Comments Off on Conference & Meeting Space in Alexandria VA
Do business in the heart of Old Town Alexandria at The Alexandrian. From small business meetings and local conferences, The Alexandrian offerssophisticated private venuesideal for productive local meetings of 10 attendees or less.
Host your small meeting or event locally in Alexandria VA and enjoy services and amenities including:
The enterprise-ready venues at The Alexandrian are perfect for groups of three or more, making it simple and easy to host a local meeting or conference in downtown Alexandria. Reserve Alexandria VA meeting and event space by the day or hour at The Alexandrian and collaborate, ideate, and express yourself in style.
Comments Off on Best Things to Do in Alexandria VA This Spring
Named one of the Top 3 Best Small Cities in the U.S. by the Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards in 2019, Alexandria is a little city with a lot to offer. With so much to experience, plan a long weekend excursion to Old Town Alexandria and receive a free night when you stay two nights at Morrison House.
This spring, discover everything Old Town Alexandria has to offer with a list of our favorite uniquely-Alexandria attractions:
King Street Strolling From home goods, designer wares, kids clothing, gifts, and more, King Street Alexandria is the largest collection of independent retailers in the D.C. region. One of the “Great Streets” of American, stroll along the mile-long King Street corridor in Old Town Alexandria and spend an afternoon discovering more than 200 boutiques, intimate restaurants, and historic sites within walking distance of Morrison House in downtown Alexandria.
Waterfront Fun One of the most popular things to do in Alexandria VA is explore the Alexandria Waterfront on the Potomac River. Sit back, relax, and watch boat tours and river cruises depart from the marina or enjoy a meal with sweeping views at downtown Alexandria favorites, including Blackwall Hitch, Virtue Feed & Grain, or Vola’s Dockside Grill.
Art in Progress The world’s largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios in the nation, the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the Alexandria Waterfront is home to more than 80 artists’ studios within walking distance of our Alexandria hotel. From ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more, see artists at work and find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring back home.
From Produce to Pastries
During your long weekend stay at Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria visit the Old Town Farmers’ Market and meander through more than 70 local vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables, pastries, flowers, soaps, and artwork. The oldest farmers’ market in the nation, don’t miss this popular attraction in downtown Alexandria.
Fine Dining Since 1770 The oldest restaurant in Alexandria, Gadsby’s Tavern is home to Colonial-clad waiters and classic 18th century American fare. Having hosted the first five presidents of the United States, including George Washington who lived ten miles north of Old Town Alexandria at Mount Vernon, don’t miss out on a historic meal at Gadsby’s Tavern.
Road to Mount Vernon If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Alexandria VA, then the Mount Vernon Trail is not to be missed. Composed of 18 miles of waterfront views, green space, and wildlife, this trail leads from Old Town Alexandria to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Run, walk, peddle, or roll along this popular outdoor attraction near Morrison House.
Comments Off on Alexandria After Dark – Best Nighttime Attractions and Tours
Experience Alexandria after dark during your getaway to Morrison House in Old Town Alexandria. From live music, monuments, and museums, downtown Alexandria and the surrounding areas comes to life when the sun goes down.
Stay up late and discover some of our favorite nighttime attractions and tours in and around Old Town Alexandria:
Monuments by Moonlight
Across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Old Town Alexandria is just a short water taxi ride from numerous monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Capitol Building, and the White House. During your stay at Morrison House, see the nation in a different light and spend an enchanted evening marveling at America’s most iconic landmarks by moonlight. Explore on your own or join a guided tour of the nation’s capital after dark.
Fancy a Nightcap? Sip something sophisticated during your stay at Morrison House. Visit Jackson 20 at our sister hotel The Alexandrian in Old Town Alexandria and make a toast to a day well spent exploring the Alexandria waterfront, King Street shops, or nearby Mount Vernon. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, local brews, and regional wines at this casual neighborhood restaurant and bar.
