5 Reasons to Plan a Weekend Trip to Alexandria, Virginia

Have you ever visited a place so close to your heart that you lost count? That’s how I feel Alexandria, Virginia. When I lived in Washington, D.C., in my twenties, this postcard-perfect city, with its brick-lined streets, historic homes, and local businesses, became my urban escape. Alexandria, though a few miles away, was a long way from the nation’s capital.

Even today, I find myself drawn to the city. While it’s now more than just a short drive away, it’s still easy to get to (thanks, Amtrak) and, as always, rewarding. Even better? You can experience the best of the city in a weekend.

Here are five reasons why you should plan your next vacation to Alexandria, Virginia.

Hotel Heron

Opened earlier this summer, Old Town’s Hotel Heron—named after the elegant Virginia bird—is the latest addition to Aparium Hotel Group’s portfolio of small, design-focused properties nationwide—and the chic boutique hotel Alexandria deserves and needs. Located on the site of the historic George Mason Hotel, Hotel Heron combines the best of both worlds: a vibrant social hub— event calendar Filled with live DJs, community events and yoga classes, it’s a dream place to relax and a convenient base from which to explore the city.

The 134 rooms offer an eclectic aesthetic that blends vintage Americana, warm woods, and colorful custom furnishings (note the pretty heron pattern on the dresser doors), and common areas, like the library stocked with current reads, look equally inviting.

With three different options, it’s easy to eat and drink well at Hotel Heron. The all-day menu at Kiln, located on the ground floor, doesn’t fit neatly into one category, but expect rich, smoky flavors from the open fire pit – the charred sweet potatoes smothered in walnuts, chipotle sauce and fresh lemon are wonderful – and prominent use of seasonal ingredients from the Chesapeake Bay. Good luck As the city’s first rooftop bar, it quickly became one of Alexandria’s most popular venues, and the soon-to-open Francis Hall will serve original cocktails and snacks in a hidden area next to the library lounge.

Balian Hot Springs

Located in Fairfax County and founded by Stephanie Chon, Balian Hot Springs is a wellness destination unlike any other in the country. Covering a total of 100,000 square feet, the sprawling facilities include every wellness and personal care feature you could possibly imagine: a plethora of hydrotherapy pools; multiple saunas, including gold-plated and Korean Loess Clay; the Lilikoi Day Spa for invigorating massages and firming Gua Sha facials; relaxation areas; casual eateries serving balanced snacks like sushi rolls and vegan ramen; and much more. There’s even a quiet area for working, and plenty of events and workshops To help you reconnect with yourself and the local community. Your best bet? Buy a midweek day pass to avoid the weekend crowds and get there as early as possible. Because once you step foot in Balian Springs, you won’t want to leave.

Alice Cocktail Bar

A hidden gem in the Old Town, Alice Cocktail Bar It’s small and not easy to find – look for the door marked next to Thai Signature restaurant and go up the stairs – but it’s a must-see. The relaxed space is decked out with greenery and quirky knick-knacks for a whimsical atmosphere, and the cocktails – from classics like Paper Planes to original creations like the tropical Mango Sticky Rice – are easy on the eyes too. There’s also a tempting menu of small plates and mains to pair with your drinks; you can’t go wrong with Thai staples like curry spring rolls and shrimp pad thai.

Thompson is Italian

The venture was started by business and life partners Katherine and Gabe Thompson, who honed their culinary skills at notable New York City brands Per Se and Le Bernardin before moving their family to Northern Virginia in 2015.Thompson is Italian she keeps her meals unpretentious and absolutely delicious. Start with the crispy creamed corn and ricotta zeppoli, move on to any of the house-made pastas—the angel hair bathed in a salty mixture of melted tomato and garlic confit is simple and gorgeous—and leave room for Katherine’s seasonal twist on tiramisu.

Majestic Cafe

Since 1932—since John Gadonas opened Majestic Cafe Located on King Street, the restaurant has seen its ups and downs, including a period of neglect from 1978 to 2001. The Majestic Cafe didn’t regain momentum until 2016, when Alexandria Restaurant Partners took it over. Today, it’s a quintessential neighborhood restaurant: championed by the local community, serving accessible meals all day (don’t miss the iconic coconut cake and house burger), and great for a celebratory meal as well as a casual bar drink.