The Many Musicians of Old Town

If you like street music, then you'll find no better spot to wander than Old Town Alexandria. Through-out the week, especially on weekends, musicians gather in Old Town at street corners and near the waterfront to play music for tips and applause. Most are highly talented professionals, some are learning to play their instrument in front of a crowd. I enjoy them both in different ways. Here in Old Town Alexandria, you'll find everything from a lonely saxophone, to steel drums to an entire band. Below I've collected a few photos to give you a taste of Old Town's many musicians. bluegrass This foursome was phenomenal singing and playing old time mountain music. It was a great throwback to the Carters because the gal in the front on the guitar was a great singer. The banjo player and bass were on point, and I love the texture that the mandolin (seated behind guitar) provided. Glass Harp The glass harp as played by Jamie Turner is an old town treat one simply must hear in person to appreciate.
harpist
Harpist
This miss not only strummed the harp to perfection but also sang beautifully. waterfront musicans At the waterfront behind the Torpedo Factory there are often a few soloists serving up music for passers-by. banjo and guitar I heard some fine picking and strumming from this pair.

Properties in Old Town Alexandria

Welcome to 1025 Bernard Street, your cozy retreat in the heart of historic Old Town, Alexandria, VA.

1025 Bernard St

This charming 4-level townhouse is not just a home; it's a haven filled with modern comforts and classic character, waiting to welcome you. Step inside and feel the warmth of this inviting space. With 4 bedrooms and 3.55 baths, there's room for everyone to spread out and relax. The kitchen is a chef's dream come true, with sleek quartz countertops, stylish Grey Maple cabinets, and stainless steel appliances that sparkle in the sunlight. Plus, the 5-plank wood flooring adds a touch of rustic elegance to every meal prep session. Need a zone to unwind or entertain? Head downstairs to the lower level rec room – it's the perfect hangout spot for movie nights or game days. Ready to soak up some sun? Step out onto the expansive deck off the kitchen – it's the ultimate spot for sipping your morning coffee or hosting summer BBQs with friends. And when evening falls, make your way up to the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of the neighborhood skyline. Parking is a breeze with your 1.5-car garage and tandem parking spot – plenty of space for your car, bikes, and all your outdoor gear. And the best part? You're just a short walk away from local favorites like Rustico, Buzz Bakery, and the scenic Mt. Vernon Trail, where endless adventures await. Come experience the magic of 1025 Bernard Street for yourself. This isn't just a house – it's your new home sweet home, right in the heart of Old Town. **OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE COMING SOON. [Powhatan At Potomac Yard - $1,050,000]

One of a kind, stunning top floor corner home with views of beautiful trees (including a lovely crepe myrtle) and many luxurious upgrades.

910 Powhatan St #303n

Enter into the gracious foyer, set your keys down and leave the cares of the day behind. The spacious living room/dining room greets with custom built in cabinetry and peaked ceilings. The dream kitchen beckons with Sub-Zero fridge, stainless appliances, granite counters and an enlarged island with seating and plenty of room for a dining table. The primary bedroom feels like a stay in a luxury suite with a delightful connection to nature. Luxurious primary bath with marble dual vanities, deep soaking tub and separate, seamless glass enclosed shower with marble subway tile. Secondary bath also features marble counters and marble subway tile. Throughout this lovely home you will find plantation shutters, high ceilings, deep millwork, ebony distressed pine floors, custom closets, custom lighting and plenty of light streaming throughout. Solid core doors throughout. THREE garage spaces, (#51, #52, #53)) and private climate controlled storage unit (#303N). Leave your cars in the garage and walk to the Braddock Metro, West Elm, Harris Teeter, many wonderful restaurants, the Old Town North Arts and Cultural District, the Potomac river and all that Old Town has to offer. Community has 2 roof top terraces, a community room and 3 exercise rooms. Two stoplights to DC. [900 North Washington Street Condominiums - $799,000]

Top floor unit with large terrace, 1 bedroom and 1 bath in desirable Saint Asaph Square! East facing unit streams morning light.

801 S Pitt St #420

Complete open kitchen renovation (2024) includes quartz countertops, white-shaker cabinets, herringbone tile floors, new sink, new refrigerator, and new LED recessed lights - wall dividing kitchen from living and dining area was torn down allowing unobstructed views from your kitchen out to the terrace and an open floor plan. Full bath renovation (2023) features all marble tile floors and shower wall, new vanity, toilet and medicine cabinet! French doors from the living area lead out to the large terrace perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or dining al fresco. Wake up to sunrises from your bedroom with additional/private access to the terrace. Other highlights of the home include high vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, additional storage unit plus plenty of closet storage space, newer HVAC (2018), newer water heater (2017), newer washer/dryer (2015) and wood floors. Building amenities include large outdoor swimming pool, BBQ area, outdoor terraces, professional on-site management, secure building with monitored exterior, 2 lovely lobbies and several common area sitting areas. Great Old Town location just a few blocks to Jones Point Park, the Potomac waterfront, bike path and shopping and dining options. [St Asaph Square - $495,000]

Welcome home to 1357 Powhatan Street.

