Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria, RoyaltonRoyalton Pictures
The Royalton is located in Old Alexandria
VA 22314. The Royalton is located on Holland near the corner of Holland and Duke Streets.
We've recently rented a number of units there. Residents of Royalton enjoy the convenient
location atop Whole Foods with close proximity to the King St. Metro. Check here
for the availability of rentals in and near Old Town and the Carlyle District.
 | ||
Alexandria, Bearings South, general, Old Town Alexandria, Parks & Libraries, Porto Vecchio, Ford's LandingJones Point Park on the Potomac in Alexandria VAJones Point Park is owned by the National Park Service and it's 52-plus acres compise the largest open space in Old Town Alexandria VA. Jones Point is located on the Potomac River near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in the southeast corner of Alexandria, Virginia. Jones Point is a nice place for a walk or picnic by the Potomac and is popular with Alexandria's bird watchers, dog owners and history buffs. In addition to open green space and river banks, Jones Point offers
The survey stones placed here under the direction and guidance of George Washington after 1790 mark the original boundaries of the District of Columbia. The land which George Washington surveyed for the Federal City was within the capital boundaries for 45 years, from February 27, 1801 until September 7, 1846, when Alexandria was ceded back into Northern Virginia by Congress.
Jones Point Park is very accessible for residents of Old
Town Alexandria, Ford's
Landing, Porto Vecchio and Bearings
South.
| ||
Carlyle District, Near King St. Metro, Old Town Alexandria, RoyaltonInside the Royalton Condos in Alexandria VA
The Royalton is located at the intersection of Duke St. and Holland about a block and a half from the King St. Metro in Alexandria VA. These condominium residences are strategically located in the shadows of the George Washington Masonic Memorial where the Carlyle District meets Old Town. The Royalton is located in the same building as the Whole Foods Market, so it's sited at a paragon of convenience. The Carlyle District and Old Town in Alexandria VA are home to some of Northern Virginia's best restaurants. Take a trip down the Yellow Line and it's easy to see why Old Town Alexandria is a tourist destination in and of itself. The Royalton is just two blocks from King Street and the trolley on King St. The trolley provides a free lift for all from the King St. Metro to the Potomac River. Passengers, day-trippers, local and tourists hop on and off every few blocks to check out shops and restaurants that line King St.
The south and west side of the Royalton fronts toward the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) and the many upscale and newer offices of the Carlyle District. But just a block or so south west of the Royalton is the Alexandria National Cemetery, an island of reflection and peace in the center of the bustling city of Alexandria VA. Alexandria is a city rich in history and the Royalton has easy access to the touch-points of American history. The Royalton is just a few blocks from the African American Heritage Park and almost the same distance from a memorial dedicated to fallen Confederate soldiers.
The Royalton condominiums are new and the units have all the amenities and upgrades one might expect in a newer condo: hardwoods, granite, stainless steel in just the right places. To see what's currently for sale at the Royalton, just click the link.
| ||
Alexandria, George Washington Parkway, Old Town Alexandria, Places of InterestAlexandria's Civil War Memorial
One of the busiest intersections in Old Town Alexandria VA occurs where Prince St. crosses Washington St. This intersection is dominated by a memorial of the U.S. Civil War. Over the years, and on several occasions, drivers have crashed their vehicles into the statue. As a result some folks filed petitions to have the memorial moved. But the statue has not moved and remains a fixture in Alexandria. I doubt the statue ever will be moved because of the historical significance of the statue's location. In 1861, at the place where the statue now stands, the sons and fathers, brothers and men of Alexandria gathered to pick up arms against the Union. After the Civil War, the surviving veterans formed a chapter of the United Confederate Veterans. Together members of the organization commissioned a memorial for their fallen comrades. The statue's design depicts an unarmed Confederate soldier at Appomattox. The soldier's head is bowed as he observes the Confederate surrender. The statue was dedicated on May 24th, 1889. The George Washington Parkway is one in the same with Washington St. as the Parkway passes through Old Town, and thus the Parkway, and some of Old Town's heaviest traffic, passes the statue. As originally planned, the Confederate Statue was surrounded by a fence and ornamental gas lamps, but by 1923, motor vehicles and electric lights caused a change in design. The traffic continue to increase on South Washington Street and 1932 when construction of the Parkway was completed, the grounds surrounding the statue were paved over. The pictures below depict the statue as it looked prior to the completion of the GW Parkway at a time when motor vehicles were still relatively uncommon.
