7 Small Southern Cities You Do Not Want to Miss
Savannah, Georgia
When James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia in 1733 for the British crown, he carefully selected an elevated location along the river to build a city. He also planned by designing a community with streets laid out on a grid, public parks at regular intervals, and protected access to the ocean for the supply ships and military support. Today, Savannah is a diverse city of 150,000 residents which plays a key role in the economy of the southeast through its huge commercial port. It is also a popular destination known for its comfortable culture and entertainment options. Savannah is the kind of place that seems mysterious, slightly mischievous, and open-minded at the same time.
Savannah offers historic sites to visit ranging from colonial era houses to interesting museums and cemeteries. It has the largest historic district in the United States which runs for about a mile along the Savannah River and inland for two miles. Walking, biking, or taking a slow drive through these areas is an effective way to get a feel of the place before checking out some highlights like these:
River Street and Factors Way - River Street which runs along the river and Factors Way located at the top of the riverbank were once the center of commerce for Savannah. Vessels pulled up at docks along the river where they were unloaded into a series of six-story warehouses for storage or shipped out. In the 21st century, that activity takes place at the 1345-acre Garden City terminal upriver. Fortunately, the remaining warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, and entertainment venues. There are modern hotels and other facilities which intrude, but the cobblestone streets, riverfront bulkheads, parks and pavilions, and towering warehouses are visually pleasing.
River Street in Savannah has a special appeal for two reasons. First, at regular intervals throughout the day, cargo ships loaded with containers and towering up to two hundred feet above the water pass by close to the shore. These ships provide an impressive spectacle and for decades locals and visitors have been waving at the sailors arriving in port. Another way to experience life along the river is to go for a cruise on the classic steamboat docked there.
Second, there are always different forms of entertainment and festivals going on around you. You can sit on a bench and hear a Dixieland band or listen to one of the local musicians who perform along River Street or the singers who belt out popular songs acapella.
Parks - The parks laid out by General Oglethorpe throughout the historic district have served as relaxing open space for generations of residents. They are filled with mature trees draped with Spanish moss, commemorative statues, and fountains. Forsyth Park is the largest park where locals can find a quiet place to walk around the one-mile perimeter, enjoy community events such as concerts, films, and festivals, or just relax on benches near pleasant gardens and playgrounds.
Food and Drink - There is no shortage of either food or drink in Savannah. There is a festive feeling in the air because the city's open container law allows patrons of drinking establishments, coffee shops, and cafes in the historic district to purchase beer, wine, and drinks in "to go cups" and walk around. Nevertheless, there is also an abundance of casual restaurants to enjoy in the restored restaurants looking out on the river as well as fine dining establishments to enjoy. The Old Pink House located a few blocks from the river in a classic Georgian mansion features antique furnishings and the popular Planters Tavern on the main floor.
Shopping - As a landing place for goods and people, Savannah has always had an active merchant class and plenty of shops. Dozens of stores are located along Factors Way or River Street, but the most interesting shopping area is the revitalized Broughton Street located close to the respected Savannah College of Art and Design. This area has seen an influx of boutiques and fashion stores which nicely complement the galleries, coffee houses, theaters, and art museums of the historic district.
Other Things to Do - There are many other things to do in and around Savannah which make it worth exploring. The resorts and condominiums of Hilton Head Island lie only thirty-three miles to the north along the coast and the popular Tybee Island seaside community is only seventeen miles to the east.
When to Go- Weather conditions in Savannah are comfortable for a visit and outdoor enjoyment throughout the year including during the winter when daytime temperatures usually peak above 60 degrees. However, the middle of the summer and early fall can be sweltering in the region and are prone to sporadic days of heavy rainfall.
St. Augustine, Florida
North American history can be written from many different perspectives. One aspect of that history which is often forgotten is Spain's conquest and settlement of Florida which lasted almost three hundred years and ended in 1821 when Spain ceded control of Florida to the young United States of America. The modern city of St. Augustine was one prominent center of Spanish influence during these years.
Today, St. Augustine is a bustling community with much to offer to visitors seeking a trip to a place with historic sites, family attractions, shopping and dining opportunities, and miles of Atlantic Coast beaches nearby. It draws more than five million visitors annually. Most tourist attractions in the city are in several historic districts of the old town, close to the Matanzas River. The layout of the city is conducive to walking to most places, but some visitors get oriented to the area by starting with an Old Town trolley tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a scenic river cruise.
