Carlyle Towers is near Old Town
Carlyle DistrictCarlyle Towers is in the Carlyle District near Old Town, just a few blocks from the many shops and features that attract tourists and residents alike.
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Overview
The neighborhood surrounding Carlyle Towers is called Old Town because it's the oldest part of Alexandria – originally laid out in 1749 – and a nationally designated historic district. Many of its 4,000 historic buildings houses, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States, Old Town’s Market Square now contains a large fountain, extensive landscaping and a Saturday morning farmers’ market.
Old Town is known for its illustrious residents and guests. George Washington called it home. Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church and Thomas Jefferson entertained at nearby Gadsby’s Tavern.
Today, Old Town Alexandria offers a fuller menu, with restaurants ranging from fast-food to white tablecloth. Restaurants close to Carlyle Towers include Fin and Hoof Bar and Grill, Villa d'Este, Chequers Restaurant and Lounge, and Charcoal House. A night on the town can be had at spots such as the Oyster Bar and Club Room at Union Street.
A short walk from Carlyle Towers is the turnaround for the King Street Trolley, a free shuttle that connects the waterfront with the west edge of Old Town at the foot of Shooters Hill. That’s the site of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial and the King Street station of Metro Rail’s blue and yellow lines.
 Alexandria is a Colonial seaport located down-river and within eyesight of Washington DC. Alexandria was George Washington's hometown. The city's roster of historic sites underlines how historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained at Gadsby's Tavern; Robert E. Lee worshipped at Christ Church. The Old Town district includes more than 4,000 historic buildings, outstanding examples of early American architecture that now house small businesses and gracious homes, all waiting to give you a modern welcome. Old Town is characterized by brick sidewalks that line historic structures. Elegant modern structures are carefully planned to fit with the feel of Old Town. |
Shopping in Old TownAnne Taylor, Banana Republic, the Gap, Birkenstock, Brooks Brothers, & Talbot are just a few of the nationally recognized retailers with a presence in Old Town. In addition a wide variety of boutiques and shops provide clothing, jewelry, books, home furnishings and more.
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Dining in Old TownAlexandria has a plethora of cuisines available in local restaurants. Prices range from fast-food to fine-dining, but most of the restaurants in Old Towne offer upscale fare at reasonable prices. Also, you'll find the variety and selection you would expect at any tourist spot: ice cream parlors, specialty bakeries, taverns and public houses.
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Evening in Old TownThroughout the year Old Town Alexandria remains a popular night-spot for locals and tourists alike. Old Town has a unique vibe though. You won't find frat-style keg parties, or sweaty after-hours discoteques in Old Town. The evening starts with families and tourists and the dancers and drinkers show up late. The atmosphere is subtly more upscale than other nightspots in the DC area. The partiers are laid-back and approachable but well-dressed with impeccable behavior.
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Athenaeum
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). Constructed between 1851-52, the Athenaeum is a Greek revival building with a rich history. The building is named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena. Over the years The Athenaeum has taken many names and was used for many functions. Together with the Lyceum, the Athenaeum is a foundation of Alexandria's Greek neo-classic buildings.
The building has a long history of use in Alexandria. Before the Civil War, Robert E. Lee banked here, when the building was known as the Bank of the Old Dominion. During the Civil War it was occupied by Federals and home to the Union Army Commissary Headquarters. In 1905, the bank was converted from commercial to industrial purposes. The building was used by the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop as a place to grind talcum into powder. In 1925, the talcum factory became the Free Methodist Church.
NVFAA purchased the Athenaeum in 1964. Since then, restorations have taken place using the funds from the members of the NVFAA and the National Park Service Save America's Treasure Grant.
Recent art exhibits include Song For Europe by Mark Cameron Boyd is participatory installation using his signature "text bisection" process on a series of chalkboards to address four different languages from European origin such as Greek, Latin, French, and English. This exhibit is on display from August 16th - September 21st.
Music is another art form featured at The Athenaeum. Up and coming:
- September 11th - Tom Dews with Patricia Cooper.
- October 9th - Lori Grigsby & Sandy Moyer with Patricia Cooper
- December 11th - BumpKin Pie
Yoga classes are available at The Athenaeum. Instructor Betsy Huffman welcomes drop-ins. Class fees are only $18 per class. Classes are Mondays 11:30am
The Athenaeum is available for rentals for weddings, receptions, parties, business meetings and seminars.