| ||
Alexandria, near Braddock Metro, Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, walk to metro, Canal PlaceCanal Place in Old Town Alexandria VA
Canal Place is a great little community of brick garden-style condominiums located in Alexandria VA on the northern side of Old Town just off Pitt St. The community is composed of 7 three-story buildings with a total of 120 units. Between the buildings you'll find gorgeous well-manicured gardens.
Most condos at Canal Place have either a fireplace, patio or small balcony. The architectural detailing on these balconies and patios is intriguing and little upscale.
I took this picture while the landscapers were busy tending the lawn. The bag is filled with clippings. By the time they were finished the place was absolutely perfect. Canal Place, like many other condos, is also readying its pool this time of year. Canal Place is priced slightly higher than other similar communities like Belle View, or Harborside or Potowmack Crossing because all units at Canal Place are equipped with a washer/dryer. The grounds are beautifully kept and the location is surrounded by some of the nicest homes in Old Toww.
To search for a home in Alexandria check here, or to see what's available in Canal Place just click Canal Place. On that site you'll find maps, school info, tax data and up to the minute pricing information for Canal Place. You'll find lots more info about condos, townhouses and houses in Alexandria here.
| ||
Alexandria, Carlyle House, Old Town Alexandria, Parks & LibrariesCarlyle House --- Old Town in Bloom
These are the gardens of the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria in Spring of 2009. We stopped by to visit because it's a great time to catch the flowers at their height. The weather was perfect, the crowds were very light and these pictures don't really do the gardens justice. The gardens are insteaded to be some what accurate historically but they don't have any fruit trees, something which a colonial garden undoubtedly would have had.
This azalea bush was on fire. The foundation of the Carlyle House in the back of the photo gives texture and contrast to the blossoms.
Up close and in the sunlight they were dazzling.
The centerpiece of the garden is this lovely sundial with a formal surround of boxwoods and flowers. The brick paths and boxwoods feel very Old Town Alexandria to me.
This looked like crabapple blossoms to me, but the notices said there were no fruit trees in the garden.
Bluebells carpeted much of the garden.
I wish I knew my horticulture well enough to identify this beautiful flower that almost seem to glow.
The mixture of taller flowers and flowering ground cover was an effective way to add visual interest.
Around every corner were delightful blossoms like these.
At the foot of a crepe myrtle these lemonade colored flowers are in full bloom. The smell of nectar and the perfumes of flowers filled the entire garden.
I highly recommend a visit to this special place at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria VA.
| ||
Alexandria, Carlyle House, Old Town Alexandria, Places of Interest, VirginiaSpring at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria VA
Spring is at its zenith and so are the blossoms at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.
Julie and I stopped in to tour the gardens and I took a number of pictures. The Carlyle
House is a historic piece of Alexandria's colonial heritage and is a must see if you're
in Alexandria VA. I personally think the house is a little more impressive than George
Washington's Mount Vernon. The tour starts in the basement below the house and explores
nearly every room in the finely-crafted and meticulously restored structure. John
Carlyle was a contemporary of the likes of George Washington, Lord Fairfax, Henry
"Lighthorse" Lee and General Braddock. This house is a key part of Alexandria's colonial
heritage and revolutionary past.
The tour starts with a slick-production that explains who John Carlyle was and why
he is a person of interest. In this video presentation, paintings, computer-generated
scenery and historians provide context and background for the Carlyle House and John
Carlyle. My only regret on this tour was that we had the last tour at 4 pm on
a Spring Friday, so the guide seemed to rush us through the house. He told me he was
one of the authors of the history books on sale in the shop, but they had close the
shop and I didn't catch his name.
