Colorful Curb Appeal

elisa

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

On a visit back to the Alexandria area last weekend I had a few hours to walk around to see what’s new and what’s still old.  What I discovered is that it is still as lovely as ever.

40 Comments

    1. 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.

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    1. 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!!

      🙂

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  13. 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!

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    1. 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

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  15. 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.

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    1. 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

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