Looking for a romantic getaway this summer? Look no further than your own hometown.
Alexandria has been named one of the 10 most romantic cities in the nation (by Amazon.com, based on residents’ purchase of romance-related books and items). With flickering gas lights lighting the way down historic cobblestoned streets, Alexandria is the perfect getaway for strolls with your loved one on summer nights.
Here are some ideas for you to really get away without all the hassle of flying or fighting traffic to some far-flung locale.
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
Make a reservation at The Alexandrian (located close to everything at 480 King St.) and ask for the romance package, which includes a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room when you arrive.
The package also includes a late check-out if you want to sleep in after your night out. In the mood for live music? Swing by Alexandria’s legendary music hall, The Birchmere, for dinner and a at 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., which hosts everyone from the Bacon Brothers to Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. Tickets and more info are available at birchmere.com.
Or, check the listings at the Carlyle Club. There are plenty of outdoor music events, too, through-out the summer, so keep an eye on the local events calendar at alexandrialivingmagazine.com. If you’re more of a movie person, there are outdoor movies aplenty throughout Alexandria, too. From family-friendly Cinema Del Ray to Rosemont Reel and more, a movie under the stars may be just what you need.
Live shows are always fun for a date night, so be sure to check out a performance at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. Most performances are held Wednesdays through Sundays. Shows and ticket information is available at thelittletheatre.com.
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
If you’re still awake after the concert, movie or show, stop off for a nightcap and dessert at Blackwall Hitch, at 5 Cameron St., within strolling distance of the hotel. Grab a seat on the back deck where you can kick back with your sweetie at one of the cozy fire pits.
If you’re in the mood for a late dinner, Lena’s Woodfired Pizza & Tap, 401 E. Braddock Road near Del Ray also has a cozy fire pit and comfortable outdoor seating. Menus are available at theblackwallhitch.com or lenaswoodfire.com.
The next morning, if you are in town on a Saturday, it’s mandatory that you head for the Old Town Farmers’ Market at 301 King St., where you can watch your orange juice get made, enjoy a fresh pastry and chat with local artists. The market is open from 7 a.m. to noon.
Get out and enjoy a bike ride on a tandem electric bicycle, which you can rent at Pedego, 210 N. Lee St. Learn more about this fun way to get around town at pedegoalexandria.com.
After your bike ride, stop back at the hotel to freshen up before grabbing the King Street free trolley ride Taverna Cretekou, 818 King St., tavernacretekou.com, where you can enjoy a romantic meal on the gorgeous patio and be pampered by the attentive staff.
Chris Militzer/Miliman12 Photography
A few fun breakfast spots for your staycation: Java Grill, 611 King St., javagrill.com, has endless coffee options, even create-your-own mixes with fresh beans, and rolled gelato.
A brunch favorite is The Majestic, at 911 King St., themajesticva.com, where you can try the brioche French toast, pecan wood-smoked bacon and a mimosa made with blood orange moonshine. Or, head to Fontaine Caffe & Creperie, at 119 S. Royal St., fontainebistro.com, another must-stop spot.
For lunch, consider bringing a picnic to eat along Alexandria’s waterfront or in a more secluded park. Stop by The Italian Place, 621 Wythe St., theitalianplace.com, for picnic makings. Walk off breakfast or lunch with a stroll along Old Town Alexandria’s less-well-traveled historic side streets (watch for cobblestones – sprained ankles aren’t fun), or take a stroll along the Jones Point Park trails.
Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy each other. You are in one of the country’s most romantic cities, after all.