Gallery Hours:
Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: Noon-4pm
Saturday 1pm-4pm
The Athenaeum
201 Prince St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-0035
Gadsby's Tavern
Old Town Alexandria is famed for its quaint historical atmosphere. Englishman John Gadsby operated a tavern here from 1796 to 1808. In those days, the tavern was the hub of political, business and social circles in Alexandria. Thus, Gadsby's Tavern is an important part of the 18th Century heritage of today's Old Town Alexandria.
Today Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located on Royal Street, a few blocks from route of the King St. trolley. Admission is only $4 for adults and $2 for children. Children under 11 are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. The museum consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel.
While in operation, the tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. Prominent patrons such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette are part of the history of Gadsby's.
At the tavern you can journey back to the 18th-century in a place where famous historical figures and everyday people dined and slept. The museum helps educate today's generations about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of the 1700's.
There is a restaurant still in operation in the building. The tavern can be rented for weddings, banquets and any meeting where linen tablecloths and a post-colonial setting are appreciated. Please note some tour times are not available due to special events at the museum. Please call in advance or check the online calendar for more information.
Tour Hours
November to March:
Wednesday to Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Last tour: At 3:45 pm
Closed: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
April to October:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday and Monday: 1 pm to 5 pm
Last tour: At 4:45 pm.
Closed: New Year's Day,
Thanksgiving, Christmas
George Washington Masonic Memorial
Many think the George Washington Masonic Memorial is one of the most important memorials we have in the United States of America. Locals call the monument the Masonic Temple or more rarely the Alexandria Lighthouse. The building is located near the King St. Metro.
George Washington was more then just the first president of the United States, he was a man who promoted righteous virtues , a willing nature to fight for his beliefs. As one of our founding fathers, George Washington built this country with his vision of what America should strive to be.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a tribute to George Washington the man and the mason. Thus, the building reflects the democratic principles of George Washington by referencing the architectural style of ancient Rome and Greece. The edifice appears as a lighthouse, mimicking the architecture of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. And high atop Shooter's Hill it dominates the Alexandria Skyline. But inside the building are many interesting rooms and site.
There are nine different floors in the edifice, each offering something different to the public. The first floor is the Grand Masonic Hall which can be used for lectures and meetings. The entire tower is supported by 8 granite Doric columns.
Also located on the first floor is the Shrine Exhibit. The Shriners of North America is an international fraternity which supports the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Shriners core beliefs are brotherly love, truth, relief, and fun. With over 375,000 members world wide, the Shriners have made a tremendous positive impact in children's lives for many years. The Shrine exhibit dates back to 1876 and depicts Presidents of the Shrine fraternity, 191 Shrine Temples, and one wall in the room symbolizes the pilgrimage to Mecca and the Shriners striving for perfection.
The "Shriners Hospital for Children" Room commemorates the work of Shriners every where in support of the Shriner Hospital for Children. In this room, there is a large white statue of a Shriner holding a little girl in the left arm and holding her crutches in the right hand. This room also houses an animated model of the Shriner parade.
The Independent Square Room, also on the first floor, contains a replica of Independence Square which is located at the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital.
The building's first floor is home to the George Washington Memorial Theater. This grand theater provides a wonderful setting for cultural events and still includes and original painting of George Washington painted by Hattie Elizabeth Burdette over looking the center of the stage.
Among other things, the second floor is home to the Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and home of Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120. (I've actually visited both of these lodges as I am a member of the nearby Pride of Fairfax No. 298.) The Replica Lodge Room is a replica in every detail from 1802, paintings, furniture, and so on. There is also Washington's bedchamber clock which is set at the time 10:20pm, Dec. 14th, 1799, the precise time of his death.
On the second floor, the Memorial Hall features a large bronze statue of Washington, a mural on the north wall shows George Washington and his troops at Christ Church in Philadelphia. On the south wall is another mural dating to September 18th 1793, laying the cornerstone of the United States Capitol.
The third floor has the Grotto Exhibit---a social organization of Master Masons. The initials M.O.V.P.E.R. (The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm) are displayed over a single chair.
The fourth floor has the George Washington Museum which displays, paintings, relics, prints, and historical documents. Another impressive statue of Washington towers in the museum.
