Morrison House is centrally-located in the heart of Old Town, surrounded by the very best of historic Alexandria, Virginia. Cobblestone streets give way to enticing shops and happening bars that mingle the old with the new. By day, the neighborhood bustles with museumgoers, art enthusiasts and shoppers, while nighttime draws foodies and beer lovers to venues that range from lively Irish pubs, romantic seafood bistros and some of the Washington-area’s best restaurants. Locals and visitors have easy access to a variety of things to do and love strolling the waterfront, attending annual festivals and being part of a warm community where everyone feels like an old friend.
You’ll find that America’s stories weave their magic in present-day Alexandria, as you visit Old Town’s museums, restaurants, and shops. Stroll to King Street for one-of-a-kind shops and fine and casual restaurants. Nearby is Market Square and Waterfront Park. A close Metro stop provides easy access to Washington DC. A 25-minute taxi ride is all that is needed for guests to reach historic Mount Vernon. The hotel is five blocks from its sister property, The Alexandrian . Guests are welcome to The Alexandrian’s many amenities, including King & Rye Restaurant and 24-hour fitness center.
Let those in the know show you around town with these local tours.
Alexandria Colonial Tours, (703) 519-1749 Frights & Pints Old Town Alexandria Tour, (844) 678-8687 Monuments Cruise, (703) 684-0580
Mount Vernon by Bike and Boat, (202) 842-2453 Old Town Alexandria Food Tours, 202-852-2268
Named the Small Brewing Company of the Year at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival, Port City Brewing Company was founded in 2011 and brews an exciting line-up of award-winning ales and lagers in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. Port City Brewing aims to brew innovative, delicious, and well-balanced beers that celebrate raw ingredients.
Located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is reconstructing Alexandria’s history fragment-by-fragment. Visit the museum and find volunteers washing, marking, and cataloguing local artifacts, plus, participate in hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
Located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is reconstructing Alexandria’s history fragment-by-fragment. Visit the museum and find volunteers washing, marking, and cataloguing local artifacts, plus, participate in hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
The Old Town Farmers’ Market is the oldest continuously-run farmer’s market in the country. In fact, George Washington even sent his produce from nearby Mount Vernon to be at this farmer’s market, which dates back to 1753. On Saturday mornings year-round, get a taste of local flavor. During peak season, there are more than 70 vendors offering fruits and vegetables to breads and pastries to fresh flowers, jewelry and art.
Named for Englishman John Gadsby who operated the tavern and hotel from 1796 to 1801, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. George Washington enjoyed the hospitality provided by tavern keepers and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Constructed in the 1790s, Old Town Alexandria’s Lloyd House is one of the best examples of Alexandria’s late 18-century Georgian style and one of five buildings of this style remaining in the city. Today, Lloyd House is used as administrative offices for the Office of Historic Alexandria and may also be rented for private events.
Christ Church Alexandria is an English country-style church built between 1767 and 1773. Christ Church is still an active church and has hosted many former presidents and foreign dignitaries, including George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George W. Bush, and Winston Churchill. Tours of this Old Town Alexandria landmark are available.
The first volunteer fire company in Alexandria, The Friendship Firehouse was established in 1774 to serve the community against the constant threat of fire. Discover the stories and equipment of this historic fire company preserved in the heart of Old Town Alexandria at the Friendship Firehouse Museum.
Founded in 1838 with the goal of improving public educational and cultural opportunities within the Alexandria community, Alexandria’s History Museum at The Lyceum features exhibitions, public programs, and a museum store. This historic site also served as a Civil War hospital, a private residence, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Nation’s first Bicentennial Visitor’s Center.
One of the earliest, and possibly the least altered, 18th-century homes in Alexandria, the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House features gardens open to the public. This 244-year old timber frame and brick dwelling has plans to eventually operate as a museum and educational center focused on domestic life in Alexandria during the 18th and 19th centuries
One of Alexandria’s two surviving examples of Greek revival neo-classic architecture, The Athenaeum is a unique arts center with a dual mission centered on presenting regional contemporary arts programming and stewardship of this historic building. The Athenaeum hosts concerts, dance, poetry, literary events, and culture-related education.
Located south of Alexandria, George Washington’s Mount Vernon was the home of the first American president and his wife for more than 40 years. Open 365 days a year, the estate offers a close-up look at the life and legacy of our most famous founding father. Wander the grounds to see beautiful gardens, heritage breed animals, a working blacksmith shop, and a stunning view of the Potomac River.
The Lee-Fendall House tells an expansive story of America’s past through the experiences of the people who lived and worked on the property from 1785 to 1969. Beginning with the stories of the Fendall and Lee families who fueled the region’s growth after the American Revolution and ending with the struggle for worker’s rights fought by the house’s last resident owner, John L. Lewis.
Discover the story of Alexandria’s co-founder at the City’s oldest stone house. Learn about daily life of the upper-class, enslaved laborers and General Braddock’s visit. See behind the walls and explore how this 1753 building survived.
The Potomac River provides a stunning background for outdoor dining, a vibrant arts scene, viewing D.C. monuments and cruises to regional attractions. Tour the tall ship Providence or take a craft beer or pirate cruise. Stroll walkable waterfront paths. Discover the newly expanded Waterfront Park at the foot of King Street, home to rotating public art and special events.
King Street is a walkable mile in the heart of Old Town Alexandria recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with hundreds of independent restaurants and shops tucked in to 18th– and 19th-century architecture.
Opened in 1792 and operating until 1933, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria is home to a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, medical equipment, prescriptions, formula books, and more.
The Alexandria Black History Museum in Old Town Alexandria showcases local and national history of black American. Honoring the historic leaders of Alexandria’s black community, the Alexandrian Black History Museum highlights the diversity of the African American experience.
Dedicated to the memory of our nation’s first president, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial was fashioned after the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. Today, this National Historic Landmark is a Masonic temple, research library, and community space.
Once the private home to Alexandria co-founder William Ramsay, the Alexandria Visitor Center is your go-to spot for city maps, attraction tickets, and information about local tours. Whether you’re looking for directions, suggestions, or souvenirs, visit the Alexandria Visitor Center.