Porto Vecchio is a community of luxurious condominiums located at 1250 South Washington Street on the South End of Old Town Alexandria. This mid-rise condo building was built in 1983 and features a brick exterior designed in the Mediterranean style. Located directly on the George Washington Parkway, living at Porto Vecchio makes for easy commuting into Washington D.C. or Arlington.
Porto Vecchio offers large BalconiesPorto Vecchio offers its residents many amenities, to include:
People come from all over the country to be close to Washington DC for either work related reasons or the chance to soak up some of the life it offers. The fast paced city life of DC produces an intense feeling that this place is alive and that is for sure the case as well with the neighboring city. Just over the river exists something of a different caliber to compete with the ambiance and culture that draws so many to this part of the country.
Old Town Alexandria, VA
The city I speak of is Old Town Alexandria. The draw visually for this culture-packed emotion-inducing place is the refreshing architecture that hearkens back to an age long since passed. One drive down the streets of Old Town and you will undoubtedly need to find a spot to park the car and walk around.
On any given evening this place is packed with visitors wanting to soak up some of the history and culture that Old Town has to offer. People will continue doing so far into the future because of the many offerings it has available. If it's dining you're in the mood for, no problem. A walk along the water, no problem. Looking for a lesson in history of ghosts in the area, this is available as well. Here are some of the options that Old Town has to offer on a nightly basis for you to enjoy:
Old Town's Confederate War Memorial
One of the busiest intersections in Old Town Alexandria Virginia occurs where Prince St. crosses Washington St. This intersection is dominated by a memorial of the U.S. Civil War. Over the years, and on several occasions, drivers have crashed their vehicles into the statue. As a result some folks filed petitions to have the memorial moved. But the statue has not moved and remains a fixture in Alexandria.
The statue remains because of the historical significance of the statue's location. In 1861, at the place where the statue now stands, the sons and fathers, brothers and men of Alexandria gathered to pick up arms against the Union. After the Civil War, the surviving veterans formed a chapter of the United Confederate Veterans. Together members of the organization commissioned a memorial for their fallen comrades. The statue's design depicts an unarmed Confederate soldier at Appomattox. The soldier's head is bowed as he observes the Confederate surrender. The statue was dedicated on May 24th, 1889.
This is how the Confederate Memorial looked in the days before motor vehicles were commonplace.
The George Washington Parkway is one in the same with Washington St. as the Parkway passes through Old Town, and thus the Parkway, and some of Old Town's heaviest traffic, passes the statue. As originally planned, the Confederate Statue was surrounded by a fence and ornamental gas lamps, but by 1923, motor vehicles and electric lights caused a change in design. The traffic continue to increase on South Washington Street and 1932 when construction of the Parkway was completed, the grounds surrounding the statue were paved over. The pictures below depict the statue as it looked prior to the completion of the GW Parkway at a time when motor vehicles were still relatively uncommon.
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
Governor’s Grove contains over 150 large brick-fronted homes that were built at the turn of the new century. These upmarket residences comes compete with 2 garages. Outside, in the common areas you will find tennis courts, walking paths and playgrounds.
Governor’s Grove is situated close to the intersection of Franconia Road and Telegraph Road and is within easy reach of the Huntington Metro and Old Town Alexandria. Interstates 495, 395 and 95 are also easily accessed.
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.
Heritage Hill is a townhouse subdivision located in the well established community of Franconia (established in the 1870's). The area will appeal to commuters owing to its close proximity to the Huntington Metro, Old Town Alexandria and I-495. Many homes here are situated close to the forested area of Heritage Hill Park which divides Heritage Hill and Telegraph Road.
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For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.
Cherry Blossom sternwheeler
The Potomac Riverboat Company operates several authentic split sternwheelers (also known as riverboats) on the Potomac River near Alexandria VA. They also operate a pair of watertaxis which ferry passengers from the Gaylord/National Harbor to Old Town Alexandria. Unlike most cruise companies in America, the Potomac Riverboat Company does not operate "restaurant boats". Rather, they use their boats as touring and private party and or charter boats. When a vessel is chartered, whether you have a party of 2 or 200, the boat belongs exclusively to you.
The Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 40-minute narrated Seaport Cruise which plies the waters between two magnificent historic sites -- Alexandria (in Virginia) and Georgetown (on the Washington, D.C. side of the river). Passengers are treated to riverborne views of America's greatest monuments. They also offer a narrated cruise downriver to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens.
Jones Point Park transitions into Old Town
As a 52 plus acres of haven for wildlife, Jones Point Park is also the ideal place to take a stroll or have a picnic by the Potomac River, go bird watching and let your dog have fun. It is found near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, southeast of Alexandria on the Potomac River.
80 Foot trees can be found at Jones Point Park where fall and spring birds nest during the migration season. A walk down the trail to the Potomac offers sights of water birds, bald eagles and waterfowl.
Jones Point Park offers:
Picnic sites with picnic tables
2 Soccer fields
Trails for walking and biking
2 Fishing piers structured over 2 ship ramps
Ship dock north of the bridge by the river
Garden plots for rent
Jones Point Park at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Aubrey Nesbitt takes a break from riding his bicycle below the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Jones Point Park is owned by the National Park Service and managed by the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks ad Cultural Activities that preserves the 9000 years of human history.
Important Facts about Jones Point Park:
Remains of the Jones Point Lighthouse from the 19th century and artifacts from the Native Americans and colonist from the early European settlers have been discovered here.
Jones Point Park was an important shipbuilding site where remains of the shipbuilding site had been unearthed for visitors.
