A Perfect Girlfriend’s Day in Old Town Alexandria, Where to Eat, Shop and Wander
My dear friend Gail spent a perfect Friday wandering Old Town Alexandria recently, and I gently nudged her to write about it for Herry’s World. Reading it made me truly remember why we love the neighborhood – and reminded me exactly why I curated Blu Serenity Stays, a modern townhome right in Old Town. Gail’s day trip is the kind that begs to become a weekend. Now, let’s see how much fun she had below.
Historic charm meets modern flair
BY GAIL CHOOCHAN
Adventure doesn’t always have to involve a passport. It can simply be found by stepping out of your front door, where an easy day trip can turn into a little getaway.
Old Town Alexandria beckons travelers and locals alike with its cobblestoned streets, blocks of refined rowhouses and quaint boutiques, and vibrant food scene. Historic charm is aplenty here and so are the sweet treats.
11:30 A.M. BAGELS ARE CALLING
When you’re off, so is your alarm clock. Who says you have to wake up at dawn to make the most of a day? I leisurely make my way to Call Your Mother Deli, a popular neighborhood bagel shop. After launching on Georgia Avenue in 2018, locations have been popping up all over D.C. and beyond. If you’re still sleepy-eyed, Call Your Mother is sure to wake you up with its beachy pink-and-turquoise interior and bustling atmosphere. My go-to order: BLTA on an everything bagel and orange juice.
12:30 P.M. CUTE SHOPS ON REPEAT
The streets of Old Town Alexandria are made for wandering. My first stop is Lowery’s Dial, a lovely vintage decor and gift shop that’s overflowing with personality. Allow yourself to get lost in this whimsical space with the most darling gifts everywhere you turn. Vintage-looking glassware, beautifully designed books, witty throw pillows and playful animal figurines all compete for your attention. A few doors down, you’ll find Penny Post, a cute stationery store that makes me wonder why I don’t write more — and if I should work on my penmanship. Making my way east on King Street, I step inside Red Barn Mercantile, from the founder of Penny Post. It’s hard not to walk away with something from this well-curated home goods store, which has everything from bath accessories to Virginia-themed items. There’s also a sweet children’s section in the back.
1:30 P.M. COFFEE BREAK
Breakfast was not too long ago, but all this walking and window shopping calls for a short rest stop. I’m delighted to stumble across Misha’s Coffee House, which I haven’t been to since my youth when it was around the corner on South Patrick Street. After a quick chat with the friendly college student behind the counter, I park myself down with my brownie and reflect on my own college days while taking in the jazzy, low-key atmosphere.
2 P.M. CONSIGNMENT SHOPS GALORE
Continuing my quest down to the waterfront, I’m distracted by a number of consignment stores and thrift shops. Current Boutique is popular with the fashion girlies, selling everything from Alice + Olivia to Zimmermann. Off the main drag on North Columbus Street is The Twig, run by the Junior Auxiliary of INOVA Alexandria Hospital. Every purchase benefits the hospital, so you can feel good about buying that pre-loved dress.
3 P.M. HISTORY AND LOCAL ARTISTS ON DISPLAY
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is an Old Town Alexandria institution. Post-World War II, the former naval munitions factory became the Federal Records Center. (Don’t miss the green Mark XIV torpedo on the first floor!) And since 1974, it’s been a haven for artists with more than 70 studios spread out over three floors. One particularly moving exhibit, “Nikki Giovanni: Immersive Experience,” celebrates the work of the renowned poet and longtime Virginia Tech professor. I take a seat and wrap myself in Giovanni’s own tender voice reading her poems. Weaving through the upper floor galleries, I finally make it to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum — a great place to learn about Old Town’s changing waterfront and multilayered history.
4 P.M. ON THE WATERFRONT
One of my favorite things to do in Old Town Alexandria is sit on a bench by the water, especially on a beautiful sunny day, and watch the world go by. Couples holding hands, workers rushing to their evening shifts, the inevitable loud guy on his phone — all while planes soar overhead. There are not many people on the waterfront just yet, and I’m relishing the serenity.
