Alexandria, Virginia: A Cultural and Culinary Destination Beyond D.C.
Founded in 1749, Alexandria, Virginia, is emerging as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination close to Washington, D.C. Mayor Alyia Gaskins emphasizes the city's inclusive atmosphere, while Todd O'Leary from Visit Alexandria points out its ideal LGBTQ+ equality rating. The waterfront has transformed into lively public areas, featuring new accommodations such as Hotel AKA, The Alexandrian, Hotel Heron (set to open in 2024), and Hotel Indigo. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, home to 71 artist studios, has offered below-market rents since 1974. Notable historical landmarks include the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library and the Manumission Tour Company. Dining options range from 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood to Thompson Italian, Nasime, and Vermilion, alongside speakeasies, craft breweries, and the Old Town Farmers Market. Alexandria also hosted the final season of Queer Eye.
Key facts
- Alexandria was founded in 1749.
- Hotel AKA was designed by Milan-based architect Piero Lissoni.
- Hotel Heron opened in 2024 in the historic George Mason Hotel (built 1926).
- Torpedo Factory Art Center has 71 artist studios and has kept rents below market since 1974.
- 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood is owned by Jahmond Quander, whose family was enslaved at Mount Vernon.
- The Old Town Farmers Market is the longest-running farmers market in America.
- Alexandria earned a perfect 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign on LGBTQ+ equality for six consecutive years.
- The Tall Ship Providence is a replica of a Revolutionary War vessel and offers free educational programs for Title 1 schools.
Entities
Artists
- Piero Lissoni
- Frank Gehry
- Dan Murray
- Moss H. Kendrix
- John Taylor Chapman
- Jahmond Quander
- Sonny Tena
- Gabe Thompson
- Katherine Thompson
- Yuh Shimomura
- Anthony Chittum
- Alex Barnett
- Bill Blackburn
- Jack Caminos
- Tim Prosser
- Justin Cox
- Karen Butcher
- Bill Butcher
- Andrew Kelley
- Kai Leszkowicz
- Alex Lynch
- Tristan Wright
- Gize Negussie
- Matt Sloan
- Anton 'Tony' Schabas
- Thomas Crenshaw
- Ally Kirkpatrick
- Jamie Fortin
- Angelika O'Reilly
- Alicia Valencia Erb
- Arielle Shoshana
- Dayan Worku
- Stephanie Landrum
- Alyia Gaskins
- Todd O'Leary
Institutions
- Visit Alexandria
- Human Rights Campaign
- Netflix
- Queer Eye
- Marriott Autograph Collection
- Curio Collection by Hilton
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Art League
- Manumission Tour Company
- Black History Museum
- Old Town Books
- Friends to Lovers
- Made in ALX
- Eliana Curated
- VIDA Style
- Arielle Shoshana
- Cameron Cafe
- Captain Gregory's
- Del Ray's Pop-Up Bar
- Old Hat
- Tall Ship Providence
- Atlas Brew Works
- Port City Brewing Company
- Aslin Beer Company
- Mieza Blendery
- Lost Boy Cider
- Negas Winery and Meadery
- Thompson Italian
- 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood
- Matt & Tony's
- Josephine Brasserie and Bar
- Jula's on the Potomac
- Nasime
- Royal Restaurant
- Vermilion
- The Washington Post
- Washingtonian Magazine
- Bisnow
- ALX Now
- Yelp
- Business Traveler
- Amazon
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
- PNC
- World Beer Cup
- Le Bernardin
- Per Se
- Waldorf Astoria
- Veuve Clicquot
Locations
- Alexandria
- Virginia
- United States
- Washington, D.C.
- Old Town
- King Street
- Captain's Row
- Waterfront Park
- Potomac River
- National Harbor
- Georgetown
- D.C. Wharf
- Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
- Gadsby's Tavern
- Del Ray
- Mt. Vernon Avenue
- Carlyle
- West End
- Old Town North
- Cameron Street
- Lee Street
- Mount Vernon
- Ghana
- West Africa
- Maryland
- Tokyo
- Ginza district
- Reims
- Loire Valley
- Budapest
- Miami Beach
- Beijing