A Charlottean’s weekend getaway guide to visiting a top-ranked city: Alexandria, Virginia
Oftentimes, months of planning go into a short blip of a weekend trip. While planning can be fun, we’ve gone ahead and done the heavy-lifting planning for you for a weekend guide to Alexandria, Virginia.
All you have to do is simply enjoy it. And there is a lot to enjoy, even if it’s just for a short three days.
This year, Alexandria was awarded the readers’ choice third best small city in the US by Conde Nast Traveler.
It has the slow, small-town charm contrasted with an alive cosmopolitan air — a quick 10-minute drive from Washington, D.C. There’s a deeply historic feel here, bolstered by cobblestone streets, 18th century row homes and a palpable identity as an economic hub in colonial times. While this mini-vacation is certainly a trip to Old Town Alexandria, you’re guaranteed to get a feel for both the old and the new.
It won’t be like the notorious eighth grade class trip to D.C. — tiresome and a bit of a drag. It will instead feel like a charming mid-Atlantic getaway with green parks and some top-notch drinks and dining.
What’s unique about this Alexandria itinerary is that it’s not a busy roster of activities and restaurants. It’s in fact incredibly straightforward; think of it as your personal, digital travel agent.
We’ve done the research. You just have to make the drive or book the flight. The rest — from restaurant to historic trails — is right here.
Getting there:
Flights from Charlotte to DC range from $100 to $300 for a round trip. There are often 12 or more flights a day leaving Charlotte for DC.
If you’re one for a slower, scenic route, the drive is just short of 400 miles and can include a short stop to Shenandoah National Park. Take I-77 North and I-81 North toward Shenandoah, heading toward the southern end of Skyline Drive at the Rockfish Gap Entrance for iconic Blue Ridge views.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Hotel Heron
Location: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314
First, check into the boutique accommodations at Hotel Heron. It’s in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria — exceptionally walkable and designed to maintain historic charm but flex modern, clean-cut amenities. As a serious plus, it’s equipped with outstanding on-site food and beverage options, from early morning coffee to a late-night rooftop.
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Old Hat
Location: 112 N St. Asaph St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Let Friday night show you that Alexandria is more than just a historic town; it’s also a food-centric, hospitality-driven city. The rest of the weekend, you’ll explore some history, so let Friday be Friday.
Start the evening right around the corner from Hotel Heron at the two-story cocktail bar, Old Hat. This funky watering hole and kitchen has a true underdog, hidden gem feel — a local’s spot with black and white checkered floors and cozy wooden booths. The kicky Pimento Colada and Jersey sour with a red wine float are two unique cocktails. A chef told me that’s where industry folks grab a drink after their shift.
Stracci Pizza
Location: 106 Hume Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301
For dinner, get to Stracci Pizza on the earlier side. Stracci Pizza is one of the few spots not quite in Old Town, but is a destination in and of itself; an 8 minute Uber will do the trick.
This no-reservations pizza joint is guaranteed to have loyal flocks and visitors huddling around the entrance. The fresh, Italian-influenced veggie dishes, the Roman style pizza and the salty focaccia — hand-mixed and fresh-baked — are the stars. As a snug neighborhood spot, you may end up befriending folks at the table next to you.
SATURDAY
African American Heritage Trails
Location: Multiple routes
Wake up nice and early for some espresso at the coffee bar on Hotel Heron’s first floor. After coffee (or with coffee in hand), combine history, fresh air and sightseeing with the African American Heritage Trail. This trail is largely a waterfront walk, showcasing sights of the Potomac and several of Alexandria’s green areas, like Founders Park or Waterfront Park.
The historical trail is testament to “Africans and their descendants, enslaved and free” that have made contributions to the area’s local economy and culture, according to the trail’s website. This is a free activity, as well.
Complete the trail by exploring the Freedom House Museum on Duke Street, which “honors the lives and experiences of the enslaved and free Black people who lived in and were trafficked through Alexandria,” according to the museum’s website.
Old Town Books
Location: 130 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Invigorated by history, you may find yourself wanting to learn a bit more. Head up from the waterfront to Old Town Books — the cutest neighborhood book shop. There, you’ll find history books, and much, much more, depending on if you want to cozy up with a quick romantic read or commit to a series of fantastical thrills. Either way, they’ve got it. Good luck not wanting to stay in town and join one of their many book clubs.
