Sometimes escaping the city is as simple as crossing the Potomac. If you're looking for some holiday magic with historic flair, head across the river to Old Town Alexandria. With centuries-old architecture, historic buildings and attractions, and great local stores and restaurants, it's a great place to spend a day. We walked up and down the neighborhood streets (some of them cobblestone!) to take in the decor - so many houses really go all out with decorations, in a very classic way. We eventually made our way to Market Square on King Street to see the giant Christmas tree. This square is also where the weekly Saturday morning farmer's market is held - which apparently has been running for 260 years! If you're lucky, you can even catch some live music. When we went, we were serenaded by the Alexandria Harmonizers, a men's a capella chorus founded in 1948. Hot tip: if you're having trouble finding street parking, there's a parking garage right under Market Square. Market Square is just down the street from the Carlyle House Historic Park - a great example of Georgian residential architecture completed in 1753. The museum offers a look inside life in the 18th century - the docents offer great tours, and the house has been restored and decorated beautifully. It has limited hours so check the website before you go, but it's worth a visit! There are so many nooks and crannies of the historic streets to explore - and a lot of interesting local shops. When you’re ready for a break from shopping, there are great restaurants to try! When the weather is nice, there is ample outdoor seating available at many of the restaurants along King Street. We stopped in at The Fish Market for a quick recharge. The clam chowder, crab dip, and apple cider mules did not disappoint! It was a refreshing stop, and great for people watching on a not-too-cold fall afternoon. A couple of our other favorite places in the same area: Sonoma Cellar, Virtue Feed and Grain. You can also walk down to the water - there are trails and parks along the river that are great for people (and boat!) watching. Two of our best friends even got married on the Cherry Blossom riverboat that docks right at the Old Town Alexandria Harbor! What are your favorite stops in Old Town? Let us know in the comments below!
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