Old Town Alexandria Virginia is a captivating area located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Bursting with both historical and bohemian charm, it was founded over 250 years ago and its seaport played an important role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Thomas Jefferson was a regular diner at the local taverns, and George Washington and Robert E. Lee both lived and worshipped there. Much more recently, I was a resident for a few years while based out of nearby National Airport during my airline career.
What attracted me to Alexandria was the contrast of its colonial history and the originality the present community has stamped on the neighborhood. It has an interesting collection of arts centers, eclectic shops and restaurants, and rows of historic homes alongside quirky nooks and crannies. I loved the energy of living here and often times simply walking down the street to the waterfront was all the entertainment I needed to fill my social calendar.
what mysteries lie beyond the garden gate?
colorful versus neutral
an aptly named dress shop
my favorite shade of turquoise
a tiny toy treasure trove
contrasting neighbors
like a ship in a bottle
a new angle on tradition
a neighborhood organizer
a walk through history
Often visited there when living and working in New York during the 1970s. Charming place.
LikeLike
Small world!
LikeLike
Enjoyed the photos very much. =)
LikeLike
Thank you, and thanks for stopping by!
elisa
LikeLike
Fab shots Elisa! Beautiful colours!
LikeLike
I do love the splashes of color, thank you!
elisa
LikeLike
It seems such a beautiful place!
LikeLike
Thank you, Sonali!
Elisa
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures. So colorful Excellent work.
LikeLike
Thanks for the nice compliment and for stopping by!
Elisa
LikeLike
We’ll be there next year and now I’m even more excited about the trip. Thanks for your beautiful photos. They are a colorful tease of what’s to come.
xLaura
LikeLike
Now you’ve got ME excited about your trip!!
Thanks!
Elisa
LikeLike
These are so colorful and fantastic. 🙂 I love all the history on the east coast so very much. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day,
Currie
LikeLike
Thank you sooo much for your wonderful compliment. I’m a fool for a charming historic village….well, and the beach…
🙂
elisa
LikeLike
You’re welcome. I am a fool for charming historic villages too. So much interesting energy. 🙂
Have a great night.
LikeLike
I love Alexandria, so much charm and character and you have captured it perfectly! Lovely post.
LikeLike
Thank you! It is one of my favorite places so I’m glad I might have done it justice!
Have a great night!
elisa
LikeLike
Very nice. You have a great sense of composition.
LikeLike
Thanks Mike. That is so nice to hear because I have to admit I probably spent way too much time rearranging those pictures….
Have a great night!
E.
LikeLike
I love exploring – great photos – thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Me too!! Thanks for stopping by..
elisa
LikeLike
What charming photos!! Makes me want to take a walk down that street!
These were definitely NOT taken with your iPhone…right?
LikeLike
Jeannie, you crack me up!!! No, I did use a beat up Nikon to take these shots, but I did upload them to an app on my phone to use some of the effects….I’d be nothing without that darned phone!!
🙂
LikeLike
I felt like I was walking along with you…love the commentary 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! This one was a labor of love.
e.
LikeLike
aren’t they all?
LikeLike
Well, yes!
LikeLike
Elisa,
I have not been oppressed with the urge to go traveling in quite some time; seeing these pictures of this charming and quaint town has planted that longing with fury! Oh, my, how many delicious buildings/shops could one town pack into a city?
Those houses, the colorful versus the neutral, they are two separate residences, yes? Amazing! I have to say again how talented you are!
LikeLike
Cara, you are too kind!! And yes the two house are separate residences. Much of the historic section of Alexandria is made up of townhouses. Even though they’re attached, each one is has their own unique character. It really is a charming place!
elisa
LikeLike
Love that first gate -so unique! Really nice shots, Elisa! They’re all beautiful.
anne
LikeLike
I am so glad you visited and enjoyed the pictures of Old Town.
Thank you!
Elisa
LikeLike
My husband and I made two stops in Alexandria this winter on a road trip that I wrote about on my blog. We were not as lucky with the beautiful weather that you had. I would tell anyone who has not been there to plan a stop on their travel itinerary.
LikeLike
Sorry about the weather, the DC area can be dreary in the winter time. Hopefully you’ll return during sunnier times! Thanks for stopping by and I’ll look for your story about Alexandria.
Elisa
LikeLike
The colours sing! What a charming location.
LikeLike
Love Alexadria! And your photos are wonderful!
LikeLike
What an array of colors and styles! Really a visual feast, Elisa!
LikeLike
Love the photos!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
This reminds me so much of Philadelphia! Love the architecture here!
LikeLike
Yes, different states but both influenced by England. I love it too!
LikeLike