Something Spooky Founded in 1749, Alexandria is rife with history of European settlers, Civil War soldiers, and founding fathers. Discover something spooky during your stay at Morrison House and follow an 18th century costumed guide through the historic district of downtown Alexandria. Guided by lantern light, learn about ghosts, local legends, and the unsolved mysteries that have captivated curious minds in Old Town Alexandria for centuries.
Music to My Ears If live entertainment in the heart of Old Town Alexandria is music to your ears, don’t miss live local talent every Friday and Saturday night at Blackwall Hitch. A coastal-inspired American restaurant in downtown Alexandria, Blackwall Hitch hosts singers and songwriters every weekend and welcomes visitors and local alike to enjoy sights and sounds on the Alexandria waterfront.
Night at the Museum Home to world class museums and national collections, take a water taxi ride from the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town Alexandria to the nation’s capital for a night at the museum. Open late, visit the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum or discover monthly special events, including a concert series and live story sessions at some of the most popular museums located just across the river from our hotel in downtown Alexandria. (more…)
Comments Off on Special Occasion Dining in Old Town Alexandria
During your stay at Morrison House this holiday season, discover some of the best special occasion restaurants in Alexandria just minutes away from our downtown Alexandria hotel. From fine dining, to handcrafted cocktails, and international fare, Old Town Alexandria is home to an array of destination-worthy restaurants.
This holiday, make a reservation at one of our favorite special occasion restaurants in Alexandria:
The Study You don’t have to go very far to find one of the best special occasion restaurants in Alexandria. The Study at Morrison House is a sophisticated homage to a bygone era, including a library of spirits like a Beef Tallow Manhattan, Gin and Chamomile Milk Punch, French 75, and an array of local beer and wine. Settle in for a bite at The Study and enjoy an escape from the holiday bustle in Old Town Alexandria with live local music, sophisticated sips, and a menu of fresh produce and the highest-quality butcher cuts.
Jackson 20 Redefining comfort food in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Jackson 20 at The Alexandrian brings an unexpected approach to Southern cooking to historic King Street. Enjoy a handcrafted menu of signature dishes, including Pan-Seared Golden Tilefish, Pasture Raised Organic Chicken, Beef Bone-In Strip Steak, and Pork Delmonico. A downtown Alexandria favorite, celebrate the holidays in Southern style at Jackson 20.
Fontaine Caffee & Crêperie Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory, the best crêpes and galettes in downtown Alexandria can be found at Fontaine Caffee & Crêperie. Charming and cozy, this European-style bistro just off King Street is a modern homage to the joyful spirit of the city of Fontaine in southeast France. With an extensive selection of wine and spirits, make a toast to and celebrate at this locally-loved restaurant near the Old Town Alexandria waterfront.
Vermillion
A popular special occasion destination, Vermillion is one of the most highly-regarded Old Town Alexandria restaurants. With an exposed brick interior and flickering gas lamps, this romantic downtown Alexandria restaurant even once hosted the Obamas for a Valentine’s Day date. Warm and inviting, Vermillion Executive Chef Thomas Cardarelli has created a menu of New American fare, including a tasting menu perfect for a night out during your holiday getaway at Morrison House.
Nasime This holiday season, enjoy a five course tasting menu from Nasime in downtown Alexandria. Specializing in authentic and modern Japanese cuisine, Chef Yuf Shimomura has more than 15 years of experience preparing the highest-quality, upscale Japanese fare, including raw dishes, fried dishes, and Japanese style casseroles. A five minute walk from Morrison House, Nasime is an Old Town Alexandrian destination for one-of-a-kind international fare.
Comments Off on Stay Holly & Jolly – Holidays in Old Town Alexandria
Named one of America’s Top Holiday Towns by USA Today, Alexandria, VA truly sparkles with holiday cheer. The most magical season to visit Old Town Alexandria, the holidays bring twinkling lights strung across brick-lined streets, colorful décor, and an array of seasonal festivals.
