If you've got the time, George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, is a fun way to spend a few hours exploring! Located about 20-25 minutes from Old Town Alexandria, it's an easy drive down the sunny George Washington Parkway. There is a restaurant on site and lots to do. Bring your walking shoes and be prepared to be outside for the majority your time there. Tickets are required. Melissa took Zach here for the Spring wine festival to celebrate his birthday. History and wine is a winning combination for Zach to have a great time!
Every Saturday morning from 7:00am-12:00pm Old Town's Market Square hosts its weekly Farmer's Market. It is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmer’s markets, serving as a primary way Alexandria residents have typically obtained their meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables (even George Washington sent his produce to be sold here!). Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, quick breakfast options, coffee and fun items to bring home.
A fun way to see DC from afar, the water taxi goes from Old Town's waterfront up the Potomac River towards DC. It's a great way to spend a few hours and get a tour!
One of Melissa and Zach's favorite DC museums, the Air and Space museum is always a great one to visit while you're in DC! Easily accessible from Old Town's metro stops or a quick uber, this is an easy way to spend a morning. Entry is free however you do need to reserve a ticketed spot on the link listed above. We recommend booking sooner rather than later!
The George Washington Memorial Parkway's bike path is a great place a run, stroll or quick bike using one of the many City Bike rentals in Old Town! There are plenty of spots to get on the trail, which runs parallel to the Potomac River. This is actually how Zach and Melissa met - running in a run club on the GW bikepath!
A quick 1-2 mile run or moderate walk south of Old Town's center, Jones Point and its Lighthouse is a great escape and lesson in local history. Not only is it one of the oldest standing river lighthouses, but the land where Jones Point Lighthouse now stands, was part of the original territory of the District of Columbia. It's a great place to explore if you're looking for an easy, short, local way to get some cardio in and spend the morning before the wedding.