A Few Questions About Restaurants In Old Town Alexandria, VA And The Smithsonian In D.C.
May 15th, 2001, 01:28 PM
#21
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Gee, color me embarrassed ... I suppose it's the Alex. Gazette (I am guessing) ... I read the Post every day, so you got me!!! I'm sure someone will know. Well, there goes all my credibility, right out the window. Actually, I was on my way out the door to take the subway to King Street Station ... meeting my wife for dinner near Stella's, and then home to feed the cats. I'll have to admit my duh!! Have a great trip to DC and OT. Ciao, Leone
May 15th, 2001, 08:53 PM
#22
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Many thanks to those who have given their suggestions and opinions about the restaurants and museums. I can tell from the comments here and my own research, that hubby and I will have to make more than a few trips to even begin to scratch the surface of all that the area has to offer!
May 16th, 2001, 04:37 AM
#23
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Samantha, you'll find the real beauty of Old Town lies in its side streets. The area south of King Street (where your hotel is) and east of Washington Street is called the "Southeast Qaudrant" and it may be one of the most charming neighborhoods in the country. Just set off down any north-south street (St. Asaph would be a great start), then just turn left and right and enjoy the sights.
Alexandria is an old port city dating from the early 1800s; it rose to prominence with tobacco trade and then went into hibernation around the turn of the century. But for the luck of the draw, it would doubtlessly have been bulldozed in the name of urban renewal 40 years ago but, instead, it has been reborn as a community.
Those fine old Federal townhouses are the real thing; they're not a modern replica and real people live in them. The stree-shaded streets and brick sidewalks are there because this is a village for pedestrians.
Please plan to spend an early morning or an early evening taking in the community. You won't be disappointed.
Alexandria is an old port city dating from the early 1800s; it rose to prominence with tobacco trade and then went into hibernation around the turn of the century. But for the luck of the draw, it would doubtlessly have been bulldozed in the name of urban renewal 40 years ago but, instead, it has been reborn as a community.
Those fine old Federal townhouses are the real thing; they're not a modern replica and real people live in them. The stree-shaded streets and brick sidewalks are there because this is a village for pedestrians.
Please plan to spend an early morning or an early evening taking in the community. You won't be disappointed.
May 16th, 2001, 05:44 AM
#24
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A few more ideas: on either Friday or Saturday night, walk down King toward the river, and see all the graying bikers from the 50's and 60's ...and many neat machines. Near the water you'll see Jamie, a man who plays water harps beautifully. Only one of four in the country at his level ... Chopin, etc. Behind Torpedo Factory people are sitting out by the water and it's great seeing boats at night out on the Potomac. Many galleries are open, and people are just walking along. You can even take a walking tour to see haunted places ... tour starts three blocks east of Washignton on King, near the 219 restaurant. Have a good time. Ciao.
May 16th, 2001, 08:12 AM
#25
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Samantha -
I've lived in Old Town for seven years so let me give you a few recommendations that have not been mentioned:
Best burgers - Five Guys (on Fayette)
Best Coffee - Misha's (on Henry)
Best Jazz - 219 Restaurant, upstairs (On King)
Best piano bar - Morrison House (on Alfred)
Best seafood - Blue Point Grill (On Franklin)
Best French - Le Refuge (on Washington)
Best Chili - Hard Times Cafe (on King)
As has been mentioned, I strongly recommend making the Saturday AM market and taking a stroll in the Southeast Quadrant.
Have fun!
I've lived in Old Town for seven years so let me give you a few recommendations that have not been mentioned:
Best burgers - Five Guys (on Fayette)
Best Coffee - Misha's (on Henry)
Best Jazz - 219 Restaurant, upstairs (On King)
Best piano bar - Morrison House (on Alfred)
Best seafood - Blue Point Grill (On Franklin)
Best French - Le Refuge (on Washington)
Best Chili - Hard Times Cafe (on King)
As has been mentioned, I strongly recommend making the Saturday AM market and taking a stroll in the Southeast Quadrant.
Have fun!
