Alexandria — Sitting on the western bank of the Potomac River, the city of Alexandria boasts of a variety of restaurants, retail establishments and historic sights.
“Alexandria is really close to everything with the Metro running through it,” said resident Jamine Sharpe. “There is always something quaint to do.”
Sharpe, who has lived in Alexandria for one year and four months, said she relocated to Northern Virginia from just outside Seattle. She works as a shift supervisor at the St. Asaph Street Starbucks in Old Town, the historic downtown of Alexandria.
“The best part of working in Old Town is the people,” she said. “We have regulars who are fun, friendly and upbeat.”
Since Alexandria sits on the water, its residents can enjoy cruises and water taxis going to Georgetown, the National Harbor in Annapolis and Mount Vernon.
According to resident Garrett Hullfish, who works as a crew member for the Potomac Riverboat Company, Old Town’s waterfront is just a 45-minute boat ride from Georgetown. He added that it is 25 minutes to the National Harbor and 40 minutes to Mount Vernon.
Alex Skubel, a lifelong Alexandria resident who also works on the Potomac River Company’s boats, said he will never tire of the cruises to and from Old Town.
“I’ll never get tired of the sunset on the water,” he said, adding that the Potomac River Company provides boat rides for 10 months out of the year.
Hullfish said he had lived in Alexandria for 20 years and that he enjoys the historic sites.
“I love the fact that it maintains its historical character,” he said. “It has a feel that you cannot get in other places.”
Currently living in Old Town, Hullfish said he also enjoys dining downtown.
“On King Street, [which is situated through the heart of Old Town,] you can’t spit and not hit a restaurant,” he said.
There are plenty of places to see and activities to pursue both in and out of historic downtown.
Skubel said he recommends that newcomers visit the Masonic Temple, located on Callahan Drive just beyond the limits of Old Town.
“Newcomers should go to the top of the Masonic Temple because you can see D.C. and all of Alexandria,” Skubel said.
Hullfish said people new to Alexandria should visit Cameron Street, which was the main street in Old Town before Route 7 connected to King Street.
“Take a walk on Cameron Street, where you can see City Hall and the Carlyle House, [which was built in 1753 by a British colonist]” Hullfish said.
In addition to visiting the landmarks, people can acquaint themselves with Alexandria by participating in organized events and activities.
“The city of Alexandria has a variety of community events and festivals throughout the fall and early winter season,” Jack Browand, the Division Chief of the Alexandria Department of Recreation, said.
He added that all events are free and people do not have to be official residents of Alexandria in order to attend.
A calendar of events can be found on the Department of Recreation’s website, www.alexandria.gov/recteation.
Browand said Alexandria is an exciting place to live.
“The variety and diversity of Alexandria makes it a unique place to visit and live in Northern Virginia,” Browand said.