Hello --

Heading to Manassas for a wedding this weekend and am still trying to decide on priorities for the trip. We will have a rental car (but we plan on using the trains/metro as much as possible). I'm travelling with my husband, mom, and 23-year old sister. DH and I are into art and architecture, whereas my mom and sister are more into shopping.

We plan to spend most of our time in DC, but would also like to check out either Georgetown or Alexandria. I've looked at guidebooks, but can't find enough information about either to see which would be better suited to us. Afraid we'll only have time for one...

Any strong preferences towards one area or the other? Any suggestions as to what parts of those towns would be suited towards our interests?

Thanks in advance! -- h.

"We plan to spend most of our time in DC, but would also like to check out either Georgetown or Alexandria."

Good news -- Georgetown is *in* DC! Not sure what your plans are for DC currently, but seemingly you could do both if you worked Georgetown into your other DC plans and still save room for Alexandria.

Georgetown has tons of shopping and restaurants and is a congested, but fun and beautiful part of the city. Alexandria also has shopping and restaurants (but less than Georgetown) - it also has the Torpedo Factory which may satisfy your desire for "art" (walk around local artist's workspaces). Alexandria is an easy and beautiful drive from Georgetown on the George Washington Memorial Parkway...runs parallel to the River and has some beautiful views of our monuments. I especially like the drive at night when the monuments are lit!

Thanks for the input, Bean. I did know Georgetown is in DC, but worded that badly. =P Since we're staying in Manassas, do you think one or the other would be more easily accessed? Thanks again!

Beanweb is right on! Since you are planning on staying in the District, Alexandria would be a great day trip/short excursion from the city. Nice area to walk around, shop, etc. And the drive to/from Alexandria on the Parkway IS a beautiful drive. One of my favorites.

Georgetown has some beautiful houses if you get away from M Street a bit.

Have a great trip! DC is a wonderful city.

Wow I so enjoyed both! If you wish to be in DC choose fab Georgtwon otherwise I would place Alexandria on top. Old Town is simply divine.

Convenience to Alexandria or Georgetown from Manassas is really a toss up - they're so close to each other. You'll most likely come in on 66East, and Georgetown is a pretty easy shot from 66E across Key Bridge and BOOM there you are. Alexandria is a tad further, but only by about 10 minutes. Parking in both is bad and most likely you'll need to find a garage (unless you're really lucky and find a spot on the street). Just beware meters/zone restrictions for parking in either place - traffic police love issuing tickets. I'm partial to Georgetown because I think it's a little hipper and has better restaurants and shops, but I also like going to Old Town every now and then. With limited time, though, I probably would lean towards Georgetown. Regarding architecture, there are so many beautiful houses in the Georgetown area (away from M as Sid says)...just not a lot in the way of "art."

As you're out in Manassas you might park at one of the Metro stations on the Orange Line (Vienna, Dunn-Loring, etc) and take a Metro to Rosslyn. GET A TRANSFER PASS at the station you BOARD the Metro.

At Rosslyn (or Foggy Bottom & Dupont Cir too) you can use the Georgetown Shuttle for 35cents. You could easily walk over to GTown too, especially from Rosslyn.

The residences north of M and west of Wisconsin are great to stroll around. You could also take a C&O Canalboat trip, or heck- even take a boat from Gtown to Alexandria/Old Town and get to see BOTH cities.

We've stayed in Rosslyn/Arlington a few times either at Key Bridge Marriott or the Hyatt. Close to the Rosslyn Metro stop and a nice walk over the Key Bridge to M and Wisconsin Sts in G'town.

A short drive to Alexandria if you don't want to Metro/cab it.

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your responses... esp. loving the idea of taking a boat from G'town to Alexandria. If anyone else has other suggestions, please let me know. =)

Georgetown is the better choice, IMO.

Since you're driving from Mannassas, you should just go ahead and park in Georgetown (budget$10-20 for this).

Georgwtown is not that big and you can easily walk around most of it. In your Gerogetwon walk Ii would include: A drink, coffee or snack at an outdoor table at the harbor off K st; some of the shops in the towpath area; the thgousands of shops along M st. and Wisconsin Ave; a walk around the Georgetown University campus,

Georgetown is the better much choice, IMO.

Since you're driving from Mannassas, you should just go ahead and park right in Georgetown (budget$10-20 for this). Metro really doesn't make sense for this trip.

Georgwtown is not that big and you can easily walk around all of it. In your Gerogetown walk I would include: A drink, coffee or snack at an outdoor table at the harbor off K st; visiting some of the shops in the towpath area; checking out the thousands of shops along M st. and Wisconsin Ave; a walk around the Georgetown University campus; a walk through the residential area of the neighborhood (maybe including Dumbarton Oaks ??).

If you think you'll still be there in the evening, consider dinner at Sea Catch (make a reservation!). Lovely!

http://www.seacatchrestaurant.com

I also like Georgetown much better than Alexandria. You can take the Metro to Foggy Bottom and then jump on the Georgetown Metro Connection for a dollar each way. The side streets are fun to walk around, there are some glorious homes there.

Again, thanks everyone. You all have me leaning towards Georgetown now. I appreciate the helpful comments. =)