Discovering the Enduring Charm of Old Town Alexandria: A Scenic Cycling Adventure on the Mount Vernon Trail

The spirit of exploration called last Friday, leading me on a much-anticipated journey to Old Town Alexandria. This picturesque historic district, famously home to Emily fromThe Front Burnerblog, has been on my list for ages, and I finally seized the opportunity for a proper visit. Connor and I embarked on an invigorating, albeit long and windy, 20-mile bike ride along the scenic Mount Vernon Trail. This renowned path gracefully stretches all the way from Rosslyn, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Georgetown, to the historic estate of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Conveniently for our plans, the trail also weaves directly through the heart of Old Town Alexandria, making it the perfect route for our adventure.

Our journey naturally led us to a delightful stop in Old Town itself. We spent hours exploring its captivating streets and, of course, enjoyed a well-deserved meal. I was instantly captivated; I truly love Old Town and am determined to visit more frequently. Biking proved to be an ideal mode of transport, offering unparalleled convenience as we bypassed the notorious challenge of finding a coveted parking spot in this popular area.

The Timeless Beauty of Historic Alexandria

Just look at how truly beautiful this place is! Every corner turned revealed another postcard-perfect scene.

Old Town Alexandria embodies everything I adore in a historic district. It boasts charming cobblestone streets that whisper tales of centuries past, lined with beautifully restored historic townhouses that exude elegance and character. Its prime location offers easy access to the vibrant waterfront, where boats gently bob and scenic views abound. The excellent biking lanes make navigating the area a breeze, while an abundance of unique shops, boutiques, and diverse restaurants ensures there’s always something new to discover. Best of all, it’s a wonderfully walkable city, inviting you to explore its treasures at a leisurely pace.

The charm simply overflows! Many of the older townhouses showcased exquisite fall decorations during our visit, truly embracing the season. I particularly admired the authentic fire lanterns, casting a warm glow, and the countless pumpkins adorning stoops and windowsills. A delightful trend I noticed was houses placing miniature pumpkins over their front doors – such a sweet and inviting touch that I absolutely loved.

The Mount Vernon Trail offers breathtaking vistas, and one of the highlights was witnessing countless white herons gracefully navigating the waters and marshes. This sight truly underscores how Washington D.C. is a unique city; you can be amidst the bustling urban core one moment, and just a mile or two outside, immerse yourself in serene, natural landscapes like these. It’s yet another reason why I’ve come to appreciate and love this area even more, especially recently!

Cobblestone Streets and Historic Views

Walking down one of the oldest residential streets in the very heart of Old Town was like stepping back in time. The meticulously preserved cobblestones underfoot tell stories of generations past. I vividly remember thinking this particular view was my absolute favorite picture of the day, perfectly encapsulating the historic elegance and timeless appeal of the area.

A Well-Earned Refueling Stop: Pizza Paradiso

Our ambition to bike all the way to Mount Vernon was admirable, but ultimately thwarted by a more primal urge. We turned back about 4 miles shy of our destination, primarily because my hunger levels had reached critical mass. The thought of cycling another 12 miles before the promise of food seemed utterly dreadful at that point. Note to Self: Always, always bring snacks! This lesson was learned the hard way.

Let’s be honest, my mood is heavily influenced, if not entirely determined, by my stomach’s satisfaction. Connor, my family, and pretty much everyone I know can readily attest to this undeniable truth. When hunger strikes, things can, as they say, get ugly.

So, we promptly pivoted, cycling the 7-8 miles back to Old Town. With growling stomachs and dwindling patience, we began the daunting task of scoping out dining options. Here’s another valuable note to self: Searching for the perfect cafe or restaurant when you’re truly hungry often leads to settling for the very first appealing place. The urgency for food tends to override meticulous decision-making.

Given our desire to stay near the waterfront and close to where our bikes were parked, we ultimately chose Pizza Paradiso. This establishment holds a familiar place in D.C.’s culinary scene, with sister restaurants in Georgetown and Dupont Circle. I’ve enjoyed meals at the original Georgetown location before and have always found it to be a reliably good choice. While it may not claim the title of my absolute favorite pizza place in D.C. (Two Amy’s undoubtedly wins that distinction), Pizza Paradiso consistently delivers a satisfying experience.

To curb our ravenous appetites, we decided to share a refreshing mixed greens salad, lightly dressed with a delectable balsamic vinaigrette. For our main course, we indulged in a 12-inch Paradiso pizza. This classic featured a base of rich tomato and fresh mozzarella, elevated by our chosen add-ons of vibrant pesto and sweet peppers. After a strenuous bike ride, every bite was incredibly delicious and immensely satisfying. You can explore their full menu for yourself here.

I also opted for a tall, cold unsweetened iced tea with a generous wedge of fresh lemon. It was incredibly refreshing, especially after a workout, and provided a much-needed caffeine boost to fuel the remaining 3-4 mile bike ride back to our car.

The Pizza Paradiso restaurant in Old Town was particularly charming. It featured an impressive floor-to-ceiling window at the front, which flooded the space with an abundance of beautiful natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Reflecting on a Memorable Day

After our satisfying meal, we somewhat reluctantly hopped back onto our bikes. The weather had begun to shift, bringing a noticeable chill and a brisk wind as we made our way back. Our journey concluded at a scenic lookout lot near Ronald Reagan National Airport. This spot offers a fantastic vantage point to watch planes take off and land at incredibly close range, a truly exhilarating experience. From here, you can also distinctly spot the iconic memorials on the National Mall, completing a panoramic view of the capital region. What a perfect end to the day, with not a single cloud marring the magnificent sky!

Farewell for now, Old Town Alexandria. Your historic charm, vibrant energy, and scenic beauty have left a lasting impression, and I wholeheartedly promise to return soon for more adventures!

PS: On a delicious note, I whipped up a truly mouthwatering pumpkin custard just last night, perfectly capturing the essence of fall inspired by our trip. Be sure to check back for the recipe later this week!