The fifth floor takes us to the Royal Arch Exhibit which includes a painting by Allyn Cox of ruins of Kings Solomon's Temple. Also, a reproduction of the Ark of the Covenant.
The higher the floor, the smaller the floor, so the higher floors contain less attractions. This is very noticeable on the highest floors. On the sixth floor is the Memorial Library, available only by appointment. It contains over 20,000 volumes Masonic works.
The seventh floor which contains several murals depicting Masonic lessons based on the Old Testament. (A detail from one of these murals is shown here.) The eigth floor is home to the Knights Templar Chapel which allows people to reflect and pray.
The ninth floor has the Tall Cedars Exhibit. This includes a model of King Solomon's throne and temple. This level overlooks the city of Old Town Alexandria in a spectacular fashion. The observation deck provides a 360 degree view of Alexandria.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial provides the public with a rich history of George Washington, and gives a window to view his life through. Anyone who ever plans to visit Alexandria must see this interesting memorial.
The Carlyle District and homes in Old Town enjoy spectacular views of the Memorial as do some of the residences at Jefferson Manor, the Midtowns, Hunting Creek Club, the Huntington Club and Montebello.
[back to top]James M. Duncan Library and Kay Waller Barrett Library
James M. Duncan (1897-1967), born in Alexandria. He was long term serving Alexandria City Councilman and member of the Library Board. After his death in 1967 it was proposed that the Del Ray branch be named in Duncan's honor. The James M. Duncan Library continues to serve the Del Ray community of Alexandria.
Newly renovations have expanded the library to 5,000 square feet, naturally adult reading area, and new children's reading section.
The James M. Duncan Library was the first building in Alexandria with a "green", or ecologically friendly, roof. It acts as an insulator by reducing the indoor temperature during the summer season. Also by using vegetation and soil it reduces rain water to sewer run off and naturally filters the water.
Every summer James M. Duncan branch offers children fun, exciting, and educational programs with a variety of functions. The SummerQuest programs is for ages 6-12. SummerQuest Junior is for ages infants to five years old.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Closed Sundays
James M. Duncan Branch Library
2501 Commonwealth Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 838-4566
The Barrett Library was built in 1937 and named after Kate Waller Barrett (185?-1925), to honor her memory as a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. Mrs. Barrett was a very accomplished woman who received an her M.D. from the Women's Medical College of Georgia in 1892. Dr. Barrett opened a home for unwed mothers in 1893 with the financial aid of Charles Crittenton. By 1909 there were over 90 homes and national headquarters in Washington D.C. DR. Barrett also was involved in veterans' relief, women's suffrage, and the restoration of the Arlington Mansion.
The library has undergone renovations and expanded its facilities in 1995. The Foundation Center at Barrett Library collaborates with the Alexandria Library to strengthen the nonprofit sector with the appropriate knowledge about U.S. philanthropy and training for its patrons.
The Barrett Branch also offers the SummerQuest children's programs and "Let's Talk Books" a Barrett book discussion group held every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4555
Luckett Skate Park
Luckett Field is a 5.6 acre baseball/softball field near the intersection of Duke St. and Wheeler. Part of the grounds is dedicated to the Luckett Field Skate Park.
The skate park is frequented by children and adults of all ages and is considered a safe-family friendly park. The park is styled as a street course with lots of different rails. There are several quarter pipes, a 6-7 foot halfpipe. In addition to several different sized banks, there is a pyramid, kicker ramp, grind box, manual pad, and ledges. The park also has a big 3 stair set. There is no bowl.
There is no admission to the park. This park doesn't require pads, but I recommend them.
The skatepark is open seven days a week beginning at 9 am. The hours are seasonal, so the park will close at 5 pm through March. Skaters must be 6 years old to use the skatepark, and those under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
The park lies in the shadow of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial (aka the Alexandria Lighthouse, the Masonic Temple) in Alexandria. The skyline of Carlyle is visible from the park. There are many upscale (and a few downscale) neighborhoods very close by.
[back to top]Lloyd House
Built between 1796-1797 in Georgian style by John Wise, the Lloyd House was occupied the Lloyd family from 1832-1918 and home to Carolyn Hallowell Miller, a suffragist leader after the Civil War. The Lloyd House use to be a branch of the Alexandria Library but now houses the Office of Historic Alexandria.