Once you have settled in, here are just some of the things to do during a visit to St. Augustine:
Spanish Heritage Sites- During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Spanish settlers of St. Augustine fought off incursions and attacks by a wide range of adversaries including French garrisons, hostile Indian tribes, English privateers like Sir Francis Drake, and Caribbean pirates. After several burnings of the town, the Spanish Crown decided that the best way to defend its Florida territories was to build a sturdy fort to protect the town and surrounding areas. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 20-acre fort constructed out of stone and local Shell Rock known as coquina on the harbor and surrounded by defensive earthworks, was completed in 1692. The fort is a popular destination for history buffs and families who enjoy hearing stories of past battles and taking in the views of the area from the high walls and canon in placements.
Fountain of Youth Park- Another impressive place to visit is the Fountain of Youth Park and museum. This complex displays a variety of exhibits explaining the extensive exploration of Florida West Coast he conducted during the 1500s seeking treasure and the fountain of youth. It includes a spring house where both young and old can enjoy the cool waters and fantasize of eternal health. These are not the only activities at the museum. There are exhibits showing a replica of the watchtower, church, blacksmith shop and military outposts of the early settlers as well as a recreation of the Timucua Indian village. A huge globe is presented showing the more than one hundred settlements the Spanish established in North, Central, and South America prior to the arrival of the pilgrims.
Pirates and Ghosts - There are numerous attractions in St. Augustine which seek to entertain visitors based on pirate, ghost, or horror themes. These include places such as the Pirates and Treasure Museum dedicated to the Golden age of piracy, the Old Jail, Ghost Tours of St Augustine, the Black Raven pirate ship cruise, a Ghost and Gravestones tour, and even a Medieval Torture Museum.
Heritage Buildings- St. Augustine also has impressive architecture dating back to the gilded age. Henry Flagler, a wealthy industrialist and investor, constructed several huge buildings in the downtown during the late 19th century with a unique Victorian, Moroccan and Spanish design such as the Hotel Ponce de Leon, Hotel Alcazar, the Memorial Church, and the Bridge of Lions. Many historic structures continue to be used as Flagler College dormitories, hotels, and museums.
Dining and Shopping - The Old Town areas of St. Augustine along Avenida Menendez, Charlotte Street, St George Street, and their crossroads are packed with restaurants, shops, clothing stores, and galleries. Most areas have cobblestone surfaces and are closed to vehicles or one-way streets so visiting on foot is a pleasant way to relax or dine.
St. Augustine Beaches - Near to the downtown and the harbor areas of the city along route A1A South and A1A North are the seaside communities of Anastasia Island or Vilano Beach. The St Augustine Beach is extended for miles in each direction and feature wide, hard pack sand fronting on the Atlantic Ocean. The usual amenities such as charter fishing, party boats, para sailing, and miniature golf make this a relaxing combination along with the attractions offered in the nearby City.
When to Go - St. Augustine has a semi tropical climate with hot summers, ideal weather in the spring and late fall, and cool weather which sporadic rain during the winter. The city and beachfront rarely get a direct hit from hurricanes.
Charleston, South Carolina
When people compile lists of the most popular cities to visit in the United States, Charleston is always near the top. What is it about this small city in South Carolina that makes it appeal to visitors seeking a fun place to relax for a few days and sample the culture and history of southeast low country? Charleston does not have one special activity that cannot be found elsewhere but it boasts an abundance of interesting things to do and see that will appeal to experienced travelers and families. Some activities for visitors to enjoy are the following:
Distinctive Neighborhoods - The historic district of Charleston located at the southern end of the peninsula is bounded by the Cooper River to the east and the Ashley River to the west. This part of the city contains distinctive neighborhoods. Filled with historic houses, small parks, and local shops, some streets are paved with cobblestones or contain historic lamps. Other streets have gardens full of azaleas and magnolia trees. Preservation is serious business in Charleston and the city has enacted design and building restrictions so that the historic peninsula will retain its distinctive character.