Le Refuge
Location: 127c North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
For lunch, make time for a savory, midday interlude at the quaintest French restaurant, Le Refuge. Stepping into this tiny, 36-year-old restaurant, you’ll get both a feel for an Alexandria staple and a genuine bistro in France. The walls are adorned in Parisian touches and French art; the menu includes soups, salads, hors d’oeuvres and mains, like a crusted salmon or leg of lamb. You can keep it light, too — just a small cheese plate and an order of escargot with a white burgundy will do the trick.
Afternoon activities
Now, depending on your energy levels, this pocket of late afternoon can be for:
Reading your recently purchased book at one of the aforementioned parks
Napping at the hotel
Or wandering a mile along King Street for boutiques, cafes and shops. This guide will help you find your shopping destination.
Francis Hall
Location: Hotel Heron: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Come evening, we’ll leave it up to you if you want the cocktails at Francis Hall to be pre- or post-dinner drinks, but either way, make sure to stop in for at least one right there in the Hotel Heron lobby area. Dress up dapper because moody Francis Hall is sophisticated, intimate and crafting fanciful sips.
KILN
Location: Hotel Heron: 699 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314
For Saturday dinner, visit KILN, which just so happens to be the ground-floor restaurant at the hotel. You’ve been roaming around town all day; here’s permission to stay in for the night and still get some of the finest food in town.
Expect the table to fill up with exceptional small plates, like tuna crudo, smoked clams and broccoli toast, and ember-roasted sweet potatoes. Dining here is quite a sight to behold with a live-fire hearth and an open kitchen. Reservations are recommended.
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SUNDAY
Sight-seeing stroll
Start the day with a gentle, sight-seeing stroll. From Hotel Heron, take a roundabout route and walk along Duke, Prince and King streets, heading toward the waterfront. Along Prince Street, you’ll see Captain’s Row — a cobblestone section lined with colorful, federal-style row homes framed by gas lamps. This self-guided route will allow you to take in all of the red-brick sidewalks distinctly Alexandrian. (If today is check-out, Heron is happy to store luggage as you stroll around town.)
Chadwicks
Location: 203 Strand St., Alexandria, VA 22314
While down by the water, grab a drawn-out brunch at Chadwicks for Southern fare with an English pub aesthetic.
Cafe Du Soleil
Location: 215 S Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Another option is grabbing a quick coffee and crepe at local favorite Cafe Du Soleil. This Black-owned cafe makes some all-time savory crepes and has nook-and-cranny, cozy seating.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center
Location: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA 22314
End the walk by the river at The Torpedo Factory Art Center. This is part-museum, part-art studio, part-historic structure. Wander through what used to be an old munitions plant and get a peek of various artists from jewelers to sculptors at work in their open studios. Entrance is free.
Caphe Banh Mi
Location: 407 Cameron St., Alexandria VA 22314
For lunch, you simply can’t miss the best Vietnamese spot in this historic town. Caphe Banh Mi is a local, owner-operated cafe with hearty pho, a lineup of banh mi sandwiches on 8-inch baguettes and several filling rice plates. Locals recommend calling the restaurant in advance to check their availability, as the ultra-cozy, casual joint fills up quickly.
This lunch joint is conveniently located just a block from the main strip, King Street, which on busy weekends, can get a bit busy, but on slower weekends, offers blocks of leisurely pop-in-pop-out shopping.
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Location: 105-107 S Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
For a unique perusing experience you won’t get in Charlotte, visit The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum a short walk from King Street. This former apothecary opened in 1792 and operating until 1933 houses herbal botanicals, old invoices and prescriptions, and tonics.
Gadsby’s Tavern
Location: 138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Close out the weekend with another vintage gem — a bite of history at Gadsby’s Tavern. This may be the most “touristy” thing you do all weekend, but it’s a totally immersive taste of history at an elegant Colonial dining room.
The traveler’s tavern dates back to 1785, once hosting visitors like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In the past, it was described as one of the “finest public houses” in America, hosting lavish balls and political gatherings. The dining room is a bit stuffy and the food a bit heavy, but it’s part of the history, right?
While this mini-vacation is certainly a trip to Old Town Alexandria, you’re guaranteed to get a feel for both the old and the new.
It won’t be like the notorious eighth grade class trip to D.C. — tiresome and a bit of a drag. It will instead feel like a charming mid-Atlantic getaway, with green parks, river access and perfectly-preserved colonial architecture. History and museums are well within reach, walkability is a massive perk and modern food and hospitality turn this small city into a true foodie destination.
