I know, I know, my blog name is "Blonde in the DISTRICT," but given that we are in the DMV area, the "district" to me means the entire DC Metro Area. While I adore DC, there are a number of great neighborhoods outside of the district that still have wonderful things to do. Case in point- Old Town Alexandria, known for its historic charm. I also know it well, as my husband owns The UPS Store at the intersection of King St. and S West St, and I spend a good amount of time there and I expect we eventually will move here in the next year or so to be closer to the shop.
I love the feel of Old Town as well as the strong community it has. There are wonderful shops, restaurants, hotels, and bars, and its a great place to spend an afternoon. Never having written a blog post about Old Town, I had the idea to write a post on how to spend an afternoon in Old Town, after being approached by Current Boutique to curate my own rack at their Old Town location for the month of July. Together with Current Boutique and CE Photography, I spent a recent Sunday exploring the town and hitting all my fave spots along King St, capturing how to spend a fun afternoon in Old Town Alexandria.
BITD Guide to Old Town Alexandria:
Fuel up with Killer ESP
This coffee shop is by far my favorite in the area. The coffee is seriously so good and I love the quirky vibe of the shop. The shop is covered in artwork and murals and is my haven for catching up on early morning emails. The staff is friendly, theres always something to look at on the wall, and its even dog friendly! My favorite thing to order is an iced coffee in the summer, but during the winter I treat myself to a Nutella latte every now and then. They also carry dangerously delicious pies, and I'll treat myself to one of those or an almond croissant from time to time, too. They are also gluten and vegan friendly, carrying options for both restrictions.
If you go, be sure to check out the mural in the very back near the bathroom. I try to make sense of it every time I'm there, but I still haven't come to a conclusion of what it all means, lol!
Killer ESP
1012 King St, Alexandria VA 22314
Window shop at the The Hour
I have to give the cutest specialty shop in Old Town award to The Hour. The Hour is a boutique specializing in antique and vintage barware, art and jewelry/accessories, and it is an absolute dream inside if you enjoy vintage. First off, the windows are amazing and they always catch my eye when walking down King St. Second, the art collection in store is seriously goals, and Third, the unique vintage barware and cocktail glasses they have are beyond. The boutique is two levels and offers a vast selection of vintage finds. I consider this boutique to be one of the best places to shop (and window shop!) in Old Town for true one of a kind, distinctly unique pieces.
The Hour
1015 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Shop Current Boutique
Its only recently that I started to shop consignment. Props to Current for getting me out of my shell and helping me to realize theres a ton of good options in consignment and money to be made by reselling clothing! I really like that Current is picky about what they take, making sure they have current (get it, current, lol!) and stylish options on their racks. Stop by the Current in Old Town to shop their fun pieces- they have a great dress selection! - and I even have a rack of my fave items I pulled from inventory! You can expect to see fun prints, bold colors, and high end items available for more affordable prices, as well as pieces from my own closet you can shop on my rack! I pulled items for all sizes, and even have some plus pieces from my closet, so definitely check it out!
Current Boutique
1009 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Browse wines at Altura Wines
Its no surprise I love wine! I love wine stores and browsing bottles, and I especially like to browse for pretty bottles or interesting labels. Altura Wines has a great selection of wines at all price points, and its literally right around the corner from Current, making it the perfect pit stop after shopping! Their selection spans 3 small rooms, and there is something for everyone in store to fit all wine taste buds.
Altura Wines
108 N Patrick St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Have brunch and sips at The Majestic
The Majestic is a historic dining spot in Old Town. It has a deep historic ties to the area and I really like the Art Deco theme of the restaurant.The bar has wonderful drinks and is a great place to sip cocktails and people watch with their prime location on King St. While I haven't been for dinner yet, the brunch is absolutely delicious - I recommend the avocado toast! - and the service is always great. Stop in for food or just drinks- they have a great cocktail list and the happy hour prices during the week are on point.
The Majestic
911 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Take in the views at Alexandria Waterfront Park
You can't not visit the waterfront when going to Old Town! The views across the Potomac to DC and Maryland are simply stunning and it makes for a great end of the day to sit and enjoy the water. You can experience the waterfront from the Alexandria Waterfront Park or the Alexandria Harbor. I like the park as its less crowded than the harbor and offers prettier views in my opinion (and has a fun yellow wall perfect for pics!). The harbor is great if you are looking for something more lively and waterfront dining options and entertainment.
Tip: Get to the waterfront by way of the Old Town Trolley! It runs round trip from the top of King St down to the water, and its free!
Waterfront Park
1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Thank you to collaboration partners Current Boutique, providing clothing and accessories and CE Photography for all photography and creative direction.
Outfit Details
Look 1: Current Collection Floral Dress - no longer available, but see similar options in-store at Current Boutique Old Town | Gold Tote Bag and Gold MK Wedges available in-store at Current Boutique Old Town | Sunnies (similar) |
Look 2: Current Collection Embroidered Dress - available in-store at Current Boutique Old Town | Pink Kate Spade Bag from Current Boutique Old Town | Pink Earrings available in-store at Current Boutique Old Town | Sunnies | Blue Mules - gifted from Hush Puppies |
XOXO
Blonde in the District