Visiting Old Town is always a memorable experience, but especially during the holidays. The city dates back to the 1700s and was home to many of the nation’s founders, but it’s constantly evolving and adding new reasons to spend the day here. The 100 block of King Street is now closed to cars, making Old Town even more walker-friendly, and it’s easy to get around using the King Street Trolley, which runs free round trips from King Street Metro to City Hall in Market Square. In December, Old Town really amps up the charm: Local businesses put up resplendent displays, and the trees along King Street are draped in glittering lights. Old Town’s seasonal celebrations offer visitors an array of activities steeped in nostalgic tradition.
DISCOVER
1. Ever since Threadleaf, a design-forward, ethically sourced women’s apparel store, opened its doors, it’s been on the radar of discerning shoppers. Owner Nicole McGrew focuses her collection on simple, fresh, comfortable clothing that will last. Look for cashmere scarves, supima leggings, and cute hemp scrunchies. 102 N. Fayette St. Alexandria
SHOP
2. You’ll be inspired by the curated merchandise at Red Barn Mercantile, like high-end cocktail supplies, Mother shrub drinking vinegars, collectible fabric dolls, and presidential-themed goods. 1117 King St., Alexandria
PRESERVE
3. Fill your own containers with organic green lentils, berries, and legumes at Mason & Greens, a hyper-clean market. Find seasonal produce and spices sitting prettily in baskets, along with refrigerated prepared foods, at Alexandria’s only zero-waste store. 913 King St., Alexandria
CUDDLE
4. Fraternize with felines at Mount Purrnon Cat Café + Wine Bar. Free-range cats are available for adoption, but anyone can watch them playing, snoozing, and snacking in the upstairs lounge. 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria
SAVOR
5. Looking for a hot drink while you explore the waterfront? Stop into Café du Soleil, a new, veteran-owned shop, for a cup of Counter Culture coffee or glass of wine. Try the luscious French-inspired baked goods and crêpes while you warm up inside the snug brick bistro. 215 S. Union St., Alexandria
SIP
6. Cozy Brüt Champagne & Wine Bar offers tastings of wines from Europe and the United States, including Billecart-Salmon from the Champagne region and Early Mountain Vineyards in Central Virginia. 118 S. Royal St., Alexandria
DINE
7. Gadsby’s Tavern is a local institution. It opened in 1785, with George Washington holding his birthday party here in 1798 and 1799. Today, the restaurant features heritage dishes like peanut soup and roasted duck with corn pudding (Washington’s favorite). 138 N. Royal St., Alexandria
COVET
8. Enter a quaint courtyard to find Donna Lewis, a boutique brimming with elegant clothes for men and women. Among the many covetable items are jewel-toned suede loafers and Adesi cashmere sweaters. For holiday gifts, peruse the bright patterned scarves and Donna Lewis Alfresco face coverings. 309 Cameron St., Alexandria
SIP
9. Ward off winter’s chill at The Spice & Tea Exchange, where you can order hot oolong, green, black, or herbal to go. Find the perfect present for the foodie in your life—perhaps gourmet hot-cocoa samplers, spice packets, or artisan soy candles. 320 King St., Alexandria
EXPLORE
10. You get a full-service art experience at Torpedo Factory Art Center. Watch artists at work, then admire or even purchase the results on display. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
TOUR
11. Carlyle House Historic Park, built circa 1753, is the area’s best example of Georgian-style residential architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
BITE
12. Stop by Haute Dogs & Fries for a satisfying snack. Among the best of the signature hot dogs are the Coney Island, with meat sauce, onions, and mustard, as well as the Duck Duck Dog, with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber. 610 Montgomery St., Alexandria
This Month
December 4, 11 a.m.: The 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend begins with a parade of bagpipers and Scottie dogs prancing through Old Town on their way to Market Square.
December 4, 2 p.m.: At the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, enjoy the pop-up beer garden, chocolate bar, and postcard station for kids to mail notes to Santa.
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
