Creekfire EntranceLibrary of Congress Publication ISSN 2692-2851
Top 10 Things to do in Alexandria, Virginia
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Alexandria, Virginia, is George Washington’s hometown and one of the most historical cities in the United States. But it’s also one of the best places to shop, grab a locally roasted coffee and soak in the authentic local vibe just outside Washington, D.C. Here are the 10 best things to do in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Be sure to download your FREE PDF copy of the Top 10 Things to do in Alexandria by clicking here! And join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Alexandria on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Find the Narrowest House in America – How’s that for a claim to fame? Measuring at just seven feet across, this former alleyway is one tiny home, the Hollensbury Spite House. You can find it at 523 Queen Street, complete with historic marker and fire insurance plaque. Looking around at the historic homes is one of the best things to do in Old Town Alexandria, and everyone who stumbled upon this little blue wonder is delighted.
9. Tour Gadsby’s Tavern Museum – This unique museum transports guests to the 1780s, when this was George Washington’s favorite restaurant (he loved the duck), and our young country was still figuring itself out. Taverns weren’t all about the drinking and wenches, but they were places where everyday life took place. In its heyday, Gadsby’s was home to the largest ballroom in the country, and George Washington was said to be quite the dancer. Peek into room number eight, too—it’s haunted!
8. Visit the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum – Another unique, unmissable museum in Old Town is the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. This former apothecary, or drug store, is a fascinating place for kids and adults. The kids will get a kick out of the dragon’s blood and petrified chicken leg in the attic, but other notable artifacts include a receipt with Martha Washington’s signature on it, handblown glass, medical equipment and more.
Fun fact: United States Colonel Robert E. Lee was visiting in 1859 when he got the news that he needed to go to Harpers Ferry and put down a raid led by a man named John Brown.
7. Get Coffee at Misha’s – Want to rub elbows with the locals? Go to Misha’s Coffee. They have two locations in Old Town, and all you have to do it follow your nose, because they roast their own coffee beans. A true local’s favorite for more than 30 years, they offer single-source coffees from around the world and some fun seasonal flavors for those who want something less exotic but just as exciting.
6. Explore the Waterfront – The recently redeveloped Alexandria Waterfront has become a destination. Not only is the Waterfront already picturesque, but you’ll also find sculptures by local artists, local restaurants with a view, the historic Torpedo Factory Art Center and more. You can even arrive in Alexandria from the water if you like. Just take a water taxi or river cruise from Georgetown, National Harbor or Mount Vernon Estate.
5. Tour the Carlyle House Historic Park – Alexandria has no shortage of historic homes, some of which are more than 300 years old. But one you can’t miss (and is not a private home now) is the Carlyle House. It’s one of the largest homes in the area, but it’s unique because it’s made of stone instead of wood or brick. It dates to 1752 and has been home to historical events during the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, American Civil War and beyond.
Insider info: When you take your tour, don’t forget to ask about the mummified cat in the basement wall.
4. Bike the Mount Vernon Trail – The DC and Northern Virginia area is home to countless miles of trails—hiking, biking, running, horse—you name it; there’s a trail for it. And one of the most popular is the Mount Vernon Trail, which starts just outside of Georgetown, runs through Alexandria and leads all the way to Mount Vernon Estate. The 18-mile-long trail follows the same land route that Colonial and early American travelers would’ve taken, including George and Martha Washington. Visitors can rent bikes for the day and follow the trail all the way to the next item on our list.
3. Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens – This is possibly already on your must-do list, and for a good reason: George Washington loved his Mount Vernon Estate more than anywhere else. It’s open to the public for tours of his home, the grounds, the gardens and beyond. There’s a great museum here about George Washington (that includes his famous dentures), and it’s the perfect place to spend half a day or even a full day if you have the time. Looking for something special to do while you’re in the area? Dine at the Mount Vernon Inn for a taste of Colonial and early American dishes.
2. Take a Ghost Tour or History Tour – Everyone loves a ghost tour. Typically laced with just the right amount of history and fun, ghost tours are a great way to get to know any old town, including Alexandria. All those old homes, historic buildings and early American churches have stories to tell about the people who lived in times past—and maybe still reside there. Prefer something more history-heavy? Take a straight-up history tour instead. Alexandria Colonial Tours offers both, complete with Colonial-costumed guides.
1. Shop at the Farmers’ Market – If you’re lucky enough to be in Alexandria on a Saturday morning, be sure to head to Market Square with a reusable shopping bag and an appetite. Begun in 1753, it’s the longest-running farmer’s market in the country—George Washington even sold products here from Mount Vernon. Presently, you’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, hand crafts and so much more for sale each week. Plan to get breakfast and a coffee while you’re here and get supplies to last you a few days in the RV, too.
