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

Whether 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 appeal and riverside delights for an ideal journey with out the pesky crowds you might discover elsewhere.

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 considered one of Virginia’s greatest escapes to keep away from the town bustle in favor of cobblestone strolls.

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

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

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

Alexandria ought 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 shade, its artwork scene is buzzing with enjoyable occasions all through the season.

One of which is Art on the Avenue, celebrating its thirtieth 12 months on October 4th.

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

Though, the town itself highlights these 4 parks as one of the best spots to get pleasure from autumn magnificence with a shade 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 Point Park
4. Monticello Park

But for the final word hideaway to immerse in fall’s most interesting colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so attractive — and extremely really helpful to discover on 2 wheels. 🚴‍♀️

Visit Car-Free? Local Experts Say Yes

Alexandria’s charming Old Town is a delight to stroll by. That’s to not see say it does not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic highway journey, however native specialists at Coastal Virginia Magazine 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 points of interest certainly to catch your eye, meaning it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You’re positively not alone should you accomplish that, and the expertise could deliver the most important 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. Of course, the most well-liked gateway right here is from close by Washington DC, as quick as quarter-hour away and as little as $9 for a Coach seat.

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

Just know should you plan on visiting the famed George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the trolley does not go that far.

Enjoy 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 possibly can’t get any nearer without having swimwear.

There’s no higher place to remain for sweeping waterfront views, except you possibly can rating an Airbnb for extra space.

But the true delights are to your tastebuds. There are much more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

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