Historical changes to come for the Old Dominion Boat Club

Through the years on my many strolls through Old Town, I have passed by the Old Dominion Boat Club. As a member of the of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club I knew of the 133 year old club and the longstanding pride this organisation holds. Founded in 1880 the Old Dominion Boat Club is the oldest boating club in Virginia. While originally created as a social club with a focus on a sports and physical fitness, the club is prides itself on the charity events and scholarships it provides to Alexandria high school students. Knowing a location change is in the works for the ODBC, my husband and I stopped in to enjoy a light dinner and take in the panoramic views of the Potomac River.

Why is Old Town Alexandria famous?

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.

Featured Listings in Old Town Alexandria

History of Arlington Ridge

view from Arlington Ridge
view from Arlington Ridge
Arlington Ridge is found between the Pentagon, the Army-Navy Country Club and the City of Alexandria. Arlington Ridge is a neighborhood of beautiful homes, wonderful residents, and history. The Hume School  which was built in 1891 is home to the Arlington Historical Society and was a full-working school until 1958. Fort Scott was named after General Winfield Scott, General-in-Chief- of the Army. It was built to protect the capital. Also referred to as "The Ridge" this piece of land was prepared for construction of the Pentagon. The Ridge also has it's place in Revolutionary War and Civil War history. Army Navy Drive, formerly known as Old Georgetown Road in 1781, was the route used by General George Washington and the French troops to arrive in Yorktown,Virginia where the British were defeated. With a Hollywood role as well, Arlington Ridge was featured in the opening of the 1987 film "No Way Out". With so much beauty and history Arlington Ridge makes for an ideal place to visit and live.

Homes recently listed for sale around Arlington Ridge

Secrets of Old Town Living

canon
at the Potomac River in Alexandria VA
There's the good old days, and there's modern conveniences. Why can't we have both? As it turns out, we can. Old Town Alexandria, located in Virginia near Washington D.C., is part of the larger city of Alexandria – and one of the more upscale districts in the region. The antique community traces its roots to colonial America, when Alexandria was a seaport. A look at Alexandria's history is a roll call of United States history. The city was George Washington’s hometown. Thomas Jefferson was known to entertain guests at Gadsby’s Tavern. Christ Church saw such notable worshipers as Robert E. Lee. In all, the district is home to more than 4,000 historic buildings that remain true to their original architecture, but house modern businesses and homes.
on the boardwalk in Alexandria
At the Torpedo Factory and Potomac in Old Town
Old Town Alexandria offers everything needed for locals and tourists both. Restaurants run the gamut from fast food to fine dining. Retailers such as Banana Republic, Gap and Brooks Brothers operate shops there. There's nightlife, as well. Old Town is known for its upscale, laid-back, well-dressed and well-behaved partiers.
Aubrey NesbittAbout 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.

Plaques on Historic Homes of Alexandria VA

Historic Alexandria FoundationDuring the era of Federal Urban Renewal programs, which threatened the demolition of the oldest parts of Alexandria, the Historic Alexandria Foundation initiated a program of marking early historic buildings with oval bronze plaques. Intense lobbying by the Foundation in conjunction with the Old Town Civic Association served to limit the advance of Urban Renewal destruction in the 1960s to three blocks along King Street, and today historic homes and shops are being restored instead of demolished. This program continues today, with additional structures judged on their merits for inclusion within the ranks of plaqued houses. If you think your house merits a bronze plaque, call the Historic Alexandria Foundation at 703-549-5811 or the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554 to learn more about this program.

Old Town

homes and condos for sale in the Old Town area of Alexandria VA
Aubrey NesbittAbout 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.
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Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church VA

Tours at the Cherry Hill Farmhouse are given so you can marvel at this beautiful 18th-19th century home. It was built in 1845 and was a 73 acre farm. After surviving the Civil War this historic home was bought by the City of Falls Church. For more information on tour times please contact: Cherry Hill Farmhouse 312 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA. 22046 703-248-5071

Zipcodes in Falls Church VA


Aubrey NesbittAbout 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.
 

Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir when it opened in 1957.

Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir when it opened in 1957.

A picture showing Dewitt Army Hospital when it opened in 1957 on Fort Belvoir.

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Fairfax County Real Estate

Belle Haven Georgian style
Belle Haven is one of many communities we feature in Fairfax County VA.

Fairfax County is one of the largest counties in Virginia and one of the most prosperous counties in the nation. Much of the Capital Beltway lies in Fairfax County, but most of Fairfax County is just outside the Beltway. Fairfax County ranges widely in price, density and accessibility.