During your winter getaway to Morrison House, stay holly and jolly with this list of our favorite season attractions in and around Alexandria:
Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Make your way to the historic waterfront in Old Town Alexandria for a parade of lights unlike any other. The Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, voted one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Parades by USA Today, is a Potomac River parade featuring boats decked out in thousands of twinkling lights. Join visitors and locals alike for this colorful Potomac waterfront celebration.
Seasonal Sips at The Study Make Morrison House your home away from home during the holidays. Get in the holiday spirit with our special Deck the Halls in Alexandria package, plus, visit The Study at Morrison House to sample seasonal, holiday-inspired cocktails. Get cozy, snuggle up, and make a toast to a merry atmosphere and live entertainment from some of the best musicians in Alexandria, VA at The Study.
King Street Shopping Lined with 18th-century buildings and treelined walkways, King Street in Old Town Alexandria transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with glittering lights and cheerful decorations. With more than 50 local boutiques and shops on King Street, discover décor, apparel, and gourmet food gifts on for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight Join a guided candlelit tour of George Washington’s former home at Mount Vernon. During this special seasonal event near our hotel in historic Alexandria, VA, learn about 18th-century holiday traditions, listen to live music, participate in holiday-inspired dancing, and sip cider as you explore the home of our nation’s first president.
First Night Alexandria The largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve party in the region, First Night Alexandria transforms local coffee shops, churches, museums, public buildings, and stores into performance venues showcasing some of the best local talent in Old Town Alexandria. After making your way though more than 25 venues featuring up to 150 performers, look up and take in a spectacular midnight firework show in the heart of Alexandria.
Comments Off on Uncover Alexandria’s Literary Past
Step back in time to 18th century America and uncover Old Town Alexandria’s deeply historic literary roots during a special walking tour hosted by Morrison House. Begin your journey to the past in the lobby of our Federalist-style mansion where your guide will introduce the city’s history and the array of notable literary figures who helped shaped the fabric of our city and the nation.
From our downtown hotel, make your way to Christ Church and the Wilkes Street Cemetery to discover little known facts about the founding fathers who once called Alexandria home during the American Revolution. Hear candid stories about George Washington, Alexandria’s most famous former resident, his time spent as a member of the Christ Church parish, and his love affair with local beauty Sally Fairfax. From there, make your way to the graveyard and final resting place of many famous local authors, soldiers, and public servants.
Make a stop at Gadsby’s Tavern, where another notable Alexandria figure, Thomas Jefferson, wrote a collection of 380 letters to political opponent turned lifelong friend John Adams. While at Gadsby’s, hear the providential tale of how Jefferson and Adams, the last two surviving members of the original American revolutionaries, died on the same day: July 4th.
As you meander through treelined cobblestone streets, immerse yourself in stories of Alexandria’s literary roots and visit other notable sites including the home Alexandria’s founder, John Carlyle, City Hall, and Market Square before returning to Morrison House to savor a complimentary rye whiskey cocktail from The Study – Morrison House’s literary-inspired lounge. Plus, receive an authentic quill gift set and start penning your own story.
For curious minds, bookworms, and history buffs alike, Morrison House’s Literary Alexandria tour is a family-friendly way to discover the untold tales of our historic city.
Comments Off on Art in Old Town – 17th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival
Each year, Alexandria’s famed King Street transforms into a world-class, outdoor art gallery with both sides of the thoroughfare between Washington and Union Streets hosting more than 200 artists from the US and abroad. Taking place on September 21 and 22, the 17th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival is an art-lover’s dream, featuring fine jewelry, paintings, sculptures, glasswork, photography, ceramics, and handcrafted apparel and décor. Nestled among historic architecture on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, this two-day festival is free and open to the public. Meander through renowned artwork, meet-and-greet with artists, and even find a memento to bring home.