Battery Park located at the southern tip where an elevated seawall provides a panoramic view of the nearby neighborhood and the surrounding waters is a good place to start a walking or biking tour, or to hire a horse drawn carriage. Close by off East Bay Street are the thirteen row houses of Rainbow Row, known for their pastel colors and Georgian style. Built in 1740, the houses were purchased by a single owner in the 1930s and revitalized and have been attracting attention ever since. Farther north on the peninsula adjacent to Hampton Park is the 300-acre campus of The Citadel, the military academy which has graduated thousands of engineers and future military officers since 1810. A walk around the brick buildings and grounds of the school provides a majestic setting for reflection and exercise.
Food- The opportunity to enjoy fine dining and comfort food is never far away in Charleston. Low country cuisine combines elements of French and Spanish cooking with local meats and seafood. Favorite foods include shrimp and grits, she crabs soup, barbecued pork, rice, and beans. One popular local restaurant in the Historic District is Husk on Queen Street and another on East Bay Street is S.N.O.B., which stands for Slightly North of Broad. People of all ages frequent the dozens of brew pubs and rooftop bars scattered around the city.
Shopping - When you are done eating and drinking in Charleston there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Browsing through the City Market, which is centrally located in the historic district, is a good place to start. This five block long, single story brick building has served as a gathering place for merchants, craftsmen, and a public food market since the late 1700s. Restored and updated many times, some sections of the market are now fully enclosed, air-conditioned corridors lined with small shops, while the rest are open-air buildings with stalls for local merchants. You can find moderately priced clothing, arts and crafts, specialty foods, souvenirs, and other merchandise such as popular sweetgrass baskets on display.
A short walk to the west is a two mile stretch of retail stores, chic boutiques, galleries, hotels, and cafes known as King Street. The northern portion of the street is known as the design district, the middle portion is known as a fashion district, and the southern portion near Washington Park features antiques. One of the best features of the historic peninsula area of Charleston is the DASH shuttle service offered by the Regional Transportation Authority. There are three overlapping routes which can be used for a small fee. The shuttle stops at 23 locations spread throughout downtown.
Historic Sites and Museums - The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, provides an excellent overview of the accomplishments and struggles of the region. Exhibits depict the natural history of the low country or focus on Charleston’s prominent role in the early history of the United States. Four signers of the Declaration of Independence hailed from the city. General Francis Marion, sometimes known as the Swamp Fox, kept opposition to British alive using guerilla war tactics until the revolutionary army vanquished British forces in the south under General Nathaniel Greene.
One of the most unusual displays from the Civil War period at the Charleston Museum is a replica of the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley which sits outside the museum along Meeting Street. It torpedoed a Union ship anchored off Charleston in 1864, sunk during the attack, and was rediscovered in the harbor in 1995. The Charleston Museum as well as other sites in town such as the Old Slave Mart Museum on Chalmers Street also present the city's painful legacy as a port of entry for an estimated 100,000 enslaved people who made up a substantial portion of the low country's population for generations.
There are also historic places to visit outside of town across the Ravenel Bridge. At Patriots Point and Naval Maritime Museum there are monuments to military heroes of the United States along with a living museum which includes the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, a destroyer, and a submarine.
Other Activities - If you enjoy the water, there are many attractions worth considering visiting nearby. The South Carolina Aquarium is highly rated and nearby tour boats offer excursions to Fort Sumter, harbor cruises, and taxi service to Patriots Point. Farther afield from downtown are the beach destinations of Myrtle Beach to the north, and Folly Beach and Kiawah Island to the south.
When to Go - Adult visitors will be able to enjoy a visit to Charleston throughout the year since daytime temperatures are above 50° during the winter. However, the best months to take in the beauty and character of the community are from mid-September to November and from March to June. Charleston can be quite humid during the late summer and can be susceptible to heavy rain during the hurricane season.
Galveston, Texas
The Texas island of Galveston is a popular destination for visitors from around the state and the nearby Houston metropolitan area. The local population of 50,000 residents can rise to over 250,000 during a busy summer weekend or festival. But Galveston is much more than just a beach town. It was an integral part of the early economic growth of the State of Texas and the location for many historic events.
Role in Texas History- In 1528, a Spanish ship captained by Cabeza de Vaca capsized off Galveston Island. Vaca and his shipmates were among the first western explorers to reach Texas, but only a few of them survived. Years later, other adventurers came through the area including the French explorer Sieur de La Salle and the pirate Jean Lafitte who chose the island as his base of operations in 1817. These interlopers eventually were replaced by representatives of the United States government in the early 19th century.