Many events are welcome to take place at the Lloyd House such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, fund-raisers, and workshops. Only the first floor and garden is permitted for use and could accommodate 100 people depending on the type of venue. The North Parlor Room has a maximum capacity of 50 seated dinner/meeting and 90 limited seating, mixer event. There is one unisex bathroom on the first floor for public use.
Facilities Coordinator
Lloyd House
220 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4554
For your real estate needs and around Alexandria, please contact Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria. We serve buyers, sellers, renters and landlords.
[back to top]Lyceum
The Lyceum was built in 1839 and was founded by a group of gentlemen who formed with the Alexandria Library Company. Over the years the Lyceum has served many purposes.
Before the Civil War, the Lyceum was a cultural center in Alexandria but this was ended when the war came to the city. During the Civil War, the Lyceum was a hospital by the Union Army. It has been an office building, a private home, and was the nation's first Bicentennial Center. In 1985 The Lyceum became Alexandria's Historical Museum.
Now The Lyceum can be rented for many purposes such as concerts, lectures, school programs, volunteer functions that the whole community can participate in, and also weddings.
The outside of the building is in the Greek style form of architecture which gives The Lyceum a distinct look. For tourists who plan to visit The Lyceum there are many historical memorabilia items which include the Civil War, documents, antique silver, photographs, furniture, and 19th century stoneware. The Lyceum was intended to be the cultural center of Alexandria and now it has returned to its former prominence.
The Lyceum is a very charming place and anyone who would like to visit will not be disappointed. The Lyceum is at the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is a charming and wonderful place to live.
[back to top]Oronoco Bay Park
Oronoco Bay Park is a 4.5 acre Alexandria City park is located on the Potomac River at 701 North Lee Street. It has many entry points, the most obvious are at either the Madison or Pendleton Streets entries or from the Wythe Street Plaza. The plaza entry is approximately in the center of the park and there is also a sidewalk entry with trees and turf area between the Sheet Metal Workers of America building and the United Way building.
The park was once known as "Texaco Bay" and before that it was owned by Standard Oil Company which was owned by John D. Rockefeller. However, the City acquired the property (and changed to Oronoco Bay Park) in the early 1980's. Historically, the Alexandria area was inhabited by Indians when Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac in the mid 17th Century.
The park host several festivals and events including the annual "Red Cross Waterfront Festival"---the largest Red Cross fund raiser in the United States. Private concerns may reserve and rent the park for their events as well.
This park is part of the linear park system along the Potomac. People can walk, jog or bike along the river path and enjoy the many sitting and picnic areas. There are wooden sun decks out into the river and a wooden boardwalk path that connects the path to the point where the bay and river meet near the Rowing Facility building.
Robert E. Lee's Boyhood Home
Robert Edward Lee, (1807-1870), was a American Soldier and a General in the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War. Robert E. Lee's boyhood home is now a private residence, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and by the Virginia Historic landmark Commission located on 607 Oronoco Street in Alexandria's famous "Old Town" district. As a private residence it is no longer open for tours by the public. However, a virtual tour is still available online.
Many historical events took place at Robert E. Lee's home including a marriage in the drawing room between Mary Lee Fitzhugh to George Washington Custis (grandson of Martha Washington). Twenty-seven years later, Mary Lee's daughter, Mary Ann Randolph Curtis married Robert E. Lee.
The home was built in 1795 by John Potts Jr., who worked with George Washington on the C&O Canal, purchased by William Fitzhugh in 1799. After his death the home was put up for rental and the Lee family rented it from 1812-1825.
The foyer included many important historical pieces, the Lee Family coat-of-arms featuring the family motto: "Not Unmindful of the Future". There are several pastels rendered by David Silvette depicting Robert E. Lee at various stages of his military career. Furnishings such as the eighteenth century grandfather clock, and Federal-style mahogany side chairs help frame portraits of Robert E. Lee and Mary Ann Randolph Custis Lee.
The dining room includes a portrait of Robert's father, Henry "Light-Horse Henry" Lee. The Lafayette Room or Drawing Room is named after Marquise de Lafayette, who was the last surviving general of the American Revolution. Lafayette toured the home as a guest of the Unites States. The Morning Room was restored in 1976 and was used as a family room because of the ample space.
The kitchen included the finest kitchen equipment of the time when built in 1795. When open as a museum the kitchen also included the Genealogy of the Lee Family printed in 1886, Genealogy Chart of Fitzhugh-Grymes Family, and Kentucky Walnut Sugar Chest.
