbit and Bilbo Baggins, at the Green Dragon Pub! This tiny pub gets packed really quickly in the evening, but if you get there in the mid-afternoon, you can have the great experience we had while sitting at the bar and talking with the bartender as he helpfully advised us as to which beers and wines would best match our particular drinking preferences and filled us in on the history of the cozy establishment. Check out Jim’s review of this fun watering hole!
We also love the area near the Potomac River where the Torpedo Factory Art Center (yes it really was an old Torpedo Factory!) houses amazingly talented artists who sell their work from tiny gallery showrooms located within the old factory loft. There is also a gallery hosting juried shows highlighting the work of local talent all through the year on the ground floor.
After an hour or two of exploring all the artist galleries you might be ready for a snack and one of the best views from the waterfront marina area can be found at the Chart House along with wonderfully large shrimp cocktails and chunky crab-filled cakes. It is a little pricey, but the cool contemporary atmosphere is relaxing and elegant. Unfortunately, it was too cold to sit out on their terrace which overlooks the marina. It’s one of my favorite places to people watch!
Later in the afternoon, when we headed back to our hotel room, our hotel for the weekend, Hotel Monaco, held a surprise we never anticipated. The lobby not only held patrons lingering around the cracking fire in the huge fireplace and lounging in the comfy chairs, but dogs also lazed near these chairs or trotted happily beside their owners as they crossed the lobby to elevators. Dogs? Jim and I exchanged puzzled looks…..note to self….check their website! Sure enough, Hotel Monaco is not only attractive and comfortable, but has pet friendly policies! While it seems that most animals are welcomed, it really appeared that at least that weekend, dogs ruled the hotel. It was really fun to see everyone petting and admiring these friendly, attention loving companions. We should have brought the puty!
The hotel hosts a wine-tasting hour in the early evenings, and that evening, the whole lounge area felt cozy and inviting as people gathered in the tastefully decorated room, groups chatting and sipping, warmed by the fire and wine and of course, some of them scratching doggies’ ears or rubbing doggie tummies.
The hotel hosts a wine-tasting hour in the early evenings, and that evening, the whole lounge area felt cozy and inviting as people gathered in the tastefully decorated room, groups chatting and sipping, warmed by the fire and wine and of course, some of them scratching doggies’ ears or rubbing doggie tummies.
The hotel is in a terrific location for visiting Alexandria since it’s within walking distance of all the good restaurants, pub, galleries and shops and within walking or quick taxi distance to historic sites and museums and the King St. Metro station. The Metro Station would be where we would be heading the next morning for our taste of the capitol. But the evening wasn’t over just yet!
Stay tuned for our upcoming posts about our evening visiting an old-time Cigar Bar, the best Cajun Food in Alexandria, and our cold blustery day in DC! Also coming up are more reviews of some of Jim’s favorite pubs in Alexandria!
Stay tuned for our upcoming posts about our evening visiting an old-time Cigar Bar, the best Cajun Food in Alexandria, and our cold blustery day in DC! Also coming up are more reviews of some of Jim’s favorite pubs in Alexandria!
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