After the Civil War ended, the local African American community celebrated the freeing of slaves in Texas by initiating the festival now nationally known as Juneteenth. Meanwhile, investors, bankers and shipbuilders began to explore the island’s potential for trade and commerce. By the late 1800s, Galveston had emerged as the leading commercial port in Texas and its prosperity led the community to be nicknamed “The Wall Street of the South.” Galveston also developed a reputation for intellectual, architectural, and cultural innovation. Thousands of immigrants from all over Europe and Latin America followed until 1900 when disaster struck.
The Great Hurricane of 1900 was the largest natural disaster in American history. This category four storm hit the island directly with no warning. The tidal surge covered a substantial portion of the island with fifteen feet of water and soon the streets were filled with thousands of wrecked buildings, hundreds of boats, and the bodies of the dead. The total loss of life has been estimated to be as high as 10,000 people and most of the businesses and beach facilities in Galveston were destroyed.
The consequences of the hurricane for the city and the state of Texas were severe. Despite this tragedy, Galveston was reborn over the next century as a beach community and a maritime city. Some stores, residences, and institutions from Galveston's Gilded Age located near the city’s inner harbor survived the storm. Families and couples visiting Galveston today can experience this history and find an incredible array of activities to enjoy during a spring or summer vacation, or a weekend getaway.
Some of the interesting destinations to visit in Galveston are:
Seaport and Offshore Rig Museum - The seaport of Galveston is the land along the inner harbor and the Galveston Ship Channel which separates the downtown area from Pelican Island. The docks there look out on a working harbor that houses a fast-growing cruise ship terminal. On the opposite bank of Pelican Island, it is not unusual to see movable offshore oil platforms towering above the water two hundred feet or more. These behemoth vessels and machines are outfitted and repaired in Galveston for stationing in the Gulf of Mexico. People interested in experiencing life aboard one can visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum near the Pier 21 complex.
Beach Activities – Galveston is also renowned for its thirty-two miles of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico. There is beach access throughout the island, but most visitors end up along the ten miles of beach facing the Gulf. Supporting the beach and protecting the community is a 17-foot-high concrete seawall which is sixteen feet thick at its base. The beach has dozens of lifeguard stations and is wide in most places thanks to a $12 million beach nourishment project conducted by the City and Army Corps of Engineers. The waves at Galveston are mild, the beach is flat, and there is a soft breeze that helps keep the air temperature tolerable through the year. Beyond the seawall is the four lane Seawall Boulevard which runs along the entire length of the beach with parking spaces on the ocean side. This provides ready access by car, bike, or foot to a wide variety of destinations and activities including surfing, swimming, and entertainment. One popular destination is the Historic Pleasure Pier located at the end of 25th Street. This huge pier contains an amusement park with fifteen rides, arcade games, food outlets, and stores. Another interesting venue is the 61st Street Fishing Pier which describes itself as “a family friendly pier that offers rod rentals, snacks, pizza, cold beer, soda, a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, and lots of fun!” On the opposite side of Seawall Boulevard are a wide variety of restaurants, motels, bars, and other activities such as miniature golf, go karts, and clothing stores.
The Strand- Some of the buildings from Galveston's Gilded Age located near the city’s inner harbor survived the storm and were restored in the 1980s. Today’s Galveston’s Historic District known as the Strand serves as the commercial and shopping center of the downtown. It is renowned for Victorian architecture. Many storefronts have large awnings, iron balconies, wooden signs, and bright colors. The shops there feature art, antiques, funky fashions, candy, and souvenirs. The Strand also serves as the focal point for festivals during the year. The restored Grand 1894 Opera House has preserved the cultural reputation of Galveston. Concerts, Broadway shows, and other performances are presented year-round. A few blocks away from the Opera House are Victorian mansions which are open as museums.
Moody Gardens- One of the strangest things you see driving around Galveston is the site of three tall glass pyramids in the distance on the interior of the island. These buildings are part of a 240-acre entertainment complex and 418 room resort, spa and convention center known as Moody Gardens. This educational and leisure attraction includes an IMAX 3-D theater and seeks to inspire people about nature, conservation, and research. In addition to education, there is an exciting water park at Moody Gardens called the Palm Beach. It features imported Florida sand, a Lazy River, a zip line, a wave pool, food, and music to enjoy during the day. Adults can also play on an 18-hole golf course.
