Old Town Alexandria
Monticello Vegetable Garden
ALEXANDRIA, VA. MIDDLEBURG, VA. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.
Distance from downtown D.C.: 7 miles
Old Town Alexandria considers itself D.C.’s
original Old Town. After all, it dates to 1749,
preceding by more than four decades the
establishment of the future nation’s capital
across the Potomac. It’s worth the trip just
to stroll historic streets lined with 18th and
19th century buildings and cobblestone
alleys. The main shopping th oroughfare,
King Street, is chockablock with one-of-a-
kind stores and restaurants extending a mile
from the Metro station to the riverfront.
And speaking of the river, check out the
lively waterfront promenade and spectacular
views of the Washington skyline. The paved
Mount Vernon Trail, stretching almost 18
miles from Theodore Roosevelt Island to
George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon,
meanders through Alexandria along the
river. If you’re energetic, rent a bike and
explore its entire length. Or stroll over to the
Torpedo Factory Art Center, which is, indeed,
in a former torpedo factory. In the mid-‘70s,
the city converted it to creative space that
remains an artists’ haven with 82 artists’
studios, plus retail galleries. Distance from downtown D.C.: 40 miles
Long an enclave for the horsey set, this
historic town in Virginia’s rural Piedmont
region makes a bucolic retreat from the bustle
of the city. Jackie Kennedy rode in fox hunts
during her years as First Lady, and Elizabeth
Taylor married Sen. John Warner at his local
estate. Get a glimpse of the equestrian life
by attending a steeplechase race in the
spring and fall in the town that dubs itself the
Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital. Middleburg
has more than 200 buildings on the National
Register of Historic Places, and its shop-filled,
compact downtown is a pleasant place to
stroll. When you need a break, duck into the
Red Fox Inn & Tavern for a hearty meal. The
fieldstone building on Washington Street has
stood here since 1728. Another fixture, The
Fun Shop, with an eclectic (and fun) selection
of gifts, books, clothing and home décor
items, has been in business since 1956. If
you’re feeling daring, check out the action at
Empower Adventures behind the Salamander
Resort & Spa for zip-lining over the treetops. Distance from D.C.: 117 miles
This lively college town is stately, too, thanks
in part to the architectural legacy of Thomas
Jefferson, whose neoclassical Rotunda forms
the heart of the University of Virginia grounds.
The city’s commercial heart lies along the
eight-block pedestrian Downtown Mall. Here,
you’ll find buzzy shops, restaurants with al
fresco dining, art galleries and a couple of
excellent live music and events venues, the
outdoor Sprint Pavilion and the vaudeville-
era Jefferson Theater. Set in the Blue Ridge
Mountain foothills, the countryside outside
the city is lovely any time of year. For a
themed excursion (with a designated driver,
of course), the Monticello Wine Trail leads to
30 vineyards for tours and tastings. More of a
beer drinker? Set out on the Brew Ridge Trail,
featuring six small-batch breweries. Outdoors
possibilities are endless, from paddling on the
James or Rivanna rivers to hiking wilderness
trails in the city and beyond. Plus, an entrance
to Shenandoah National Park is just 30
minutes away.
DON’T MISS: A visit to a winery or
two. At least 20 are within 30 minutes
of Middleburg. If you fancy something
stronger, check out Mount Defiance Cidery &
Distillery for rum tasting. DON’T MISS: Jefferson’s estate, Monticello,
is a must-see. But two other presidential
homes, James Monroe’s Highland and James
Madison’s Montpelier (recently restored) are
within easy driving distance.
DON’T MISS: Mount Vernon, George
Washington’s estate on the Potomac, just 8
miles south.
SUMMER 2017 47 FLYWASHINGTON.COM