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

Whether it’s bayside bliss, sensational meals, vibrant shores, and astounding mountains, Virginia affords extra various experiences than one may count on.

There’s one city being hyped by Coastal Virginia Magazine that even has these coastal consultants venturing inland in favor of small city appeal and riverside delights for an ideal journey with out the pesky crowds you could 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 all Virginia’s greatest escapes to keep away from town bustle in favor of cobblestone strolls.

Only a 25 minute drive, and even sooner with a 15-minute Amtrak journey from Washington DC, it is tremendous simple to succeed in regardless of feeling worlds away with its historic aptitude — one in all many the reason why we at Travel Off Path consider Virginia is one in all 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 yr on October 4th.

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

Though, town itself highlights these 4 parks as the most effective spots to take pleasure in 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 best colours, Mount Vernon has an award-winning path it is so beautiful — and extremely beneficial to discover on 2 wheels. 🚴‍♀️

Visit Car-Free? Local Experts Say Yes

Alexandria’s charming Old Town is a delight to stroll by means of. That’s to not see say it does not make an superior stopping level or end-cap to a scenic street journey, however native consultants 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, which means it is time to hop aboard an Amtrak to get right here.

You’re positively not alone should 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 definitely within the combine. Of course, the most well-liked gateway right here is from close by Washington DC, as brief 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 affords 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’ll be able to’t get any nearer with no need 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 true delights are on your tastebuds. There are much more locations to eat than there are to relaxation your head at evening.

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.