Morrison House serves as an excellent home base for getaways, given our regal perch smack dab in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Our immediate neighborhood alone offers a wealth of fall activities, while the world-class attractions of Washington, D.C. are but a hop, skip, and a jump away. Alexandria recently topped MONEY’s list of the top 20 places to visit in the U.S. in 2018, in case you needed any more reason to check out our history-steeped and highlight-packed neck of the woods.
So without further ado, here are only some of the ways you can fill your itinerary on an Alexandria getaway!
Explore Old Town Alexandria’s History
When it comes to American heritage, Old Town Alexandria can compete with any other urban district in the country. You’ll have a hard time resisting the history, given it involves such iconic characters as George Washington, and given the quality of our city’s museums, historical sites, and interpretive activities.
Indeed, delving into Old Town Alexandria’s backstory can be an interactive affair thanks to the various outings run by Alexandria Colonial Tours; this time of year, it’s hard to beat Alexandria’s Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour, lantern-led by a period-costumed guide and featuring some deliciously spooky tales.
Other great history-themed destinations in and around Old Town Alexandria include the Alexandria Archaeological Museum, the Alexandria Black History Museum, the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, and Alexandria’s city history museum, the Lyceum, mere steps from our door here at Morrison House.
Visit Mount Vernon
More utterly engaging history awaits on the grounds of George Washington’s grand estate, Mount Vernon, less than a half-hour from Morrison House. From the stunning 18th-century mansion and the Pioneer Farm to the tombs of America’s first President and first First Lady, this Potomac-side spread ranks among the country’s great historic sites.
Portside In Old Town
From October 12 to the 14th, swing by D.C.’s historic waterfront for a weekend of free activities, live music, delectable local cuisine and more. Portside In Old Town promises a day of fun and excitement. Activities include a pop-up exotic car exhibit to preview next year’s Alexandria Festival of Speed and Style, LED light performance by Incandescent Entertainment presented by The Athenaeum, a free outdoor group fitness class from Sand & Steel Fitness and more.
Godspeed Tall Ship Tours
Step aboard a piece of American history when you take a tour of the Godspeed during the Portside in Old Town festival. The Godspeed, a recreation of one of the first ships to bring colonists to Virginia in 1607, will be in Alexandria. Go on an informative history tour and take a trip back in time!
Waterfront Beer Garden
Toast to a good time when you visit the Waterfront Beer Garden in Alexandria. Part of the Portside in Old Town programming, this lively event will feature award-winning craft beers, live music, cuisine from local restaurants and American Beer History Trivia (for all of you brew aficionados).