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 affords extra numerous experiences than one would possibly 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 it’s possible you’ll 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 one in every 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 trip from Washington DC, it is tremendous simple to succeed in regardless of feeling worlds away with its historic aptitude — one in every of many the explanation why we at Travel Off Path consider Virginia is one in every 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 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 special colour, 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 an incredible spot for sundown strolls and foliage photo-ops backdropped by calm waters.

Though, the town itself highlights these 4 parks as the most effective spots to get pleasure from autumn magnificence with a colour 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 last word hideaway to immerse in fall’s most interesting colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so beautiful — and extremely really useful 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 would not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic street 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 outlets, cozy cafes and eating places, and historic points of interest absolutely to catch your eye, which means it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You’re undoubtedly not alone if you happen to achieve this, and the expertise might carry 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 definitely 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 ft).

Just know if you happen to plan on visiting the famed George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the trolley would not go that far.

Enjoy Riverside Delights

Alexandria affords one resort alongside the Potomac River, and it is a identify all of us love.

Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria is not simply steps away — you’ll be able to’t get any nearer while not having swimwear.

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

But the actual delights are in your tastebuds. There are way more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

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