An Unforgettable Autumn Day: Exploring Historic Old Town Alexandria
Despite my best intentions and the often-demanding pace of daily life, nearly a month has slipped by since my last post. However, I simply couldn’t let such a wonderful experience go undocumented! As the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn truly enveloped us, October delivered some profoundly memorable moments. Today, I’m excited to rewind a little and share the highlights of a particularly special day trip to one of my absolute favorite local gems: historic Old Town Alexandria. This journey through cobblestone streets, delightful culinary experiences, and artistic inspiration offered a perfect escape and a treasure trove of autumn memories.
A Charming Escape to Old Town Alexandria: A Family Affair
Among the many wonderful experiences of the past month, a leisurely day trip down to Old Town, Alexandria, truly stands out as a personal favorite. It was a delightful occasion shared with my partner Connor, my parents, and my sister and brother-in-law, who were able to come down from NYC for the weekend. Every time I visit Old Town, I’m reminded of its unique charm and realize I should make the trip more often. There’s an undeniable allure that permeates its historic streets. The distinctive cobblestone paths, the beautifully preserved 18th-century Georgian and Federal-style townhouses, and its prime location directly on the serene Potomac River waterfront all combine to create an atmosphere that feels truly special and transports you to a different era. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and picturesque scenery, ideal for a relaxed family outing and exploring Alexandria’s timeless beauty.
Brunch Bliss at Fontaine Caffe & Creperie
Our designated spot for a much-anticipated brunch was Fontaine, a highly regarded and popular café nestled right in the vibrant heart of Old Town Alexandria. This charming French-inspired eatery is renowned for its authentic crepes, offering a delectable selection of both savory galettes, meticulously crafted with 100% buckwheat flour, and delightfully sweet dessert crepes that promise pure indulgence.
From the moment we stepped inside, the inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared crepes promised a delightful culinary experience, and Fontaine certainly did not disappoint. The menu offered an array of tempting options, but we collectively gravitated towards the Farmer’s Market savory breakfast crepe. This choice proved to be an excellent decision. The crepe itself was generously sized – truly enormous! – and bursting with a vibrant medley of fresh, sautéed vegetables, including tender zucchini, earthy spinach, savory mushrooms, and ripe tomatoes. Each ingredient was perfectly cooked and harmonized beautifully, all complemented by a generous dose of tangy feta cheese. Every bite was a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, making for an incredibly wholesome and delicious brunch.
Of course, no authentic crepe experience is complete without indulging in something sweet. To round off our delightful brunch, we decided to share a classic sweet crepe for the table, filled with luscious fresh strawberries and rich, creamy Nutella. This dessert crepe was the perfect grand finale – a wonderfully decadent treat that offered a delightful contrast to our savory meal. The combination of ripe, juicy fruit, the comforting sweetness of the chocolate-hazelnut spread, and the warm, delicate crepe was simply delicious, leaving everyone with a sweet and contented smile and a perfect end to our meal at one of Old Town’s best brunch spots.
Treasures at the King Street Farmer’s Market
After savoring our coffee and crepes, we made our way to the King Street Farmer’s Market, conveniently located just a short stroll away and a must-visit for anyone exploring Old Town Alexandria. We arrived just as the market was beginning to wind down for the day, but there was still plenty to see and experience. This particular farmer’s market is especially enjoyable because it transcends the typical produce stand, offering a diverse array of local food vendors alongside a vibrant selection of artisan craft vendors. It’s a place where you can find everything from farm-fresh vegetables and homemade baked goods to unique handmade jewelry, local artwork, and seasonal flowers, making it a true hub of community and creativity.
