Having grown up in Del Ray, Alexandria native and real estate agent Allison Goodhart DuShuttle has spent the last 22 years working Old Town. One of the many reasons she says she and her family love the neighborhood is that a perfect day can be spent entirely on foot.
“Between the waterfront, local shops, restaurants, parks, and community events, there’s always something to do,” says Goodhart DuShuttle. “You’re almost guaranteed to run into friends and neighbors.” She walks us through a perfect day in Old Town.
8 AM: Coffee at Misha’s.
“Old Town has no shortage of great coffee shops, but my go-to is Misha’s Coffee. It’s locally owned and based right here, which makes it feel especially Alexandria. I love the Prince Street location near the waterfront. (There is another one by my office on upper King.) It’s small, charming, and has a rooftop deck overlooking the Potomac. Grab a coffee and don’t sleep on the baked goods, especially the pies.”
9 AM: Old Town Farmers Market at Market Square.
On Saturdays, DuShuttle says, the next stop is the Farmers Market. This one, she notes, is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country. “George Washington reportedly shopped here, too,” she says. “Pick up a fresh juice, a breakfast sandwich from one of the local vendors—be prepared for a small wait—and spend some time wandering the stands. It’s one of my favorite places to catch up with neighbors, run into clients and friends, and enjoy the sense of community that makes Old Town so special.”
10:30 AM: Explore the Waterfront.
“From the farmers market, head back a few blocks toward the river. Depending on the day, you might walk along the waterfront, rent a bike and hop on the Mount Vernon Trail or simply enjoy the views from one of the many parks along the Potomac. Easy access to the water is one of my favorite things about living here. The trail runs south to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate. Heading north, it passes Reagan National Airport and continues toward Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, and Washington DC. You could also hop on a water taxi to National Harbor, Georgetown, the Wharf, Nats Park, or a historical tour towards Mount Vernon.”
11:30 AM: Check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
“It’s one of Alexandria’s most unique attractions with working artist studios where you can watch painters, jewelers, photographers, and makers creating in real time,” says Goodhart DuShuttle. “No two visits are ever the same.”
1 PM: Lunch with a View.
“Grab a table with a view at Ada’s on the River, Barca Pier and Wine Bar, or Jula’s on the Potomac,” she suggests. “There are few things better than a leisurely meal overlooking the water, especially on a beautiful day.”
2:30 PM: Stroll King Street—and Beyond.
“Browse local shops, people-watch, and take your time exploring. But don’t just stay on King Street itself,” says Goodhart DuShuttle. “Some of my favorite boutiques and hidden gems are tucked along the side streets that make up Old Town’s Boutique District. The best discoveries are often a block or two off the main drag.”
5 PM: Happy Hour at Brut.
“Order a glass of wine, or bubbly if you’re in the mood, and the raclette,” she says. “Then ask owner Dustin what he’s excited about pouring that day. He always has a great recommendation and makes everyone feel like a regular. I may see you there!”
7 PM: Dinner.
“Old Town has fantastic restaurants, but for dinner out I’m usually choosing Italian. Thompson Italian and Landini Brothers are two perfect spots to settle in for a relaxed evening with family or friends. Thompson Italian is a newer addition to Old Town and has quickly become a favorite. Landini Brothers is the quintessential Old Town institution. I’ve been going for years.”
9 PM: Ice Cream, a Nightcap, and the 100 Block of King.
“To end the day, grab ice cream, like at Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, or a nightcap on the pedestrian-only 100 block of King Street. Between the street performers, outdoor dining, waterfront views, and steady stream of people enjoying the evening, it’s one of the most vibrant corners of the city. It’s the perfect place to sit, soak up the atmosphere, and remember why so many of us love calling Old Town home. If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, head up to the rooftop at Hotel Heron for some of the best views in Alexandria. Or if seafood is more your style, make one last stop at Hank’s Oyster Bar for oysters, seafood, and a glass of wine.”
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