If you’re already visiting the Washington, DC, area, don’t miss a day or more in Old Town Alexandria. It’s one of the most historic, most picturesque places you’ll ever visit. This top 10 list is just the thing to get you started.
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Top 10 Things to do in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Photographed and Written by Randy and Caly Behymer
Two prominent national parks are located within 30 minutes of one another yet look vastly different from the other. You can find Arches and Canyonlands National Parks near Moab, Utah. Utah is home to five national parks. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you want to stand along the edge of a vast canyon or under the canopy of a sandstone arch, these two national parks have you covered. Read on for the best things to do in these two extraordinary national parks.
Be sure to download your FREE copy of Top 10 Things to do in Arches and Canyonlands by clicking here! Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Park Ranger Karen Garthwait talk about Arches and Canyonlands on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
Canyonlands National Park
5. Visit Different Regions—The Canyonlands comprise three regions: Island in the Sky, The Needles and The Maze—each home to a unique geo-diversity. Island in the Sky and The Needles are easy to access with paved roads, visitor centers and hikes ranging from short and easy to long and strenuous. The Maze area of Canyonlands is remote, and all roads are unpaved. This park section is perfect for those seeking backcountry hiking over several days.
4. Read the News—Technically outside Canyonlands National Park, Newspaper Rock deserves a mention. Located on State Route 211 on the way into The Needles region of Canyonlands, you can find the parking lot for this slab of rock. Here, you’ll see one of the largest displays of discovered petroglyphs. They date back about 2,000 years and tell stories of those who lived in the area and passed by this rock.
3. Mesa Arch—This is one of Utah’s most photographed arches, and it’s easy to see why. Through the arch is a spectacular view of the canyons below. Early risers can catch an incredible sunrise as it streams through the arch’s opening. Be prepared for large crowds regardless of the time of day, but it’s worth capturing the views by peering through the arch.
2. What a Grand View—The Island in the Sky region of the park is home to Grand View Point Overlook and Trail, and oh, what a grand view it is. This 1.8-mile out-and-back trail follows the canyon’s rim for jaw-dropping views. The hike is relatively flat and traverses a rugged, rocky surface. Be sure to follow the trail markers, as finding the path across the hard rock can be tricky in places.
1. Take a White-Knuckle Drive—For those with a 4×4, high clearance vehicle and nerves of steel, take a drive across the Shafer Trail Road. Start at the east side of the road, where paved Route 279 ends at the Potash Boat Ramp, and the rock-and-gravel Shafer Trail begins. The road winds through private property before entering the national park. Prepare for loose gravel, driving over larger stones, deep canyon drop-offs and a 1,500-foot climb up narrow switchbacks to the top of the canyon at the end. If you have the vehicle and are brave enough to tackle this drive, you’ll experience incredibly epic views.
Arches National Park
5. See Some Dragon Eyes—Though not named dragon eyes, the famed Windows Arches look like two eyes, especially from the backside. Follow the trail around the back for a completely different perspective after you’ve viewed the arches from the front. The hike is relatively flat, with gentle inclines and declines.
4. Get Sandy—For a unique experience, take a short hike through the Sand Dune Arch. A brief .4-mile walk takes you back through sandstone fins surrounded by deep sand. Walking through the fins and sand, you feel like you’re on another planet as you traverse the sandy terrain as it snakes through the narrow fin walls.
3. Beautiful Landscapes—No trip to Arches is complete without seeing the longest arch in North America. Landscape Arch spans 306 feet, giving it its famed title. Located in the Devils Garden portion of the park, this 1.8-mile hike is flat and considered relatively easy by the National Park System. The thinnest part of the arch is a mere 6 feet, making it at risk of collapse, though experts speculate whether it could be in the next several years or decades. Regardless, it’s an incredible sight and a must-do while in the park.
Wide angle view of Landscape Arch against a deep blue skyin Arches National Parkin Utah.
2. Delicate and Mighty—Head on a 3.2-mile hike to see the famous Delicate Arch. You may have seen this arch emblazoned across the Utah license plate before. Get your picture under the 42-foot-tall arch before heading back towards the trailhead to view petroglyphs near Wolfe Ranch. Be sure to bring plenty of water on this hike and be prepared to huff and puff as you ascend 480 feet. Not up for an up close and personal experience? You can see the Delicate Arch from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.
1. See the Fiery Furnace—Take a ranger-guided hike through what is known as the Fiery Furnace. The guided hike twists and turns through a labyrinth maze of sandstone formations and canyons. Expect to climb, squeeze through, suspend yourself and traverse through a mystical sandstone-walled wonderland. Though hikers can request a hiking permit to hike the labyrinth unguided, most rangers suggest hiking with an experienced guide to get the most out of your experience.
With so much to see within these two national parks, you’ll want to plan enough time in the area to give each it just dues.
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