Virginia’s Most Underrated Fall Getaway: Riverside Delights & Small Town Charm

Whether or not or not it’s bayside bliss, sensational meals, vibrant shores, and astounding mountains, Virginia presents extra various experiences than one may count on.

There’s one city being hyped by Coastal Virginia Magazine that even has these coastal specialists venturing inland in favor of small city attraction and riverside delights for an ideal journey with out the pesky crowds chances are you’ll discover elsewhere.

Internet hosting festive occasions in what’s already a vibrant city gleaming in nostalgia solely amplified by autumn colours, this hideaway hugging the Potomac River is certainly one of Virginia’s finest escapes to keep away from the town bustle in favor of cobblestone strolls.

Solely a 25 minute drive, and even sooner with a 15-minute Amtrak trip from Washington DC, it is tremendous simple to succeed in regardless of feeling worlds away with its historic aptitude — certainly one of many explanation why we at Travel Off Path consider Virginia is certainly one of America’s most underrated adventures for an unforgettable fall getaway.

Calling All Leaf-Peepers! Immerse In Alexandria’s Fall Ambiance

Go away the crowds behind in DC and head down the tranquil Potomac to this timeless gem that oozes fall splendor within the coming months.

Alexandria needs to be your go-to spot to walk downtown’s old-timey streets with a PSL in hand and rockin’ your favourite sweater that is been within the closet far too lengthy.

Not solely is Alexandria vibrant and aesthetically pleasing from an architectural perspective with red-brick walkways and each constructing seeming to boasting a unique coloration, its artwork scene is buzzing with enjoyable occasions all through the season.

Certainly one of which is Art on the Avenue, celebrating its thirtieth yr on October 4th.

Moreover, there are choose dates of public installations at Waterfront Park, which simply so occurs to be a terrific spot for sundown strolls and foliage photo-ops backdropped by calm waters.

Although, the town itself highlights these 4 parks as one of the best spots to take pleasure in autumn magnificence with a coloration wheel of leaves starting from rustic reds to close glow-in-the-dark golds:

1. Fort Ward Park
2. Alexandria Cemetery (and spooky vibes!)
3. Jones Level Park
4. Monticello Park

However for the last word hideaway to immerse in fall’s most interesting colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so beautiful — and extremely beneficial to discover on 2 wheels. 🚴‍♀️

Go to Automobile-Free? Native Consultants Say Sure

Alexandria’s charming Previous City is a delight to stroll by way of. That is to not see say it would not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic street journey, however native specialists at Coastal Virginia Journal encourage a ‘car-free go to’.

And the numbers again it up. Downtown Alexandria a has a near-perfect Walk Score of 99/100.

Lined with indy retailers, cozy cafes and eating places, and historic sights certainly to catch your eye, which means it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You are positively not alone in case you achieve this, and the expertise could deliver the largest crowd throughout your journey as Virginia welcomed a record number of rail riders given so many superior locations to go to.

Alexandria is actually within the combine. After all, the preferred gateway right here is from close by Washington DC, as quick as quarter-hour away and as little as $9 for a Coach seat.

As soon as right here, in case your boots aren’t made for walkin’, do not fret! Alexandria’s free King Avenue Trolley has your again (and your toes).

Simply know in case you plan on visiting the famed George Washington Masonic Nationwide Memorial, the trolley would not go that far.

Take pleasure in Riverside Delights

Alexandria presents one lodge alongside the Potomac River, and it is a title all of us love.

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria is not simply steps away — you may’t get any nearer without having swimwear.

There is no higher place to remain for sweeping waterfront views, until you may rating an Airbnb for extra space.

However the true delights are on your tastebuds. There are way more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

Ada’s on the River is certainly one of locals’ and vacationers’ favourite locales to sip decadent wine, lower right into a juicy steak, and take within the surroundings.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.