Alexandria is the place that George Washington called home. The Old Town Historic District, with its traditional cobblestone streets, is a hive of activity. There are historic buildings, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, all set against the backdrop of the Potomac River. The center of the district is Market Square, which has been operating since 1753 and was once the site of the second largest slave market in the United States. You can follow George Washington by visiting his favorite pub, Gadsby’s Tavern, checking out the pharmacy where he and Martha shopped, or viewing his pew at Christ Church. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, which was an actual torpedo factory in World War II, is now a creative space for over eighty artists, and visitors can watch them as they create modern masterpieces.

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