Explore and Shop Local in Old Town Virginia

I was travelling to Washington D.C. just few days ago and this particular town that I was passing by, really blew my mind away. I spent a weekend exploring this town as it was only 20 minutes away and now it has become one of my favorite towns that I wish I can retire in. I did research about the town before exploring for which I will post the links below in the article. Do Our new gift boutique, The Old Town Shop, officially opened its doors in March 2017- bringing to the area a unique take on local gifts and to celebrate Alexandria’s charm and historic heritage. The store, located at 105 South Union Street, offers custom gifts and Old Town Alexandria merchandise tailored to visitors and residents alike.

Old Town Alexandria is known as the 'the Romantic City' with its cobblestone streets, picturesque rowhouses from the 18th century, and cozy restaurants. Named one of the area’s top shopping destinations by the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, Old Town Alexandria boasts a blend of independent galleries, stylish boutiques, vintage shops and national retailers. Fashionistas and designers flock to the Old Town Boutique District, where 30+ independent shops offer high-end fashions, artisan jewelry and home décor. Locals know to hit King Street for hard-to-find international labels alongside well known big-name brands.  

Strolling along the cobblestones of Captain’s Row and discover historic sites to transport you through more than 250 years of the American story, from the American Revolution to the Civil War to Civil Rights and beyond. The list includes Boutiques, Handcrafted items, Local Eatery items that you should definitely try when you visit the town. Here are some of my suggestions that made me fall in love with this town.

1. The Old Town Shop- "Where the Past is your Present"

The Old Town Shop is a unique take on local gifts and to celebrate Alexandria’s charm and historic heritage. The store offers custom gifts and Old Town Alexandria merchandise tailored to visitors and residents alike. The Old Town Shop carries locally-made and crafted products from vendors and friends who are proud of their Virginia and Old Town heritage! We enjoy providing a more permanent retail presence for Old Town Farmer’s Market vendors and other small local businesses who benefit from the additional exposure The Old Town Shop provides. 

My favorite handcrafted item from this particular shop was Mediterranean Fig Scented Candle which I bought for $24- A little expensive but totally worth it!

2. The Creamery- Historic Alexandria's Legendary Ice-cream Shop.

The Creamery is the oldest family owned continually operated ice-cream shop in downtown Alexandria. This quality desserts will delight you with their signature handcrafted, small batch, old fashioned ice-cream, custards and other tasty treats. They have regular all year long ice-cream flavors, seasonal flavors, sorbet, ice-cream cookies, soft-serve custard and No Sugar Added/ Reduced Fat Ice Cream. My favorite was one of their all year long flavor- Lemon Custard with sugar cone for $3.

 3. Lou Lou Boutiques - 

Conveniently located in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria, Lou Lou is one of the must-see shops in the Old Town Boutique District. Named “Best Affordable Accessories of 2016” by Northern Virginia Magazine, be sure to check out our shop the next time you are strolling down King Street.

4. Cheestique- Build a board that will be beautiful for Brunch, but also divine for Dinner!

Cheesetique is a boutique of cheese, revered for our selection, menu, and service since 2004. The cheese & wine bar at Cheesetique has a wonderful menu full of hand-made specialties. Their wine and beer list is designed for perfect pairing with our cheeses and other foods.

5. The Evening Star- Celebrating 20 years of good food, wine and friends in the heart of Alexandria's Del Ray Neighborhood.

The Evening Star is a rollicking neighborhood gem located in the heart of Del Ray, and just a stone’s throw from both Alexandria’s Old Town and Washington DC. Evening Star is well known for its friendly vibe and convivial setting and continues to shine with a fiercely loyal crowd. Led by executive chef Jonathan Till, the Star combines gracious hospitality with a seasonal American menu, much of which features produce grown on the rooftop garden and by local farmers throughout the region. Fun, funky and always delicious, the Evening Star is your neighborhood place.

6. Comfort One Shoes- The Most Wonderful-Feeling Shoes In The World.

Comfort One Shoes brings you the highest quality, most comfortable and best looking shoes and can be delivered to anywhere in the world. Comfort One Shoes is a locally owned, family business founded July of 1993 in Old Town Alexandria. 

7. The Market Square Shop- Fabric Store

Th Market square shop sells amazing fabrics at a reasonable price. They were really sweet and definitely sold great things. They do not have any website but they do have some great Yelp reviews. Even if you don't want to buy any kind of fabrics, I would still suggest to go to this shop and explore it. You won't be disappointed.

8. The Warehouse- Alexandria's finest dining.

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, the Warehouse is one of the area’s most popular restaurants specializing in prime aged steaks and fresh seafood. The superb food is served in a casual but elegant atmosphere that features caricatures of the local gentry on the walls of the historic building. Do try their Steak “Pontchartrain” or famous all lump crab cakes. They also have a very popular Sunday brunch and be sure to enjoy a drink at their antique mahogany bar!

9. Gelato Dolci Coffee - 

Feel like having a Authentic Artisanal Gelato or Locally Roasted Coffee, then you should definitely try out this place. Dolci Gelati founder Chef Gianluigi uses an authentic Italian recipe that has been in his family for generations, but mixes in local ingredients and exotic flavors to create a modern twist to a traditional Italian favorite. They offer the finest locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks. In the mood for something a bit cooler? Try their full flavored iced or cold brewed coffee!

10. Gossypia-  An eclectic boutique that has artistic clothing, wedding dresses and folk art. You will also find very practical women's clothing lines such as Flax and Eileen Fisher. Too bad it is actually a local boutique and do not have a website yet. However, there is a lovely selection of Latin American folk art and beautiful, interesting Nativity sets from many countries. Gossypia also specializes in jewelry from all over the world.

I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know if you have visited any one of these in the comments and if not then do visit this place at least once to enjoy the feel of The Romantic City. Thank you!