Biking is a fun way to see the sites of Northern VA
Tandem bikes are available
Go green and explore the city by bicycle! Bike and Roll Alexandria offers bike rentals including Trek comfort hybrid bikes as well as tandem bikes. Children’s bikes and accessories such as tandem trailers and burleys are also available.
Bike rentals allow you to hop on two wheels and see DC and Northern Virginia in a completely new way. All rentals come with a helmet, U-lock, bike rack, flat kit and city map. Just let us know where you are heading and we’ll point you in the right direction! You may even rent from one shop and ride one-way to our other location (in Washington DC) for a small drop-off fee.
Choose between comfort or performance.
For day long reservations for any equipment in Old Town Alexandria, VA, call: 703.548. ROLL (7655).
Bike and Roll Alexandria
One Wales Alley
Alexandria, VA 22314
Bike and Roll Alexandria is located at the corner of Wales Alley and The Strand in Old Town Alexandria. This
Bike Path on GW Parkway
shop is convenient to the King Street Trolley Stop at North Union Street and a couple hundred yards south from the Water Taxi.
Bike and Roll
Plaques are found on many buildings and homes in Old Town Alexandria. "Plaqued" homes are not uncommon in Old Town Alexandria and a historical plaque is generally considered to enhance the value of the property. The plaque for the Marshall House is found on King Street on the Hotel Monaco. It reads:
History is around every corner of Northern Virginia
The Marshall House stood upon this site and within the building on early morning of May 24, 1861 James W. Jackson was killed by Federal soldiers while defending his property and personal rights, as stated in the verdict of the coroners jury.
He was the first martyr to the cause of Southern Independence. The Justice of History does not permit his name to be forgotten.
Not in the excitement of battle, but coolly and for a great principle, he laid down his life, as an example to all, in defence of his home and the sacred soil of his native state, Virginia.
Erected by the Sons and Daughters of Confederate Soldiers
Watergate of Alexandria is very different from Watergate at Landmark
The original Watergate
Watergate is perhaps one of the most famous real estate names in North America. The original Watergate complex was built in Washington DC along the Potomac, sited in a location that made it ideal for members of Congress and Executive Branch staff. Watergate in DC is most famous for the burglary that occurred at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Ties to this break-in is what led to the downfall of Richard Nixon and what put the word "Watergate" in every newspaper in America, if not the world.
As the original Watergate was nearing completion, plans were made and land was purchased to build another Watergate in Old Town Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria had approved a sleek and modern complex known as the Alexandria House, so it was assumed that the Watergate of Alexandria would be welcomed by the city. However, the City of Alexandria balked at the modernization of Old Town, forever changing the trajectory of Old Town.
colonial elegance at the Watergate of Alexandria
The Watergate of Alexandria evolved into a condominium community that better fit with the surrounding neighborhood. The Watergate of Alexandria has architecture and a design style that echoes Old Town Alexandria. The condominiums here are townhouse style, sited around a courtyard and gardens as one my expect from a traditional Alexandria home.
Watergate of Alexandria is a far cry from the original Watergate concept. Watergate was not sleek and modern. There is no pool at the Watergate of Alexandria, and there are no tennis courts. But Watergate of Alexandria is a gem in its own right. It's location in Old Town and the colonial /Federal style of architecture fits nicely with Old Town. Watergate of Alexandria is not far from the Braddock Road Metro Station.
After failing to get approval for the type of complex they were seeking in Old Town, the developers of Watergate then proceeded to build the Watergate at Landmark. Landmark is in West End Alexandria and thus, not really near the water at all. But Watergate at Landmark is truer to the original Watergate brand. Watergate at Landmark has a bevy of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, racket ball courts, and much more. The community provides shuttle service to nearby Van Dorn Metro.
Watergate at Landmark
Watergate at Landmark is a large complex of 5 high-rises. Watergate at Landmark is a gated-community with 24 hour security. Homes here range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom condos. Each condo at Watergate at Landmark has a balcony. Watergate at Landmark has both surface and garage parking depending upon the unit.
As you can see, Watergate at Landmark and Watergate of Alexandria are very different from each other and in many ways they are both very different from the original Watergate apartments in Washington DC. Watergate of Landmark has become representative of some of the best condos that West End Alexandria has to offer. Watergate of Alexandria has melded into the community of Old Town Alexandria.
Eamon's Fish and Chips
Eamon's is located on King Street in Old Town Alexandria. Eamon's serves up an authentic Irish fried fish and chips with your selection of beers.
You don't need a passport, but you'll feel like you've made a trip to Ireland from the moment you step in the door. There are a variety of sauces available for fish dipping, and we really recommend the curry flavor.
The fireplace and dark woods feel very Old Town and very Irish at the same time. Eamon's is also set up to encourage you to get to know your neighbor and when that's not possible, you can just people watch from the big windows of the restaurant.
