Market Square at City HallOld Town is called Old Townย because it is the oldest part of Alexandria. Old Town wasย originally laid out in 1749ย it is a nationally designated historic district. Many ofย Old Town'sย 4,000 historic buildings houses, art galleries, antique shops and restaurants are historic sites. Once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States, Old Townโs Market Square now contains a large fountain, extensive landscaping and a Saturday morning farmersโ 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 Gadsbyโs 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.
Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy
Some of the most desirable addresses in Old Town are found on the south side along the Potomac River. St. Asaph's Square and Porto Vecchio are two condo communities in the south end. St. Asaph's Square is found in a neighborhood near Lyles Crouch Elementary.
Porto Vecchio straddles the Mount Vernon trail which runs upriver toward Reagan National Airport and downriver toward Mount Vernon. Many residents of Porto Vecchio have views of the Belle Haven Marina or the Belle Haven Country Club.
Potomac River View from Porto Vecchio
boat launch at Belle Haven Marina
Mid-rise condominium in Alexandria’s South End of Old Town
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.
Last weekend Julie and I decided to take a walk on the trails near the Belle Haven Marina. The weather was warm, one of the first nice days of Spring, so we had a nice little walk to the water's edge.
The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.
The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.
There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.
Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.
About the Author: Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Nesbitt Realty in Alexandria VA. He specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.
Docks at Belle Haven Marina on the Potomac River
Belle Haven Marina is found on the George Washington Parkway just south of historic Old Town Alexandria. Belle Haven Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. The Belle Haven Marina is a short walk from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats are available for rent. Sign-up for sailing lessons and your package will include a limited number of free hours of sailing.
The Marina has a short pier and the George Washington Parkway has many points to fish the Potomac River. Many anglers rent or own boats which ply more serene and secluded spots nearby.
From the marina, one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Just off the George Washington Parkway there is a trail that runs from Old TownAlexandria to Mount Vernon. The trail goes all the way to DC and has several parks along the way. The trail has a detour to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and goes all the way to National Harbor. The trail is in use year round, however people really start to come out in the warmer seasons like Spring and Summer.
Nearby neighborhoods include Belle View, Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, and Old Town. The Potomac River has plenty of great fishing spots - in the past I would go with friends on a small paddle boat through the Potomac and catch a variety of fish including bass. Just off the parkway there is the Belle Haven Marina which is a great place to store boats at. Just across the Potomac is National Harbor.
The parks off the George Washington parkway are a great place to get some outdoor recreation. There is plenty of room for activities like ultimate frisbee, throwing a football, or playing soccer. Also the parks have grills that are great for outdoor BBQs. This area has tables that are great for having a picnic.
Ducks walk on the land off the George Washington Parkway next to the Potomac RIver
Ducks in the Potomac River in the evening
Ducks walk stand next to the Potomac river on a sunny day in April
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.
Julie and I went sailing again. This time we put in at the Belle Haven Marina near Belle View condos and New Alexandria.
The marina has plenty of sailboats, canoes and kayaks for rent. They also offer lessons. Check out the spelling on the sign.
We had a great time on the Potomac. The winds were steady and fairly strong.
We were on the river until nearly sundown.
About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. 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.
The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.
The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.
There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.
Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.
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..jpg)
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The marina has plenty of sailboats, canoes and kayaks for rent. They also offer lessons. Check out the spelling on the sign.
We had a great time on the Potomac. The winds were steady and fairly strong.
We were on the river until nearly sundown.