The grand staircase has five portraits of Robert E. Lee in ten year intervals. The nursery is on the second floor landing. General Lee's room has many items used by R.E. Lee, including an antique walnut baby cradle, a baby walker, and a sheraton corner washstand.
The grounds of the home were mainly used for growing and not primarily ornamental as they are now.
The home makes an interesting stop on a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. Old Town is home to many historical sites and stops and is a vibrant community on the Potomac just a few miles from Washington DC. Visitors and residents alike are welcomed to take the free King St. Trolley or to visit monuments such as the Alexandria Lighthouse. In addition to many historic structures in Old Town, there are modern and beautiful homes such as those found at the Duke of Alexandria and condos like those found at Port Royal.
[back to top]Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum was opened by a Quaker pharmacist Edward Stabler in 1792 and is one of the oldest pharmacies in the country. Located on 105-107 South Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. In addition to being a pharmacist, Stabler was dedicated to the abolition of slavery and the educational opportunities. Among other accomplishments, Stabler purchased many slaves for the express purpose of granting their freedom. Edward Stabler died in 1831, but his son continued to run the business for many years after.
This particular building served and survived through many important events in United States history such as the War of 1812. The pharmacy was of great importance during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1821, During the Civil War the apothecary furnished medicines for the Union. The pharmacy also served during the Spanish-American War of 1898, and World War I.
Finally, in 1933 the shop closed due to the Great Depression. At that time the contents of the shop were sold and the money that was raised was used to preserve the property as a museum. In 1939 the shop re-opened as a museum and 43 years later Stabler Leadbeater Apothecary Museum became a member on the National Register of Historic Places.
With over 8,000 objects, gold-leaf labels, hand-blown medicine bottles, pill rollers, show-globes, mortars, and pestles, the museum provides visitors with a wide, fantastic collection. The first floor is in the Gothic Revival style from 1835. The second floor names of herbs and medicine are in their original hand writing placed on the walls and shelving of the interior. The Apothecary is home to many important artifacts, journals, receipts, ledgers, and invoices, and also include many historical figures names in documents, Martha Washington, James Monroe, and Robert E. Lee.
The purpose of the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is to promote the history and educate people about the values of Edward Stabler. More importantly, the museum promotes a better knowledge of historic public health issues of the past. It was a center of daily life in Old Town Alexandria and as a museum the apothecary is still having an positive impact today.
Admission is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children. This museum is just one of the many features that make Old Town an attractive destination for tourists and a highly prized location for residents. Parking can be a hassle in Old Town, but this can be avoided by taking the Metro and the King St. Free Trolley, which stops near the museum.
[back to top]Torpedo Factory
The Torpedo Factory is a beautiful art center with six galleries, over eighty artist studios, two work shops, and the Alexandria Archeology Museum. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located on three floors for your viewing pleasure and is one of the largest art center in the entire United States.
All this is located on the Potomac water front which is a prime location for any important cultural center. With over one hundred-sixty artists producing original works, there are many opportunities to buy one of a kind high quality works from all types of mediums including paintings, print making, jewelry, ceramics, stained glass, sculpture, and photography.
The six galleries which all are welcome to view are, Scope Gallery (ceramics), The Art League Gallery, The Target Gallery, Enamelists Gallery, Multiple Exposures Gallery (photographs), and Potomac Craftsmen Fiber Gallery.
If the mood strikes you and you would like to contribute your own artistic skills there is also classes at the Art League School. The classes can be taken for those who are over five years old, and students must be at least eighteen to enroll in the adult program.
The Archeology Museum offers a wide variety of activities such as family dig days, biking and walking tours.
Whichever you are into, paintings, sculptures, or archeology, The Torpedo Factory will have what you are looking for. It is a wonderful place for people of all ages to enjoy.
The Torpedo Factory is at the heart of Old Town Alexandria located in the midst of the Northern Virginia's most sought after real estate. Residences here have access to the Torpedo Factory and many shops and restaurants, as well as attractions such as the Lyceum. All this is connected via the King St. Trolley to the Washington Metro system.
- Torpedo Factory Condominiums --- condos at the heart of Old Town
- About Torpedo Factory Condos --- Torpedo Factory condos are near the Potomac waterfront in Alexandria VA
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