When to Go - The best months to visit Galveston are from late March until late October. Water temperatures in Galveston usually reach 70 degrees in April, rise to around 85 degrees in late July, and drop below 70 degrees again in November. However, the air temperature often exceeds 90 degrees in July and August, and precipitation increases in August and September. So overall, the months with the best weather and available activities are in April, May, June, July, and October.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina is a small city of 73,000 people in the foothills of South Carolina which has emerged as an affordable and desirable place for people to live or visit in the past decade. National publications report that the Greenville metropolitan area has an excellent quality of life for residents and enough cultural attractions and community amenities to create a special getaway for couples and young people in the to enjoy when traveling in the southeast. The community’s success seems to have sprung from four developments: (1) the revitalization of the downtown area highlighted by the picturesque Reedy River Falls and the ten block long Main Street shopping and entertainment district; (2) the transformation of the city’s economy from one based on textile mills to a regional business center featuring business enterprises with technology interests; (3) the proliferation of cultural venues, entertainment activities, and educational institutions; and (4) Greenville’s proximity to Interstate 85 coupled with a temperate climate.
Greenville History- Greenville was settled by a Virginia trader named Richard Pearis who acquired substantial acres of hunting lands from the Cherokee Indians around 1770. The settlement initially consisted of a plantation on the Reedy River along with a sawmill, trading post, stables, and a grist mill. After the Revolutionary War, the state legislature named the county Greenville after General Nathaniel Green, and by early 19th century settlers had carved out a small community with a village, county courthouse, schools and churches, and a variety of mills and small manufacturing operations. Subsequent decades led to the establishment of vacation homes, boarding houses, and hotels in the area to serve visitors coming to the area for relaxation during the summer. This reputation led the Baptist Furman University to locate in Greenville and railroad service connected the city to other locates around the state.
The foundation for a modern city was laid after the Civil War as utility service, public schools, and a street railway was constructed. In addition, a growing number of cotton mills attracted new workers and more money. By the time of the First World War, Greenville proclaimed itself to be the “Textile Center of the South” and the downtown expanded to include a public hospital, YMCA, new hotels, and new neighborhoods. During the 20th century, the city fell into a gradual decline after the Great Depression and by the early 1980s, many stores, businesses and people had moved out of the downtown and Greenville’s old mill buildings were being abandoned or razed. Slowly, the city attracted new construction and tenacious businesses which brought a sense of vibrancy to the core of Greenville. Greenville’s success now is contagious. Longstanding residents are proud of the city’s rising status and young people are moving to Greenville to seize job opportunities and enjoy the area’s outdoors lifestyle and cultural options.
There are many things to do in and around Greenville for visitors. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones:
Reedy River Falls and Park – One of the main attractions for visitors in Greenville is the picturesque Reedy River that runs through the center of the downtown and then drops thirty-two feet before flowing into a series of ponds below the falls. For years, a six-lane road crossed over the river and hid the falls from public view. Then in 2004, the city replaced the road with a curved 345-foot pedestrian bridge called the Liberty Bridge that allows people to view the river and the falls from above. This unusual structure is connected to both sides of the riverbank and a 32-acre park that includes walking and biking paths, benches, swings, and view corridors for the public to enjoy the river. With this kind of attraction in place, cafes, bandshells and other amenities have followed in recent years.
Main Street Stores and Activities – The Main Street of Greenville has been described by the city as having an “unique blend of traditional Southern charm and undeniably cosmopolitan cool’ because of its “amazing collection of shops, restaurants and public art.” A walk through the area reveals comfortable coffeehouses, boutique shops, marquee retailers and art galleries. Whether you are walking on the east side of the river surrounded by office buildings and hotels or walking around the West End surrounded by renovated warehouses and brick buildings painted with murals, there are interesting things to see and places to stop. Food is an important part of the mix as the city has become a haven for foodies seeking an imaginative menu or a food truck stop with tasty sandwiches. Complementing the food is an assortment of twenty breweries.
