In Alexandria, Virginia, visitors from the rest of Greater Washington always get a chance to enjoy their time to the fullest of their imagination. During the holidays, however, the city radiates a nationwide appeal, delighting people from all corners of the country. And that is not without good reason, either.
Possessing a small-town charm in a historic setting but also amenities only matched in much bigger cities elsewhere, Alexandria provides vacationers a rare combination of possibilities. Hospitable, comfortable, colorful, inspirational, entertaining… They all are from a long list of adjectives visitors use to describe the coastal city.
Something for Everyone
Whether their intention is a romantic escape, family vacation or a reunion to catch up with old friends, they usually find more than what they have come here for. And it is precisely why most return at their soonest convenience for more of the same, exquisite experience.
The numbers solemnly testify to the city’s brilliant reputation. According to Visit Alexandria, a non-profit tourism promotion group, visitors from at least 50 miles away spend a whopping $826 million here each year on average. Its rich history and mesmerizing landscape with over 200-year-old structures do not deserve any less. Its shopping and dining scenes are constantly improving as well.
Take its Old Town with beautiful cobblestone streets and redbrick sidewalks, for instance. Hailing from as early as mid 18th century, this is where one of the nation’s greatest Independence War heroes and its first president, George Washington, called home. Enchantingly located by the Potomac River, it is home to more than 200 nationally acclaimed restaurants, boutiques and museums today.
Traditional festivities add so much to the city’s nostalgic wonders that stretch along Old Town’s signature King Street and throughout the majestic waterfront. This year, residents and visitors watched the Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. It featured a parade of Scottish clans in colorful tartans for the 49th time. And First Night Alexandria is the largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve party in all of Washington metro. It celebrates its 25th anniversary with over 100 live performances.
America’s Second Safest City
The city equally prides itself as offering a perfectly safe life for residents and visitors alike. Last year, Smart Asset, a financial technology company from New York, ranked Alexandria the second safest city countrywide. It climbed from the previous year’s fourth place. This shows that the city is getting safer over most other contenders for the top spots on the list.
While any stay always proves delightful here, Alexandria’s proximity to the nation’s capital also allows for convenient day-trips. This includes to some of the most significant attractions in the entire country, including The White House, U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument as well as all the inspirational museums and memorials in D.C.