5 P.M. LATE LUNCH AND DESSERT
Feeling not too hungry, I grab a bite from my new favorite pizza place: Andy’s Pizza, which serves New York-style slices and ridiculously generous lemonades. After devouring my slice of margherita pizza, I’m excited to hit Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats for a Juke Box sundae. My excitement is short-lived when I see the big “closed” sign behind the grinning Bob’s Big Boy statue out front. I spot an office worker enjoying her ice cream cup and ask her where she got it. She enthusiastically directs me to Casa Rosada, a family-owned shop that serves Argentine gelato and sorbet, just a block away. This serendipitous encounter leads me to the most delicious Choco Torta (dulce de leche, cheese, coffee and Oreos), and I completely forget about my failed Goodies trip.
7 P.M. (FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY) DINNER WITH A SURPRISE GUEST
My original plan — to spend a full day in Old Town Alexandria solo — hits a snag when my mom hears of my adventures and wants to join. So I invite her along for dinner the following Wednesday. Luckily, my pick for dinner is one I know she would happily enjoy. Sisters Thai, with locations in Old Town Fairfax and Mosaic District, has branched into Alexandria. With sparkling chandeliers, towering bookcases and a brightly lit marquee, it’s a lively, eclectic spot in Old Town North. For starters, we split spring rolls and Sisters Green Salad with a savory peanut dressing, and for dinner, Sisters Fried Rice — chicken and shrimp fried rice with pineapple and cashew nuts, and Tom Kha Gai. My mom loves this chicken-and-mushroom coconut milk soup that she often makes at home, and enjoys it with a side of rice. Our bellies full and happy, we don’t have room for dessert. If we did, the adjoining Magnolia Cafe & Bistro and its selection of mouth-watering, creative desserts would have completed the evening wonderfully.
I’ve been coming to Old Town Alexandria since I was a little kid, yet it still manages to surprise me. It’s a joy to visit familiar old haunts and discover new ones along the way. Just put on a pair of good walking shoes and allow yourself to wander.
Gail Choochan is an award-winning writer and editor based in Northern Virginia with a love for entertainment and sharing her travels near and far. Follow her adventures on Instagram @thedaily.gail.
Make It a Weekend
A note from Herry —
Reading Gail’s day in Old Town reminded me of something I tell every girlfriend who visits: one day is never enough. By the time you’ve finished your Choco Torta at Casa Rosada and watched the sailboats from the waterfront, you’ll wish you didn’t have to drive home.
That’s exactly why I curated my Old Town Alexandria townhome under Blu Serenity Stays — a quiet, beautifully appointed boutique stay just five blocks from King Street. It’s the kind of place where you and your girlfriends can keep the conversation (and the wine) going long after the shops close, then wake up to do it all over again the next morning.
If Gail’s day made you want to plan your own Old Town escape, come stay with us →
Frequently Asked Questions About a Day in Old Town Alexandria
How far is Old Town Alexandria from Washington DC? Old Town Alexandria is just 7 miles south of Washington DC and easily reachable in 15–20 minutes by car or Uber, or via the Metro Yellow and Blue lines to King Street–Old Town station.
Is Old Town Alexandria walkable? Yes — Old Town is one of the most walkable historic districts in the DC area. Most shops, restaurants, and the waterfront are within a 10-minute walk along King Street’s cobblestone blocks.
What’s the best time to visit Old Town Alexandria for a girlfriends’ day? Spring and Fall are ideal for strolling King Street and the waterfront. Saturdays bring the best shopping energy, while Sunday mornings are quieter and perfect for a leisurely brunch start.
Where should I stay overnight in Old Town Alexandria? For a boutique experience, Blu Serenity Stays offers a curated townhome in the heart of Old Town, walking distance to King Street and the Potomac waterfront — designed especially for women, couples, and friends who want rest that actually restores them.
What are the must-visit shops in Old Town Alexandria? Lowery’s Dial, Penny Post, Red Barn Mercantile, and Current Boutique are local favorites along King Street, offering everything from vintage decor to designer consignment.