Performance Culture and Festivals - The city of Greenville also has a performance culture with an abundance of theaters and other venues for entertainment and recreation. Greenville is also a city that loves to highlight local talent. The 2100-seat Peace Center is a formal concert hall that hosts Broadway touring shows and nationally known artists. Ten productions are scheduled for the current year including five brand new musicals. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the home ice for the city’s popular ice hockey team, but also serves as the venue for Disney on Ice, Monster Truck rallies and rap concerts. Seven other indoor and outdoor theaters and arenas present everything from children’s theater to comedy recitals and summer band concerts. Festivals and events are also a big part of Greenville’s culture. Three hundred large and small events are held each year in the city.
When to Go – Greenville can be enjoyed year-round. Like many places, the best weather is in the spring and fall when temperatures are usually in the 60s or 70s. Summer can be hot for touring in July and August with hot temperatures approaching 90 degrees, but winters are mild with only two days of snow each year and daytime temperatures in the fifties.
Key West, Florida
Key West is one of the most popular destinations in Florida for visitors, attracting an estimated 2.3 million visitors annually. There are several things about the small city which are distinctive:
Unique Location- Part of the island's reputation is based on the unique location of the community at the southernmost point of the United States. Although Key West can be easily reached by local flights or cruise ships, many people enjoy taking the 90-mile drive on US1 across the Florida Keys causeway which offers beautiful ocean views and runs between small islands and along miles of elevated bridges.
Interesting History- The distinctive character and history of Key West has stood the test of time. Originally settled centuries ago by the Spanish, Key West was used as a strategically located fort throughout the 19th century after being claimed by the U.S. at the end of the Spanish-American war. Renowned industrialist Walter Flagler was a frequent visitor and conceived of establishing a shipping port there. He understood that the combination of a port close to the Panama Canal reachable from the east coast of the United States by rail would be extremely valuable. While called "Flagler's Folly" by some, Flagler spent the modern equivalent of $1.3 billion building a railroad line across the keys that allowed goods to be shipped to Key West from throughout the Eastern United States. His rail depot received rave reviews and was celebrated by more than 10,000 well-wishers including President Taft when it opened to commercial traffic and travelers in 1913.
For the next several decades, the wealthy and privileged along with celebrities and writers flocked to Key West for vacations and built fashionable homes there. But the devastating category five hurricane of 1935 virtually destroyed the railroad line and roadways. It also killed an estimated five hundred people and damaged numerous properties. Key West remained a significant Navy and Air Force Base in succeeding decades. The next renaissance of Key West came in the 1960's and 1970's when people looking for their own Margaritaville began to settle in the area. Some residents brought with them a laid-back lifestyle that focused on the arts, outdoor activities, food, and culture. Not only did the town's population increase, but the physical size of the island also grew by several square miles by reclamation of inlets and the filling of the seabed.
Fashionable Haven- Today, Key West has many aspects of a fashionable tourist destination. It combines elements of Mystic, Connecticut with those of places like Cape May, New Jersey and Catalina Island, California into one small and dynamic package. There are very few traditional hotel resorts and condominium complexes, so people in town seem quite content with finding ways to enjoy the lifestyle of their own community while making money from day-trippers and other visitors. There are many interesting things to do in Key West. People have always been transfixed by the unique color of the sunset over the water, and many eating and drinking establishments become crowded at dusk when people relax to enjoy the view. The town's historic district also has a special charm since it includes numerous colorful wooden cottages and the homes of famous residents such as Ernest Hemingway and tropical gardens.
Interesting Cuisine and Treasure Hunting- There are also some unique food options. Every conceivable manner of preparing dishes involving conch meat or conch shells is available in town, and there are several bakeries which claim to be the home of the original key lime pie. Finally, the maritime and adventurous spirit of the keys is also on display. Local attractions include the Key West shipwreck treasures museum with items on display from the discoveries of well-known treasure hunter and maritime conservationist Mel Fisher. There are numerous places in the Caribbean or Florida’s Gulf Coast where one can enjoy beautiful beaches and a relaxing resort for a few days. But the spirit of Key West makes it a special place to visit even for a day trip from the mainland or an excursion from a cruise ship.