1357 Powhatan St

This stunning townhouse is the definition of luxury and convenience and it’s ready for you to call it home! This impressive property has easy access to all your favorite shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations. You are centrally located in Old Town North! Close to Old Town amenities, including 2 grocery stores (Trader Joe's + Harris Teeter). Easily explore and leave your cars parked in your 2-car garage (with an EV outlet). The main level of this gorgeous townhome is designed for seamless living and entertainment. With a fluid open floor plan that flows effortlessly between the living, dining, and kitchen areas, this space is perfect for hosting guests or enjoying quality time with friends or family. The beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors and high ceilings create a sense of openness and elegance, while the fresh neutral paint throughout adds a modern touch to the space. Equipped with all the latest, the gorgeous kitchen includes granite counters, custom marble tile backsplash behind the cooktop, a motion sensor faucet (so you don't even need to touch it!), white shaker style soft-close cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The large waterfall island offers additional counter space, storage and plenty of room for bar stools for casual dining. Striking views of the delightful pocket park located close by are sure to catch your eye! Upstairs, you'll find three spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bath, providing the perfect amount of privacy and comfort for everyone. And don't miss the lovely and bright loft area on the upper most level, complete with a sliding glass door that leads to a large balcony, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or hosting a summer BBQ. The entire home is bathed in natural light, thanks to the high ceilings and beautiful wide-plank hardwood floors highlighting every corner of the space. With so many incredible features this townhome won't be on the market for long. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to step into a lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. Schedule your viewing today and discover the best in modern urban living! [ - $1,180,000]

BRAND NEW Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom Model just released at North Old Town’s most luxurious and exclusive luxury condominium building, MUSE.

1201 N Royal St #208

Condo 208, is an open concept floor plan and designed to utilize every inch with purpose. This home offers 9’ ceilings, an expansive private balcony with a view of the Potomac River, and an abundance of natural light with walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is more than enough storage in the kitchen with a generous amount of kitchen cabinets, two pantries and an expansive island. Two walk-in closets in the Owner's room, one in the 2nd bedroom, and a spacious laundry room ensures plenty of closets and storage throughout the condo. Built by renowned local developer, Carr Companies, the finishes in this building are extraordinary, with a myriad of layouts to suit your lifestyle. Clean lines and light textures unite the welcoming chef’s kitchens equipped with panelized Bosch appliances, Quartz countertops, vast island space including an incorporated wine fridge, and ample storage with custom Italian flat panel wood cabinetry from Snaidero! All homes feature recessed lighting, and window treatments, Waterworks fixtures, Calacatta porcelain tile and hard wood floors. MUSE offers a turn-key elevated lifestyle. Enter into our Grand Lobby, where you will be met by our daytime porter, Full-Service 24-hour Concierge, and on-site building manager and engineer to assist with your every need. Designed to elevate the most discerning modern lifestyle, the rooftop clubroom offers endless entertainment options with expansive views of the DC Monuments, Potomac River, and Old Town Skyline. Whether warming by the fireplace, refreshing at the bar in our indoor Owner’s Watercolor Lounge, or sojourning in solitude, this bright space transitions seamlessly into the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to ample terrace areas. Bask in the waterfront breeze while firing up the grill or relax in chic lounge seating while enjoying panoramic views. Energy abounds in the Penthouse-level fitness and yoga studios featuring state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology. Complete with an outdoor fitness terrace, there’s no shortage of options to relieve your stress and stay in shape. MUSE is the ideal location in North Old Town's, Alexandria's newest Arts District, with direct access to the Mount Vernon Trail and a stone’s throw from DC. Come see what all the fuss is about! Immediate Occupancy available. Muse also has additional 2 bed 2 bath floor plans available. Some photos are of our model and similar floor plans. [Old Town Alexandria - $1,514,900]

Liberty Row is a distinctive community of luxury condos located in Historic Old Town Alexandria.

635 First St #104

This home offers a charming blend of traditional style with contemporary finishes. Its exterior is surrounded by an area that is a graceful, professionally designed landscape. This stunning two-bedroom, two full bath unit has been upgraded with custom designed tile and built-in cabinets and large closets off each bath. There is a stunning half-bath located off the foyer. This beautiful home is graciously appointed with upgraded appliances, granite counters and large pantry in the kitchen plus a laundry room off the foyer. There are rich hardwood flooring, custom moldings, and custom window treatments throughout. The living and dining room share a see-through gas fireplace. The dining room has a custom built-in for storage and serving. French doors off the dining room lead to easy access to the street and there is also a private balcony. You can enter this first floor condo from the lobby or from your own private entrance. The home has been freshly painted and ready to move in and enjoy. You will have just a short walk to Old Town shops, restaurants and galleries. It is convenient to Metro, I-95, Route 50, and both Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. It is approximately four blocks to the Potomac River. [Liberty Row - $1,132,000]

Fabulous semi-detached historic townhome, circa 1760, exudes timeless appeal with a harmonious blend of classic features and modern elegance.

211 Duke St

3 bedrooms, 3.5 renovated marble baths, original hardwood floors, 5 wood burning fireplaces, a side mudroom entrance and convenient half bath with heated floors. The open chef's kitchen with a large island flows seamlessly into the light-filled family room featuring built-in bookshelves, a wood burning fireplace and French doors that lead to the expansive deep brick patio. This large outdoor space is rare in Old Town. The mature landscaping provides lush privacy and the fully fenced area is perfect for children to play plus a dog to run. A formal living room and dining room are wonderful entertaining spaces, both filled with natural light pouring in from original windows with wavy panes of glass. The enormous primary suite with a fireplace extends across the rear of the house and overlooks the beautiful garden. Custom built wardrobe closets with drawers, shelves and hanging space adjoins the renovated bath featuring an oversized shower. Two more guest rooms plus an office space are filled with windows. Two renovated bathrooms complete these guest rooms. The finished basement with original beams has windows for natural light.....a perfect exercise space or playroom for children. This prime southeast quadrant location is close to all Old Town restaurants, specialty shops and parks. NOTE: Garden statues and urns do not convey. [Old Town Alexandria - $2,498,000]


  Will Nesbitt   About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Will Nesbitt

View posts by Will Nesbitt
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia. Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.