Alexandria Travel Guide

"Perennial favorites" for a "dependable" "variety" of "regular American fare" that "doesn't require a second mortgage", these "comfortable" saloons are "agreeable" for an "old-fashioned" burger or "classier" pub grub paired with "competent" service and priced for "value"; each location has "its own motif" ("hunting lodge", "nautical", "clubby"), and the fact that they're "always packed" with "massive crowds" indicates they're "doing something right."

It's a "must-visit" for Masons, but even the uninitiated find this memorial to the first U.S. president (and Masonic brother) the "high point of Alexandria", offering "spectacular views of the DC area" from its observation deck; other points of interest include a 17-ft.-tall bronze statue of the father of our country and a "very interesting mini-museum housing memorabilia" that includes the family Bible and two sabers that adorned the coffin at Washington's funeral.

"Step back into the 18th century" at this "house that George built", a "must-see" Alexandria "treasure" that re-creates the "lives and times" of the first U.S. president and his wife, who lived for 40 years on this "wonderful waterside" property; "you'll be walking quite a bit" on the "beautiful grounds", but the "interesting architecture" and "expert historical presentations" make it a worthwhile trip, particularly now that they've added 67,000 sq. ft. of galleries, theaters and other interactive displays; P.S. "the best time to go" is during the Christmas season, when they offer "night tours."

"See what Washington was truly like" in the 18th century as you stroll the "cobblestone" streets of this "quaint" town just west of the Potomac; there are plenty of "lovely old townhouses", "history-filled buildings" and "great restaurants and shops", but you can also watch the "artists at work" in the Torpedo Factory (a "real find"), take a "fun ghost walking tour", cruise the "charming" waterfront or catch one of the "boats leaving almost hourly."

Alexandria oenophiles storm this quaint wine bar, fronted by former executive and pastry chefs from Aquarelle, for its arsenal of vinos by the glass and to go-with, intriguing small plates and desserts; the disarming list of surprising grape-based cocktails (e.g. rosé with lavender syrup) also ambushes sippers' senses.