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia was founded in 1749 and was an important port city for the new United States after the colonies gained independence from Great Britain. Located on the western bank of the Potomac River, it is only five miles away from downtown Washington, D.C. and is just south of the grounds of the Reagan National Airport. With 155,000 residents, the city has a median household income of $113,179, an average age of thirty-eight, and a population that is diverse and well educated. In addition to being a convenient place to live for people working in the nation’s capital, the spectacular riverfront and colonial architecture of downtown Alexandria have made it a popular attraction for shopping, eating, taking in some historical sites and the arts, and enjoying the Potomac River. Savy travelers recognize that it provides an excellent base for visiting sites in D.C. and a relaxing destination on its own.
Alexandria frequently appears on lists of the best small city places to live in the United States. Some of the most interesting activities to enjoy when visiting the area are:
Exploring the Mount Vernon Trail – One way to take in the scenery and get oriented to Alexandria is to travel a portion of the eighteen mile long, paved Mount Vernon Trail by walking, biking, or jogging there. The trail passes through picturesque sections of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria, and includes national parkland, local parks, and historic landmarks. There are two ends of the trail. The first end is on an 89-acre island in the middle of the Potomac located south of the Key Bridge along the George Washington Parkway known as the Theodore Roosevelt Island recreation area. The other end is just outside the parking lot for the Mount Vernon Estate of George Washington.
One of the most popular areas for walkers and joggers is the six-mile segment that begins at Gravelly Point just prior to Reagan National Airport and proceeds south to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Some of the most interesting things you can see on this route include viewing the planes at Reagan Airport, crossing an elevated boardwalk over scenic wetlands, watching the hundreds of vessels at the Washington Sailing Marina, and passing behind the remnants of an abandoned coal fired power plant known as the Potomac River Generating Station. In addition, the Trail passes through Old Town Alexandria where you can view both colonial homes and modern townhouses, multiple parks with benches and playgrounds, waterfront cafes and restaurants, and other attractions. Many streets and alleys in the large National Historic district there are paved with cobblestones or have brick walkways. There are several places where hikers can park and enter the trail in Old Town near the base of King Street.
Shopping on King Street and the Surrounding Streets- Historic King Street runs for a mile from the waterfront up a gradual hill towards the center of the city. Along the way, you will pass by storefronts that include preserved 18th and 19th century architecture. The entire street is served by a free trolley which makes it easy to visit the hundreds of stores, restaurants, cafes, and galleries along the way. The retail areas on King Street and the connecting streets have been described by the Visit Alexandria business and tourism organization as the “region’s shop small headquarters full of independent boutiques…including black owned businesses, fair trade and sustainable shops and goods ranging from home décor, chic fashion and gourmet food to classic toys and gifts for pets.”
Visiting Mount Vernon and other Historic Sites- There are numerous buildings and places around Alexandria that are linked to the life of George Washington. Not only was he born in the city, but Washington built and lived for 45 years at the 500-acre country estate of Mount Vernon located seven miles to the south along the Potomac. The Mount Vernon house, gardens, farm, mill buildings, slave quarters, and wharf remain intact and are open throughout the year. The tours run by the National Park Service allow visitors to see many rooms of the house along with a small museum with displays about his personal and Presidential life. In Alexandria, many historical buildings can also be viewed., Some of the leading attractions are the Stabler Apothecary Shop, a museum with medicines and vintage goods dating back to the 1800s, the Carlyle House, a 1792 restored Georgian mansion, and Christ Church where the pews of Washington and Robert E. Lee are among the vestiges of prior parishioners.
Enjoying Other Special Old Town Activities - The special ambiance of Old Town Alexandria can also be enjoyed by taking in some of the other special activities offered to visitors. Both locals and visitors have been buying all kinds of food, fruit, and vegetables for 175 years at the Old Town Farmer’s Market held year-round on Saturdays in the center of town with more than fifty vendors. Another popular stop near the waterfront is the eclectic Torpedo Factory Art Center. In addition to displaying the arts and crafts of local artists, this former industrial building hosts eighty-two artists’ studios where craft people can work on their products and present workshops. Right on the water is the town’s marina where features boat cruises to D.C. and Mount Vernon, and water taxis to downtown. Finally, there are an abundance of restaurants, cafés, and brew pubs located in the Old Town area which cater to all kinds of tastes from seafood to fine dining, and specialty coffees to desserts.
When to Go - The beautiful scenery of the surrounding area makes Alexandria an attractive place to visit in spring and early fall. During the middle of the summer, the D.C. area can be quite hot and humid, so using the shade of the downtown buildings or walking along the river can provide some relief.