Thank be to cod.
Lee Street in Fall
Early Autumn is a great time to talk a walk around Old Town Alexandria VA. It's very pleasant because of the typically mild weather and leaves blazing with color. The picture above was taking from the front door of 115 N. Lee St. at the Torpedo Factory condos. The leaves have accumulated behind Alexandria's Carlyle House. Residents at the Torpedo Factory are particularly fortunate because of their proximity to King St. and the waterfront. (The Torpedo Factory scored a perfect 100 Walk Score.)
Old Town at the intersection of Lee and King
I like the mornings near the waterfront, before the tourists arrive.
Alleys of Old Town
One of the features of Old Town Alexandria are the cobblestone streets. There are only a few of them remaining. The fountains of Market Square are barely visible at the end of the alley.
Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…
At noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Barack H. Obama will be sworn in on the steps of the Capitol as the 56th President of the United States of America. The City of Alexandria is expecting a record number of
visitors, and preparations are underway for our guests and friends.
Jumbotron in Market Square
At the heart of Old Town is Market Square. Market Square is at the City Hall building, 301 King St. It is a brick courtyard and gathering point for city residents. The Presidential swearing-in ceremony and
parade will be on Jumbotron (a giant TV) live on Inauguration Day at Market Square from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Area Road Closures and Bridge Restrictions
The City of Alexandria states: "Road and bridge closures and security restrictions around the U.S. Capitol and the Inauguration parade route will make traveling by car directly from Northern Virginia to Washington, DC impossible beginning at 2 a.m. on January 20. The City urges residents---whether attending the Inauguration, going to work, or staying in Alexandria---to make plans and stay informed."
So far, the road closures and bridge restrictions generally begin at 2 AM on Tuesday January 20th (early on Inauguration Day). At around that time, personal vehicles will not be allowed to enter Washington
from Northern Virginia. Residents and visitors in Northern Virginia are urged to take public transit to the Inauguration activities. If you insist on driving, drivers will only be able to enter Washington by
driving in from designated Maryland routes. Road closures and detours:
Traffic on I-395 traffic heading toward Washington will be diverted at the Springfield interchange (exits 170B and 170C) onto 1-495 North (Inner Loop) or I-495/95 East (Outer Loop). Southbound 395
remain open to traffic.
The 14th Street Bridge, Roosevelt Bridge, and Key Bridge will be closed to general traffic. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed to cross these bridges. The Memorial Bridge and the Chain Bridge will be
open to pedestrians only.
North Washington Street at Montgomery Street to Reagan National Airport will be closed.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway will be closed in both directions from I-495 to the 14th Street Bridge.
I-95/395 HOV Schedule
HOV on I-95/395 will begin at 3 AM, after 5 AM only buses and authorized vehicles will be permitted to use the I-95/395 HOV lanes from Route 234/Dumfries to Washington. The HOV lanes will reverse at 8
PM with restrictions lasting until 9 pm or later.
Metro and VRE on Inauguration
As federal, state and local agencies continue to develop plans for the Inauguration, information on road closures may change. Please check this page for updates.
Alexandria VA and Washington DC are expecting record turnouts for the 46th Presidential Inauguration. The public is urged to use public transportation and to arrive early. The best way into Washington DC from Northern Virginia and Alexandria on Inauguration Day will be Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express.
Metro claims they will have public parking spaces available at all Northern Virginia Metro stations. It will be interesting to see how this is accomplished at some stations. For travel around the area on Inauguration Day, Metro is probably a good choice. To plan your trip via the Metrobus or Metrorail, use Metro’s Trip Planner; for bus travel within Alexandria, visit the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) system, or ride the Free King Street Trolley, which runs from the Metrorail King Street Station to the City’s Waterfront.
For more detailed information please check the Secret Service Announces Security Information for the 2009 Presidential Inaugural (PDF)
For more travel options to, and within Washington, D.C., and other important information, please check out CarlyleDistrict.com.
Walking
Persons walking from to the Inauguration from Alexandria have a number of options, including the Mount Vernon Trail.
A less hearty walk would start at Arlington National Cemetary. You may wish to Metro to Arlington National Cemetary and walk the Memorial Bridge into DC. WMATA has produced and provided a commemorative walking guide and map.
Bicycling
The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) will be operating two free bicycle valet parking areas on January 20, including one at the Jefferson Memorial. Visit WABA for more information including maps, bike rental information and valet tips. The City of Alexandria's Online Bike Map can prove useful as can the Regional Bike Path Route-Finder. Bicycles will not be allowed on Metrorail all weekend long, beginning Saturday, January 17th. Bicycles will be allowed on MetroBus throughout the Inaugural weekend.
The Servant Forge Humanitarian Inaugural Ball in Alexandria is scheduled for 8 p.m. until midnight at the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 Union Street).
Here's a list of other Alexandria Inauguration events.
