tourism

News

Specialty ‘Hamilton’ tour of Gadsby’s Tavern could get an encore after selling out this summer

By Jo DeVoe

Curtains will be closing this Friday on a temporary tour of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum inspired by the musical “Hamilton” but an encore may already be in the works.

Tickets for the specialty tour, dubbed “Hamilton’s BFFs and Frenemies,” have already sold out for the summer run, which is ending this week, a city spokeswoman said. The city’s Office of Historic Alexandria is making plans to offer the same tour this fall at the museum, located at 134 N. Royal Street, though dates have not yet been set, she said.

Go to Specialty ‘Hamilton’ tour of Gadsby’s Tavern could get an encore after selling out this summer Read more
News

Calling all amateur historians: Alexandria apothecary museum needs tour guides

By Vernon Miles
A few products on display at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Old Town’s Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax Street) is a fascinating place, and the Office of Historic Alexandria is looking for volunteers to help show it to visitors.

The museum contains a collection of medicinal herbs, shop furnishings, apothecary pottles and more that are largely original to the 141-year-old family business. The museum tells the story of medicine and business as they evolved in Alexandria. The museum has a collection of journals, letters, diaries and more — including a note from Martha Washington.

Go to Calling all amateur historians: Alexandria apothecary museum needs tour guides Read more
News

Alexandria ranked as a top ten American city by travel magazine, but pushed down by a Tennessee city

By Vernon Miles
The Alexandria skyline (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Travel + Leisure readers ranked Alexandria as one of the top ten cities in America for the second year in a row — though Nashville, Tennessee bumped Alexandria down from the eighth spot to the ninth spot.

The cities are ranked on a variety of factors, from shopping and food to culture and landmarks. As with last year, Charleston, South Carolina came in at number one.

Go to Alexandria ranked as a top ten American city by travel magazine, but pushed down by a Tennessee city Read more
News

Harry Potter tour returning next week to Apothecary Museum in Old Town

By James Cullum
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum still has many of the original products that it sold throughout the 19th century (staff photo by James Cullum)

A magical apothecary tour will materialize in Old Town next week, just in time for the holidays.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax Street) is hosting the annual event on Friday, Dec. 16, and fans of J.K. Rowling’s books can learn about her inspirations in the muggle field of botanical science. Visitors will learn about fumigating pastiles, sweet marjoram and cuttle fish bone, among others.

Go to Harry Potter tour returning next week to Apothecary Museum in Old Town Read more
News

Visit Alexandria reports record tourism rebound

By James Cullum
Alexandria Town Crier Benjamin Fiore-Walker and his assistants ringing in the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 17, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Pandemic? Alexandria just broke the all-time record for consumption-based tax revenue with $76 million for fiscal year 2022, according to the city’s tourism bureau.

At its annual meeting this week, Visit Alexandria reported that its expanded marketing efforts — with support from the Alexandria’s American Rescue Plan funding — allowed the city to capitalize on pent-up travel demand.

Go to Visit Alexandria reports record tourism rebound Read more
News

For fifth straight year, Alexandria makes Best Small City list by Condé Nast Traveler

By James Cullum

For the fifth straight year, Alexandria was named in the top five best small cities in the country in the 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Alexandria took home the fourth spot this year after placing third the last two years in a row.

Go to For fifth straight year, Alexandria makes Best Small City list by Condé Nast Traveler Read more
News

New report examines progress on Alexandria’s housing and tourism goals

By Vernon Miles
As seen around Old Town Alexandria and Waterfront Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A new report, prepared for a City Council meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), looks back at the progress made on several priorities adopted earlier this year, from pandemic recovery to housing.

The mulit-part update tackles a dozen community-welfare topics identified as a priority early in 2022, with each of those broken down into a look at progress on individual initiatives. While some have been fully completed, others are still in their early stages.

Go to New report examines progress on Alexandria’s housing and tourism goals Read more
News

Pair of Old Town tours highlight unique local history, from furniture to architecture

By Vernon Miles
A tour guide tells a story on a hot July day in front of the Carlyle House at 121 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Two walking tours around Old Town this month will offer a look at some unique historical sites and local architecture.

Both events, featured in a newsletter from the Office of Historic Alexandria, start at the Carlyle House Historic Park (121 N Fairfax Street).

Go to Pair of Old Town tours highlight unique local history, from furniture to architecture Read more
News

Historic homes tour returning to Old Town on September 24

By James Cullum
A street lined with American flags in Old Town, Alexandria. (staff photo by James Cullum)

After being shut down the last few years due to COVID-19, the Historic Alexandria Homes Tour is returning to Old Town next month.

Tickets for the 80th annual tour cost $40, which will be held on Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go to the INOVA Alexandria Hospital.

Go to Historic homes tour returning to Old Town on September 24 Read more
View More Stories