As luck would have it, our visit coincided with one of the most beautiful fall days of the entire season – clear skies, comfortably mild temperatures, and that perfect golden autumn light that makes everything shine. This idyllic setting made browsing the market even more delightful. It was here that I stumbled upon an incredible deal on some of the most stunning dahlia flowers I have ever encountered. The vendor, eager to sell the last of his breathtaking bouquets before closing for the day, was offering an irresistible “buy one, get one free” deal. This meant I was able to walk away with two absolutely enormous, vibrant bouquets for a mere $14! Honestly, I would have considered it an amazing deal even for just one. My mom and I each took one of these magnificent arrangements home, their glorious beauty brightening our living spaces for days to come. It was a truly unexpected and joyous find, adding an extra layer of magic to our perfect autumn day in Alexandria.
A Journey Through Art at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
Our journey through Old Town continued as we headed over to the renowned Torpedo Factory Art Center, located just a block away from the farmer’s market and perfectly situated right on the picturesque waterfront. For those unfamiliar, the Torpedo Factory is a truly unique and expansive space entirely dedicated to the arts. Housed in a former World War I munitions plant, it now houses a multitude of artist studios, galleries, and workshops, all open to the public. What makes it so special is the immersive experience it offers: you can freely walk into almost any studio or gallery and witness artists actively engaged in their craft, often just a few feet away. This intimate glimpse into the creative process is incredibly inspiring, allowing visitors to connect directly with the artists and their work. Many of these talented individuals also offer classes and workshops, providing a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn new skills or refine existing ones – truly a gem among Alexandria attractions.
I hadn’t visited the Torpedo Factory in years, and stepping back into its vibrant, creative environment was an absolute joy. It immediately ignited my artistic spirit and got my creative juices flowing. I have fond memories of taking painting and art classes throughout high school and college, and I truly miss those dedicated moments of artistic expression. This visit served as a powerful reminder of that passion, and I’m definitely committed to making a more concerted effort over the next couple of months to get back into art as much as my free time allows. (Consider this my public declaration – someone please hold me to it and check on my progress!)
Adding a touch of amusing serendipity to our visit, I was stopped at least a dozen times throughout the Torpedo Factory – mostly by fellow artists – who enthusiastically complimented the stunning dahlia bouquets I was carrying. Their genuine appreciation for the flowers was quite charming and created many warm interactions. One artist was so captivated by their beauty that she even asked to take a photograph of them, intending to use them as inspiration for her next painting! Of course, I, too, couldn’t resist capturing their splendor, and proceeded to take several dozen pictures of them once I arrived home that afternoon, ensuring their beauty would live on in my memory and on my camera roll for future enjoyment and inspiration.
A Perfect Autumn Day and Future Adventures
Overall, our day in Old Town Alexandria was truly a really fun and invigorating break from the usual routine. It was a perfect blend of delicious food, leisurely exploration of historic sites, unexpected finds at the market, and artistic inspiration, all set against the beautiful backdrop of a glorious fall day. It reminded me once again of the rich experiences available right in our backyard and the profound joy of sharing them with loved ones. Old Town Alexandria proved to be the ideal destination for a memorable autumn day trip, offering something for everyone in our family.
I’ll be back soon with more updates and perhaps some new artistic endeavors to share, as this trip definitely rekindled my creative spark! In the meantime, I hope this glimpse into my October highlights inspires you to explore the unique charm of Old Town Alexandria, revisit a place that holds special memories for you, or embark on an adventure that sparks your own creativity and brings joy to your autumn days.
A Note on Giving Back: Supporting Disaster Relief Efforts
**On a more serious and somber note, my thoughts are profoundly with everyone affected by the recent devastating storm (Hurricane Sandy). While the DC area largely missed the majority of the direct storm damage, it is incredibly heartbreaking and sobering to see the widespread pictures of the devastation, particularly in New York and New Jersey. In times like these, community, compassion, and collective action are paramount. Please consider donating or helping out in any way you can, whether by contributing to the Red Cross or other reputable relief funds. Your support, no matter how small, can make a significant difference to those who are now facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. You can also participate in Angela (OhSheGlows’) giveaway fundraiser campaign by clicking here, offering another avenue to contribute to these vital relief efforts. **