<p>D will be graduating from college in DC in the spring, so it looks like my October trip to see her will be one of my last forays to the area. Over the years we’ve done the expected list of tourist stuff when I visited, but I realized we’ve never been to Old Town Alexandria. It certainly seems worth an afternoon of wandering. Am I right? (I’m a history buff; D’s not, but will tolerate that sort of thing provided there are enough time-outs for shopping.) Anything we shouldn’t miss? Any recommendations for a nice meal at a place that isn’t too touristy?</p>
<p>I would say that Old Town is better done at night when the streets are full of people. I love Old Town. It’s a lot of “boutique” type shops but mostly places to eat. The buildings are unique but it isn’t really an “historical” area like Mount Vernon, etc. Wander down to the river on one side of the street and up the other side.</p>
<p>Also, visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, it is an artist enclave and the artists have studios there along with the store fronts. [Torpedo</a> Factory Art Center - Building Hours](<a href=“http://www.torpedofactory.org/hours.htm]Torpedo”>Visit | Torpedo Factory Art Center) </p>
<p>For Restaurants, if you like seafood you could try [… :: THE WHARF :: …](<a href=“http://www.wharfrestaurant.com/”>http://www.wharfrestaurant.com/</a>), We have also enjoyed Restaurant Eve, [Restaurant</a> Eve - Nourish The Palate](<a href=“http://www.restauranteve.com/]Restaurant”>http://www.restauranteve.com/)</p>
<p>By all means, don’t miss Old Town! You could stop at the Visitor’s Center on King Street for some suggestions about historical sites, which are interspersed with shops, so both you and your daughter should enjoy walking around. Another possibility for lunch/dinner is the bar menu at the Light Horse, also on King Street. Have fun!</p>
<p>Forget Georgetown, Old Town is our go-to place for relaxing and fun times. Very dog friendly, you’ll see dogs hanging out at outdoor tables with their families ala Europe.</p>
<p>Check out a place called The Fish Market for good eats.</p>
<p>Visit the Masonic Temple. Old Town Trolley I think its called runs from the Torpedo Factory to King Street Metro, and is free. Do the ghost tour. Gatsby’s Tavern, etc.</p>
<p>One of my favorite places. I haven’t been in a long time, though. We’d go to the Fish Market as they had a cast iron kettle of New Eng. clam chowder that was good. There is a Chart House down there, too. You’ll have a great time.</p>
<p>Old Town Alexandria is very pedestrian friendly, and with the free shuttle that runs the length on King St (the main street in town) it’s very easy to get around. The visitor’s center is a good place to start. We ate at several restaurants while there, inlcuding the Fish Market, and didn’t have a bad meal anywhere (not that that’s not possible).</p>
<p>When in Alexandria last spring I had a great meal at Vermilion. Downstairs is very bar-like, upstairs is still casual but a bit prettier.
[Vermilion</a> Restaurant : Alexandria VA : Welcome](<a href=“http://www.vermilionrestaurant.com/]Vermilion”>http://www.vermilionrestaurant.com/)</p>
<p>One of my favorites. Great for lunch or dinner.</p>
<p>[Welcome</a> to the Majestic](<a href=“http://www.majesticcafe.com%5DWelcome”>http://www.majesticcafe.com)</p>
<p>I like Monroe’s, two miles from Old Town.</p>
<p>[Monroe’s</a> - Del Ray, Alexandria - Italian Restaurants](<a href=“HugeDomains.com”>http://www.monroesrestaurant.com/)</p>
<p>For a great bowl of chili (famous, too, apparently), try:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.hardtimes.com/locations/alexandria/[/url]”>http://www.hardtimes.com/locations/alexandria/</a></p>
<p>Thanks for all the info! We’ll definitely try Old Town Alexandria–now just hoping for dry weather.</p>