It’s easy to explore Del Ray, clustered as it is along main drag Mount Vernon Avenue—just start on the north or south side of the street, and start walking. Along the way, you’ll find picture-perfect murals (the latest, of residents’ dogs, just went up on the side of Stomping Ground at 2309 Mount Vernon Avenue), remnants of Art Deco architecture, friendly coffee shops, and a few surprises. The area may be best known for The Birchmere Music Hall, but there are plenty of reasons to visit any time of day—especially mealtime.
Illustration by Grace Taylor
ROCK
1. The Birchmere. Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Dave Matthews have all played here since it opened in 1966. The audience is planted just two feet from the stage for an intimate vibe. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, birchmere.com
INDULGE
2. Cheesetique. Fromage fans know where to get a fix: this bistro, where grown-up mac and cheese and daily fondue surprises are on the menu. 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, cheesetique.com
3. Postcard Painting. One of several murals paying homage to the city’s history is on the south side of Cheesetique’s building, illustrating the old St. Asaph Racetrack.
STRETCH
4. Yoga in Daily Life. Spend the afternoon doing sun salutations inside an Art Deco–inspired building that was, in the 1920s, one of the first movie houses in this area. Today, it’s a yoga studio where you can drop in for just one class, or sign up for a monthly membership. 2402 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, yogaindailylifeus.org
LICK
5. The Dairy Godmother. Check the website of this retro parlor for the flavor of the day, but you really can’t go wrong here. Vegans usually get to choose between two flavors, and for everyone else, there’s Wisconsin-style frozen custard. 2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, thedairygodmother.com
CAFFEINATE
6. St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub. Everything you’d want in a neighborhood’s unofficial gathering spot: local art, free WiFi, frequent live music, and chairs you can sink into. Outside is another of the area’s colorful murals, this one featuring former Alexandrian Jim Morrison. 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, stelmoscoffeepub.com
MEDITATE
7. Judy Lowe Neighborhood Park. Make tracks to the labyrinth in this pocket park. It’s a peaceful path for grounding yourself. 1 & 7 E. Del Ray Ave. (at Commonwealth Ave.), Alexandria
SHOP
8. Kiskadee. Inside the cheerful yellow cottage with the striped awning, you’ll find clothes from the likes of Johnny Was and Michael Stars. 2205 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, kiskadeeshop.com
READ
9. Poetry Fence. This local landmark is a rotating display of verses, photos, comic strips, and whatever else has recently charmed Renée Adams, the woman who lives in the cottage behind it. Dewitt & East Windsor Avenues, Alexandria
RELAX
10. Evening Star Cafe. Watch the world go by from one of the area’s signature outdoor drinking spots (right now, it’s all about bourbon slushies). 2000 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, eveningstarcafe.net
TASTE
11. The Garden. Like a biergarten, but kid- and dog-friendly. You’ll find 16 beers on tap, plus wine, cocktails, beignets, and room for your kids (furry or not) to roam. 1503 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, thegardendelray.com
APPRECIATE
12. Swing’s Coffee. Connoisseurs head to this airy, industrial coffee bar and roastery in a 1950s Deco–style building. 501 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, swingscoffee.com
This Month
July 1: On First Thursday evenings during the summer, Mount Vernon Avenue hosts a free street festival (July’s theme: “Red, White & Blue”).
July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: At Del Ray Farmers Market, more than 20 vendors post up at the corner of Mount Vernon and Oxford avenues from 8 a.m. to noon.
July 10: Browse the Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market in the parking lots at 1804 and 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feature image by M Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