With a thriving arts scene, Alexandria hosts a number of events coinciding with the King Street Art Festival, including The Art League’s popular Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser. During the festival, visit Market Square to purchase one of 1,500 handmade ceramic bowls created by talented local artists and enjoy a free scoop of ice cream. After sampling something sweet, head to the Torpedo Factory Art Center on the Potomac River waterfront for the Center’s annual Beer & Wine Torpedo Garden. Grab a sip and discover more than 80 artist studios with original works for sale. For the littlest artists, make a pitstop at Alexandria’s Carlyle House for a free children’s craft event.
For a colorful and creative weekend getaway, there’s nowhere quite like Morrison House. Built in the style of a Federalist mansion, our luxury hotel is a relaxing retreat in the middle of bustling Old Town Alexandria. Make the most of your art-filled escape, book our special Stay for Breakfast offer and enjoy complimentary breakfast for two adults and children under 12 at our locally-loved restaurant, The Study, during your stay at our historic Old Town Alexandria hotel. (more…)
Comments Off on Join the Party – Alexandria’s Favorite Summer Festivals
Discover the best festivals hosted in and around historic Old-Town Alexandria this summer.
Join the Party – Alexandria’s Favorite Summer Festivals Summertime in Alexandria is filled with an array of festivals, fairs, and celebrations. During your stay at Morrison House, discover the heart-beat of our historic city and explore the city’s best summer festivals. From beer to books, there’s always something to celebrate in Alexandria!
Check out some of our favorite summer festivals in and around Alexandria:
Emerging Writers Festival – August 16-18
The inaugural Emerging Writers Festival is a weekend-long celebration of writers and writing held in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Featuring author talks, writing workshops, public readings, and a book and art fair, this festival is perfect for lovers of writing and aspiring writers. After the festival, discover the diverse library of spirits at The Study, Morrison House’s restaurant and bar with a rich literary history of its own.
Old Town Beer, Wine & Dog Festival – August 17
Enjoy local craft beer, wine, and live music alongside Alexandria’s favorite four-legged friends at the Old Town Beer, Wine & Dog Festival. Bring your own pup for a stay at our pet-friendly hotel, or make friends with a dog up for adoption. With proceeds going toward local animal welfare leagues and pet-fostering agencies, this is a fun-filled festival you can feel good about.
Library of Congress National Book Festival – August 31
Take a short metro or water taxi ride from Old-Town Alexandria to Washington D.C. for the 19th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival. Hosting more than a hundred best-selling authors, novelists, historians, and poets, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, activist José Andrés, and graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier, this year’s festival will explore the theme of American changemakers.
Colonial Market & Fair – September 14-15
Visit the former home of President George Washington during the annual Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair. This family-friendly market features colonial-era crafts, performances, food, and more. Plus, book the Exactly Like Nothing Else package available at our Old-Town Alexandria hotel and enjoy 40% off admission to Mount Vernon!
17th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival – September 21
For over 15 years, the annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival has transformed the city’s historic King Street into a world-class, outdoor art gallery. Featuring more than 200 artists from around the world, discover paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more. During the festival, take a break and cool off with a specialty cocktail at Jackson 20, located at our sister property, The Alexandrian, on King Street.
Comments Off on Beat the Heat – Alexandria’s Best Indoor Attractions
When it’s hot outside, beat the heat with the best indoor attractions in the historic Old Town Alexandria, VA area.
Beat the Heat – Alexandria’s Best Indoor Attractions When it’s hot outside, beat the heat with some of Alexandria’s favorite indoor attractions. A short water taxi ride from Washington D.C., our downtown Alexandria hotel is surrounded by some of the nation’s most popular museums, historic sites, dining-destinations, and cultural attractions. Plus, exploring Alexandria and beyond is easy with our Love Your Summer Package – don’t sweat the details, we’ll take care of parking, transportation, and admission to some of the city’s best attractions.
