alexandria-in-virginia-has-a-lot-to-offerAlexandria in Virginia has a lot to offer

A short distance from where the most important decisions are made at the federal level that impact the lives of Americans in one way or another, there is an enclave that has managed to combine modernity with the preservation of a historical legacy: it is the city of Alexandria, northeast of Virginia and only separated from Washington DC by the Potomac River.

Although any time is attractive to take advantage of what Alexandria has to offer, there is no doubt that a weekend getaway during the spring will delight the visitor with all the good vibes of the atmosphere that is breathed by the magnetism that annually brings together locals and strangers in seeks to admire the “Cherry Blossom” (Sakura).

Both the good food, first-class accommodations and the connection with the rich history make this small town the ideal place to enjoy a short vacation in a safe and quiet space.

“When people visit Alexandria they can see firsthand how beautiful it is and everything it has to offer. For a long time it has been ranked among the most important small cities to travel to,” said Rebecca Doser, Director of Communications for Visit Alexandria, with great pride.

In fact, both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have listed it as one of the best places to visit.

During a walk through historical points of the city, Doser highlighted that the start of the revitalization work on the boardwalk is already in full process. “We want to show the people of the region and tourists in general that it is a beautiful destination right next to the Potomac River and five miles from Washington DC. You feel like you are in a city but at the same time it conveys the charm of an old town” , reaffirmed but not before remembering that this 2024 Alexandria will be celebrating its 275th anniversary of founding for which a series of events have been organized from April to September.

Tour of the King Street commercial corridor, Alexandria.
Credit: Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria | Courtesy

Small but with substance

From taking tours through colonial areas through its cobbled streets and buildings that take us back to the 18th and 19th centuries, appreciating the house where George Washington spent the night, who considered Alexandria as his adopted city, or admiring artistic expressions in what was once a old naval ammunition factory (Torpedo Factory) and even enjoying a water ride to observe the national monuments are just a small sample of the options available to the visitor.

Exterior view from the marina of Torpedo Factory Art Center, a half-century landmark in Alexandria.
Credit: Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria | Courtesy

“After the 2016 elections I felt that through photography I could inspire change,” said artist Pedro Ledesma III, in the Torpedo Factory exhibition hall.

And Ledesma, whose father was Mexican and whose mother was Korean, before becoming a full-time photographer, was part of the economic team of the World Bank staff.

Pedro Ledesma uses photography as an expression of social problems.
Credit: CV | Impremedia

Traveling has allowed him to capture people and situations with his lens. Part of his current work strongly reflects what both the US and the origins of the home where he comes from represent for him. “I think it’s important to understand Hispanics and how they are treated, it’s important to understand Asians. Many things overlap, just as there are differences we also see similarities. In 2020 I was in Richmond, VA, during the Black Lives Matter movement and that for me was a catalyst to understand the role that race plays in the United States,” he expressed while explaining the content of the images. that hang on the walls in the cubicle he occupies with the aim of inviting tourists to interpret the social message that his photos convey.

On an upper floor of the Alexandria art center, another Hispanic laboriously shapes his creations. Born in Fairfax, VA, Alexis Gomez is a young artist who has found his niche in the field of Augmented Reality.

A computer with sophisticated programs, carpentry tools and pieces of wood everywhere are some of the elements that he uses with discipline and patience for his sculptures that range from being tiny to the size of a person.

Finished sculpture by young Hispanic artist Alexis Gomez. in his Torpedo Factory workshop.
Credit: CV | Impremedia

“As I am always working on several projects at the same time, a large human figure can take me up to two years from the time I design it to the time it is ready to be delivered,” Gomez explained as he directs his gaze to one of the finished works that lies in the floor of his workshop.

On average, these types of sculptures can require between 150 and 200 pieces, told us the young man of Salvadoran parents who promotes his creations thanks to the fact that his talent has been taken into account along with 150 other artists who exhibit their creations.

Stadia

Interior of the spacious bar of the AKA hotel, with the cloud highlighting the ceiling.
Credit: Jeffrey Totaro/AKA Hotel | Courtesy

When it comes to lodging, Alexandria has the luxury of having one of the best hotels in the area. The AKA will only be inaugurated one year this April.

The mark of the Italian designer and architect Piero Lissoni is obvious. Nothing was spared to make the guest experience harmonious yet sophisticated.

A cinema room, a bar illuminated with a giant cloud, elegant decoration with a touch of sobriety, conference rooms and ostentatious rooms put the aka hotel on the map.

Without mentioning specific names due to confidentiality rules, the hotel manager, Chris Saputo, highlighted that artistic and political figures have been able to enjoy the amenities offered in these facilities.

Whether it is the AKA or another of the many accommodation alternatives in the area, what counts is that the city is prepared for tourists to have a unique experience.

Dishes, tapas and more…

Although in general the gastronomic sector of Alexandria is at the level of demanding palates, it is worth mentioning restaurants like The Study at Morrison House where Costa Rican chef Tomas Chavarría feels like a fish in water because he has perfected a menu infused with Hispanic flavor with some Asian influence and other variations.

Hispanic chef Tomas Chavarria in the middle of preparing dishes with recipes of his creation at The Study, Alexandria, VA.
Credit: Scott Suchman for Visit Alexandria | Courtesy

“It is incredible to see the Asian influence in Mesoamerican food,” Chavarría explained passionately as he indicated the characteristics of the menu, which among other dishes includes ceviche, scallops tiradito, ripe plantain empanadas, and desserts such as rice pudding.

“Here at the Study, what we try to do is preserve culinary history, our roots as Latinos but with the contributions of different cultures. At the end of the day everything is intertwined,” he asserted.

Another restaurant that promises a good dinner is the OAK Steak House. The main dishes live up to their name with fine cuts and finger-licking seasoning.

Interior view of the Oak Steakhouse restaurant.
Credit: Courtesy

And when it comes to tapas, those visiting Alexandria can try a top-notch brunch at Barca, located right on the boardwalk.

The Barca provides the opportunity to enjoy drinks and tapas with views of the Potomac River.
Credit: Torch Pictures for Visit Alexandria | Courtesy

Nothing like savoring a good octopus, croquettes, patatas bravas, meat skewers, among other delicacies while enjoying a panoramic view of the waters of the Potomac.

Delicious brunch at Barca.
Credit: Kristian-Summerer-for-Visit-Alexandria | Courtesy

We could go on listing many more things to do to have a good time in Alexandria, but the rest will be left to the future visitor.

By Scribe