Amazing Alexandria: Wondrous Old Houses and Cobblestone Streets

Have you ever been to Alexandria, Virginia? During our trip to Washington DC last week, we took a side trek to this charming town with its old houses, brick sidewalks, and cobblestone streets. I felt like a kid in a candy store and didn’t want to stop exploring its welcoming streets. Join me as we take a virtual stroll to see its alluring charm.

It’s hard for me to choose where to start this walking tour because each of the old houses is as pretty as the next. But I’ll begin with this burgundy beauty since it’s a unique color and features a metal roof. A lot of the homes in Alexandria look small from the front, but reveal their true size when viewed from the side. I’m sure this home has been added onto over the years.

 

This street is a great representative of other blocks in Alexandria. The main giveaway to its modern existence is the power lines going from the street to the homes. It seems there are miles of brick sidewalks with colorful, shuttered homes providing historic curb appeal.

 

How about a bright blue car in front of a pink house? Did the owner plan this, or did I just get lucky to find a colorful car parked out front? Since the town is so old and houses weren’t built with garages (I did see a few), there are always cars parked on the roads. Especially on weekends when tourists are in town for shopping excursions.

 

Oftentimes, the houses are connected like townhomes. Here, a yellow beauty shares a wall with what appears to be half of a white house. I could easily live in either of these homes. You’ll often see the bricks buckling next to the base of the trees as the root system grows. So you have to be careful where you step.

 

I love the use of color throughout Alexandria. It looks like the owner of the blue house purposely coordinated her shutters with the neighbor’s siding.

 

You’ll find a good share of old houses made of brick, too. Take a careful look at the front of the third floor and you’ll notice the floral decal between the window dormers.

 

Does anything invoke the spirit of days gone by more than a cobblestone street? I was so excited when we came upon this road just a couple blocks from the center of town.

 

And speaking of town, King Street is the famed center of town that stretches about a mile from the Potomoc River to the metro service that takes you back to DC. This is truly the shopping mecca of mid-coastal America. From custom boutiques to chains like Aeropostale, there’s truly something for everyone. Not to mention a wealth of restaurants with a variety of cuisines.

 

In addition to the old houses of Alexandria, the stores and restaurants are brightly painted, too.

 

Here’s a cute Jewish deli – “Call Your Mother.” We saw one of these in Georgetown too. And yes, I have pics of the pretty homes in the Georgetown area, including a surprise that I’ll be sharing soon.

 

Here’s more of what you’ll expect to find on famed King Street. Nearby streets have royal names too – Prince, Duke, Princess, and Queen Streets.

 

 

 

I’ll share more photos of old houses and points of interest from our trip to DC that I think you’ll enjoy. There’s so much to do and see – it was hard to fit it all in which means I’ll need to go back!