What's New In Old Town Alexandria

This story first appeared in May/June 2006

Art by Karen Greenberg

Old Town Alexandria can't properly be called a resurgent neighborhood. In fact, it's been surging for more than 200 years, since George Washington himself graced its sidewalks. Living among the Lee family's homes and up the road from Washington's Mount Vernon estate, residents of D.C.'s most storied suburb are fiercely proud of their heritage. Yet until recently, the eye toward the past gave Old Town a reputation as a somewhat stuffy community that lagged behind culinary and cultural trends. Street names like King, Queen, Prince and Duke added to the uppercrust, reserved image. Clearly, times do change. Although Alexandria can still be a bit sleepy, quieting down on weekends far sooner than other popular Virginia 'burbs, the area has enjoyed an awakening during the past decade. Nudged on by exports from D.C.'s top kitchens and artisans that you would expect to find on 14th Street—to say nothing of the ubiquitous real-estate boom—the neighborhood now retains its historical charm while enthusiastically embracing the future. There: What's old is new again.

1 100 King Lebanese Taverna owners serve up Mediterranean tapas at their hip, new venture (100 King St.; 703/299-0076; www.100king.com).

2 A la Lucia Michael Nayeri, the longtime maître d’ at Galileo downtown, is now at this tiny Italian eatery (315 Madison St.; 703/836-5123).

3 Olde Towne School for Dogs Animals and their caretakers find everything they need here, from puppy training to organic gourmet treats (529 Oronoco St.; 703/836-7643; www.oldtowndogschool.com).

4 The Shoe Hive For Marc Jacobs, Sigerson Morrison, Bettye Muller and more (115 S. Royal St.; 703/548-7105; www.theshoehive.com).

5 Stanton Gallery Alexandria native Christine Stanton creates modern and custom, handmade jewelry (114 S. Royal St.; 703/299-3055; www.stantonjewelry.com).

6 Territory Eclectic, adventurous and even rustic choices abound
at this home furnishings destination (1212 King St.; 703/836-5464).

7 Torpedo Factory This haven of artists’ workshops and galleries was once an actuaI torpedo manufacturing plant (105 N. Union St.; 703/838-4565; www.torpedofactory.org).

8 USPTO Museum The Patent and Trademark Office meets the National Inventors Hall of Fame (600 Dulany St.; 571/272-0095; www.uspto.gov).

9 Vermilion Scene makers pack this low-lit, red-brick bar and eat up
the decent American fare, too (1120 King St.; 703/684-9669; www.vermilionrestaurant.com).