The dogwood is Virginia's state flower rocks gently in the spring breezes on the north side of the Carlyle House. This side of the building is surrounded by a wall of brilliant white dogwood blossoms.
These pictures really don't do the blossoms justice but they hopefully they'll inspire you to visit the gardens before spring is gone.
Behind the Carlyle House is a mixture of formal and informal ornamentals, flowers, flowering trees and bushes.
This is a remarkable little enclave found right at the heart of Alexandria.
It's just two blocks from the waterfront and only block from King St. and a public
parking garage.These photos only touch on the beauty of the
gardens at Carlyle. Check out these
photos for a close look at the blossoms that are found here.
| ||
activities, Alexandria, Harbor Terrace, Old Town Alexandria, Places of Interest, Potomac Greens, Potowmack Crossing, roads and transit, Marina TowersSailing on the Potomac
One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington.
The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment."
This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:
The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport. SCOW offers classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing.
We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded.
National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners.
There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well.
After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats.
Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast.
Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port.
What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing.
We'll be back another day. If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:
| ||
Alexandria, new condos, Old Town Alexandria, Potomac Greens, townhousesPotomac Greens
Potomac Greens is
located just off the GW Parkway and Slaters Lane near the Washington Sailing Marina
just minutes from Reagan National Airport. It's close to Potomac Yards, Crystal City,
Old Town Alexandria and Washington DC.
With an unbeatable location, Potomac Greens offers prestige in an urban and luxurious
environment that hearkens to the best of Old Town in a brand new neighborhood. The
Georgetown-style brick architecture is elegant, enduring and a perfect fit with the
colonial feel of Old Town.
Townhomes at Potomac Greens are spacious---up to 3900 sqft. Potomac Greens townhouses
are 3 or 4 finished levels; many have with rooftop decks. Nine and ten foot ceilings
are standard. These residences are large, but there is no skimping on luxuries. Hardwood floors and custom-built-ins work well with the luxuriously appointed kitchens. Parking is often at a premium in Old Town, but Potomac Greens offers two-car garages.
Potomac Greens offers both new and resale residences. Contact Will Nesbitt anytime
at 703 765 0300 to view this or other properties in Alexandria.
| ||
activities, Alexandria, Bearings South, Old Town Alexandria, Places of Interest, torpedo factory, RoyaltonSpring at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo
Factory Art Center is presenting several themed galleries through the month of
March. Now is the time to get to Old Town before month's end! Black White and a Little Bit of ColorPrintmakers Inc. will have a special exhibit with examples of prints that use black and white and a little bit of color. This exhibit is open daily from 03/01/2009 to 04/30/2009. Looking Back, Looking AheadDo you appreciate black and white photography? Prominent Montgomery County photographer Karen Keating explores the visual poetry of everyday life through compelling black and white images. Travels to Europe, Africa, Honduras, Bulgaria, and Cuba have clearly sharpened her vision, allowing her to discover the extraordinary in the quiet moments of everyday life. There will be a reception for the photographer on Sunday, March 8, from 4 to 6 pm. The exhibit is open from March 3rd to April 4th. Annual Kiln Club ShowThis month the Torpedo Factory is hosting the annual show of works by members of the Kiln Club. The show is hosted by Twylene Moyer, editor of Sculpture magazine. The reception is held on Second Thursday Art Night, March 12, from 6pm to 9pm. The show will be open daily from March 9 through April 5. Old Town is a great neighborhood.The Torpedo Factory is just one of the reasons that Old Town is such a wonderful place to live. If you're searching for a condo for sale in Old Town here are a few suggestions.
If you'd like to search for homes or townhouses in and around Old Town, check here.
|
Although
the National Park Service owns Jones Point Park, the Alexandria Department of Recreation,
Parks and Cultural Activities manages the park. The parks custodians strive to preserve
and showcase the 9,000 years of human history evidenced at Jones Point. Recognizable
touch-points like Jones Point Lighthouse from the middle of the 19th Century are found
here along with artifacts from Native Americans and colonists from the early days
of European settlement. During the first World War, Jones Point was an important shipbuilding
site and remnants of that abandoned heritage are unearthed for visitors to see.
