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.
Circa 1925. Arlington Beach. An amusement park in the general vicinity of today’s Pentagon
Arlington Beach, 1925
These photos are from 1925 at Arlington Beach. An amusement park in the vicinity of today’s Pentagon, removed in 1929 to make way for an airport expansion.
This is an aerial view of the Belle Haven Marina near the confluence of Cameron Run and the Potomac River. At the top of the image you can see Porto Vecchio.
1980 aerial view of Belle Haven Marina.
Belle Haven Marina Today
Belle Haven Marina is one of several marinas along the Potomac in the Mount Vernon / Fort Hunt area
A Haven for Anglers
Owned by the National Park Service and run by Belle Haven Marina Inc. Belle Haven Marina is located south of Old Town Alexandria on the George Washington Parkway. Belle Haven Marina is just a few steps away from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. They also offer sailing lessons with a few free hours of sailing. The marina also has available for rent sailboats, canoes, kayaks and rowboats.
Since the George Washington Parkway has sites to fish the Potomac River, the Belle Haven Marina has a pier where determined Anglers take advantage of the secluded spots.
Alexandria Va. Waterfront 1930
Aerial view of the Alexandria waterfront ca. 1930. Landmarks include the Torpedo Factory, the Alexandria Fertilizer and Chemical Company (trestle wharf) and Smoot Company buildings (far right). The Alexandria National Cemetery is visible as is Cameron Run and the shores of New Alexandria / Belle Haven. The waterfront in this image is practically devoid of shopping.
The Potomac River separates Virginia from Maryland and DC and as it makes it way south from Great Falls to the Chesapeake Bay it passes Old Town Alexandria. In days past, Alexandria was a working port filled with transport ships of sail and steam. Today, only rarely to working ships make their way to or even past Alexandria. Today the docks are filled with pleasure craft and the docks are filled with tourists instead of workers.
Alexandria Waterfront
Fisherman enjoy the amenities on the water while a boater passes
View from Chart House restaurant
Potomac River as seen from Ford’s Landing Park
Waterfront
Alexandria Waterfront
The Potomac River separates the Commonwealth of Virginia from the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
About the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.
Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.
Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path. Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings. Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhog and fox sightings are frequent. Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.
Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.
Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to tone up at Curves or take karate lessons. Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink. Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.
Bikes USA
The RECenter is a great place to volunteer at
Fitness room
Mount Vernon Trail south of Old Town
Mount Vernon RECenter is at the corner of Fort Hunt and Belle View Bvd.
About the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.
