Right In My Own Back Yard

It was snowing for a while tonight, but it looks like it won't stick and we have another reprieve from the acute onset of Winter.  The unseasonably warm weather has allowed more time to do some sightseeing outside of the greater DC Metro area. It seemed appropriate that we started looking at  all the interesting sites right here in Alexandria Virginia, that have been here waiting to be discovered.

We have spent plenty of time on King Street in  Old Town Alexandria, mostly at restaurants, my eyebrow threading place and the med spa where I get my Botox- but wait- there are historical sites here too!

My brother in law Robert and nephew Zachary visited in November and we made a sightseeing trip to Old Town.  I purchased a "key to the city" coupon booklet and off we went.  Parking is always an issue and wouldn't you know it, I found out that the city hall has an underground parking lot that is open to the public at certain hours- that would have been nice to know 18 months ago.....


We went to Gadsby's Tavern and Museum for a guided tour and lunch. George Washington used to stop there for a nice private dinner when he was in town for a visit!  http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/html/history.html

We also took a tour of The Carlyle House- one of the grandest homes in Alexandria owned by the Scottish merchant, John Carlyle. http://www.nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park
It was completed in 1753 and has been restored for the period, from the furnishings to the unnerving and disconcerting mannequins depicting the unfortunate family slaves. It was once used by British General Braddock during the French and Indian War. It is said he was an untidy and unappreciative guest!

 Another thing I have noticed in these restored homes, are the artificial foods, usually a ham, or turkey with fancy fake desserts and such.  I wonder if there is a special factory where such items are made? Surely this must be a very venue specific item. I've noticed Model Homes (including the one in Arrested Development)  also use them as props.  After all, most people in the suburbs usually have breakfast in bed with a lovely food tray, croissants and a Mimosa don't they? 

Robert and Zachary found the docent at the Carlyle House to be quite impertinent- almost shaming people into asking questions and then acting as if their question was the lamest ever.  I have become almost immune to such things - but I have to say 99% of the docents I have met, have been very intelligent, friendly and warm.  It seems a very good way to spend your post retirement years.


Tom joined us after work and we went to The Torpedo Factory http://www.torpedofactory.org/
It used to be an actual torpedo factory and it is now a premier art gallery where local artisans have their studios.  Worth the trip and it is right on the beautiful waterfront area.

Of course food was also on the agenda and we enjoyed a great dinner at Bilbo Baggins http://www.bilbobaggins.net/ and the requisite stop at Ben and Jerrys  for a scoop of Schweddy Balls ice cream. 

The Town Hall is impressive and a good central location to walk to the historic sites nearby.

We mistakenly went to Fort Ward, thinking it was Fort Washington.  I Googled it and Fort Ward popped up and off we went. We knew we were at the wrong fort when we couldn't see the Potomac, but high rise apartments instead.  All's well that ends well, as it is a little hidden treasure and the leaves were glorious. http://alexandriava.gov/FortWard

Today we went to The Lyceum, which is Alexandria's historical museum. They have a new exhibit about the occupation of Alexandria during the Civil War, by Union Troops. The Lyceum was once used as a makeshift hospital  during the war. http://alexandriava.gov/Lyceum

I got a great picture of an original "clothespin doll" made and sold by war veterans on street corners- one of only a very few in existence.

We also went to Christ Church, where George Washington and Robert E Lee worshipped!  It is absolutely beautiful and we hope to attend a service there before we leave.  The docent told us that it is a tradition for the seated President to attend services there at least once during their term .
http://www.historicchristchurch.org/VisitUs/VisitorsHistory.aspx

I really liked our docent at Christ Church, she is also a parishioner there. She said she would date Thomas Jefferson, but would marry George Washington. Now that is the kind of thing I would think to myself, but dare not say out loud- good for her!

We still haven't made it to George Washington's Masonic Temple, our trip today was cut short due to the snow.

When local people ask me if we have had a good time here, I sometimes pause before answering- but yes, we have loved seeing the sites here. Just a few more trips on the metro to DC are planned- more Smithsonian's to see!