Colorful Homes On Cobblestone Streets - Old Town Alexandria VA

Cute Downtowns

Apr 18

A visit to Old Alexandria, Virginia, feels like stepping back in time, where the charm of historic buildings blends with waterfront views and modern boutiques. Located along the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria offers a unique mix of colonial history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty. As a nationally designated historic district, Old Town Alexandria is best explored on foot. Century-old architecture, red brick sidewalks, and cobblestone streets give this area its quaint character and charm. Since many parts of the area have uneven surfaces, it's important to walk carefully and wear comfortable shoes.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

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Wilkes Tunnel, the former railroad tunnel used during the Civil War

The view inside the tunnel which was completed in 1856 for the Orange & Alexandria Railroad

The “Cherry Blossom” riverboat on the Potomac River waterfront

Some historic, some newer buildings along the waterfront. The waterfront is perfect for a relaxing stroll, with plenty of benches and great spots to take in the views of the river and the skyline of Washington, D.C. You can also take a boat tour or a water taxi to explore the area from a different perspective.

Alexandria’s waterfront offers water taxi service to Georgetown, the National Mall, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon

The former loading dock of an old warehouse building

The cobblestone street on Captain’s Row

Brick-lined sidewalks

Brightly color front doors welcome visitors

The Farmers' Market, located at Market Square, is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the US, having been held at the same site since 1753.

The story of Old Town & "Gentry Row" in Alexandria, Virginia

By Wilson, Robert H

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Alexandria, VA: Walking Through History, Part 2

By Maureen Reigh Quinn

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Historic Alexandria, Virginia, street by street: A survey of existing early buildings

By Cox, Ethelyn

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Gentry Row’s row houses include Georgian and Federal-style homes

Brick walls and garden doors

Some houses have flickering gas lamps and flags

Black and white

Handsome old homes

There are plenty of parks to enjoy, including the Waterfront Park and Founders Park on the Potomac River.

The neon pink art installation speaks love

The formal entrances to a few elegant homes

Captains Row, known for its historic charm and colorful houses.

Flowers and greenery decorate this older home

The plaque on some of the older homes are fire plaques had different symbols to identify which private fire-engine company provided service to this house. This was before there was universally provided fire-fighting as a public service.

Enjoy the laid-back patio of Virtue Feed & Grain near the waterfront.

The historic atmosphere in century-old buildings

Looking down one of the alleys

King Street is the main thoroughfare of Old Town and is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

Smoke shop entrance

American flags adorn some of the homes

Stately old home

King Street

Some picturesque colorful homes on Queen Street

Christ Church, the 18th century English-style church on N. Washington Street

George Washington Masonic Memorial at 101 Callahan Drive

A short water taxi ride can take you over to Georgetown waterfront.

Hard Time Cafe on King Street

Rainbow walkway

The Torpedo Factory Ground began production in 1920, and this building held the completed torpedoes as they waited to be shipped via the Potomac. Today this building houses the Torpedo Factory Art Center.