Survey stones mark the original boundaries of District of Columbia as overseen by George Washington after 1790.
Fort Hunt Park consists of 105 acres located along the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 6 miles south of Old Town Alexandria. The Park is a part of the over 7,000 acres that make up the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The lands of Fort Hunt Park were originally a part of George Washington's personal farm then became a military outpost and now serve as a picnic area and nature park.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Fort Hunt.
So that all may better understand the history of Fort Hunt, the Park Service has begun research to uncover the names of the many veterans who served at Fort Hunt when it was a military outpost.
Fort Hunt Park was converted into a fortification during the Spanish - American War. In 1897 the fort was modernized for military operations. During War World II the fort was used as a top secret military intelligence outpost.
After both World War I and World War II, Fort Hunt was virtually abandoned due to military cutbacks. The National Park Service now administers Fort Hunt Park as a recreational park for public use. Fort Hunt has been a focal point of personal dramas of all kind throughout its history, but now it's dedicated to public recreation.
Hours are 7am until sunset year round for general use. From April - October reservations are needed to use some areas of the park. For information about homes and neighborhoods near and around Fort Hunt Road check out Fort Hunt Info.
I was very satisfied with my purchase, after attending my first play at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Originally, I planned on getting the family together to see their Christmas holiday production, but tickets were sold out when I looked. A few months later, the idea of seeing a production at LTA was still in my mind. I took the series of sold out plays that I had seen on their website, when searching for tickets, as an indicator of LTA's quality. I got a friend to join and got our tickets (which cost about 1/4 of the price of a Shakespeare Theatre Company ticket) a couple months in
Lobby of Little Theatre of Alexandria
advance, from a friendly box office attendant named Tina. Next time, I might have to inquire about the volunteer opportunities I saw posted on their website.
LTA is near William Sonoma
A few months later, and it was time for my friend and I to go see a play called Proof. Pulling up to the LTA (i.e. 600 Wolfe St, Alexandria VA, 22314) 20 minutes early, I paid attention to the pleasant surrounding neighborhood. To be quite honest, I usually associated Wolfe St with the parking lot that was unlimited after a certain hour, on the waterfront that I used to use when I worked one of my first jobs in Old Town as a High Schooler. Back to the subject of LTA, my friend commented that she was surprised that their was a theatre mixed in with a neighborhood of townhouses.
Stepping inside from the rainy Spring weather, I got our tickets from the box office. Next, I picked up some LTA literature, along with the evenings program, to read while I waited in the banquet hall for my friend to arrive. I read that the cast and crew had very experienced and relevant backgrounds. Also, I was happy to find a 20 percent off coupon advertisement for Union St. Pub. When I met with my friend and we took our seats I found out why its called the LTA, it was small! This wasn't a bad thing though, it was just very close and intimate. To give you an idea of how close my seats were to the show, I literally heard the smack of the actors lips, during a kissing scene.
After watching a 2 hour play with a 15 minute intermission in the middle, my friend and I parted ways. The LTA location was prime for either continuing the evening at one of the many nearby options (e.g. Southside, or something along King St. or Union St.) or just returning home, depending on where you live, with there being several nearby neighborhoods (e.g. Torpedo Factory, the Henry, Powtowmack Crossing, Belle View, Belle Haven, Ford's Landing, Porto Vecchio, etc) to chose from.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria offers yearly subscriptions
A very convincing stage setup at LTA
A sign for Little Theatre of Alexandria
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Old Town.
“The quick comedians ex-temporarily will stage us and present our Alexandrian revels” – Antony and Cleopatra
Outside the theatre on a rainy evening in Spring
The Alexandria Little Theatre is a great place for theater fans and tourists alike. With shows such as “Move Over, Mrs. Markham”, “Hairspary”, “Rabbit Hole”,
The Little Alexandria Theatre in the Evening
“Noises Off”, “A Christmas Carol”, “All the Kings Women”, and “A Streetcar Named Desire”, this cozy theater offers a nice local getaway or activity. The theater also offers acting classes and is run partially by volunteers. Tickets are available online.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is the oldest award winning community theatre in the Washington metro area and one of the many community theatres in the country. It was founded by Mary Lindsey in 1934 as a small play-reading group formerly known as the Peacock Players that then showcased over 300 productions since then along with over 2000 member base.
Productions were once held at Gadsby’s Tavern acting during the 18th century. The Little Theatre of Alexandria ceased operations during the war in the 1940’s but then resumed in 1945 and then relocated in 1950 at the corner of Wolfe and St. Asaph Street by renting the land from the City of Alexandria for $1 a year and was able to purchase the land soon after in 1970. On November 18, 1961, Little Theatre of Alexandria was completed with many additions to the single building months after.
Other past shows in 2011 included:
At A Christmas Carol Show : Dec 3 -12 2010
Old Town is so-called because it is the oldest part of Alexandria. Old Town was originally laid out in 1749 and is 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 worshiped at Christ Church and Thomas Jefferson entertained at nearby Gadsby’s Tavern. Old Town Alexandria offer a full menu of dining choices with restaurants ranging from fast-food to white tablecloth. A night on the town can be had at spots such as the Oyster Bar and Club Room at Union Street.
King Street Trolley
Horse and Buggy Alex.,Va. 1912… The corner Queen and North Washington
King Street Shopping
courtyard in Old Town
King Street in Old Town
Julie and Will Nesbitt in Old Town
Carlyle House
607 Cameron Street in Old Town Alexandria 1926
A gentleman in Old Town plays the glass harp before a crowd
