Alexandria is located a few miles from Washington, DC, and brims with old-world charm and locally-owned businesses. Have you ever visited a place close to your heart so often you’ve lost count? That’s how I feel about
Alexandria, Virginia . When I lived in Washington, D.C. in my twenties, this postcard-perfect city served as my urban escape with it brick-lined streets, historic houses, and locally-owned businesses. Alexandria felt so far from the nation’s capital, despite being a few miles away. To this day, I find myself drawn to the city. Though it’s further than a short drive away nowadays, it’s still easy to get to (thank you, Amtrak) and as in the past, always rewarding. Even better? You can experience the best of the city in one weekend. Below are five reasons why you should plan your next getaway to Alexandria, Virginia.
Hotel Heron
Opened earlier this summer, Old Town’s
Hotel Heron —whose name takes inspiration from the graceful bird native to Virginia—is the newest addition to Aparium Hotel Group’s portfolio of small, design-driven properties across the country; it’s also the stylish boutique hotel Alexandria so deserved and needed. Occupying what used be the historic George Mason Hotel, Hotel Heron merges the best of all worlds: a lively social hub—the
event calendar is packed with live DJ sets, community events, and yoga classes—a dreamy place to rest, and a convenient jumping-off point for exploring town. Hotel Heron channels an eclectic aesthetic mixing vintage Americana, warm woods, and colorful custom furnishings. Good Fortune is the first rooftop bar in Alexandria, Virginia. The 134 rooms channel an eclectic aesthetic mixing vintage Americana, warm woods, and colorful custom furnishings—note the pretty heron print on the dresser doors—while the common areas like the library stocked with timely reads feel just as inviting. With three distinct options, it’s easy to eat and drink well at Hotel Heron. Situated on the ground floor, Kiln’s all-day menus don’t neatly fit into one category, but expect lots of rich, smoky flavors from the open-fire hearth—the charred sweet potatoes smothered with pecans, chipotle sauce, and fresh lime are a knockout—and the prominent use of seasonal ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay.
Good Fortune has quickly become one of Alexandria’s buzziest spots as the city’s first rooftop bar, and the soon-to-open Francis Hall will turn out original cocktails and snacks in a discreet space adjacent to the library lounge.
Balian Springs
Located in Fairfax County and founded by Stephanie Chon, Balian Springs is a wellness destination unlike any other. Located in Fairfax County and founded by Stephanie Chon,
Balian Springs is a wellness destination unlike any other in the country. Spanning a whopping 100,000 square feet, the expansive facilities include every wellness and self-care feature you could dream up: hydrotherapy pools galore; multiple saunas including gold-plated and Korean Loess Clay; Lilikoi Day Spa for restorative massages and firming Gua Sha facials; lounging areas; casual eateries serving balanced bites like sushi rolls and vegan ramen; and much more. There’s even a quiet zone to work, and lots of
events and workshops to help you reconnect with yourself and the local community. Your best bet? Purchase a mid-week day pass to avoid the weekend crowds, and head in as early as possible. Because once you’ve step foot at Balian Springs, you won’t want to leave. Alice Cocktail Bar is a charming cocktail bar pairing with Thai snacks on King Street.
Alice Cocktail Bar
A hidden gem in Old Town,
Alice Cocktail Bar is tiny and not the easiest to find—keep an eye out for the marked door next to Thai Signature restaurant and climb up the stairs—but an absolute must. The cozy space is decked out with greenery and quirky knick-knacks for a whimsical vibe, and the cocktails—which range from classics like Paper Planes to original creations like tropical Mango Sticky Rice—are equally easy on the eyes. There’s also an enticing menu of small plates and entrees to pair with your drinks; you can’t go wrong with Thai staples like curry puffs and shrimp pad thai.
Thompson Italian
Started by Katherine and Gabe Thompson, Thompson Italian offers simple and comforting cuisine. Started by partners in work and life Katherine and Gabe Thompson—who cut their culinary chops at New York City stalwarts Per Se and Le Bernardin before relocating their family in 2015 to Northern Virginia—
Thompson Italian keeps their food unfussy and downright delicious. Start with the crispy-creamy corn and ricotta zeppoli, move onto any of the housemade pastas—the angel hair bathed in a savory blend of melty tomatoes and garlic confit is simple and sublime—and save room for Katherine’s seasonal spin on tiramisu.
The Majestic Cafe
Since 1932—when John Gadonas opened
The Majestic Cafe on King Street—the restaurant went gone through its fair share of ups and downs, including a period of neglect between 1978 and 2001. It wasn’t until 2016, after Alexandria Restaurant Partners took over, that The Majestic Cafe hit its stride. Today, it’s the quintessential neighborhood restaurant: one that’s championed by the local community, serves approachable all-day fare—don’t miss the cult coconut cake and house burger—and is just as lovely for a casual bar drink as it is for a celebratory supper.
